A Letter to my Boo on his Birthday

Dear Cooper,

I often referred to you as the “dog I never wanted” but you quickly became the “dog I couldn’t live without”. I didn’t know how deeply and profoundly you would change my life from that first day I brought you home. I took my responsibility as your forever dog momma very seriously and did everything I could to protect you, nurture you and love you. The biggest reward I could ever wish for in return was to see your bum wiggle out of control. You brought me so much joy with your zest for life. You opened up my world to new friends on our daily walks that I wouldn’t have met otherwise. You taught me what it is to love unconditionally. You showed me how to be persistent to get whatever you want (treats!). You trained me to cave in and eventually give you dinner 15 minutes early. You never let me sit on my butt too long before needing more water in your dish, wanting playtime or going out for a walk.

December 2009 – the day I brought you home

You touch the hearts of many in your path, with your gentle demeanour. You are my handsome and beautiful boy. You are definitely momma’s boy but there was always room for poppa’s love too.

August 2015 – 6 years old

We have walked together for so many years, through many homes; from the beginning when you dragged me everywhere, to the middle when we dragged you across the country, to the end when I dragged you around in a stroller.

For the last 8 months, we had a tough road to follow and you were a trooper. From chronic ear infections, a thyroid condition, laryngeal paralysis, ultrasound, blood work, oncology, thyroid cancer, surgery, more blood work, dermatology, seizures, tons of medication, appointments, numerous hospital stays and not to mention the hottest summer temperatures you have seen in your lifetime. You were poked and prodded too many times to count. Taken into so many vet hospitals without your momma (thank you corona). I did it all with your best interests at heart, to help you feel better and give you a chance for better quality of life….until I couldn’t anymore. We are so lucky to have many wonderful friends who supported us in any way they could through this trying time. I’m sure the ladies at the shop all miss you and I know Hiro & Kaiju will always look for you on our walks.

October 2017 – 8 years old

I treasure the times we spent camped out on the dining room floor together under the air conditioner. I loved making a bean bag bed on the bedroom floor so you could sleep on the edge of my quilt. I do regret not putting the mattress on the floor sooner so you could curl up at my feet or try to steal poppa’s side of the bed before he got there. Poppa loved throwing the ball in the hallway for you since you wouldn’t play fetch in the park. He knew how much you loved it when he played music by the way you laid right in front of the speaker.

Your poppa and I miss your furry jingles, and using the force to make you lie in your bed. We miss your big nose and droopy lips going places where they don’t belong. We miss those ears and your grunts. And believe it or not, I miss those early morning wake up calls for potty time and even your stinky breath. I can’t say that I miss the smells from your other end, but I would have put up with that if even for one more day.

December 2017 – 8 years old

Today is your 12^th birthday. I had hoped you would make it this far but I had grave doubts that you would. We could not bear to watch you suffer any more. Although our suffering has begun with the huge void you left in our home, we can take comfort in knowing you are now free. We keep your bed in the bedroom with your toys and there will always be room beside us for you to walk or a piece of our blanket to lie on.

June 2020 – 11 years old

To the dog I never wanted but couldn’t live without….I am fumbling trying to figure out how to actually live without you.

To our Wookie, Teddy Man, Schlabbi, Schleggi, Schnuffi, Schdinki, Schissi…there are not many beings I have loved as fiercely as I love you.

Happy Birthday Boo…you pawed your way in, stole my heart and that is where you will remain for the rest of my life.

Say hi to my momma and Charlie, love your momma xo

To all of the vets and staff at South Burnaby Vet Hospital (Dr. Kates, Dr. Ford), Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital (Dr. Herrera, Dr. Crawford) & North West Veterinary Dermatology Services (Dr. Udenberg) for everything you did to help Cooper (and his momma) through his many crises. Forever grateful.