How foster care helped Coco blossom🌻

Fostering pets isn’t just about giving them a temporary place to stay, it can be life-changing for both pets and people. 💚

In Wollongong, the council’s foster initiative, Wollongong Pet Connection, shows just how powerful a home environment can be. Having a calm, loving space helps pets relax, build confidence and get ready for adoption. The program has grown into a supportive, community-driven network, giving carers the guidance and reassurance they need along the way. ✨

Read more about Wollongong’s foster program here.

Coco is one of the pets who benefited from this program. Through Wollongong Pet Connection, she was welcomed into foster care, where a series of compassionate carers helped her feel safe, supported and ready for her next chapter.

We heard from Sarah and Daz, and Acyel, who were all part of Coco’s foster journey. The big-hearted humans whose patience, kindness and commitment help pets find their feet and their new homes.🏡

“When Coco first arrived, she was very unsure. She didn’t wag her tail, didn’t make eye contact, and spent a lot of time hiding,” Sarah and Daz shared.

Like many foster stories, Coco’s progress took time. “We’ve learnt so much from her, and at times we wanted things to move quicker, but we gave her the time and space she needed. We’re so glad we stuck with it so we could see her transformation.”

And that transformation was pretty special.

“She’s quite a cheeky little girl and loves to play and get cuddles. Often when we’re watching TV she’ll snuggle between Daz and me to get cuddles. She is super smart and her ability to learn new commands is great. She’s curious, affectionate and likes to be with you.”

When Coco moved into Acyel’s care, those early foundations really shone through. “I remember worrying that she might not adjust or trust me, but her wonderful previous foster carers, Sarah and Daz, had already done such an incredible job helping her learn that humans can be safe. Within just a day or two she was coming close, resting her head on my lap, and sharing these beautiful moments that I will never forget.”

“With structure, patience, and consistency, she blossomed. She became so playful, no toy or snuffle mat was safe from her. She also became incredibly snuggly and absolutely loved sleeping on my bed,” Acyel said.

Looking back, one message really stood out.

“Coco reminded me that small steps matter, that trust is earned slowly, and that progress is something to celebrate every single day.”

As Coco’s foster journey comes to an end, there is plenty of excitement about what comes next.🐾

“After this long journey, I am so excited to see Coco available for adoption. Coco is the sweetest, most beautiful soul. If I could tell her future family anything, it would be this: 

“She is special. She is resilient, she is gentle, and she will be the most beautiful companion.”

“I’m so excited for the family who gets to love her next. She will make their home warmer, their days sweeter, and their hearts fuller. And please, give her lots of toys to destroy. She has earned every single one.”

Thanks to the love and patience of her foster carers, Coco has blossomed into a playful, affectionate companion who’s ready for her new home!

To meet Coco - boop here.

• Find out more about becoming a foster carer here.

• Ready to foster? Here are some pets looking for foster homes.

Are you from a council, and want to learn more about establishing a foster program or looking for new ways for the pets in your care to be seen?

PetRescue membership is completely free and allows the pets in your care to be seen by thousands of potential adopters around Australia each day. To chat with us about joining, please email us at members@petrescue.org.auLearn more about PetRescue’s Safe and Sound Pets program here.

• Read about other councils doing awesome work for pets here. 

• Check out the below AIAM webinar, hosted by Local Government foster program experts Felicity (Flick) Hillenaar and Brandon Cowan.  Foster programs for Local Government – why, how, risks and rewards

All images from Coco’s pet listing