FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – A helpless little dog who suffered abuse from previous owners is getting a new leash on life and a new loving home.
Local 10 News first told you about Coco last month.
His previous owners were arrested after the Broward Sheriff’s Office said the 22-pound border collie mix was struck 20 times with a brick, his mouth and paws were duct-taped and he was chained to a car.
Authorities charged 56-year-old Alma de la Rosa with animal cruelty.
De la Rosa first told police her ex-husband committed the heinous abuse, but police said surveillance video told another story.
Edward and Cindy Caden saw Coco’s story and knew right away they had to take in the precious pup.
Before the couple moved to west Florida, Cindy had volunteered at the Broward County Animal Shelter.
The shelter agreed to release Coco to the Cadens with the provision that he would immediately be transported to a veterinary hospital there.
Coco now lives with two giant German shepherds, one of whom is extremely protective of him.
He also has a new name: Chance.
The Cadens said they picked the name because the little guy is getting a new chance at a good life.
Chance is expected to make a full recovery.
The Cadens plan to keep in contact with the Broward State Attorney’s Office, and have even discussed the possibility of bringing Chance to court so all can see just how defenseless he was when he was violently abused.