|
 |
|
| Name: |
Copper
|
Age: |
Eight years old
|
| Gender: |
Male |
Breed: |
Dog
|
| Home: |
Boston, Massachusetts, USA |
Copper came to me halfway through my sophomore year of college, when most of my friends, family, and general acquaintance thought it was sheer madness to be taking on a 60-pound, emotionally dependent responsibility. However, I insisted I was ready, and he ended up being the best thing that ever happened to me (not to mention a perfect excuse to stay in, instead of going out to college parties).
Copper came from Colorado Cell Dogs, a program that rescues dogs from all over and then places them with prison inmates who are responsible for their training. Copper already knew sit, down, stay, heel, shake, "bang" or play dead, and high- five when I took him home on my birthday. He has since picked up a bunch of new treats, including "still" where we put a treat on his nose and make him hold still until we give him a command to catch it.
Copper graciously allowed my husband to join our little family, and proudly walked down the aisle at our wedding. He behaved himself perfectly during the ceremony and got to wear his own flower collar.
Copper is very popular in our neighborhood park - everybody wants to know what breed he is, but we haven't bothered with a DNA test. Whatever he is, he's the perfect dog for my active husband and I. Despite being nearly nine years old, he still has the sweet face (and boundless energy) of a puppy, and goes with us for runs, hikes, and swims at the nearby beach. He recently went for a ten-mile run and had plenty of energy left over, only nine months after having surgery to repair a torn knee ligament.
Whenever he does slow down, Copper takes up most of our bed. He's very spoiled, deservedly so since he's such a good boy. He loves peanut butter and his greatest joy in life is playing in fresh snow. To us, Copper is the Dog of the Century - but I think he'll settle for "Dog of the Day" too.
|
|
|
 |
|
