RIP Copper. We Will Miss You.

We are completely saddened by the loss of my parent's dog Copper. He was on the larger end of the miniature Dauschund . He was 11 years old. He was given to my parents when he was just a couple years old. He immediately became a part of the family. With his prairie dog trick, his rat face, and is loud barking and snarling, we all loved him tremendously. Lately he had been showing signs of his aging, but still always wanted to jump up into the chairs or onto the couch. Who would have thought that one of his favorite things would be what we end up hurting him so much?

Last night he tried to jump up into the chair and fell backwards. From what I was told, you could tell that he was in a lot of pain. It did not seem too bad at first, but it ended up getting worse as the night went on. By the time he was taken to the emergency vet, he could not move the back half of his body. After a long time, the vet said to call back in the morning to see if the steroids had reduced the swelling. This morning there was no change. Their choices were limited; take him out of the pain he was in, let him stay in a cage in his current condition (he would have absolutely HATED this), or take him four hours away for an expensive surgery that may or may not help him. So, when my parents went to see him before making the decision, they saw the absolute pain and confusion in his eyes. At first he reacted to mom, but then later he did not. They left again to talk it over and I am sure pray about what is the best decision for Copper. And then they made the most difficult decision, they decided to end his pain. I am sure it was heart breaking to make that decision. I would not wish that feeling or decision on anyone ever.

Copper, we will miss you forever. You were a great dog. You were a warm body when mom was feeling sick, you were a protector when she was feeling sad, you were a playmate and friend for your sweetheart Honey, but most of all, you were a member of our family. You will never be forgotten. We love you.