Coco

Dog name: Coco      Nicknames: Spanish Sausage, Sausage

History: Coco was rescued from the streets in Spain in very poor condition, with a badly injured front leg. She was initially taken in by La Guarida, a shelter in Córdoba, before Galgos en Familia in Málaga stepped in to provide the veterinary care and support she needed. Initially a very sad little girl, Coco has made wonderful progress. 

UK arrival date: 17/10/2026

Breed: Galga

Colour: Cream

DOB: 10/04/2024

Height: To be confirmed

Weight: 19kg

Neutered: No, due to her health conditions

Mediterranean disease: Clear for Babesia, Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasmosis, Hepatozoon canis, Mycoplasma haemocanis, Borrelia burgdorferi, Rickettsia and Leishmaniasis.

Health condition: Coco has several ongoing medical needs. She has a likely permanent limp affecting her left front leg following a previously infected elbow wound, which can occasionally reopen. Her foster carer reports that the wound is healing well with twice-daily cleaning and prescribed cream. Coco has reduced vision in both eyes, particularly the right, and neurological and balance difficulties. A neurology assessment gave a diagnosis of chronic multifocal encephalopathy, considered most likely congenital/developmental or related to scarring from a previous problem. Cardiology investigations identified systolic dysfunction with a dilated phenotype and mild mitral regurgitation. She has been prescribed Pimobendan every 12 hours and requires a follow-up echocardiogram. Coco also has a shortened lower jaw and tongue and benefits from raised food and water bowls.

Character: Coco is an affectionate, gentle, sweet and increasingly playful girl. Initially a little frightened on arrival, she has settled well and continues to grow in confidence. She has been gentle with people, including children, and gets along very well with her foster family’s dogs. She has even started initiating play. She occasionally circles when excited or anxious, possibly related to her neurological condition; her foster carer reports this is becoming less frequent. She is generally very relaxed and happily snoozes while her foster carer works from home.

Special talents: Winning hearts! Despite her medical challenges, Coco is affectionate, sociable and adaptable. She has travelled on buses without difficulty and is discovering the joys of play.

Specific needs: Coco needs an understanding home able to accommodate her mobility, vision, neurological and cardiac needs. She needs prescribed medication, veterinary follow-up and a repeat heart scan. Her injured front leg should not be lifted too high as this causes pain. Raised food and water bowls are recommended. She walks nicely on lead, although not always in a straight line, and may need patience with stairs and unfamiliar places. She is building confidence when left alone and benefits from food enrichment and a gradual approach.

Cat workable: Yes. Coco has previously lived with cats and was excellent with them.

How long they can be left for: Currently around 30 minutes completely alone while her foster carer walks the other dogs; she is settling better each day. She has also been left for a couple of hours with the resident dogs without issues. Food enrichment helps when she is alone.

Current area: Derby, UK