My mind has been spinning with the recent development of Cooper’s imminent departure from our lives. All of my reactions, concerns, and fears are nothing that every steward of a companion animal has not experienced. Cooper is special, but so is every relationship between a human and their favorite companion. I have been crushed before with the loss of a dog, and then I get up and do it again. Why?
Here is my latest theory. It is about relationships and living life as it was intended. Cooper was our first “working” dog, and in the last 8 years, we have been working together. Compared to my prior relationships with other great dogs, this one seems to have raised the bar on what defines a balanced and reciprocal relationship, a true partnership. Cooper’s numerous successes and achievements over his short but rich life were a joint effort with symbiotic benefits. The ribbons, titles, and accolades are the sum total of 8 years of working together as a team, Cooper, Patrice, and me.
As I look at his wall of ribbons from hunt tests, show rings, and obedience competitions, I don’t see bragging rights. I see days of training together by ourselves, doing what we loved, and being in the moment together. Each ribbon is just a milestone along our daily path of acknowledging that we have done this together. No rights, no wrongs, no second places. Just get up in the morning and fully participate with the task at hand. Walk the neighborhood to confirm that nothing significant has been moved, saying hello to the lady we see every morning at the bus stop on 29th avenue, or adding another found tennis ball to the collection. Delivering a pheasant to hand in the high desert of Oregon’s sage country is as meaningful to Cooper as supervising the street crews who repaired the water mains in front of our house.
Even as Cooper is clearly fading, getting thinner every day, his attitude is as robust as ever. From now, until the last moment we can no longer do what this working dog loves to do, everyday will be a day of retrieving, swimming, and inventing new rules to break. Two days after his diagnosis turned my world upside down, we headed to the field to do what had to be done. Work. Not fast, but with full commitment.
Cooper is no longer doing 20′ dock diving entries into the water, but a 6′ leap is good enough. The lesson Cooper is trying to teach his partner, is that willpower is not what is required to muscle through the tough times. It is an inbred passion for working everyday and to the fullest that reveals the meaning of life. Cooper is not an easy dog, and some say I am not an easy person. But if every day of every week is utilized, with just microscopic improvements, two steps forward, one step back, then life defines its own purpose. No need to find a muse, search for a guru, or hire a life coach. Just live with a working dog, and work.
Thank you, Cooper.
I feel blessed to have met you – Russ, Patrice, and the fascinating Cooper – just recently through your posts as one of my five English labs was just diagnosed (first by me and my researching the symptoms, then by a veterinary dermatologist) with SLO, and my research led to your website. I have spent much time reading about Cooper – his antics and his outlook on life – like guarding the house when the new line was being put in.
Now, all to soon, Cooper will be joining those dogs whom we have loved and who have left us with a huge hole in our hearts as well as a wealth of wonderful memories and lessons in how to live life to its fullest.
My thoughts and sympathy are with you.
Malou
Russ- that was beautiful! Tears are flowing down my cheeks! I remember the day I discovered Cooper on the web. I sat there for hours pinning to own a dog like Cooper. Then to be so fortunate to have one of Tooey’s first born, made my connection with Cooper so much more personal. I am truly grieving for and with you. Prayers/ Kathy Kiefer
Go raibh tú i gcónaí ar siúl na réimsí glasa in aice le Muir heavenly Éireannach
Cooper, you have inspired my IWS, Murphy,
to ” Go For It!!”…..thank you boy.
Patrice, Russ,
Our love is yours….
Sincerely,
Margo & Ms. Murphy
And along the way, Russ, you and Patrice have shown us what can be done and what joy can be had afield with the dogs, the birds and the guns. You’ve raised the bar for the rest of us!
Russ and Patrice, I am very, very sad to learn of Cooper’s physical condition. While we have all had dogs that we love, seldom does a dog come into our lives that changes us, and so completely weaves themselves into the tapestry of our life experiences the way Cooper has done for you both. You learned the lessons Cooper wanted to teach you and now it’s time for him to move on. In the words of the wonderful Dr. Seuss, “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.” Cooper will live on in your memories, and in the way you live your life. Peace to you and Cooper,
Heidi
What a beautiful story of a man and his dog. Thank you for sharing Russ, hard to read without tears , knowing the love we give and get from these amazing dogs. Know that Cooper feels your pain and will try to please you more. When the time comes he may ask you for permission to leave and it will be peaceful for him. I hope, for everyone sake that there will be no suffering. Hugs to you and Patrice.