10/28/2025
A Tribute for Cooper 🐾💜
"Our Loving, Curious, and Adventuresome Cooper –
Fourteen years ago, Mom found your picture online and said, “We have to go get this cute little teddy bear.” I was thinking to myself, “I don’t want a small dog.” I didn’t know then, but there was never anything small about you (other than your size).
We brought you home and promptly left on a 2½-week vacation overseas. We arranged for you to stay with a dog trainer who was going to use the time to teach you some basic skills. When we arrived to pick you up, there you sat with three large German Shepherds – your police dog training buddies. The trainer told us how well you had done and that you had more than held your own with your large companions. He did not normally like working with small dogs, but there was just something very special about you.
Over the years, your larger-than-life personality shone brightly. Each of our nine grandchildren got to know and love you. When they came to visit, you were always the first family member they wanted to hug as Gma and Gpa patiently waited their turn.
You had a huge heart full of love, which you gave to us every day, unconditionally. When one of us was sick or hurting, you instinctively knew. You would crawl up beside us and not leave our side until we were better.
It is hard to believe that just three months ago, you were chasing our youngest grandchildren around the golf course like you were still a puppy. It’s been difficult to watch you decline and to see the light in your eyes fade. We are happy you’re no longer hurting, but you being gone leaves a very big hole in our hearts.
We love you, little buddy, beyond all the stars in heaven, and we will miss you big time."
Read Cooper's full tribute on our website.