BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Friends of the late Nick Bonifacio want to grant a final wish that their friend had for his two dogs, who they say he treated like family.
"His dogs were his family," explained Chris DelPrince, a longtime friend of Bonifacio. "He didn't have kids, he had dogs and he treated them just like a person."
Bonifacio passed away on August 2 due to complications after surgery. He served two terms on the City of Buffalo's Common Council, representing the Niagara District. He was also a father figure to many as a longtime director of the Butler Mitchell Boys Club.
"He would do anything, and everything to help his kids," said Richard Mendolera, a longtime friend of Bonifacio.
"Probably everyone compares him to the modern-day Father Baker," said DelPrince. "He helped a lot of people in this community."
Before Bonifacio went to the hospital, he told friends that if something were to happen to him, he had made arrangements for his dogs, Shadow and Gus, to go live with two women that he met at LaSalle Park's dog park.
"He kept telling us about them, but never gave names," said Richard Mendolera.
The friends hope this story and flyers at the park can help find Gus and Shadow the homes that Bonifacio wanted them to be in after he passed.
"I think that would make him rest in heaven, once he knew his dogs were taken care of, because of how much he loved his dogs," said DelPrince.
If you or someone you know, knows these women call Rick at (716) 544-2357.
