The Pet I'll Never Forget: Elizabeth Hurley on Nico the Stabbed Dog, 'The Loyal Angel Who Kept Me Safe'
Elizabeth Hurley shares her heartwarming story about her unforgettable pet, Nico, a German shepherd she adopted after she was attacked during a burglary.
Finding Nico
When Nico entered my rental house in Los Angeles with her haunted eyes and a large knife wound, I instantly knew she was special. As a traumatised German shepherd that I offered to dog-sit, I quickly made the decision to keep her forever.
Nico had belonged to a friend, but one night burglars broke in and brutally stabbed her. Due to her difficult behaviour after the incident, she was sent to kennels. Upon hearing about her situation, I decided to take her in. Little did I know, she would become an important part of my life for many years.
Becoming My Beautiful Leading Lady
Since I had never owned a dog before, I was unsure about how to care for Nico. Initially, she would only eat if I hand-fed her. I also discovered that her stitches had not been removed, so I painstakingly removed them myself with nail scissors. Once I discontinued her tranquilizers and showed her love, Nico thrived and our bond became even stronger.
While I pursued my acting career in Hollywood, Nico remained a constant support. Regardless of whether my auditions went well or ended in disappointment, she was always there for me. Nico had a unique ability to sense my emotions and would shower me with love whenever I was upset.
Moving Forward and Saying Goodbye
As my circumstances changed, I made the decision to move back to England. However, bringing Nico with me would have meant subjecting her to a six-month quarantine to ensure she wasn't carrying rabies. It was a heartbreaking situation, but I later became involved in a campaign called Passports for Pets, which successfully led to changes in the law, allowing fully vaccinated animals to travel freely.
Sadly, these changes came too late for Nico. She completed her six-month quarantine behind bars before enjoying a wonderful life in the English countryside. Nico, who was affectionately known as Bat Ears, Two Pelts, and Tiramisu, was more than just a pet. She was a loyal angel who protected me and brought immense joy into my life. When she passed away from cancer, I was devastated. Nico will forever hold a special place in my heart.
