Introducing:

Coco Belle

Summary:

Taken in: 2021-09-07

More detail:
2021-11-27: Meet the Magical Coco Belle, a 12 yr old chocolate female.

I have lived a life that was difficult, my people thought living in a backyard without care was good for a dog. I did not have shelter from the sun, so although I am a beautiful chocolate Lab, my hair was bleached out! I had terrible issues with fleas and I lost a lot of hair - and at some point I lost my sight as well. But I never lost my dignity or sense of myself.

At twelve my people took me to a place with a lot of other dogs and left me. I was very anxious and scared, I could not see where I was. I didn't know where I was going when a nice lady picked me up and took me to another nice lady.

The other lady took me to get a 'bath'( never had one of those), and at first it worried me! She also brought me inside. I really felt pretty lost, but she guided me around where I was for the first few days, and it got better...plus she gave me delicious food!

I started going on walks right away, and on these walks I met a lot of other dogs who I really like. Especially smaller ones and the puppies. I love my walks now, the new smells are like a new world- I get super excited when the leashes come out. I also love the cozy beds around here that are just for dogs!

My foster Mom taught me to stop at the curbs, or the stair going out the door. When she says 'step' I know to step down or up - and sometimes I leap a little cuz it's fun! My foster Mom says I am really smart and I walk so well now that most folks don't even know I am blind- my walks are now one of the best parts of my day.

My neighborhood had a 'Halloween' walk with my usual 10 dog friends and their moms. My foster Mom put me in a 'spider man' sweater cuz she says I am a super hero and inspire her. I really didn't like the sweater so much, but I played along. Having friends is new for me- I also have a foster sister now who is very calm and sweet. She kisses my face when she senses I am nervous- I could see living with another dog if they were calm like her. The big bouncy ones make me a little nervous.

A lot has happened in a few months, my chocolate hair is growing back like crazy! I had complete blood work and dental and I am very healthy. Just a little low in thyroid, which I take a daily medication for that is very reasonable in cost. I do need two types drops for my eyes- and along with basic check ups do need to see my eye specialist every 3-4 months. I have blossomed with fresh meat combined with my kibble, and simple fish oil and a probiotic. My foster Mom says its hard to believe I am 12, as I am very robust and charge across my yard- my innate confidence is clear in that I am not afraid to walk as long as I know my person is there. I am also on the smaller size at 60lbs. I am told that is a perfect size.

To finish: Coco Belle is simply an exceptional dog. It has been my privilege to be her foster Mom. In a time of challenge for so many in our world, she has personified true resilience. She has special needs but is in no means handicapped. She is a deep and serious Lab; but when I come home she greets me with a super waggy tail and joy. Any home would be so lucky to have her as a beloved family member.



If you are interested in making this Lab part of your family, please contact your SCLRR family representative. If you have not yet applied with us, please submit an online application to adopt; an SCLRR volunteer will then contact you. Please note that your homecheck must be approved in order for you to be put in touch with the dog's foster home.