'Miracle dog' thrives in new home

Carmen Hollis says rescued Coecoe has a loving temperament and is a great protector for Xander, 6 (left) and Jayde, 2. Photo / Natalie Slade

It took 10 months for a neglected "miracle dog" to be restored to health and happiness, but she finally has a new home and loving family.

Coecoe, a crossbred boxer, was found emaciated and bleeding from her ears in a faeces-filled garage last July by the SPCA.

Her claws were overgrown because of lack of exercise and she weighed less then half she should have after being neglected by her Glendene owner Junior York.

SPCA Auckland spent months taking care of Coecoe, who staff called "miraculous" for surviving, helping her to become a desirable family dog and looking for a new home for her.

She found that home with the Hollis family.

Carmen Hollis adopted Coecoe to come and live at her New Lynn home.

She said she found out about Coecoe from a friend who had been to the SPCA and saw the dog sitting there "looking all cute".

Ms Hollis decided to adopt Coecoe for her children, Xander, 6, and Jayde, 2.

"Kids should grow up with a dog and Xander has a knack for dogs," she said.

As the children cuddled and played with Coecoe, Ms Hollis said it has been a big learning curve for them.

Despite the trauma Coecoe had been through, she had a loving temperament.

"She's such a beautiful dog with a beautiful nature. And she's a great protector."

Coecoe has been living with the family for three weeks now.

Ms Hollis said she didn't know about the dog's background of abuse story when she went to adopt her.

"They told me when I went to see her. I just about cried, it's just so wrong."

The family have had a dog from the SPCA before, and Ms Hollis said she would not pay anyone else for one.

"They do a great job. What they did for Coecoe - she was so scared when they got her. She's amazing [now]. If I ever win Lotto, I'd donate so much to them!"

Auckland SPCA chief executive Christine Kalin, said the society encouraged others to do what Carmen Hollis has done.

"We're absolutely overjoyed that Coecoe has found a home for life. That is at the heart of what we do - placing them with the right family.

"We encourage anyone who is looking to add to their family to consider the SPCA as their first choice, because these dogs deserve a second chance."

Coecoe's former owner was disqualified from owning dogs for two years and fined $490 after pleading guilty to failing to her give proper and sufficient food.

The SPCA treats more more than 16,000 lost, abandoned, injured or abused animals a year.