When a two-year-old Labrador mix named Coco arrived at the Woodside Animal Rescue Trust in the United Kingdom, staff had no idea what they were about to get into.

The rescue took to Facebook to share about the dog. In the post, they explained that canine alcohol withdrawal was "a first for us."

Photo: Pexels/Tembela Bohle

They went on to say that Coco required intensive care after arriving at the rescue over a month ago following the death of his owner.

While many dogs suffer from separation anxiety following the death of their owner, Coco started to display other worries symptoms, like fits. The rescue said, "Coco continued to be seriously unwell and required round the clock care. It became clear that he was suffering from symptoms that all pointed to alcohol withdrawal. He spent four weeks sedated to help with his withdrawal symptoms and to reduce the risk of further fits."

They're unsure how Coco became an alcoholic, but they know he wouldn't have survived without extensive medical care and treatment.

Thanks to weeks of care, Coco was finally able to ease off medication and learn how to live like a regular dog. However, shelter staff are still working to ensure Coco's mental health is in the right place like his physical health so he can be ready for adoption. They said, "He is not yet ready for adoption and whilst physically he seems to have recovered, mentally he is still very anxious at times."

The rescue was pleased to share an update just a few weeks later that "Co-Co continues to do well and enjoyed some sunshine on his walk today."

Hopefully he continues to recover and make progress mentally so he can find the loving forever home he so deserves!