'3 Years Is Too Long': Shelter Dog Left Behind When Family Moved

PECONIC, NY — A dog who was left behind on the porch when her family moved away has been waiting 3 years in the shelter, never chosen.

According to Gabrielle Stroup of the North Fork Animal Welfare League in Peconic, a call came in, back in May, 2015, about a dog left on the back porch of a home for days.

"Poor Coco's owners had moved and left her locked in on a screened in porch," she said. "She had obviously been there for days. The smell was horrible and she was so skinny from not eating since her owners had left. She ran up to us tail wagging as if to say, 'Thank you.'"

Since that day, Stroup said, Coco has watched as many many other dogs have found their families.

"She is always hopeful they will come for her but she watches as they pass her by," Stroup said. "Now, after almost 3 years in the shelter, she has become discouraged and is losing hope of ever finding a family."

Coco, she said, is very loving and just wants to snuggle and get belly rubs. She does need to be the only pet in the home but has so much love to give, whoever takes her won't need another, she said.

"Coco is a staff and volunteer favorite. She is always with a ball or toy in her mouth," Stroup said.

But sadly, she is also the shelter's second longest resident, she said.

Stroup has turned to social media to try and find a forever home for Coco. "Another day with not one call or email for me," she wrote, of Coco. "I must have done something wrong because no one wants me. I am trying to keep positive. I know my person is out there. Please help keep sharing."

To inquire about Coco, email manager@nfawl.org or call 631-765-1811, Ext. 1.