Last Updated on July 6, 2024 by Fumipets
Family Adopts Dog from Craigslist and Discovers Her Tragic Past
A Heartwarming Adoption Story
In a touching story that has captivated the internet, a family who adopted a dog from Craigslist learned about her heartbreaking past only after bringing her home. Coco, a 10-year-old poodle mix, had faced a series of traumas before finding her forever home.
Coco’s Rough Start
Coco was adopted when she was about three years old. Her previous owner was battling cancer, and the husband no longer wanted to take care of her. When the family brought Coco home, they discovered that she had never experienced love or kindness. A TikTok video posted by user @koohry revealed Coco’s signs of abuse, and the video has garnered over 670,000 views and 29,300 likes.
Adjusting to a New Home
When Coco first arrived, she was scared and timid. She refused to step on the grass, as she had been forced to stay in a cage all day and relieve herself there. A visit to the vet revealed that Coco was pregnant, but because they found out too late, the vet had to terminate the pregnancy during a procedure.
Discovering Coco’s Past
Henry, a family member, told Newsweek that Coco’s pregnancy was hidden from them. The Craigslist post and the previous owner had not mentioned the pregnancy. Henry speculated that Coco’s previous owners might not have known about the pregnancy due to her neglect.
Health Issues
Coco also had breathing and digestive problems and was terrified of men. These signs led the family to believe that Coco had grown up in a puppy mill. Henry told Newsweek, “We do not know if the previous owners got her from a puppy mill, adopted Coco from another owner who got her from a puppy mill, or bought her from a pet shop that gets their dogs from a puppy mill. We just know that the signs point to her being from a puppy mill or a similar abusive/toxic environment.”
A New Beginning
Despite her traumatic past, Coco’s life took a turn for the better once she was adopted by her new family. They showered her with love and acceptance, and Coco slowly began to open up to them.
Adjusting to Her New Life
Henry explained that Coco warmed up to his mother and sister more quickly since they were women. She was initially lethargic due to her pregnancy and remained nervous for several weeks. However, within a few months, Coco became comfortable and accepted the family as her own.
Ongoing Challenges
While Coco has made significant progress, she still has moments that reflect her past trauma and PTSD. She shrinks her head in fear when an object or a person’s hand is above her head and is not fully comfortable showing her belly. Coco also remains afraid of other dogs and strangers.
TikTok Users React
Coco’s story has resonated with many TikTok users who praised the family for giving her a second chance. Comments ranged from “Poor baby. Thank you for giving her the life she deserves,” to “Thank you for being the pawrents Coco deserves. She’s a lucky girl! So many of them aren’t so lucky.”
Another user highlighted the reality for many dogs with trauma: “They improve but they never fully recover.”
Conclusion
Coco’s journey from a neglected, abused dog to a loved family pet is a testament to the power of compassion and patience. While she may never fully recover from her past, the love and care she receives from her new family have given her a second chance at life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How did the family find Coco?
The family found Coco through a Craigslist post. Her previous owner was battling cancer and could no longer care for her.
2. What health issues did Coco have?
Coco had breathing and digestive problems and was terrified of men. She also had an undisclosed pregnancy that was terminated by a vet.
3. Why do they believe Coco came from a puppy mill?
The signs of abuse, neglect, and her overall health condition led the family to believe that Coco came from a puppy mill or a similarly abusive environment.
4. How did Coco adjust to her new home?
Coco initially remained timid and lethargic but slowly warmed up to the family, especially the women. It took several months for her to become comfortable and accept them as her family.
5. Does Coco still show signs of trauma?
Yes, Coco still exhibits signs of trauma and PTSD. She shrinks her head in fear when a hand or object is above her head and remains afraid of other dogs and strangers.
Source: Newsweek
