Rags to riches: stray dog from Harrogate stars in Legally Blonde musicalFrom the streets to the stage, Coco the Chihuahua went from wandering the streets of Harrogate as a stray to starring in Legally Blonde: The Musical.
In June 2019, Coco was found abandoned in Harrogate. She was handed into Dogs Trust Leeds and after just a week at the centre was adopted by husbands Andrew Fretwell and Andrew Ashley.
The pair said they “fell in love” with five-year-old Coco and she has lived with them ever since.
In April, Coco took on the role as Bruiser Woods in the hugely popular film turned musical, Legally Blonde. She was part of the cast performing at the Theatre Royal in Wakefield.
Bruiser Woods is the iconic handbag best friend of Elle Woods who after heartbreak goes from sorority sister to successful lawyer.
Dogs Trust was chosen as the charity beneficiary of the Legally Blonde production and £800 was raised.
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Andrew Fretwell said:
“In 2019 after losing our two Labradors my husband and I were heartbroken, so we decided to rescue a dog from Dogs Trust Leeds.
“When we arrived, we looked around and fell in love with this tiny little Chihuahua. We don’t know what life she led before, but we have made sure she lives like a queen now.”
The funds raised from the show will go towards helping other dogs find their ‘furry-tail’ endings.
Are you looking to adopt a furry friend? Take a look at our monthly Stray Pets Rescue Club showcasing animals up for adoption in and around the Harrogate district.
Stray Pets Rescue Club: Hovis, Bertie and Gary need your help
The Stray Pets Rescue Club is our monthly profile of animals in and around the Harrogate district, searching for their forever family home. This month, three gorgeous boys are hoping to meet someone to call their own.
Hovis
Age: 1
Hovis’ story: Hovis is currently living at Miss Mollie’s Rescue, having arrived from Romania. When he arrived he was a very scared boy, and had probably been treated very cruelly by the Romanian dog catchers.
Temperament: He is very worried by new people, but after some patience and kind attention he is lovely. He enjoys running around a field, and having lots of cuddles once he’s got to know you. Food is a very big part of his life, so treats are the way to his heart – and his trust.
Ideal home: Hovis will need an experienced adult home, and he will need to be placed with someone who will be at home most of the time to help build his confidence.
If you could help Hovis feel safe in a loving home, get in touch with Miss Mollie’s Rescue.
Bertie
Age: 2
Bertie’s story: Bertie was handed over to the Dogs Trust when he was one year old, as his owners couldn’t cope with his behaviour. He was already worried by unfamiliar people and places, but due to the covid lockdowns he has had a very sheltered life.
Temperament: If you take the time to slowly get to know Hovis, you’ll see a wonderful boy who will always make you smile. He loves to play with his toys and is very affectionate with his friends. He is full of character and is also very smart. He’s now doing really well but needs adopters who’ll work with Dogs Trust Leeds to transition him to his new life slowly.
Ideal home: Bertie needs an adult only home with no pets and no visiting children. Other dogs are a worry for him and so he must be walked in quieter areas. He requires a quiet and predictable home with owners who are willing to continue with his training.
If you have room in your heart for Hovis, visit Dogs Trust Leeds.
Gary
Age: 5
Gary’s story: Gary came to the RSPCA as a semi-feral cat after his welfare had become compromised and he could no longer stay where he was. Gary was extremely nervous of everyone when he first arrived, but after lots of hard work he’s now ready to be re-homed.
Temperament: Once Gary builds a bond and trusts you, he is the sweetest boy. He loves head rubs and playing with wand toys. Once he’s got to know you, he enjoys being around you and likes to sit and watch – even if you’re not interacting with him.
Ideal home: Gary is still very fearful of people he does not know, and any new adopter will need to give him time to settle into a home environment. He will need a spare room that can be dedicated to him and he can make his own and feel confident in before being introduced to the rest of the house. He needs an adult only home.
If you could help Gary regain his confidence, contact RSPCA York, Harrogate and District branch.
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Stray Pets Rescue Club: would you love Una, Albert or besties Zeb and Spike?The Stray Pets Rescue Club is our monthly profile of animals in and around the Harrogate district, in desperate need of a loving home. Could you help Albert, Una, or best friends Zeb and Spike?
Una
Age: 4 years old
Una’s story: This beautiful girl arrived in Harrogate about a month ago from Romania. The volunteers at Miss Mollie’s Rescue think her owner turned her onto the streets, where she was caught by the dog catcher and thrown into the kill kennels.
Temperament: Una can be quite timid, but with some patience and time she will learn how to trust again.
Ideal home: Because of Una’s tough start in life, she will need a quiet, adult-only home. She’ll also need lots of patience, time and love to help build her trust and confidence.
If Una could become part of your family, get in touch with Miss Mollie’s Rescue.
Zeb & Spike
Age: 3 and 8 years old
Zeb & Spike’s story: These boys came to the RSPCA when they were abandoned by their previous owner, along with four other cats. They were all in a terrible condition and very hungry. They’ve now put weight on and are ready to enjoy life in their new home.
Temperament: Both Zeb and Spike can be a bit nervous when adjusting to a new environment. Spike (black) is more confident, and enjoys a fuss. Zeb will watch from a distance but come for a little fuss if he’s feeling brave; with Spike at his side, he’ll be just fine.
Ideal home: Zeb and Spike will need to remain as permanent house cats. They can live with other cats and children aged over 14 as long as they understand this pair will need time to settle in.
If you could help Zeb and Spike feel safe in a loving home, contact RSPCA York, Harrogate and District branch.
Albert
Age: 14 months old
Albert’s story: Albert has had a tough time in his short life, and hasn’t;t been in a home since he was 10 days old. He’s had quite a sheltered life and isn’t used to the big, wide world.
Temperament: He can be a bit unsure of new people initially, but with a bit of time you’ll see his fun and affectionate personality shine through.
Ideal home: He’lll need a home with a secure garden with no other dogs, and a family who can be around him a lot of the time initially. Any children at home need to be over 13. Albert also has problems with his patellas that mean he’ll need restricted exercise long-term.
If Albert is the missing piece of your jigsaw, visit Dogs Trust Leeds.
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