Coco is an 11 pound, 8-year-old Maltese - Shih Tzu mix who is in excellent health. He is being fostered in Somerville, MA. He was treasured by his mom, who had him since he was a puppy. He was given to her by her daughters after the unexpected death of her husband and believes that her husbandâs spririt lives in him. She had to give him up because she is in severe ill health and will no longer be able to care for him. Several members of the community stepped in to see if we could help her keep the dog, but although heartbroken, his mom decided it was in his best interest to let him go to a great next chapter of his life. While she loved Coco dearly, she did not train him or socialize him very much, so he is a bit of a handful. His sunny personality makes him well worth the effort for someone dedicated to making his dreams come true.
Coco is a very happy, self-assured dog. He loves car rides, going on walks and playing with his favorite toys. Soon after coming into my home, he became super affectionate and playful with me. He can be vocal and barks at many different cues but as he has lived here a bit, there are fewer unexpected things to bark at. He is very curious and pretty active for his age. While he does not have fear aggression issues many small dogs have, he is completely uninterested in strangers and sometimes reacts aggressively even at friendly overtures, but he falls in love quickly and easily. I say this because when he came into my house, I let him set the pace and agenda, and within a day of him being surrendered, he came to me for affection, and has been my total buddy ever since. He is much more interested in dogs than people and after initial spats in the first few hours of his being in a home with several other dogs, has responded appropriately to their cues when they tell him to back off.
He has had meticulous veterinary care and comes fully kitted with 30 pounds of the dog food he loves, dog beds, leashes, collars, toys, a crate and many years of veterinary records.
Coco needs a home with dog savvy adults who are willing to work with him to help him with the next chapter of his life. He is a smart dog with all the makings of being a great companion with someone who is willing to make the effort. He could work in a home with a tolerant dog and might be able to be its buddy if introduced appropriately.
Coco's adoption fee is $350. If you are interested in Coco, please go to Alldogrescue.org and complete an on-line application.
