A Tribute to Cooper - Much More Than a Dog

 

Three and a half years ago we met Cooper. A mini schnauzer-pitbull mix, he had been mistreated for 8 long years, and had been used as a "bait dog", purposely made aggressive by people who do not belong in the human race.

The first time I met Coop, he bit me! And whereas we already had four other mini schnauzers and two cats, it did not look like there could possibly be a home with us - a "rescue" that was unlikely to ever be rescued. So, we told the shelter people to take him back - it could not possibly work. And Cooper was destined to be put down.

But the next day we were back at the shelter, to bring the boy home with us. One way or another, Cooper was going to have a loving home for whatever time he had left. We would find a way to make it work.

And work is what it took. But it wasn't long before Cooper came to understand that he finally had a home. A family. And people who loved him. And he loved us back.

The first thing we did was remove the spike collar that had the spikes on the inside, to make it easier to control him. He never saw that monstrosity again. He had a huge yard to romp in, and 13 acres to roam with his new brothers and sisters. And for the next three and a half years, Cooper spent the evenings in my wife's lap, and his days playing, sleepng, and, of course, eating! There was no doubt he was finally happy. He knew he was home. We had rescued him - and he had rescued us!

Lately, Cooper had been losing his senses, which caused him to be easily startled, and was suffering from arthritis. And this would bring out his earlier training as a bait dog - to snap and bite in what he deemed to be self-defense. And we realized, much to our sorrow, that while we were able to rescue Cooper from his present, we could not rescue him from his past.

Having attacked the other dogs and hurting them when he was startled, we knew it was time to let Cooper - that sweet, loving friend - return to the arms of the Lord.

Today we said good-bye to him.  We stayed with him to the end. And for the first time in over 60 years I am crying. And my wife is crying, uncontrollably. Crying for Cooper, who was cheated. Crying for us - also cheated. And all because some people who are not worthy of life had ruined so much of his.

We love you, Cooper! And we will forever miss you. And in spite of the hurt we now feel, having you in our lives these last few years has been worth it, in spades!

Good-bye, sweet, loving friend...

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