7/3/23 – Meet Cocoa. A few weeks ago, this little girl (69 lbs) was spotted on 6 Mile and Telegraph. She had protruding ribs and was digging in a trash can. Diane, who noticed her, realized that if she tried to lure the dog into her car, there could be a bad outcome. Fortunately, 2 other people stopped. One was a dog rescuer and the other a cat rescuer. They all worked as a team, holding up traffic and trying to guide Cocoa to safety. Cocoa wobbled back into the neighborhood and huddled on a porch which, as it turned out, was the home she had lived before her family abandoned her. A neighbor confirmed that the people had moved and left Cocoa behind. Another animal lover joined the rescue team and after much effort, they were able to get Cocoa into Diane’s car.

Diane’s neighbor, Mark, agreed to take her in and it was love at first sight. Diane knew Mark needed this dog as he had, one by one. lost his three dogs to old age and illness. He named her Cocoa and started referring to himself as ‘daddy’. Diane offered to help him with expenses but could not find affordable services. Mark was ready to give up Cocoa, although, in just those few short weeks, he had quickly fallen in love with her, but he knew he could not afford the initial vetting needed in a timely period. Mark came to terms with the fact that he would have to surrender Cocoa. At approximately 1 year old, Cocoa is very sweet and affectionate.

Diane decided to make one last effort to find her owner — maybe Cocoa had not been purposely abandoned — maybe she had been stolen. So, they went to Five Mile Animal Clinic. Unfortunately the Clinic’s scanner needed charging but the staff was very busy so they planned to return.

Diane reported the following: “An angel named Carol told me about 4 Paws 1 Heart. When I spoke with Diana, I couldn’t believe the help she was making available for Cocoa. We still have to check for a chip. Fingers crossed that there isn’t one!

Thank you to all of your donors who make it possible for Cocoa to have a long, happy life with Mark.”

Cocoa did return and a microchip was not found. Cocoa will be tested for heart worm, vaccinated, and spayed; paws crossed that she will test negative for heart worm. But once we’re committed, we will be there for Cocoa. We are also confident that Cocoa will have a very loving life with her new ‘daddy’. – diana

4paws1heart.org/donations P.O. Box 84, St. Clair Shores, MI. 48080

REMINDER: Two days left to double your donation – 1776 4TH of JULY MATCH ends tomorrow at midnight.