Shattered.

Cooper died this morning, with me whispering into his ear what a good dog he was.

To my dearest, dearest boy Cooper:

From the moment I found you as a puppy in a snow bank over 10 years ago, every day with you has been filled with little indescribable joys.  I didn't think it was possible for a dog to make a person want to be a better person, but that is exactly how you made me feel.  You worked your way into our hearts, and added brightness and life to our little home.

No one could have asked for a better dog.  Tolerant, smart, loyal and patient are but a few words used to describe you.  You loved us unconditionally, and your excitement as we walked through the door each and every time was unwavering until the end.   So many people commented that you were an unbelievable dog, and they were spot-on.  A dog like you comes along but once in a lifetime, and you were our lifetime dog.

Thank you Cooper, for being our best friend through thick and thin. 

Thank you Cooper, for opening our hearts.

Thank you Cooper, for helping me through some of the darkest days of my life, and for sticking by my side as I'd cry into my pillow, trying to console me by thumping your tail as hard as you could.  Your concern was not lost on me.

Thank you Cooper, for being there with us, each and every day.

 Thank you Cooper, for your curiosity, your drive and your devotion.

Thank you Cooper.  You were our foreman, par excellence.  We couldn't have done it without you.

Thank you Cooper, for humouring us.  We never laughed at you, but we always laughed with you.

Thank you Cooper, for being dignified.  We meant well with the Muttlucks, we really did.

Thank you Cooper, for being Cooper - always willing and ready to please.

Thank you Cooper, for convincing me to lay on the grass with you and watch the skies.

Thank you Cooper, for loving your girlfriend Tika like you did, and all the hours you spent jumping off her dock.  I know she's waiting for you on the other side, wagging her tail.  May you now both run like the wind - together forever.

Thank you Cooper, for your grace and acceptance of all those cats who came after your arrival. (See the little melted paw-prints besides Coopie's feet?  They were Amelia's).

Thank you Cooper, for always being game, and thanks to our friends for spoiling you.

This is not how I expected things to end, and I don't know what more to say to you all.  To know Cooper was to love Cooper.  He melted hearts, he won over those afraid of dogs, and was an all-around amazing doggy ambassador.  The best of the best.

We were so lucky to have you in our life, and so, so sorry to see you go.

You were such a brave, brave boy, never showing us you were sick.  I am so, so sorry...words fail.

Godspeed, my boy, Godspeed.

May you now run like the wind.

Run like the wind, Cooper.