A groundswell of community support has given a dog named Cocoa a second chance—both in spirit and possibly on all four legs.
Also affectionately known as Timbit, the dog arrived at the Kitimat Community Humane Society with a severely swollen and infected leg after being surrendered from a neighbouring community. At first, veterinarians saw no blood flow to the limb and expected it would need to be removed.
“The infection itself was beyond anything I’ve ever smelled,” said shelter manager Maryann Ouellet.
The dog had become entangled in a running line after a fire broke out near his home. Ten days later, he was turned over to the shelter, and his condition had worsened dramatically. Alongside the leg injury, he was also anemic and required hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics before any surgery could be considered.
But shortly before the scheduled amputation, something changed.
“When we took him in, the swelling had come down quite a bit, and new skin was starting to regenerate,” Ouellet said. “It’s going to be time-consuming, but if we can save his leg, it will be so worth it.”
Cocoa is now undergoing hydrotherapy and massage to support the healing process. The treatment could take up to four months.
Despite his condition, Cocoa has remained affectionate and calm since his arrival.
“Even when he was in the worst shape, he didn’t growl or resist. He just wanted comfort. He’s just a really sweet dog,” Ouellet said. “He just kind of snuggled in and licked her face like he knew he was finally getting the help he needed.”
Volunteer Chelsea Dumais, who fosters dogs and regularly supports the shelter, stepped up to organize the fundraiser after learning of the shelter’s mounting veterinary bills, which had already approached $4,000.
The auction ran online and was promoted primarily through local Kitimat community groups, though Dumais also reached out to businesses in Terrace to help broaden the donor base.
“Everything was donated,” she said. “Some people messaged me directly, and in some cases I reached out to local businesses to see if they’d contribute.”
Items ranged from practical pet supplies to specialty goods and services. Alongside dog jackets and bowls, the auction featured photography packages, a popcorn gift bundle and two $200 gift cards from Dumais’s kennel business. Her husband’s 3D printing business also contributed items.
“It was just kind of a variety of things,” she said. “People gave what they could, and it all added up.”
The online bidding drew steady attention, and while the fundraiser didn’t reach the full $5,000 goal, Dumais said the $2,000 to $2,500 raised will still go a long way. “Even if we could raise half the amount, that would help them greatly.”
She also encouraged others to support in any way they can—even if not through money. “The Humane Society is always in need of volunteers,” she said. “Even just storing cans for recycling or coming in to spend time with the animals makes a difference.”
If Cocoa’s recovery continues as hoped, he may not only keep his leg—but eventually be ready for adoption.
