Rags to riches: stray dog from Harrogate stars in Legally Blonde musical

From 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. 

Rescue dog Cheeky Pekey finds forever home in Harrogate

A Stray Ferret appeal to find a forever home for a rescue Chihuahua has ended in success.

Cheeky Pekey, 13, was brought over from Romania by Harrogate dog charity Miss Mollie’s Rescue.

Older dogs can be harder to re-home and with Cheeky also being blind in one eye, Miss Mollie’s had their work cut out to find the right person.

However, Jean Davison said Cheeky was “exactly what she was looking for” after losing her rescue Chihuahua Boo last year. Her previous experience with rescues and the amount of time she had to look after a dog meant she was perfect.

Ms Davison said she was looking for another dog to fill the hole Boo left behind and when she saw Cheeky she knew she would fit in.

Last week, Cheeky moved in with Jean and her new sister 10-year-old Chihuahua Pixie. She said:

“Boo had a life with me and I wanted to do that for another dog. Cheeky is absolutely fantastic and has fit in really well.

“The two of them will be great companions, Pixie has been a little jealous but she is always looking behind her to check on Cheeky when we’re out walking.”

Cheeky’s lack of vision means she follows Jean by the sound of her voice, but doing that has meant she’s walked into a few walls! But Jean expects this will become less frequent when Cheeky learns the layout of the house.

Jean said she is looking forward to introducing Cheeky to her friends and family and ensuring she is properly settled in her new home.

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