Rescue Dog Can Barely Contain Excitement at Being Given 'First Ever' Toy

A shelter dog could barely contain her excitement after receiving her first toy.

Lucky's Legacy Rescue, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming of dogs from Romania, recently shared the story of Coco, a 4-year-old rescue pup who has already been through so much in her short life.

Romania has a serious stray animal problem. Four Paws International, a global animal welfare organization, estimates there are up to 500,000 dogs and likely even more stray cats living across the Eastern European nation.

Coco was once among that number and, in truth, is lucky to be alive. She was discovered roaming outside a beer factory in the harsh Romanian winter, two years ago.

Upon closer inspection, it was discovered that Coco had only recently given birth. Knowing that her puppies were also in danger, volunteers from Lucky's Legacy Rescue tied a bell to her collar and listened out for where she went.

Eventually, they were led to a litter of nine happy puppies. It was discovered that Coco had risked life and limb to keep them safe, warm and healthy. With the help of Lucky's Legacy Rescue, all nine of Coco's puppies have since been rehomed.

However, more than 500 days on from first finding her, Coco has yet to be rehomed and is currently residing at a kennel in the U.K. where she is waiting and hoping for a chance at lasting happiness.

Though she may not have found it yet, Estelle from Lucky's Legacy Rescue paints a picture of a dog with bags of affection, energy and personality.

"She absolutely loves humans," Estelle told Newsweek. "Every time you stop fussing over her she will paw at you or grab the air for you to continue."

Estelle added: "Coco loves to play with good natured dogs and is very wiggly. She also loves to run and loves her food."

A firm favorite with staff and volunteers, Coco was treated to her very own set of Christmas gifts, with the shelter sharing footage of her excited reaction to receiving a wrapped present containing her "first ever" toy.

After so much excitement in the build-up, the contents of the gift did not disappoint. "She got two bags of treats, a little enrichment toy that we can put her kibble in for her to roll around and get the kibble out of it, a buffalo horn, her first ever coat and a new longline to allow her to run and have lots of fun," Estelle said. "As you can see from the video she was delighted to open her presents! Bum wiggling, tippy tappy toe dancing level of delight."

For all the joy that gift may have brought, Estelle knows an even better present would be a new home and forever family in 2024—and she knows exactly what kind would suit Coco best.

"Coco would be suited to a home with or without another dog but with access to dogs she can play with as she loves to play," she said.

"A home where she will get lots of attention but where time will be put into continuing her training. We would prefer a home away from a city or town center as she has spent a lot of time in rural Romania and therefore hasn't had lots of exposure to busy areas."

Here's hoping 2024 is a year to remember for Coco.

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