Koko

Hi, my name is Koko, and I'm a rescued chocolate lab. I was purchased from a breeding farm by this man for hunting purposes only. Once we got home, I was put in the backyard with my "sister". The woman who lived there taught me how to sit, and she yelled at me and beat me until I understood not to do something. I was outside all day no matter what the weather. Then, at night I got to come in the house and was put in the 3ft by 3ft room to eat and sleep with my sister.

After about 3 years, the man just up and left me! The boy that lived there wouldn't play with me, and I was placed in the paper for sale. My soon to be new Mommy had been broken into during Christmas break, and she didn't feel safe living there alone anymore. So during this bad snow storm, she started looking for a lab. She called the lady that owned me and came over to check me out. She still says its my loving eyes that hooked her. So off I went to this scary new place, expecting to be treated and ignored just as badly.

But, I was pleasantly surprised. My Mommy was visiting her parents, so we went there first. Since I had never been socialized with other dogs except my "sister", I was terrorized by their dog, Riley. Fortunately, the next day we went for this really long car ride to Auburn, Alabama. Once we got there, I got a new bed, a whole bunch of treats & toys, and a new Daddy.

It took me a long time to realize that they wouldn't beat me if I chewed on my toys or barked while playing. My Daddy even gets down on the floor and rough-houses with me.

As I mentioned, I didn't like other dogs at all. I would even nip them in the bum if they came near my Mom. To help me become socialized, my parents made me play with all their friends' dogs. I'm still protective of my parents because they rescued me and are so good to me. But now I like to visit my grandparents, because I like to play with Riley. My mom even says I've developed an attitude; but I beg to differ, I'm just expressing myself!!

Thanks for reading my story. See, rescued dogs are the best!

Koko