Copper Dog

I was five years old and on my way to go get my first dog. A family friend had just had a litter of beagles and he said I could come pick one out if my parents let me. My parents were very understanding and didn't take that opportunity away. As we got to the man’s house there were only three dogs left. Two girls, and a boy. I picked out the boy thanked the man and held him in my arms as we walked to the car. His brown face and floppy ears rested in my arms as I climbed into the truck. As we drove down the road I was all smiles and brain storming names. When we got home we let him run around the yard, I was so happy to finally have a dog that was mine.

We have wood floors in our house and it wasn't something the new puppy had experienced yet. As he ran around the house he had no control sliding around corners as he chased me he would slam into the walls, then take off after me again. One time he thought he would get clever and take off outside our slider door that he thought was open. He found out otherwise after he crashed into the screen door that brought him to a halt. I finally decided on the name Copper which was inspired by my favorite movie Fox and the Hound.

The years went by and that dog was my best friend. Whether we were hunting for rabbits, playing fetch, wrestling, or chasing him around town because his curious hound nose took him out of the yard. I had so much fun with my new pup. As the years went on Copper watched me grow, begged for scraps at the table and cuddled in blankets with me on the couch. He was truly a man’s best friend, but at the time a boys best friend.

By the time my senior year rolled around Copper was slowing down. Something had got to him that made him LOVE water. The dog would drink water until he could barely walk. He would disappear in the yard for a few minutes, then come walking back looking as if he had swallowed a watermelon. As I went off to college I had to leave him behind and he wasn't doing the best. Copper got too sick to be able to move. Even though I loved the dog so much I couldn't bare see him the way he was. It came to a point where he was never peppy, and couldn't see well or hear. It was the hardest choice I ever had to make when we had to put him down. We made a good run. The dog knew more than any of my family because I could tell him anything. He is now in doggy heaving lapping up water and chasing rabbits. No dog will ever replace Copper, but I will see him again someday. Rest in peace Copper.