October 2010: The lovely Cocoa has very sadly passed away. Oldies Club is very grateful to the love and care given to Cocoa by his wonderful foster home and our thoughts are with them at this very sad time.
This contented character is Cocoa, an 11 year old chocolate Labrador who came into Oldies club care in January. Unfortunately, it was soon discovered that Cocoa had a number of medical conditions which meant that he was unsuitable for adoption so he will spend the rest of his life enjoying the pleasures of his foster home. This suits his fosterer admirably as he has clearly made a big impression. This is what she has to say about her permanent house guest:
“Cocoa is an 11 year old Chocolate Labrador who despite his age has retained his good looks; in fact with his distinguished greying beard he is handsome in a George Clooney kind of way and on a good day is just as charming…In fact Cocoa makes a positive impression on everyone he meets and has a growing list of admirers! He is a real gentle giant.
Cocoa was placed with me in January of this year (2010). As a foster placement he was only supposed to stay with me until a permanent home could be found but three months later we’re still together! When Cocoa first arrived he was in a bit of a state. After being displaced from his long term family Cocoa’s temporary owner struggled to care for him and he was eventually handed over to the Oldies Club. When he first arrived with me I was saddened by the state that he was in. He was withdrawn and barely able to stand, his front paw was also covered in sores from where he had apparently chewed it in distress. To be honest I didn’t think that Cocoa would make it but after medical treatment and lots of tender loving care he surprised me by making a good recovery. Cocoa is a real fighter!
Although Cocoa is now back on his feet again he unfortunately suffers from a progressive neurological condition that has weakened his back legs and could eventually cause paralysis. On top of this Cocoa is showing signs of dementia. For both of these conditions he is on medication and responding well. In fact Cocoa clearly still takes great pleasure out of his two favourite past times, walking and eating! Cocoa currently has a good quality of life but because of his complex needs is not suitable for adoption and will therefore remain in long term foster care.
There has not been a dull day since Cocoa came into my life. He is both loving and entertaining. He never ceases to amuse me when he howls for my attention in a kind of sing song way or when he walks around with my slipper in his mouth when overwhelmed with excitement at the prospect of going for a walk!”