The Very Best Boy

One of my dogs passed away last week.

Cooper, a beautiful Great Pyrenees, was more than just a dog. He was a cherished member of the family and a great big brother to two younger pyrs, Fergus and Beckett.

Coop embodied everything wonderful about the breed. He was a gentle dog, but could show his fierce side when he needed to. He loved it when all that WFH stuff happened and he could FINALLY spend every day with me here in the office. I appreciated his reminders to get up every once in a while and enjoy some Covid-killing sun. Never had a better coworker!

One of my favorite memories of Coop is reflected in the attached photo of him and very tiny puppy Fergus.

Ferg came to us at 5-6 weeks old, far too young to be away from his mama, really. That tiny little eight-pound stinker fell head over heels in love with Coop. Coop, being the kind of boy that he was, took Fergus under his wing and taught him all the ropes — how to walk and guard a perimeter, how to properly roll in the grass, how to howl at the police and fire sirens, how to give puppy-eyes to get treats, how to protect the ones who call you family. You know - all the important stuff pups need to learn.

This photo was taken a week or so after Fergus got here. Fergus looked up to Coop with such awe, and Coop was so careful with his tiny little charge. On this night, they were sitting on the back deck, surveying all that was theirs. It felt almost like Coop was saying to Ferg, "This is going to be all yours to watch over one day. But not today."

That day finally came.

Have you ever had a pet that changed your life? Coop changed ours. He was a very, very good boy.