Coco and Speck
Tails of Friendship and Family
Pets: Coco, a Chocolate Lab mix (5-6 yrs.) and Speck, a 14-year-old Chihuahua-Dachshund-Jack Russel Terrier
Family members' names: Fran, Nancy, and J.R. Williams
How did you find your home?
Coco: I lived in an apartment, and in June 2021, my new family, with a little dog named Speck, kept me from going to the San Marcos shelter.
Speck: While walking in Houston, minding my own business amongst many large construction vehicles, this lady picked me up and told me she didn’t want me to get flattened by a steamroller!
How did you get your name?
Coco: I was already named Coco Chanel – but we kept it simple at Coco.
Speck: The man said I looked like the dog in Pee Wee’s Big Adventure – Speck!
Do you have a unique habit?
Coco: I am like glue with my Mom. I also LOVE to chase squirrels. When I first came to live in Shavano Park, I climbed up two different trees to chase them, a bit of a feat as I weighed 50-55 lbs at the time!
Speck: Since the first night in the house, I got between the lady and the man in bed and burrowed under the covers to their feet. Mom even got me “Speck Stairs” to get up in bed!
Any favorite places to be at home or away from home?
Coco: I love to sun in my yard or travel to our weekend place in Wimberley. I especially like being the center of attention – Mom says they should have named me “Celosa” – Spanish for “jealous.”
Speck: I also love to sun in my yard or travel to our weekend place in Wimberley. I like my dog sister, Coco, but I really love my cat brother, Roo Roo, especially when I pull him across the floor by his neck! He fusses, but when Mom makes me let go, he lies there waiting for more.
How have you enriched your family?
Coco: I am Dad’s best walking buddy and always make Mom’s heart melt when I give her my big brown eyes look. I’m a really sweet girl and get along with both the cats who live here and my sweet dog brother, Speck.
Speck: My family said they have never had a small dog but they love that I sit on their laps and love on them. My easy-going temperament is a blessing, and it was such a joy when Mom and I became a therapy dog team in Houston.