DEAR Editor;
The story of Coco the street dog started about two years ago.
Coco grew up on the pavement in Umtentweni.
He had to fend for himself and relied on scraps of food found or given to him by a generous hand. He was a free spirit who did not belong to anyone.
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The neighbors and community tried to be helpful numerous times, as this was not an ideal way for Coco to live.
Coco was oblivious to the touch of human hands, as trust needs to be earned first.
As a consequence of a lack of responsible dog ownership, Coco never learned to be an affectionate pet or to be properly cared for.
Thanks to daily moments of kindness, Coco was fed daily. He was dewormed and treated for ticks and fleas, and slowly started to trust.
He had some shelter and interaction he felt comfortable with.
He walked around confidant and freely with a full stomach, well known to the locals.
One day in August everything changed for Coco.
The Lower South Coast SPCA, following protocol, came to collect Coco from the place he called home.
His absence was noticed immediately.
Messages of concern, anger and sadness flooded local WhatsApp groups.
In September the fundraising started.
Kind donations were received to help Coco come home to Tweni.
The community working together created excitement, forgiveness and kindness, all hoping for a good outcome.
With great sadness we came to learn that Coco was sick.
Disappointed and concerned for his future, the situation changed for the worse.
A generous family from outside the community made such great efforts to sponsor the best unlimited nutritious food possible to improve his health.
The SPCA took great care of him and in no time Coco was back to good health and defeated the kennel cough.
Ready to be adopted, he had nowhere to go.
With a little patience, there was a compatible family found to give him a home.
With the funds raised it was possible to assist the new family in their commitment to giving Coco a forever loving home.
SPCA costs, dog food, a collar with a nametag, a leash for walks, blankets, a dog kennel and funds to assist with fencing were made possible through donations.
The SPCA has been so helpful and professional, with the paperwork and inspection done with no time wasted.
Coco was neutered, vaccinated and chipped. He was socialised with new experiences like grooming and leash training.
Coco went to his new family on Monday this week, ready and healed from being neutered.
This is the ending of a beautiful story and so inspiring, showing us we can believe in happy endings.
Thank you for all the donations and the amazing efforts from the SPCA.
This is just the beginning for Coco.
JOYCE ENGELBRECHT
Email
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