Coco (AV1002)

Oh Coco, you heart-throb! We seriously considered hiring this guy out for doggy shampoo advertisements (don't his flowing golden locks just say "it won't happen overnight.... but it will happen"?) But we decided he would be better off finding a new home instead.

Coco is an incredibly cute, handsome and utterly endearing little dog. He is affectionate and yearns to be loved - plus has SO much love to give in return. When he first came into care Coco didn't really know how to play - there were a lot of things he didn't know how to do, actually - but his three doggy foster siblings have taught him the art of chase, tug and general rough-housing. Coco has really blossomed with the company of other dogs so we would love to place him in a home with another little friend to hang out with.

Coco has some specific needs in his new home, so we're going to get them out there now:
-he is not suited to a home where small children are present a lot, either living or visiting
-he prefers a home where someone is there most of the time. Either working from home, retired, parenting at home, or where people in the house work shifts that over-lap so someone is present.
-he loves other small dogs (may be okay with bigger dogs too, just hasn't had much practice!)
-he has lived with cats in his previous home so may be okay to do so again
-he will take a long time to settle in, he has his quirks and his new family needs to be patient and kind

As is so often the case, we don't know as much as we would like to about Coco's past. But, we are here to ensure that he has a wonderful future! Coco has been in care for 2 months. In the beginning he didn't want to come inside, he would run from his foster family if they tried to stroke him and would shy away as they walked past, as though he expected a kick. He is still very frightened by shouting in the house, even if it is just raised voices calling from one room to another. When he's scared, he runs and hides under the bed.
Each week, his foster family have seen improvements. He learned how to use the doggy door and is now happy to come in and out. He will jump up on the bed or the couch and enjoys stroking and pats (but he still requires a gentle approach). Coco does tolerate being held and is learning to be more relaxed, however he does still growl sometimes if you attempt to pick him up and he may snap if pushed out of his comfort zone (why he is not suited to living with children).
One thing his foster family has noticed, is that he rarely sleeps in full view of them. It seems that he feels vulnerable when asleep and so he prefers to take himself to some out of the way place.
Coco is a highly strung little guy, conscious of any noises around the property and prone to becoming hyper-vigilant about his environment. We would encourage his new family to consider attending a group training course with him (we can recommend some!) so that he can build his confidence and his bond with you in a positive manner.

Coco's foster family have done amazing work with him, but he still has so much potential. We are looking for the very best home for this special chap with a family who can meet all his needs and get his endless love and loyalty in return.

If you are interested in Coco, please apply by emailing us at safeavonvalley@gmail.com
Please send us some photos of your yard and fencing and include as much information about your family as you can to tell us how you can change Coco's life and how he can bring joy to yours!

We can't wait to meet Coco's forever people.