Coco’s Story

COCO’S Story – From Stray to Family: The Journey of Rescue & Rehabilitation

Coco’s Rescue

In March 2020, at the height of the pandemic, a woman knocked on my door, desperate for help. A street dog had just been hit by a van, badly injured with what appeared to be a broken leg or hip.

My volunteers didn’t hesitate—they said yes. We rushed Coco to the only vet available in another town. After a failed surgery, the heartbreaking decision was made: her leg had to be removed. With limited resources and the world in lockdown, we turned my home into a clinic, a hospital, and a rehabilitation center. Coco became our patient, our student, and eventually our teacher.

Life at the Rescue

Rescuing street dogs is unlike any other experience. These dogs come with nothing but the unknown—no history, no guarantees, just the hope that they’ll trust you. Unlike shelter or designer dogs, street dogs are survivors. They require patience, time, and understanding.

For six months, Coco lived in our rescue, training and rehabilitating alongside the pack. Every dog plays a role in shaping the next—they teach each other, grow together, and transform into loving family dogs.

The Hardest Months, The Greatest Gift

Coco’s recovery was not easy. Every day was a fight: carrying her outside to pee, treating infections, washing blood-soaked bedding, giving injections at all hours, cooking chicken and rice at midnight. The team never stopped.

And through it all, Coco never stopped either. She wagged her tail in pain, rested her head in our laps, licked our hands, and shined with a light that inspired every dog and human around her. The pack circled her, comforted her, and lifted her spirit.

Coco was pure love—strong, confident, and sweet. Out of the hundreds of dogs I’ve worked with, there are only a few I would have kept forever. Coco was one of them.

A Forever Home

I worried it would be difficult to find her a perfect home. But then a message arrived: “I love Coco’s story. I’ve been following her progress for weeks and would like to meet her.”

That’s how Isabella entered Coco’s life. She and her husband, along with their dogs Tamal and Muffin, began visiting the foundation every week—walking her, petting her, building trust. And on August 8, 2020—two days shy of six months with us—Coco went home. She found her forever family.

What Coco Teaches Us

Coco’s story is proof that anything is possible when you give time and love. Whether a dog has three legs, four legs, or no legs—when you rescue, you see the glow, you feel the energy, and you see the sparkle in their eyes.

At the heart of it all, one word defines every dog: LOVE.