As a young child growing up, we always had pets at home, dogs specifically, so when I went off to college it was a big adjustment not having one around. I was pre-occupied with social gatherings and my schoolwork but always loved coming back to our family dog. It just felt like home. So, when I graduated, I really wanted to get my first pet as an adult on my own. As fate would have it, I met a boy and those plans halted - he wanted to travel, go and do and not have a dog to worry about getting back to take out or plan around. When we broke up 6 years later, I was pretty upset so damn it – I was getting the dog I always wanted.

I decided that it would be better for me to adopt vs get a puppy based on my work schedule and a few other factors, so I submitted my application with Lab Rescue later that day. They do a wonderful job for anyone looking to go that route. They did an at home interview and place you with the dog that they think would be best for you. A few weeks had gone by, and I was working through all the emotions of getting over a 6-year relationship, so time was of the essence, but I also wanted to trust the system (my dad isn’t quite as patient). He had been stalking their website since I had applied and noticed an adoption event later that day about 45 minutes away. He said get in the car – we’re going to get you a dog. We loaded up and drove to the mall where the event was being held. I instantly had reservations about going in… If I go in, that’s it – I know myself - I’m not looking one of those dogs in the eye and leaving them there so my dad said you stay here, I’ll go in and see what this is all about it and let you know if you should come in. Deal.

My phone rang as my dad was inside the event. It was the lady that had interviewed me with Lab Rescue – I anxiously answered the phone and she said, “I’ve found the perfect dog for you.” It was around the time that the Tuscaloosa Alabama tornados had rolled through and there were a lot of dogs misplaced due to the storms. They brought some of those down to Florida to help find them new homes. My dad came back outside, and I told him the news. We drove straight there. I walked in and just knew – he’s the one. I came back the next day to pick him up – he jumped right in the car, laid down on my lap and let out the biggest sigh. I like to think he knew too…

From that moment on, we were inseparable. Over the next 11 years he was there. 5 different homes/moves, roommates, boyfriends, big life events, deaths in the family, good times, bad times. My friends and family always joked because that dog wouldn’t let me out of his site. I turn the corner and he’s coming too. We were attached at the hip, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Life played out a little different for me, those relationships didn’t work out and to this point, I don’t have kids, so it was just the two of us. He had a slew of health problems (seizures, heartworm, torn ACL, cancer – you name it) but was such a tough boy. He eventually got another type of cancer a few years after beating the first with a very complicated surgery (shoutout to UF vet school, they are the real deal and huge shout out to Dr. Holly Daniels – the timing of her friendship was definitely sent from above). I thought that one was going to get him, we went to a number of appointments and treatments, but nothing seemed to work. After a little, I knew he’d much rather be at home than spend the day at a vet’s office so that’s what we did. Turns out the cancer didn’t get him, his body just started to wear out. He was still loyal and dedicated as hell though – I’d leave the room and he’d watch the entire time, even barking if I was gone too long – he was letting me know it had been too long and was time to come back over near him. He was having troubles getting up and around and eventually couldn’t get up at all. It was time.

I couldn’t imagine the thought of him spending his last few moments looking for me alone on a sterile floor or table at the vet’s office. It wasn’t happening. Thankfully God sent me a friend who went above and beyond for him. I text Holly and let her know. Her husband Dr. Jimmy Kidwell is also an incredible vet and they both arrived at my house after getting off work on Saturday, September 2, 2023. I had been crying for about 3 days straight at that point and was a hot mess. Not sleeping and staring at the clock as each second ticked down towards their arrival.

The time came, they both arrived and were honestly the only reason I even got through it. Both so sweet and empathetic – took all the time I needed. We all cried, talked about the things he loved (swimming was his absolute favorite, you couldn’t get that boy out of the pool). It was an awful experience, but I was so thankful for their friendship and that moment. Coop passed away peacefully in his favorite spot at home. They helped take him from my house – I didn’t want to see that – and handled all the details.

I had always wanted to do something to honor my best bud. When he was diagnosed with cancer the first time, I played around with some ideas, but nothing really stuck. In that moment, it came to me so easily. I was very blessed to have the shittiest of experiences be a little less shitty. I thought of all the people out there that don’t have that comfort. I thought of the elderly that can’t even get to the vet and those less fortunate that don’t have the means to do so. Their pets are their entire world, they are losing their world and devastated, now money is the issue? F*ck. I know there are services out there that offer in home euthanasia, but they aren’t cheap. I would have taken out a second mortgage on my home not to have to take him into a vet’s office in his final moments. Thankfully I’m not in that situation but others are.

So, here's to you Coop – thanks to you, we’re going to help as many people as we can - whatever that number ends up being. Cheers to making a shitty experience, a little less shitty. Love you forever bud.