Cooper

Greetings everyone. I hope this blog finds everyone well. It is, again, with a heavy heart that I let everyone know that we have lost another member of our family. Our family in Ohio lost their beloved dog Cooper today. He's been battling his illness for a while now and today it was time to send him back to God. We are so sad for Cliff, Susan, Samantha and Jake. Cooper was such a wonderful dog. I remember little things about Cooper that are making me smile as I write this and I hope they make our Buckeyes smile too. I remember his crazy nails slipping and sliding all over the wood floors in his house and the INSANE excitement he had when someone was at the door. It was a sight! Although, Cooper was not a big fan of other dogs. HAHA! No sir! He was going to protect his family from any other dog that might come close! I remember the story about Susan making either brownies or chocolate chip cookies (I can't recall!) and Cooper eating them all off the counter (that is how we all learned how much chocolate a dog could have!!!). I also remember that crazy obstacle course that he ran through to get out his dog door and into his yard. I was in aww the first time I saw him get there. It reminded me of that game Mouse Trap! Perhaps the garage is arranged differently now, but watching him run around to get to his door was hysterical. I know also in the last few weeks that Susan has been making him anything he wanted to eat and Cliff has been working outside on the house with Cooper at his feet supervising. Samantha and Jake have been playing outside and Cooper was out too - with the neighborhood kids. This is so wonderful! He was so happy! Such a good life for him. Cooper trusted and loved you all and it is perhaps that trust that makes these times that much more difficult. Just know that he is resting now with God.....and Otis. :)
It may seem silly to some but it is in times like these that I find myself somewhat reflective and definitely emotional. Perhaps it is because my pets are like members of my family and to imagine life without them is just something I cannot do. When you stop and think about it, there is so much that we can learn from our pets. Their love is so unconditional. They are loyal to their family. It's the little things with them - a smile, a rub on the head and your voice is all they need. They are so happy to just be with their "people." Maybe through all of this we can learn to take the time to slow down, appreciate the good things in life (like a brownie, a nice walk, or just time spent with our family). I know I will be.
I heard a quote recently and I loved it so I think I will close with that. Cooper we will miss you dearly but you will remain in our hearts and in the happiest memories we have of you.
"Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole."