Nicolás and Sofía are an inseparable duo. He is a 43-year-old filmmaker, and she is a perfectly trained assistance dog. This wonderful union was created thanks to Bocalán, a non-profit organization that trains dogs to become the right-hand people of people with motor disabilities or autism.
There's no doubt that dogs are man's best friend. However, they are also extraordinarily intelligent animals. They are capable of forsaking their own nature to adapt to human norms. And they do so with touching love and loyalty.
Nicolás Stupenengo has been using a wheelchair for over 10 years. He lived alone until Sofía arrived. "Nico," as he is known, is a man who values independence. That's why, despite his disability, he has done everything he can to become increasingly independent.
So it's no wonder he panicked when he was told he'd been selected for an assistance dog. Yes, his new companion would help him. But how would he manage to care for him? Wouldn't he become more of a burden? Would he truly help him, or create new obstacles? At Bocalán, they reassured him. Everything would be fine. And it was.
An end of the year that changed everything
Nicolás Stupenengo was born in Buenos Aires, but spent his childhood and youth in Comodoro Rivadavia, Chubut Province. He studied theater as a child and later became a professional actor and model. He then moved to Buenos Aires, where his manager involved him in a television project on Channel 13. There, he was given the opportunity to pursue his dream: to be an assistant director. It was 2006.
On December 28th, he rented a car with some friends and went to spend New Year's Eve in Puerto Pirámides. It was 6 p.m. on December 31st when he jumped into the water, from a height of 2 meters. He felt a sharp blow. He managed to touch the bottom and surface. His body was tingling. He called for help because he couldn't stroke. He ended up in Trelew Hospital, where the doctor confirmed it: he had a fracture in the fifth and sixth cervical vertebrae.
This was followed by a six-month stay at Fleni, where he underwent rehabilitation. Then he returned home to his life. He had to start over, this time with a limitation. This didn't stop him from moving forward.
A friend of his helped him find a regular job. There was once a special event there related to assistance dogs. Nico was invited, and he enthusiastically attended. After a thorough selection process, Nicolás was chosen to have Sofía as his companion.
Fernanda López and Bocalán
Nico and Fernanda López met thanks to Bocalán. She had come to the organization through the most humane way: her own experience. She had a brother who suffered from motor and cognitive limitations due to a brain tumor. She gave him a service dog to improve his quality of life. His brother passed away, and then Fernanda discovered that her mission wasn't over. She trained as a service dog trainer and, like everyone at Bocalán, began working as a volunteer, completely free of charge.
She, better than anyone, knows that it's not easy to build that unbreakable friendship between a dog and a person in need. For the two to bond, a long process begins when the puppies open their eyes. There, they are selected. Then, they spend a year with a family for socialization. Then come six months of basic training and another six months of specialized training.
Next comes the most delicate and also the happiest step: mating. All the assistance dogs come into contact with all the potential users of their services. This phase ends when the happy pairs are formed. In Nico's case, it was Sofia who chose him. She approached him with that look full of tenderness, and they both knew they were meant to be together forever.
Nicolás overcame his fear of new responsibilities with his dog. He says that as a dog, she's the best. And as an assistant, too. She helps him pick up dropped objects, open drawers, doors, and perform a multitude of small tasks that make his life easier. Most importantly, Sofía keeps him company. Nico's life is happier now.
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