Non Wedding Wednesday

Today was a rough day as my parents had to put down Cooper, our families Golden Retriever dog for the past 12 and a half years. Most dog owners would agree with me when I say that dogs become such a large part of our lives, we treat them like our children, let them sleep in our beds, take them to the doctors more often than we take ourselves, and if anything like all the dogs that have been a part of my life over the years, we let them get away with pretty much anything.

Cooper wearing what appears to be a bow-tie

Cooper wasn’t an angel by any means. When he wasn’t lounging by or swimming in the family pool he was most likely stealing the books or clothes of those individuals who were lounging or swimming. He once ate a T-shirt in its entirety which had to be surgically removed. He once ate a ten dollar bill. He once ate just the crotch out of a pair of friend’s underwear which we later joked were “crotch-less panties”. He was notorious for knocking drinks over or stealing napkins off the table at family gatherings. He buried our books and clothes under the porch in three feet of dirt. He stole tomatoes from the neighbors garden. He once received an offer in the mail for a subscription to Playboy magazine (we're still not sure who did that). He ate many a dishtowels, slippers, socks, toys, you name it; he ate it. But after all that, I don’t think we would change who or what he was for a second. He filled our family home with love ever since my parents arrived home from the breeders twelve and a half years ago with that little golden fluff ball donning a big red bow.

Cooper lounging by the pool with cousin Bailey

Cooper spent many nights protecting our home and waiting up for us on those late summer nights. He was man and woman’s best friend, a companion, entertainment, and a conversation piece. His mischief kept us on our toes and his innocent nature made us laugh and love him more. He wasn’t just our family pet; he was a member of our family.

Loosing a pet never gets any easier, I have never forgotten nor will I ever forget any of the wonderful pets we have lost over the years. They will all forever hold a special place and memory in my heart.

Do me just one favor in memory of Cooper, be sure to give your pets an extra long hug and a kiss tonight when you get home. I know I will.

Cooper in his younger years as a Christmas Bunny

Cooper and cousin Riley on a snow day over Christmas break

Cooper hanging with new cousin OC (Oliver Cooper)

Have you ever lost a pet? How did you fare?

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