Coco's Story
The house wasn’t abandoned, and her owner lived upstairs. Yet, Coco, a three-year-old retriever mix, languished for days in a dark basement closet

Confined to a filthy crate, she laid there starving, getting weaker by the day. When the Detroit Police, who were searching the house on an unrelated case, came upon her in December 2008, Coco could not even raise her head. They immediately contacted MHS for help.

MHS cruelty investigators persuaded Coco’s owner to surrender her, and they raced the emaciated dog to the MHS Detroit Center for Animal Care for treatment. She weighed just 27 pounds, half the weight of a healthy dog. Within 24 hours, Coco began to respond to medical attention, bending her limbs, raising her head and, eventually, standing up. Soon, Coco was taking a few steps and revealing her sweet personality.

She recovered in the home of an MHS foster volunteer and staff member, where she continued to show her loving, affectionate and gentle character. In February 2009, she attended an MHS adoption event, where she was adopted by Julie Moehlig of Clarkston.

Months after her tragic ordeal, Coco, who was re-named “Abby,” is currently training to be certified as a therapy dog. Coco has already visited assisted living residences and nursing homes, where she charmed residents with her sweet and loving personality. 

Off duty, she also has a close affection for two stuffed bunnies - one of which was given to her following her rescue, and the other following her adoption.

“She keeps the two of them together and every morning when she gets up, and every time we come home, she goes into the living room just to make sure they are still there,” said Moehlig. “It's just so sweet. She doesn't play with them a whole lot but she just wants them near.”

Far from her years of neglect, Coco has finally found her forever home - as well as a way to help others who may be in need of love, laughter and companionship.

Help animals like Coco by making a donation today.