Sweet as cocoa
Known as “baby bone,” the squeaky toy bone that Cocoa has had since a young pup remains gently cared for and favorite among her toys.
As sweet as a cup of hot chocolate, the Sanford family pup, Cocoa, warms hearts with her gentle playfulness, constant wagging tail and energetic spirit. Her soft brown coat with a touch of white looked to Leyna (13) and Tyler (9) like a hot cocoa marshmallow when they were introduced to Cocoa in December 2019. In January 2020, the one-and-half-year-old dog went home to the Sanford’s Serena residence and became forever known and loved as Cocoa.
Found pregnant and running in the streets of Texas, Cocoa was rescued and brought to Colorado where she had the puppies, and was then fostered at a home in The Village at Castle Pines. Fortunately, all seven puppies went to loving homes during an adoption event.
Cocoa is thought to be a Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever (toller), but to the Sanfords, she resembles more of an Australian shepherd (Aussie) mix by the way she moves. She is protective and territorial, without the docked tail characteristic of Aussies.
The toller breed was developed in the early 19th century to toll, or attract and lure, and retrieve waterfowl. The smallest of the retrievers and sometimes mistaken for a small golden retriever, tollers are intelligent and eager to please. They have shaggy to straight coats with amber or brown eyes and white markings on their chest, feet and tail tip.
Just like the toller, Aussies can be marked with white on their chest and have eyes of brown but also green, blue, amber, hazel and sometimes are born with different color eyes. Cocoa’s eyes are a distinct bright green and she sports a soft wavy brown coat. Aussies are also active and easy going like the toller and love to romp and play with kids.
Cocoa knows when it is family movie night on the weekends. “When she sees the kids getting their blankets and pillows, she gets really excited because she knows it is time to snuggle with them,” said Paige. “Cocoa is my best friend because she is always there for me; she cheers me up and makes me laugh,” said Leyna.
The Sanfords love everything about their sweet Cocoa. From her sneezing fits when she gets overly excited, to her squeaky toy bone known as “baby bone,” her first toy that she treats very gently, as if it were her own baby. “Cocoa is a wonderful member of our family. She is sweet with our kids, motivates us to get exercise, always greets us with a wagging tail, protects us and loves us unconditionally,” concluded Paige.
The Sanfords enjoy family time with Cocoa in their Serena neighborhood. Back row: Barry and Paige; front row: Tyler, Cocoa and Leyna.
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of Paige Sanford
