Cocoa, the dog once facing amputation after a traumatic leg injury, is now thriving at the Kitimat Humane Society—running, playing and winning hearts as he nears the final stages of recovery.
“He’s doing really good, but there is still some healing that needs to happen,” said shelter manager Maryann Ouellet. “His skin is still regenerating but his leg is more weight-bearing.”
Cocoa arrived at the shelter in May after being surrendered from a nearby community. Tangled in a running line for days after a fire near his home, he came in with a swollen, infected leg and a grim prognosis. Vets initially feared the limb was unsalvageable due to a lack of blood flow, and an amputation was scheduled.
“The infection itself was beyond anything I’ve ever smelled,” Ouellet said at the time. On top of the leg injury, Cocoa was anemic and required intensive care before any surgery could even be attempted.
But in a turn few expected, his condition began to improve. Swelling reduced, new skin began to form, and the leg showed signs of recovery. The amputation was called off.
“He’s done remarkably well. They’re just waiting for the foot to clear up a little more and then he’ll be up for adoption,” said Ouellet, adding that no complications are expected.
Now undergoing hydrotherapy and massage, Cocoa is energetic and social.
“He’s always running around the place. He loves every person, every animal, every child that he meets. He just wants to be loved,” she said.
Cocoa’s medical care was made possible by an outpouring of community support. Nearly $6,000 was raised through donations to the vet and directly to the shelter, far surpassing the estimated $3,000 cost of an amputation.
“We had a lot of amazing help,” Ouellet said. “Without needing the amputation, the money has easily covered all his needs. There is still about $800 remaining which will remain at his disposal if he needs it,” she said. “If not, it will be there for the next animal in medical emergency.”
Much of the $6,000 raised came through direct donations and an online auction organized by volunteer Chelsea Dumais. Shared widely in local groups, the event featured pet supplies, gift cards and services, and drew strong community support.
While grateful for this outcome, Ouellet encourages continued donations, noting that contributions made directly to the vet are eligible for a tax receipt and can sit in an “angel fund” for future emergencies.
Meanwhile, if Cocoa's progress continues, he should be ready for adoption in about six weeks.
Overall, the shelter itself is in a much-improved position this year. Ouellet said cat numbers have dropped to around 40 from 250 this time last year, and dog numbers are also down, with just 17 currently in care compared to 53 last August.
“It was beyond anything I’ve ever dealt with,” she said of last year’s intake crisis. “But things now are going really good and I’m quite happy about that.”
With fewer puppies on site, older dogs are also receiving more attention and being adopted more often.
