12/14/2024 An early Christmas story that I could not wait to share! This 14-year old girl named Cocoa Bean was living her life on a chain, tied to a tree, until someone cared enough to make a difference.

A kind, compassionate animal lover, Rachel, noticed Cocoa Bean when she would be driving to and from work every day. Finally, when Rachel saw that nothing changed, she contacted the authorities and a warrant was issued by a State Trooper to remove Cocoa Bean from the premises. She was taken to Detroit Animal Control Shelter where they assessed her condition, began necessary treatments, and made sure the owner would be charged with abuse and neglect. Rachel then contacted me about this old girl being at the shelter and told me the story behind her. I started making phone calls to my contacts and a long-time friend and supporter of 4 paws 1 Heart, Dinah B, said that she would adopt Cocoa if needed. We first met Dinah when she and her husband adopted Ruby Slippers (read her story on our website), a dog in very similar conditions who was rescued by me and my husband in 2011. Dinah was open to helping Cocoa Bean if I could pull her from the Detroit Animal Control. With that assurance the next step was going to the shelter.

On Halloween, my husband, me, and Rachel met at the shelter and Cocoa Bean was released. Then Cocoa Bean was taken to Moore Veterinary Hospital in St. Clair Shores and 4 paws 1 heart took over her follow up medical needs which involved a bladder infection, a skin condition, intestinal parasites, and she was malnourished with severe arthritis. The first thing I did was give her a nice warm bath, and the filth ran off of her old, brittle body. You could see in her eyes and feel in your heart that she was broken, defeated, depressed, tired, and had given up.

I cooked a huge batch of chicken and rice and another long-time friend and supporter, Rebecca Booth, donated a ‘ton’ of wet food. At that point I put a plan in place to get Cocoa Bean into a permanent, loving home. Before she could get to Dinah, one of our Board members, Dee G., told me that she knew someone ready to rescue and adopt another senior dog. This person’s home was quiet, safe, ready, and perfect for Cocoa Bean. Just after Thanksgiving, we made it official – Cocoa Bean went to her new loving, furever home with Nancy and, in keeping with getting a fresh, new start, she was given a new name –JoJo. JoJo loves her new life with Nancy.

She enjoys cheese, looking at her reflection in the stove, playing with the neighbor’s dog, and she knows her new name. Her fur has grown in, her skin and coat looks great, the infections are gone, parasites treated, she’s put on some weight, and she has expression on her face.

JoJo will spend her first Christmas ever in a warm, loving home because a village came together – Rachel, the caring State Trooper, Detroit Animal Control, Dinah B., Rebecca B., Moore Veterinary Hospital, Dee G., 4 Paws 1 Heart, and her new mommy Nancy.

The message here is to speak up, advocate, and be the voice of change. Never underestimate the power of compassion. It takes a Village. When we come together, we can all make a difference. – Gina MERRY CHRISTMAS