Cooper
A donation was made in memory of Cooper by Drs. Goebel, Batdorf, Stidham, Hamack and Meyer at Vista Veterinary Hospital on Jun 13, 2019.
Cooper was the product of a backyard breeder. Not my usual or preferred way to adopt a pet, but the entire litter was an unwanted mistake. The plan was for Shih tzu / Poodles, and the reality was Shih tzu / Dachshunds. This was before "designer" dogs were an in thing and the breeder was having a hard time placing the puppies. Cooper being the runt of the litter was the last to be adopted.
When I brought him home, he was 3-1/2 months old and less than 3 pounds. Even though small, he was always the biggest personality of all my dogs. And biggest challenge to train as he thought he was alpha (and my protector) LOL.
About a year later I started working in South Carolina on a temporary duty assignment. Cooper flew back and forth across the country with me several times. This is just one example of many adventures we had together.
I suspect one of his least favorite adventures though was almost becoming snack food for a great horned owl. While I was living in SC, I let him out in the middle of the night, and before I was done doing my business, I heard this horrendous racket outside. I ran to the back door, and Coop was on his hind legs pawing frantically against the French door to be let in, plus making all kinds of noises I'd never heard him make before (or after). I could not figure out what had happened as my tiny fenced backyard was empty. No evidence of an intruder. But it sure freaked me, and him, out. He wouldn't settle down and eventually I heard the hoot hoot of an owl, which increased Coop's agitation. I used the internet to research owls native to SC that would be big enough to scoop up a 7 lb dog. Ah ha, great horned owl. My suspicions were completely confirmed when I was petting him a few days later and discovered a puncture wound on his neck. Yikes! Close call.
It would not be last time Coop had a close call. Dr Batdorf at Vista Vet said he had 9 lives, and was "one tough little guy."
Anyway, enough stories. Cooper was such a delight to get to share life with him. My life was enriched. See ya on the other side, Coop! :-)
When I brought him home, he was 3-1/2 months old and less than 3 pounds. Even though small, he was always the biggest personality of all my dogs. And biggest challenge to train as he thought he was alpha (and my protector) LOL.
About a year later I started working in South Carolina on a temporary duty assignment. Cooper flew back and forth across the country with me several times. This is just one example of many adventures we had together.
I suspect one of his least favorite adventures though was almost becoming snack food for a great horned owl. While I was living in SC, I let him out in the middle of the night, and before I was done doing my business, I heard this horrendous racket outside. I ran to the back door, and Coop was on his hind legs pawing frantically against the French door to be let in, plus making all kinds of noises I'd never heard him make before (or after). I could not figure out what had happened as my tiny fenced backyard was empty. No evidence of an intruder. But it sure freaked me, and him, out. He wouldn't settle down and eventually I heard the hoot hoot of an owl, which increased Coop's agitation. I used the internet to research owls native to SC that would be big enough to scoop up a 7 lb dog. Ah ha, great horned owl. My suspicions were completely confirmed when I was petting him a few days later and discovered a puncture wound on his neck. Yikes! Close call.
It would not be last time Coop had a close call. Dr Batdorf at Vista Vet said he had 9 lives, and was "one tough little guy."
Anyway, enough stories. Cooper was such a delight to get to share life with him. My life was enriched. See ya on the other side, Coop! :-)
