Cooper

I adopted you in June of 2006 when you were just four months old. You were already as big as Buddy who was full grown. Within a year you grew into my big 100lb baby. You were the sweetest and most gentle boy. Despite the challenges you had in the last few years of your life, you never lost your beautiful fighting spirit. You were diagnosed with Ameloblastoma in December 2015. After eighteen rounds of radiation and a very swollen mouth the cancer was gone. So was the hair on both sides of your face. It did grow back but it came in white and became known as your racing stripes. June of 2018 another cancer diagnosis, Anal Sac Adenocarcinoma. You beat that as well after surgery and four rounds of chemo. February 2019 and a trip to the ER because of a nasty nose bleed led to the diagnosis of a nasal tumor. Your will to live was astounding. With medications you made it another seven months when the average life expectancy was two months. Unfortunately, what appeared to be yet another cancer suddenly and unexpectedly took you from me last week. It has been very difficult adjusting to your absence. The house is so much quieter without you and your Yeti call. No big carpet dog to step over. No more interpretive dance. No more tricking Sam to get off “your” spot on the couch. You were smarter than you let on. After Buddy passed, you and Sam became partners in crime. Double teaming us into doing what you wanted. You were the only dog I know who never had a bath. You HATED water and in nearly 14 years I could barely get you out in the rain, much less a bath. I am convinced that it took all 100lbs of you to contain all that silly personality and sweet soul of yours. I was so lucky to be your mom. I am going to miss my big dufus, my Coops, my Coopersaurus Rex, my Raptor Giganticus, my Yeti, my sweet beautiful boy. Until we meet again at the Rainbow Bridge, I will carry you in my heart. XOXOXOXO February 2006 to October 2, 2109.