Cocoa #17 Chocolate Labrador Retriever Female 8 Years Old #3715

Meet Cocoa! This sweet and beautiful purebred chocolate girl was surrendered by her owner as this farmer has decided to stop breeding! She is now in a Brookline foster home learning what it’s like to be a pampered inside pet. Please read her blog from the bottom up to learn more about her journey in foster care.

May 31, 2026

Cocoa arrived to us from the farm on Wednesday May 26. We gave her a bath, which she accepted with no issue, and brought her to our home to meet her resident dog Stella (a Brookline Alum). Stella was happy to meet Cocoa around 6 pm. Cocoa did not hesitate to come right up the front steps and right into her new home. It certainly was a long day for Cocoa.Being a “farm” dog, she has some house training to do. But we are counting on Stella and us to teach her.

The first night Susan slept with the dogs in our family room. Cocoa was a little unsettled that night and had #1 and #2 accidents.

Day one was met with an early morning wake up from Stella, and a stroll around the backyard, and a morning peepee! Cocoa has been very thirsty. She ate her first breakfast with us and enjoyed it. Cocoa and Stella took 4 good and Cocoa is a CHAMP on the leash (harness with leash on the chest). She does not hesitate, pull or have any issues with people we encountered. She stops and smells the new neighborhood and doing a great job going pee and did her first #2. There was a good deal of backyard time to remind her where to go toilet. She enjoyed her dinner then finally started to relax and lay down in the family room. We turned on the TV and she was very surprised to see the “magic box”. So, we turned it off for the night. I have a feeling that we will be catching up on some reading.Night two, we decided to have Cocoa and Stella sleep in our bedroom, which is Stella’s routine. Cocoa had a very restful night and no accidents.

Day two, another early wake up from Stella, followed by backyard time and bathroom (both #1 & #2) YEAH! Later that morning we had a walk with Stella, Cocoa and our neighbor and their dog Sandy. Cocoa greeted Sandy with excitement. All 3 dogs walked great together. We had her vet visit (bloodwork, vaccines and got her chip), she was awesome. She was 85 lbs so losing a few pounds is in her future this summer. Great weather allowed for a fun filled afternoon of backyard time, another walk and dinner. Stella wants Cocoa to play with her (which Stella rarely initiates play with other dogs) and of course letting her know who’s the boss. Cocoa is now settling in a getting comfortable and relaxing and some naps.Night two, same routine as before and a great night again!!

Some of Cocoa’s highlights:

Can sit on command, great on the leash, knows her name and is starting to come when called using treats, doesn’t runoff in the yard/meanders in the backyard on a long lead, loves to be by her foster mom & dad’s side and follows us everywhere.Stay tuned for more.