Safe Haven of Iowa County

Description:
CoCo came to Safe Have after having been fostered with two other puppies in Texas.  The three puppies were pulled from a 'high-kill' shelter' in Texas where there remains an extreme population of stray dogs resulting from the hurricanes and the upheaval of households.  The puppies were flown to us by a volunteer group of pilots, Pilots-n-Paws, who spend their weekends and own money to relay dogs to other shelters that have room and need for them.  The sad situation of too many stray dogs in Texas is offset by the fortunate situation in Iowa where there are more people looking for adoptable dogs than are available.  

The Catahoula breed actually originated in Loiusiana and is the state dog.  CoCo is most likely a mix with a hound.   The breed has a reputation for being affectionate, loyal and gentle but also one that requires firm guidance.   A mix with a hound will likely inhance the good qualities of affection, loyalty and gentleness making a loving pet and companion.   

In fact, CoCo was adopted soon after coming to Iowa in June.   However, she was returned to us recently because her new 'Dad' found that his allergies were getting worse with each day.   He knew that it was not helping the situation that he was finding CoCo irresistable to cuddle with when she sought attention.  With real reluctance after  attempts to control the allergies and admitting his health was in jeopardy the decision was made to bring her back to us.  

CoCo is gentle and can be somewhat timid in new situations.   She found a visit to a nursing home to be particularly frightening and clearly just wanted to leave.  She is still quite young and has not had a chance to gain the confidence experience will give her.