Dear Cooper,
One year ago yesterday, you came home. You were supposed to be a foster, though!
It became apparent – almost immediately – that the big boys adopted you. They played with you, letting you tug and tug and tug on toys that they held until they got bored, then they’d let you win. I think they instilled in you a tremendous misunderstanding of your own size and strength!
You were pretty stubborn with the potty training. It was cold then, and a few weeks after you came home we got a massive ice storm. You wanted nothing to do with that, even with coats and sweaters. You would stand outside and squeak at us. When it was really cold, you climbed into our sweater or jacket for a little nap. Inside, you loved nothing more than a lap or one of your brothers for a cozy snuggle.
As you got bigger, though, you got very mischievous! You loved to chew furniture, shred rugs, and hide under our bed. There were some frustrating incidents that involved Emmett letting you out of your crate, too.
You have also had a lot of health problems. It took us a long, long time to figure out what was going on, and for that, I’m really sorry. You had to suffer quite a bit while we figured out your combination of food and environmental allergies. You lost fur, got pretty sick, broke out into a rash, and worse. Then you started in on the head tremors. You’re a trouper, though. Each time you tremor, you come out of it ready to play and pounce. Through it all, you’ve stayed pretty spirited!
We took you all sorts of places – Maryland for Thanksgiving, BlogPaws, Petsmart, Petco, and everywhere else we could think of. You made friends at the dog park. You’re an awfully shy guy… except when your brothers are around. We’re working on it. You’re going to doggy daycare, which was tough at first, but now you’re doing great. We take you lots of places and have lots of fun!
The thing is, Cooper, you’re brilliant. You’re much smarter than John and I. We have a tough time keeping up with you!
Here’s what you know so far: the basics (sit, down, etc.), around, over, through, under, back up, crawl, twirl, roll over, bow, speak, high five, right vs. left. You play the shell game where I close my hand around a treat, and you select the correct hand. You’ve mastered a touch stick, and we’re starting to teach you to get our keys and to flip a light switch. Honestly, we can’t keep up with you, but we’re trying!
Your brothers adore you, even though you torment them every night when you go into your “midnight madness” and run around trying to clobber them.
There’s no question that you belonged in this family. But I gotta say: On this anniversary, I’m feeling a little sad that you went from this…
to this.
And this…
to this.
You grew up so fast! You are my darling little bean. Your smile is ridiculously adorable. When you crawl onto my lap for a snooze or wag when I walk into the room, you wrap me around your little paws even more.
I love you, Cooper! Happy anniversary, bean!
Happy Anniversary!
Beautiful post! Happy gotcha day!
Ahhhh, cutest pictures ever! Cooper was a looker then and he’s a looker now. What a sweetheart. Really touching post. I think a lot of us can relate.
Happy Gotcha Day! Isn’t it sad how fast puppies grow? I sometimes look back at Hurley 6 months ago and barely recognize him.
I love the picture of the three of them together! What an adorable pup and a wonderful story of a “failed foster” 🙂
Awwww…what a Most Wonderful postie for a Most Wonderful doggie! Happy Gotcha Day, Cooper. You’re one lucky pup!
Wiggles & Wags,
mayzie
Oh my goodness, little man, I can’t believe its been a year already. I feel so lucky to get to watch you grow up and play with you. I remember that first day you were out of your crate and I called your mom and broke the news that you knew how to escape. You and Emmett were so smart, you challenged your people for a long time. I wonder if you know how lucky you are to have Emmett and Lucas as your brothers. They have been impossibly patient with you and your shenanegans. The thing I love most about your Cooper is your smile and the fact that you give it to me every time I see you. Your parents love you so much and I’m glad that you have only known love. Happy Anniversary to the whole family.
Terrific post. I love that you say your dogs “squeak” too. I have had editors ding me for that. I cannot believe it has been a year already. Good golly do they grow up fast.
He was such a cute puppy!! But he has turned into a very handsome dog.
Happy birthday/anniversary/its great to be Cooper day! Romeo turned 7 last week and Scrappy turns 16 this weekend. I can’t believe how time flies!
Thank you, everyone, for all the kind words!! He’s my little guy (who happens to be ZONKED OUT after a full day of doggy daycare).
@Ann, They’re lucky to have YOU!
@Roxanne, Oh my. They definitely do squeak! 🙂
@Julie, Happy birthday to Romeo and Scrappy!
Cooper we love you.
What a great post.
Aww! Thank you! He’s my guy! (Glad to see you again, by the way!)
Gah!! These pics are ridiculous!! LOVE!