Our Sweet Cooper.

Cooper was our first "child".  Kevin and I picked her up in May 2004 from a farm in Middleton.  She was born on the farm and feasted on strawberries as a puppy.  She was a sweet little golden retriever that we fell in love with her instantly.  She was timid about most things but fierce about her family.  From the first day we brought each of the girls home, she watched over them with love and care.

Kendall spent endless hours talking with Cooper, playing games and running around the neighborhood together.

Sidney and Cooper were one in the same, both of them sweet and playful.  Cooper put up with so much while these girls were little.  She would just wag her tail and come back for more.

When Cooper was one years old, Kevin and I both had to spend the summer away from home.  Kevin was in Afghanistan.  I was working in Denver.  Cooper spent the summer with my mom.  As we all know, sending a child to grandma's house means only one thing...spoiled!  Cooper came home with a bandanna around her neck and a penchant for treats.

They say that a dog is a man's best friend.  I believe this to be true.  Since Kevin has been diagnosed with cancer, Cooper literally would not leave his side.  When Kevin would go to the bathroom, Cooper would lay outside the door.  When Kevin would take a bath, Cooper would stand at the edge of the tub.  It was almost comical to see him trip over her everywhere he walked.

This past year, Cooper had her 12th birthday, which would be 84 years in the dog world.  Her body had started to slow down, but her heart and mind were still that of a puppy.  On Wednesday, Kevin returned from a trip with his brother.  On Thursday, Cooper sat next to Kevin all morning while Kevin rubbed her back.  She was very tired.  Kevin and I left to get a bite to eat,  When we came home, Cooper had decided it was time to go.  Our sweet Cooper, she will be missed!