Spring 2017  Saber Tails 43    

Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen Club of America

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or more correctly speaking, enjoy being owned by a hound.”

A 

year and a half after her initial conversation with Sandy, 

Susie received a phone call about a PBGV in Georgia 

who potentially needed a new home.  A six year old female, 

named Coco, had many medical problems and was in terri-

ble condition.  She had a large mass on her side, multiple in-

fections, kennel cough, and much of her 

fur had fallen out.  She had absolutely 

no hair on her tail end.  Coco’s previ-

ous owner loved her, but neglected to 

provide necessary medical care.  Coco’s 

owner eventually relinquished owner-

ship to the Atlanta rescue, Furkids.  Due 

to the 5 hour driving distance from 

Charleston, South Carolina to Atlanta, 

Georgia, the Heinholds were unable to 

foster Coco while she received medi-

cal care but still put in an application to 

adopt her.  Coco spent many weeks in 

the shelter showing little improvement.  

At times they were not sure she was go-

ing to survive at all.  Susie continued to 

communicate with the Furkids rescue 

coordinator during Coco’s stay, never 

really understanding why she lost so much fur.  They could 

not believe that she was so anxious to adopt a hairless PBGV, 

(who could be snappy at times) and might be plagued with 

expensive medical care.  They were not sure if she was dog-

friendly and she was undoubtedly not housebroken.  Susie 

hoped that she was grouchy only because she felt miserable, 

and kept her fingers crossed to eventually bring her home.   

A

fter Coco spent many weeks in the shelter, Susie was 

wondering if she would recuperate better in a home en-

vironment and offered to adopt her immediately, despite her 

unresolved medical issues.  Furkids agreed to the adoption, 

and so Susie’s husband, two teenage daughters, and dogs 

Henry and Cooper all made the trip to Atlanta.  They were 

all so excited and nervous to meet Coco!

F

rom Susie: “And so our journey with our first PBGV, 

Coco, began!  We traveled back to Charleston with her 

to continue her recovery and get to know her 

better.  And what a mischievous clown she 

has turned out to be!  She grew her fur back, 

learned the house rules, and settled in won-

derfully.  Potty training was a little challeng-

ing at first, but she now uses a wireless door-

bell to let us know when she needs to go out.  

Guests can’t believe it when they are visiting 

and Coco rings that doorbell!  She is so smart, 

and responded quickly to training.   

“A

s her health improved, we also got her 

into “shape.”  At first she could not 

walk around the block without stopping ev-

ery few steps.  Now she easily trots around 

the neighborhood, keeping up with the other 

dogs.   Originally the pads of her feet were as 

soft as a puppy’s (for a six year old dog).  We 

guessed she only walked on carpet inside, and possibly used 

a doggie door to potty in the yard.  I doubt she ever walked 

on pavement.  I’m certain leash walking is a new phenom-

enon for her altogether.  Unfortunately, we have found her 

only downfall is her strong desire to eat poop! She turns her 

frequent walks into poop-seeking missions.”

“A

lthough she is more active now, she still has her curvy, 

pot belly pig-like figure.  She has a pronounced un-

derbite, causing her tongue to mostly protrude.   She has had 

a few ear infections re-occur as well as a UTI.  The only diag-

nosis that she has been given is hypothyroid.  My veterinar-

ian is not sure if that alone contributed to such severe hair 

loss, or just poor living conditions and neglect.  We are just 

so glad it all came back!”

Coco at time of rescue

Coco now

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