This is our Feature Dog for the month of June/July.

If you would like your dog featured, please send an email with a max of 3 photo's and a short bio to: info@fresnofido.org

Cocoa

by Claire Breen

In May 2002 I lost my beloved friend CP (Claire's pet) of 15 years. She was a lab shepherded mix and one of the sweetest that I ever had. Well I told myself that I would wait six months to a year before finding another. After three months I found my self dropping by the SPCA very frequently “just to look” Once again I was looking for a lab/shepherd mix, an older dog. After several visits I saw this brown ball all curled up in the corner. I had no Idea what she was or what she looked like, so I asked one of the employees if I could take her outside. Once she was outside her eyes lit up, her ears stood up and it was love at first site. This “older dog” turned out to be a five-month-old puppy with tons of energy. Her antics brought a smile to my heart. Today Cocoa is seven years old, a wonderful companion and has me well-trained .I do not dare not to take her or make sure she goes to the dog park daily. Although her name cocoa fits her well ,I have often said that if I did not have to name her before taking her from the SPCA and had her for three days I would have named her Joy for that is what she has become.

Beaux will be 7 years old on July 14, 20009.  He is very smart in that he knows what days Monday, Wednesday and Friday are – play group.  He sits by the gate waiting for Liz on those days.  He's not so smart in that he still hasn't learned the command “Come”,  especially when he gets out the gate.  All in all he is such a love and loves unconditionally.

Livvi adopted me in November, 2008 - not so long after my beloved lab Tyndall was taken by lymphoma.

It totally surprised me, and my closest friends, that I could consider it so soon. I grieved, moaned, and keened over my Tyn for weeks. But, with family around, I ventured out to ARF, thinking to foster, not adopt. Saw so many cute puppies, and bigger, grown dogs, barking, yelping, trying for attention. Then I saw this black lab, who was just looking through the fence. Ignoring anyone who stepped by - looking for something I could not see.

Trying to take her for a walk, she was so powerful, she pulled me down the walk. Trying to walk a different direction, she totally shut down: laid down - would not look at me. Spent over an hour with this dog, who looked everywhere but at us. A lost dog - go figure I had to adopt her.

I found out she was always an outside dog, living with her sister lab. Both were left at ARF; sister adopted weeks earlier. No wonder she was lost and looking.

Brought her home. Long walk and run outside- she's looking a bit more in tune. Bath with the help of my nephews - she absolutely stunk of dog kennel. Totally accepted the bath and rub down.

Introduced the dog door - no way possible. Down on our knees, on either side, we invited, cajoled, treats involved - no deal. Until finally the nose engaged with the brain. Dog door - done.

First night alone, constrained to the kitchen - no trust here at all ! In and out the dog door - barking and barking. Me up and out of bed more than I could handle, and concerned about my neighbors. Finally about 2AM, I placed (no, pretty much pushed ) her in the kennel-probably too small for her, but enough was enough.

Morning came at 5:30am; she's a happy camper, we go outside, then breakfast. Next night she is confined to the kitchen - no barking! Third night, she is invited to bed with me. Stayed all night - very quiet. And apparently quite comfortable. She snores just a bit.

Six months later, Livvi is home. She is an indoor dog, with no accidents. Sleeps at the end of the bed nightly - all night. Unless my back is hurting, then she lumps down right next to my back-her warmth is so comforting. Yes, she had her problems. Tried to bring in potted plants as toys, and other unmentionables. Training is ongoing.

Now, she follows me around from room to room, always watching and wanting to be close. Learned quickly not to run out any open door. While we walk the neighborhood, on leash, the dog parks provide her with the opportunity to play with her friends joyfully; she loves little dogs and male dogs. Loves food and treats; keeping her trim is easier since she also loves ice cubes - such a cheap date!