Miracle recovery dog desperate for new home

A female, crossbred boxer dog named Coecoe has made a miracle recovery from a hellish early life of neglect – but after 10 months in the care of SPCA Auckland, she still hasn’t found her new forever home.

Coecoe was discovered by SPCA Inspector Lori Davis on 13 July 2011 in a garage in Glendene. She was very skinny, surrounded by faeces, bleeding from the ears, with conjunctivitis in both eyes. The claws on all four feet were overgrown indicating a complete lack of exercise. At the time, Coecoe weighed only 16.5 kg.

“Basically, Coecoe’s owner, Mr Junior York, had just locked her up, ignored her, and starved her,” says SPCA Auckland Executive Director Bob Kerridge.

“We took Mr York to court in February this year and got a conviction. However, the judge only sentenced him to two years disqualification from owning dogs and fined him $491.12 – which we described at the time as a slap with a wet bus ticket.”

Fast-forward to today and Coecoe has made a miraculous recovery from her horrific ordeal to become a truly desirable family pet.

“Sometimes severely neglected animals don’t come right despite SPCA Auckland’s best efforts – but that’s not the case with Coecoe,” says Mr Kerridge.

“We’re delighted to report that she has responded magnificently to the tender loving care of our inspectors, dog attendants, vets, and foster families. She has gained weight and condition rapidly. With lots of patience she has changed from a frightened animal back into who she truly is – a very social dog who loves being around people.

“She is suited to living with older children as she can be quite strong-willed. She would also live happily with a bossy, confident cat. If any loving family is looking for a pet for life, I would heartily recommend Coecoe – a truly miraculous animal who deserves the very best of loving homes.”

Lori Davis, the SPCA Auckland Inspector who first found Coecoe, says watching her gain trust in the staff at Auckland SPCA has been incredibly rewarding.

“When I first met Coecoe she was so skinny I could see every bone in her body. I will never forget that day and the condition she was in ¬– but I’m thrilled with her progress since then. She has completely turned things around and is now a fantastic dog ready to find a new forever home. I truly hope she finds the loving family she deserves – and soon!”

Do you have room for Coecoe in your family? Please visit her this weekend at the SPCA Auckland Animal Village 50 Westney Rd, Mangere, or read about her on our adoption pages: http://www.spca.org.nz/adoption/animals.asp?catID=2

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