Cacao

Adoption Profile

Background

Cocoa is a 4-year-old Mastiff × Shepherd mix who weighs approximately 110 lbs. She spent her formative years confined to an outdoor pen with her sister and son, Rex, where she experienced neglect, abuse, and frequent conflict.

Tilcho Animal Care Society stepped in to rescue Cocoa and Rex. After spending time at Qimmiq Kennels, Cocoa was transferred to our behavioural lead in Edmonton, Alberta, where she began her rehabilitation journey.

Cocoa has made incredible progress and is now fully rehabilitated and ready for her forever home.

Personality & Temperament

Cocoa is a deeply affectionate, loving, and goofy girl. She has a wonderful mix of snuggly energy and high goofball energy. She loves her people and wants to be a true companion.

She is incredible off leash and spectacular with children. She even has a special talent for doing her signature wiggle-butt dance between your legs!

Cocoa would do best with someone experienced with giant-breed dogs who is looking for a devoted companion rather than simply a pet.

Dog Friendly

Yes, with slow introductions. Cocoa needs time to become comfortable with new dogs, but once she settles in, she can become their very best friend.

Cat Friendly

No. Cocoa has a high prey drive and will attempt to hunt cats and rabbits.

Kid Friendly

Yes! Cocoa is wonderful with children. She naturally lowers her energy and adjusts her play strength to be gentle and appropriate around kids.

Leash Skills

Cocoa walks on leash without pulling but is still relatively new to leash walking. She may occasionally get herself—and her handler—tangled up as she learns.

House Trained

Yes. Cocoa has had zero reported accidents over two months.

Food & Training

Cocoa is not food picky and is essentially a bottomless pit!

She is clicker- and whistle-trained, kennel trained, and understands that she should defer to her humans rather than handle situations herself. She is learning sit, stay, and come. She can have occasional stubborn moments, but a firm verbal reminder helps reset her.

Vehicle Behaviour

Excellent! Cocoa travels wonderfully. She is comfortable free-roaming in the vehicle, happily watching out the windows, rolling around, and enjoying the ride.

Medical

Cocoa is spayed and up to date on all vaccinations.

Important Behavioural Note

Because of Cocoa's past, intense aggression, hostility, or threatening behaviour can cause her to enter a deep fear response. When frightened, she may hide and can react defensively—even toward people she trusts.

If Cocoa becomes fearful, give her space and leave her alone. Do not pursue or pressure her. She will typically reset and come back to check in with you within approximately 10 minutes.

Ideal Home

Cocoa would do best with an experienced adopter or foster familiar with giant breeds and committed to building a relationship based on trust, patience, and positive reinforcement.

She has worked incredibly hard to get where she is today. Now she is ready for the family who will love her for the goofy, affectionate, and remarkable girl she is. ❤️