Age

3 Years

Sex

Female

Energy

Medium

Fast Facts
  • Mentor dog required

  • Fenced yard required

  • 60 pounds

  • Still learning the expectations of living in a home

  • Needs patient, consistent training

  • Loves attention

Bio:

INTRODUCTION As told by Coco

Hi there. I’m Coco, and I love my name because I think it says so much about me.

First, I think of Coco Chanel. Like her, I’m stylish (in the way that all goldens are), and also like her, I’m just a tad sassy. Then there is coco(a), which makes me think of cuddling up and keeping warm. That’s something I have learned that I like to do. Finally, there is “Coco,” the Pixar movie. Like Miguel in the movie, I have been on an adventure that has taken me worlds away from what I’ve always known. And while Miguel’s adventure teaches him truths about his family, my journey has simply been to find a family.

I spent the first 2½ years of my life as a breeder dog. Like most breeders who get the opportunity to explore the outside world, I was pretty confused at first. Doors were such a mystery to me! You know that saying, “Don’t let the door hit you on the way out?” Well, that is literally what I thought would happen! I’ve adjusted quite well, and now I only get a little nervous when I come in from the outside. I can startle at a hand that is extended toward me, but once I understand that the hand is going to pet me or give me a treat, I’m delighted to soak up all that attention. In fact, don’t stop, or I’ll offer some serious nose nudges to remind you that I’m still around.

Because of the way I lived my early life, there is a lot for me to learn about living in a home and being part of a family. For example, I’m still perfecting my bathroom skills. Foster mom thinks I’m just about there (but I occasionally mess up). Mom is patiently teaching me some basic commands, but she affectionately says that I have the attention span of a gnat, so I’m not always as focused as I should be. (Actually, I’m just really interested in everything around me, so I get distracted.) Mom has learned that I’m smart; but I can also be stubborn. I know my name but might not respond if I think I am in trouble – I mean, duh, isn’t that an obvious response?  Training can sometimes be a bit of a power struggle. We’ve been playing fetch, and the whole return-the-ball thing is a work in progress. Mom is sure that after she tosses me the ball, I analyze the pros and cons of bringing the ball back. But if a treat or petting is the reward, I’m all in.

Foster mom says I am much more confident than many of the breeder dogs she has cared for. I was quick to learn to eat from a bowl and take a treat from a hand (even at the vet’s!), and I will stand my ground if a stranger shows up. One time I growled at my own reflection because I didn’t recognize myself. But in general, I rarely bark (unless I’m hungry).

Mostly I have learned that this living in a home thing is wonderful! I love all the affection, and I can’t get enough of it. I think I must be dreaming because I cannot believe my luck. Mom sees that I am happy, but she thinks it’s a kind of tentative happy. Might you be the one to give me a furever home and reassure me that this wonderful life is fur real?

BEHAVIOR

  • Can be a little skittish around quick movements
  • May growl/bark a bit around strangers
  • Learning basic manners/cues

HEALTH

  • In very good health
ADOPTION REQUIREMENTS, NO EXCEPTIONS:
  • Be at least 23 years of age

  • No children under 6 years of age living in your home

  • We primarily adopt goldens to families living within Illinois, Northwest Indiana, and the southern most counties of Wisconsin

  • If you do not own your residence or live in a condo, you will need a letter from your landlord or property management company

  • Provide excellent vet care for your dog(s)

  • Do not use an invisible fence

  • Are not over your town/county's pet limit

  • Have the knowledge and agreement of all adults living in the household

  • Be prepared to make a lifetime commitment

  • QUESTIONS ABOUT OUR POLICIES? All your answers in our Frequently Asked Questions section.

If interested please fill out our online adoption application form; please make sure you fill in every required field/question or your submission will not go through. Please note that we take time to learn as much as we can about each dog in our care and our bios are our current observations; we are unable to make any guarantees on the future health or temperament of your adopted dog. Most dogs in our care come with unknown pre-rescue history and as such breed and age estimates are an educated guess.

Available Goldens for Adoption