For the last five years, a stray dog survived scavenging for food and seemingly avoiding anyone who tried to rescue him along the I-5 freeway in Firebaugh, California.
One can’t help but consider how many people spotted the lost dog, and even worse – how many people had seen him over and over, but chose to ignore him? Did anyone try to help? The dog had been reported in very poor physical condition who had slowly been dying from a lack of food, nutrition and physical care.
And then came Pinky Paws Pet Detectives, California’s only certified pet detective and professional trackers who spent 34 hours and five days searching and rescuing the Labrador retriever blend dubbed Coco.
When we tracked Coco’s sightings and saw how badly he was deteriorating – starving, malnourished, losing fur – we knew he would not survive much longer. We couldn’t turn away. We never do.
Coco’s capture and subsequent rescue was indeed very challenging:
Searching on foot, driving, thermal drone, thermal monocular, tracking through miles and miles of orchards and rough terrain.
They spotted bobcat tracks along the way and later found the predators. The team rested when they could and lost track of Coco for awhile. At one time they spotted him, but failed to capture the elusive pooch. They were crushed.
It wasn’t until the rescuers baited the area with the delicious smell of frying bacon.
The SECOND the BBQ started — COCO CAME OUT.And then… HE WENT IN…After 5 years… HE WAS FINALLY SAFE
That evening Coco was taken to the hotel to rest while the staff retrieved their equipment. Coco had been shut down and terrified, and he was being monitored on cameras to make sure he was doing okay. He slept more than 25 hours; he ate and he drank. The next morning he used the doggy door and wagged his tail.
Coco is estimated to be between six to eight years of age. His teeth are completely worn down as a result of extreme anxiety, survival mode and constant stress. Large patches of his fur are missing from chronic flea infestations and allergies. His skin is raw, painful, itchy and vulnerable. His body has suffered from long term neglect.
Check out the short video of Coco running in his sleep:
At the veterinarian hospital, Coco tested to be anemic with low electrolytes, He received fluids and medication. Meanwhile, Coco is resting with the fans he has accumulated through his fantastic story – can’t wait to see him gain strength and run again, but this time with a family.
If you ever saw Coco or tried to catch him, please contact Pinky Paws. Perhaps you can add to his story?
Donate to Pinky Paws by clicking here.
We are now seeking rescue transfer partners to help us move forward responsibly and ensure the dogs in our care are placed safely.
This isn’t giving up.
It’s adapting — so the work can continue.
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