Traumatized Puppy Mill Dog Makes an Amazing Recovery

Trapped in a puppy mill, Coconut the dog had never known love-until she was rescued by the ASPCA. Watch a video of her incredible transformation and recovery, and find out how you can help save more dogs from a life of fear, pain and neglect.

[@anniem.8803]

I love when she said"these animals can all be helped." It's nice that instead of euthanizing the animals because they aren't fitting with the standards expected from a pet they actually help and train them so they can become sociable and find a forever family. Nice job!!!

[@crystalyana9533]

And these dog’s are the most loyal dog you will ever have!! Not to mention you’ll save a life!! ❤️🙏🏽💪🏽

[@CrownAcademyEnglish]

It's lovely seeing Coconut's wagging tail at the end of the video. :)

[@anna-liisadickman6197]

JESUS CHRIST BLESS THIS SUFFERING PUPPY, HEAL HIM, GIVE HIM LOVING OWNER, AND REAL FOREVER HOME ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@susanstauffer2984]

We rescued a puppy mill dog when we were living in WI. She turned into the BEST dog that ever owned me. The first year we had her, we would CRY watching her do things puppies would normally do....learning how to be a dog again, filled with joy! She was rescued in 2000 from a puppy mill in Northern WI along with over 200 other dogs, mostly Chihuahuas. RIP dear little Kewpie. We still miss you!

[@susanstauffer2984]

I always wonder what makes people post mean comments on a thread like this.......you don't come into the world with a mean spirit so what happened along the way to make you delight in trying to hurt someone you don't even know?

[@hakemon]

Susan Stauffer No idea why people are like that. They have a big ego when they are hiding behind keyboards. In real life, anyone who said that to me or anyone else, I'd knock them the hell out into next year for ever being so hurtful. I'd make them feel their own pain.

[@hakemon]

Slinkylabcat Too bad you didn't learn.

[@howtru56]

Slinkylabcat How is it that dogs can let go of the past and live in the joy of the moment but you seemingly cannot. The world didn't make you mean - you chose to be. It's actually quite cowardly to hide behind the safety and anonimity of a keyboard while you post hateful and immature comments that everyone, including you, knows you'd never have the courage to say in person. Please don't try to hurt someone you don't even know. I wish you peace and a better road to travel.

[@susanstauffer2984]

Mental Health Alert!

[@estherkritharakis9443]

Thank you for given Coconut the chance to be a dog. Can you imagine if this was a human being left in such poor condition, abused and neglect? I would probably be behave the same way. Thank you for the all the hard work you people do thank you to the ASPCA.

[@Rockermom59]

Coconut is precious and I'm so glad she was helped.

[@sharonandrews6985]

I donate and feel privileged to do so. Thank you for caring.

[@jtleon7086]

Too bad every dog couldn't have a loving home like this one was given.

[@ken2guy]

+JT Leon I think wats more sad is a lot of people out there who make well over 30k gross can own a pet like this but don't take responsibility and initiative to own a dog

[@FibreGlassZebra]

I remember adopting a dog that was literally a day away from being put down, she became the most well behaved dog we ever had and was just a lovely dog, sometimes they give on the dogs way too easily.

[@staceywalker6673]

FibreGlassZebra >>> True.....and it breaks my heart to know many dogs are put down cuz of this reason. How awful to have lived a life fearful of people.....NEVER knowing how fun, wonderful and happy they could have been. Dieing NEVER having the touch of a LOVING hand, or being LOVED by anyone. Then having to take their last walk afraid, shaking and fearful.....one LAST time!! Peace!

[@joycebf2927]

I think the ASPCA and Best Friends Animal Sanctuary are the best.

[@doloresmurillo5869]

El Amor no se conpr a por que. No. darlo

[@cookiedee8473]

@@staceywalker6673 Your comment is lovely! I must admit, it made my eyes water...very touching😘💓

[@cookiedee8473]

I'm so glad you were there for her! You should be proud of yourself AND your pup!!😉😘💕

[@badnewsbruner]

I cry everytime. I'm proud to be a member of the ASPCA!! Thank you all so much for helping these fur babies!!

[@rushu2007]

Do u like huskies?

[@judithcampbell3354]

Never give up on a dog that has been rescued. They are beautiful and worth every penny spent on their recovery. Thank You for sharing this and thank you for rescuing those who have no voice! A’ho

[@hildebroeckx]

Bless the sweet people who adopted her. She loves them, you can tell

[@puplover7991]

Oh, Coconut! I love your face, your name, all of you!!! What a precious precious angel.

[@bulltastik]

I wish all rescues had this positive of an outcome....kudos to the ASPCA & their dedicated staff!

[@bjmartinphotography]

See that wagging tail? You can't fake that. Well done.

[@melinakoufalis281]

dogs can be trained quite quickly and easily...with love and compassion

[@kristikrause3400]

Melina Koufalis it's not as easy as you're saying for a traumatized dog rescued from a puppy mill. it takes a lot of time and patience

[@melinakoufalis281]

I realize it takes time and sometimes they never fully recover. 👍💕💕

[@shiwan45]

Aww such a beautiful dog Im so glad she found a home with people who love her . Remember when you meet someone who mistreat animals never never trust them

[@glockalicious8182]

I recently adopted a hoarder/puppy mill dog, and she is still scared to death of people. She is fine with me because she sees me every day, but when strangers are near, she shakes with fear and runs and hides. I'm hoping over time she will calm down, knowing that she is now safe in her new (forever) home.

[@dogsarethebe5t]

Aww that breaks my heart. I'm glad that you gave her a second chance. Maybe you should take her to a specialist to get her some therapy~ her trauma must be so hard for her to live with :(

[@SteveCarras]

Glad you helped her..!

[@padmavathivenkatalakshmika1192]

Hi thanks and God bless u for adopting her.And spend more time with her give warm hugs and kisses,then slowly she will change.

[@SilverAspen1]

This is four years after your posting.. I hope she is doing much better now ... and thank you for taking her..

[@PlaceForAnEcho]

glockalicious I hope she can learn she can be less nervous. There’s treats with lavender in them to promote calm. There’s natural drops you can put in their water too. Good luck.

[@AlexeiRamotar]

Socialization is by far the most important thing a dog parent/guardian needs to do.

[@lizardas]

With fearful, unsocialized dogs like this one, it's often helpful to introduce them to a calm dog, in order for them to see how a well-socialized dog reacts around humans. It's especially helpful on a walk.

[@fredajordan5704]

Elizabeth M : Very true.

[@Misswiskers4]

I disagree , as with people ( judging from my own personal responses ). Response to an experience , good or bad is internal on a personal level. Like old habits they die hard . ESPECIALLY bad experiences. With time , and the absence of the negative experience, the response eases , but it takes time and a lot of positive. However , the fur people are well worth the effort to see the pain eased.

[@7599mmd]

I'm so glad Coconut found a loving home. ASPCA does such a great service. Love supporting it.

[@kennyc388]

ASPCA is not all that good. You need to read articles about how they distribute money taken in. I give them nothing. I donate to my local animal rescues or give food. Get educated and do not be swayed by their tear jerker tv ads.

[@adele2952]

It saddens me how fast people can give up when it comes to animals, when in some cases it's only a matter of weeks that things would turn out way better. My two cats were rescues, and the other one wouldn't come out from under my bed for months... and now she climbs onto my lap and generally loves attention even though she's still shy of strangers. I haven't heard of this organization (I'm from Finland) but whoever you guys are, you're doing a great job.

[@D4RKBRU73]

Not just when it comes down to animals... They give up on you too when you are worth nothing in their eyes. Humans are cruel, always were always will be. Worst thing is that humans think so high of themselves but when you look at it from the outside you see what pathetic, selfrighteous assholes humans truely are. Nice to see there are exceptions and those who keep up the good spirit. High five to all of you !

[@dontrespond1916]

Riada yeah I agree. There’s always a learning curve. Good heavens. We do this to kids

[@DarkSydeEditing]

+Riada Utter rubbish animal charities receive more money than their human counterparts. Try saving some homeless people rather than cats. Oh but wait most homeless are men....Now I understand.. You cat lady feminists make me sick.

[@jessiethomas7152]

Riada kill their owners and save all the animals from the dreaded puppy mills and have those hell holes shut down permanently

[@MrAMYJACK]

I don't where you live must be a very sad place, most of the civilized countries do have places of help.

[@ls-kk4pq]

Why are puppy mills still around? What they do is beyond criminal. It is evil. Thanks for your work.

[@bridgetsaenz2774]

God Bless you SPCA & couple who's are given Coconut a second chance.

[@elenita7483]

God bless you 1000 times And more...

[@rushu2007]

God bless all except bitches who abuse dogs

[@sr.mfrancineisditodejesus1024]

Oh... How Wonderful .... God bless you. Your love makes His traumatic creature changed to be a nicest nicest friend. Oh how Iove it.. You are as nice as Saint Francis who changed a wild wild Wolf to be a lovely sweet friend, Gobio. Thank you for your love... With love and prayers ...

[@jrrydha]

The best way to help these kind of dogs is another well balanced dog showing them how to be dogs.

[@Christian_Girl120]

poor girl. She was so scared, and that was the base cause of her behavior. Once she realizes she can trust people, she will be a wonderful addition to someone's family. It takes time and patience. God bless those who take the time to work with these animals.

[@lizardas]

Watch the video all the way through. She has a home.

[@mayninng6666]

God bless dogs thank you so much

[@johnotooledoggames2336]

It’s sick what they Did too the dogs 🐕 and well done 👍 too the people for saving the dogs and working very hard with them

[@dogsarethebe5t]

Thank you ASPCA for all of your work. This totally breaks my heart that humans go out of their way to do this...

[@halag]

This is beautiful. Amazing how fast she developed trust. It's actually as much about developing self-confidence in the dog as trust in the human and that thing about letting her dictate when she was touched is part of that. Brilliant work.

[@rodas-1919]

If you save one person you save the world, my dog was a rescue and we spent 6 amazing years together . I am grateful you are taking all the time and effort to save more. RIP Chica

[@olgastrydom9837]

Rescuers from all countries, who help these wonderful doggies and other animals. Thank you, you're doing an amazing job. We live you all. God bless

[@megaman1776]

love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance believe in DOG!

[@bunnythompson8587]

THANK YOU with all of my spirit for rescuing so many blessed dogs!!! I was moved to tears with joy to see Coconuts recovery again thanks to dedication, LOVE, never failing her always ready to continue in reaching for the success she realized that never could have happened without you all!!! I am relieved beyond what words can describe to see a facility opened to save those dogs that may otherwise perish when results like Coconut in just 6 weeks are end result now many may find new homes!!!!!!

[@Urobam]

Thank you for all your hard work, patience, and effort.

[@rackinfrackin]

Awesome!! Lovely dog, lovely people, lovely ending.

[@cynthiahawkins2389]

Sometimes, as in the case of Coconut..the 'toughest" cases, turn around and become the best, most social, loving pets. That is the reason to support organizations like this. Amazing. Great story, all!!

[@robinpatricio1184]

this was a story that i wish that all puppy mill dogs will recieve

[@ivana.8672]

I'm touched by Coconut's recovery. I just wish that we had more people like you in the Philippines. I'm doing what I can for animal welfare but we need more support from our own government. I hope you can influence us in this region.

[@BlackPanther-vk5ew]

All it takes for ANY dog or cat......is time, patience and LOVE!! They can ALL recover!!

[@MsSuprfly]

You all are amazing blessings, Thank you a million times over for your patience and true compassion, we would be world's apart without you🐾💝🐾💝

[@Teddy31976]

I love you coconut! You would be scared of people too if you were treated this way. Bless the ASPCA. Please donate!

[@carmelaszymanski8104]

YOU Are Amazing And Wonderful Saviours..Thank You All

[@peterzbasnik387]

I have had my little puppy mill rescue for 6 weeks. The healing process is something to witness. Very happy with my girl. She had her first "makeover" at the groomers last week. In everyway Sweetie has transformed. She is attached strongly to me, like a shadow. I am glad to have helped a dog that had been treated poorly.

[@monicamolina1582]

just too bad that this people who mistreat innocent animals only Care's about money. but thank God for people like you guys. thanks for all your beautiful help

[@Carpenterdane]

Look at her now, tail wagging, smiling, & wanting to be touched. Good job ASPCA!

[@Meg-yd9zo]

I'm always humbled at the compassion shown towards animals and rightfully so. How is it, generally speaking, that humans can be so kind, wanting to rescue animals, yet so many unborn human babies are killed each day? Perhaps some day the unborn will be given the compassion these animals are given.

[@quenasi1025]

I'm glad you opened a center like this to socialize dogs . I wish ASPCA had a facility like this for stray and feral animals instead of killing them daily because of overpopulation especially killing kittens.

[@gregfoulke1799]

Great job! This story again proves how dogs are so quick to forgive humans for neglect and inhumane treatment. Thanks for your work. Brings tears to my eyes.

[@acm9616]

THE Work you guys put in really turned coconut's life. she associated touch with pain. her past torments. you guys brought out the joy, the trust and love when you handled her. coconut saw ad felt genuine love. hence she gave her love.

[@mysticwritr]

To the ASPCA and fellow humans who realize and understand that we ALL deserve to be treated fairly, with love and kindness, and that we all deserve a chance - THANK YOU.

[@chemobchemob]

Not enough money can be thrown at these organisations and also the people that care for these dogs, I'm sure they get paid nearly nothing for their love, patience and determination. Respect to you all - and yes I do donate to the RSPCA (Australia)

[@hs7921]

These animals can be helped.....and they go on to make some humans lives happier as well. Sweet.

[@chloe7seven22]

Oh Coconut - have a lovely life.

[@mike41062]

One HUGE smile over here! You guys are awesome, I've been thinking about doing some volunteering.. anytime I see the commercials where dogs are in rusty gross cages, or are shivering out in the cold, I would love to donate but I'm unemployed, but it always make me wanna sign up so badly, and help with the effort to get these dogs out of those terrible situations.

[@bluebird2594]

Mike B I want to stop abortions,where do I sign up.

[@sonneversets3530]

Hope you did help out Mike. Any shelter will welcome volunteers. They all need them to get the dogs out for walks & play time. And keeping them social enough for adoption. Even if you’re working now, they will take even an hour a week from someone. If several ppl give just an hour, that’s several hours the pups get of human connections! 🐾

[@sonneversets3530]

Blue Bird: Any Pro Life organization. That should be obvious. Google them.

[@audraelynnegrimmelhaussen8808]

Thanks for caring for this angel. I would never understand why there aree even puppy Mills when there are already a lot of strays out there.

[@pamelacarr7428]

So heartbreaking then so heartwarming bless this baby that has gone from hell to heaven!! When will these torture Chambers puppy mills be legally shut down for good????? Thank you guys for saving coco xx

[@starmersbarber]

Big hats off to the recuperation team involved...the girl doing the talking comes across as one seriously smart person.

[@vanilittlestar6357]

ASPCA LOVE YOU GUYS! LOVE YOU ALL FOR ALL THE HARD WORK YOU DO IN RESCUING, SAVING, TREATING & LOVING ANIMALS! YOU ARE ALL HEROES!!!

[@pammckay6805]

It's.so.heartbreaking.to.think. A.few.weaks.of.patients.and.caring Time.and.devotion.given The.dogs.turn.out.just.great. And.the.unlucky.ones.are.put.to.sleep. I.hope.in.time There.l.more.rescue.centre Like.this. Billion.thanks.for.all.the.devoted Loving.work.you.all.do.

[@AK_6.66]

All my dogs are rescues and this makes me want to cry and I want to help all the dogs in the world

[@rubylalmuanpuii274]

Thank you ASPCA,may God bless you in all of your efforts...and bless all the workers with a healthy life,so you can help more dogs in the coming days ahead

[@christinemaddy6164]

The patience, time, love, care, kindness attention can make a whole changed...The world will have a better place for animals with these.. Love this video.. Please continued helping animals, we are their voice! Thank u guys u all are wonderful people.. God blessings to u all and May God brings u all strenght n health..Thank u so much, love this💜💛💚

[@sirspikey]

beautiful!

[@tripsadelica]

Oh God bless all of you. In Australia your sister organisation, The RSPCA, does similar work. You are all wonderful people. It's a pity that some humans cannot be as loyal and loving as our dogs.

[@oswaldoreyes5337]

Amazing job with coconut. She is a beautiful dog too. I am so happy for her. I love animals, especially dogs.

[@LadyMaltese]

You guys are AMAZING. Yes I agree BJ, you cannot fake a wagging tail. That is a happy dog. Well done ASPCA!!

[@miloomighty226]

Thank you very much Sir n Ma'am (team n staff ASPCA ) ❤🙏👏👏❣♥️💞

[@sharonandrews6985]

Love this organization and other who fight against cruelty.

[@justbella10]

That is absolutely fantastic! Saying "good on you guy's " just doesn't even cut it! I cried.. It's sad that this is allowed to happen, the change in that dog is just amazing from how scared it was before. Please keep doing what you're doing, your amazing!

[@marijkedelwelmemy0selfandik]

Hi Friends, First I wanna thank you for helping this dog,Tears are rolling over my fac and I can;t stop,I;am so happy that you give these dogs a secount change and look at this sweetheart,She needs time but you all did a good job for these sweetheart , Wish her all the best in her new home familie,Marijke and Rex,The Netherlands.

[@jeanhargis324]

Awesome! Thank you rescuers, trainer, and wonderful forever family!

[@ironhorse127]

Oh Coconut, what a angel you turned into. Hope she has a fantastic life. 🐶🐶

[@karenjung546]

I have rescued two Chihuahua sisters that were in a puppy mill. Both suffer from PTSD. They have made progress in two weeks. This video was very helpful. Thanks!

[@monkeyorchid4081]

What a result for Coconut but also for the family she has become part of! These dogs just need time and patience and lots of places either dont have the time or the space which is a real shame because when I think about all the dogs that are euthanized because of the harm that humans have done to them it makes me very sad!

[@JohnMichael23inSD]

Amazing! In the video you were impressed how far she came in 'just' 6 weeks. I am deeply moved and impressed that you spend 6+ weeks with these dogs. We have a puppy mill Boston Terrier that the pound deemed aggressive and un-adoptable. Two days before her euthanasia date, a local rescue The Boston Brigade picked her up and she is now the friendliest and most loving dog I have ever seen.

[@deborahbush6320]

Thank you all soo soo much these precious babies that never got to be loved get to be loved ❤️💖💖💝

[@Amanda-ex4sr]

My doggy was a puppy mill dog she's so pretty apparently she's the perfect color for her breed. She loves chew toys and her crate.

[@katz734]

What a difference a few weeks, patience and love can do for an animal that's traumatized.

[@yfarini]

Thank you for exist! God bless all of you! Wonderful work! Saving lives!

[@lo4458]

Ohh i love the grandma and grandpa. They love the beautiful creature so much. Thank you

[@DiscoverPhilSmith]

I have a donation taken out of my bank account monthly for both ASPCA and the Human Society (HSUS). My late mom and I were both animal lovers and she would see those commercials they run, like where they'll show a dog and the words "why do they keep beating me?" She wanted to donate but she was in a nursing home and what little money she had was tied up in the home. So I became a member of both for her, well for me too but if it wasn't for her I probably never would've gotten around to it. She'll be gone 2 years already April of next year. But I'll always keep donating for as long as I can afford it. It's nice to see something like this and be reminded of the good it does. Thanks.

[@ToonLinkah]

+Phil Smith Don't donate to ASPCA, they don't use the donated money well. Donate to your local shelter.

[@rozzyfilms3081]

I hope Coconut has the best life ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@MsDmp1]

Oh my Gosh! When they are given a chance they are different dogs. Thank you ASPCA.

[@TantasticOne]

This is touching. To see a dog with mental instability like this turn into a loving pet is absolutely heart-warming.

[@kristyhughes3146]

Amazing that this is the same dog at the beginning of the video. Thank you for the work that you do.

[@bethpeters3187]

She's a beautiful dog. So so glad she has been rehabilitated. Too beautiful.

[@rmason5477]

Great to see how there are people who care and do not give up, patience and persistent

[@mgsweeney99]

"Release" as I call it, is a magical thing to watch. Dogs will always try to reach "Center" or stability if given an opportunity to. Being with stable dogs would also help dogs like this to get rid of that toxic energy. Good Stuff!!

[@mmb1572]

I love the challenge of a rescue. It is so rewarding to see how their lives get better. They are so greatful

[@shaniblack9697]

just a little time and patience could save so many little lives. Great jobs you guys

[@rzadan]

Beautiful people with beautiful heart help animals. Thanks for helping those dogs. We love you.

[@truthistheonlywaytruthisth6387]

You are truly heroes!!!Because of your hard work the world is a better place now.

[@ellioshiem7892]

Coconut is beautiful. So gorgeous.

[@carolynrombardo4821]

What an awesome, heartwarming story...im a firm believer ..in healing the inside as well as the outside..other shelters wld have looked her over..too much work..but THANK U ..!!!!!..for doing all u had to do...look at the diamond..that was under the rough...GOD BLESS U ALL..🐾🐕❤🐾🐕❤

[@corataylor6317]

You guys are awesome!! Coconut can be adopted now because of your hard work!🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@dezikirkcaldy5708]

With a. little love they can be restored. Just a little patience goes along way. Thanks for you

[@conniep2559]

So glad she was helped and is in a forever loving home