PAWS Magazine

Issue 72, Spring 2009

A New Home for Coco Bear

This gentle giant was surrendered to PAWS in November by a man who had tragically lost his home. With an agreeable nature and loveable face, Coco Bear quickly wiggled his way into the hearts of staff and volunteers. Unfortunately, Pit Bulls often fall victim to unkind stereotypes and negative media, but Coco Bear seemed ready to set the record straight. A friendly, well-adjusted young dog, he liked nothing more than to cuddle with his favorite volunteers. Although coming in a close second was his beloved stuffed toy, a large Hippopotamus, which he carried with him everywhere.

Coco Bear spent his holidays with PAWS, and started the new year on a high note when he was adopted by Lowell Evjen in January. Hippo in hand, Lowell was eager to introduce Coco Bear to his busy household. With two sons ages 15 and 21, the active Evjen household is never short on visitors, which seems to suit Coco Bear just fine.

"The funniest thing about him is that he sure isn't much of a guard dog," shared Lowell. "Not that I wanted to adopt a guard dog, but I have had little dogs who barked more than he does when someone comes to the door." In fact, Lowell reports that unless an immediate family member comes home, Coco Bear can barely be bothered to leave his warm spot on the couch.

In addition to his daily naps and visits to each family member's bed, Coco Bear can be spotted at Seattle's Green Lake for his regular walks— a perfect place for him to continue to build the social skills that make him such a wonderful representation of his misunderstood breed. And what about his Hippo? Lowell reports he doesn't seem too attached to it anymore, maybe because he has made so many new friends of the human variety.

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