Cooper was the beloved 11-year old boxer of one of our volunteers.

Cooper was born in upstate New York, where he spent the first 6 years of his life, eating lamb shanks, prime rib, spare ribs, eggs, and McDonald’s Happy Meals.  He rode in the front seat of the car with his owner.  When his owner got out of the car to run errands, Cooper often found himself behind the wheel of the car, looking like he was the driver.  He was an instant celebrity in his hometown.  Everyone knew and loved Cooper from the bank tellers to the Mayor.

When his owner fell ill, he entrusted Cooper’s care to his Granddaughter.  The two quickly became inseparable.  They had a bond that seemed to be shared by non other.   Cooper’s new life began with a strict diet and exercise regimen, which he fully protested at first.  He looked at “dogâ€� food like something foreign, but grew to like it.  Before he knew it, Cooper lost almost 50 pounds and was considered to be the ideal weight for a Boxer.  He would run and run, sometimes stopping and taking it in, almost as if to say…â€�look at me! I can RUN!â€�…

He loved the outdoors.  Sitting outside under a tree at his favorite house with his favorite people-watching yard work being done and people passing by was one of Cooper’s favorite pastimes.  He adored the game of catch and just would not give that ball up if you were unlucky enough to lose during the game. 

Taking walks around the block was gave him so much joy-and meeting people along the way made him happy.  He loved to hear what a beautiful boy he was. 

Most of all, Cooper LOVED to go for rides in the car.  There was nothing better than riding around with his paw on the door, almost as if he were steering himself.  It gave him so much to look forward to when a R-I-D-E was mentioned as a reward for being a good boy!

As Cooper grew older, and began to grey, he became the most distinguished little man anyone had ever seen.  He took growing older in stride, and let his little sister, Juliette know when he’d had enough playing, and was ready to relax.  In his older years, he enjoyed chewing on ride hides and his Kone treat with peanut butter, and sitting and watching television with his Mommy and Daddy.   He was innately smart, also…he knew there were things that Mom would allow that Dad wouldn’t.  For example, he knew that as soon as Dad left for work, it was ok to jump on the bed and lay with Mom while she got ready for work.  It was incredible…the second the door would slam-up he’d go! 

Cooper was a dashing, incredibly affectionate boy.  For every minute of joy they were able to provide him with, he gave that back to them hundred-fold.  Without doubt, his passing has left a void in their lives and hearts that will never be filled.  Words cannot express how much they will miss him every day.  Memories and pictures provide comfort, yet he is desperately missed.      

Cooper was laid to rest in a beautiful ceremony surrounded by those who loved him most.  His owners know one day, they will  meet at the Rainbow Bridge and be together forever.