Nipsey

Handsome Nipsey

It was a delightful road trip to visit Erica’s brother and family in Indianapolis. It was a long ride for the family, but much fun as they laughed and got caught up on family news.

Then, almost out of the blue, Erica’s brother Anthony announced “You’re taking Nipsey home with you.”

Erica and Demond looked at each other.

“Oh no. We vowed we would never again have a dog,” retorted Demond as he and Erica shook their heads. They had lost their fur baby Milo, their sweet Shit Zhu, a year before. This cute Micro Bulldog was tempting, but they had made up their minds.

They all looked at Nipsey, sitting chill on the floor. He looked back at them, gently panting. Nipsey repositioned himself on his bed. He let out a heavy sigh.

Erica looked at Demond, who was shaking his head as he bent down to lift Nipsey into his arms.

I’d love to go home with you!

“Do you want to come home to Minnesota? It’s very cold,”  added Demond.

Erica leaned in and scratched Nipsey’s ear. He closed his eyes, enjoying the attention. The kids began their campaign to secure their new fur baby brother.

Barely audible, Erica responded “Okay, let’s try.” Everyone took a turn giving Nipsey “Welcome Home” scratches and loves.

I love hanging with you!

It was late summer 2025 and the children were busy preparing for school. Meanwhile, Demond was delighted that Nipsey rolled just like him - easy, laid back. Demond thought this might work, after all.

Thankfully, upon his first visit to Northbrook Animal Hospital, Nipsey was pronounced healthy and ready for serious loving. 

It was awkward at first, when Nipsey met the the two felines, Sally (4 yrs) and Lilly (10 yrs) in his new forever home. He explained that he was named after Nipsey Hussle, a famous rapper who was tragically killed in 2022. But his legend lives on - loudly. Nipsey has his own,  very vocal presence. The girls were confused by this Nipsey’s snorting his own “raps.” Sometimes he even has a beat!

As the sights, sounds, and smells become familiar to him, he enjoys every love and scratch and cuddle available. Demond reports “He fits right in! He is slow and lovable and cuddly, just like me!”

Their routine includes a walk, of course. Nipsey sees the leash and jumps up in anticipation. Strutting his stuff around the neighborhood, Nipsey was ready to make friends. As long as they live within the block where he is out sniffing and squirting. Because at the end of the street, Nipsey is done. He happily makes a U turn and heads back home. 

Since he was a very good boy on his walk, Nipsey enjoys a bully stick or a pig’s ear reward to chew on. Since he’s trained to not jump up onto furniture, he is content to enjoy his treats on his bed near the fireplace.

It wouldn’t be unusual for son Lydell or daughter La’Mariya hit the floor next to Nipsey and engage in some serious play/ wrestle fun. Lydell grabs the blue ball that vibrates and teases Nipsey. His large jowls wrap around it. He drops it to the ground as it whirls and twirls and sings and lights up. It fits well in his huge snout. The tennis ball is good, too. So much fun!

After a fine dinner of dry food and a bit of pate, Nipsey slides back onto his comfy bed. The gentle, soothing sound of the family activities lulls him into a sound nap. His snoring rattles his snout, accentuating the funny sound he makes. Erica looks at him and shakes her head. She bends down to stroke his head as his sounds make his chest rise and fall with each deep breath. She smiles broadly, examining his curious, special face.

“I love this little guy,” reports Demond. “But I still feel like we’re cheating on Milo.”

Nipsey snorts himself awake. He looks up at Erica who was smiling at him. He gazes at Demond and drops his head, returning to the chore at hand - sleep.

Nipsey isn’t interested in “replacing” Milo. That could never happen. He just hopes that maybe their hearts are big enough to include him, as well. So far, so good! It may take some time. And Nipsey is happy to wait.

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