For the first months of Coco’s life she had no contact with humans or other dogs – now she’s learning how wonderful love feels. Photo: Wollongong Pet Connection.
Meet our loveable Pets of the Week looking for forever homes while in care with Wollongong Pet Connection.
Dog of the week: Coco
Meet Coco!
Coco is a seven-month-old staffordshire bull terrier mix.
Coco’s story is one of survival, transformation, and the unwavering belief that every dog deserves a second chance.
Coco was found abandoned in dense bushland in Helensburgh in June. She had lived her early life in complete isolation — no human contact, no other animals, no home, no car rides, not even sunlight.
She was terrified of everything. She couldn’t make eye contact, didn’t know how to eat from a bowl, and had never walked on a lead.
In every way, Coco was a blank slate.
Since coming into care Coco has been in three dedicated foster homes. Each one has played a vital role in helping her take small but meaningful steps toward healing.
Her journey has been filled with breakthroughs and setbacks, but her progress has been nothing short of remarkable.
Today, Coco is a completely different dog. She enjoys cuddles and belly rubs, playing with toys (and enthusiastically destroying them) and walking on a harness and lead.
She can respond to basic commands and waits patiently for her food.
Coco is still very cautious of people, including her foster carers. She is easily spooked by sudden movements, unfamiliar people, and strange noises.
She needs a calm, consistent environment where she can continue to build trust at her own pace.
Coco is not the dog for everyone, but for the right person she will be the most rewarding companion you’ll ever know.
You’ll be part of her transformation, helping her discover joy, safety, and love for the very first time. Her journey is far from over, but with the right support, she has every chance to thrive.
If you believe in second chances and have the heart, time, and dedication to help a truly special dog continue her journey, Coco is waiting for you.
Tabasco is adorable and sweet, but he isn’t the most graceful of kittens. When you’re this cute, though, who cares? Photo: Wollongong Pet Connection.
Cat of the week: Tabasco
Meet Tabasco!
Tabasco is a two-month-old ginger kitten.
He is an extremely loving, playful, and social kitten who has been living in a foster home with children and other cats since coming into care in August.
Tabasco arrived into care with some health concerns, which have now been thoroughly examined and tested.
His quality of life does not seem to be affected – he’s just never going to be a natural athlete.
Tabasco remains a happy, healthy, perfectly functional kitten (albeit a bit wobbly) who plays well and uses his litter tray with no issues.
If you can offer this sweet, clumsy boy a loving home, Tabasco is waiting for you.
To arrange a meet-up with Coco or Tobasco, fill out the apply to adopt form on the Wollongong City Council website. A council officer will contact you to arrange a meet and greet with your potential new furry friend at a convenient location to you. Coco and Tobasco come microchipped, desexed, vaccinated, flea and worm checked and lifetime registered.
Previous Wollongong Pet Connection Pets of the week, dog Bellatrix and cat Carlo, are still looking for their forever homes.
