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Unconditional Love

By
Real Estate Agent with EXP Realty LLC PA# AB068929

Hannah, Jacob & Cooper

Hannah, Jacob & Cooper

"He taught me about friendship and selflessness and, above all else, unwavering loyalty."

.... John Grogan, Marley & Me

 

It's amazing to me how quickly you can give your heart, when someone (or something) gives so fully to you. Such was the case with the little stray beagle that appeared at my home just over a month ago. I was tending to my horses at the run-in shed, when I heard a vehicle slow down, and a little girl shout "Bye Bye Puppy." I looked up to see the vehicle speeding away, and an adorable young Beagle running full speed towards me.

That was my introduction to "Cooper" as my kids named him. The name was a mistaken memory from the Fox & the Hound Disney movie. But even after we realized it was Copper, we still preferred Cooper, as it was my grandmother's maiden name (Coop was her nickname), as well as the last name of several good friends. :-)

I think they may have chosen our farm, because it was formerly owned by a prominent local veterinarian, who sold it to us when he retired. Perhaps they couldn't afford him anymore and thought it was kinder than taking him to the shelter.One of those things I never thought about when purchasing this farm... ;-)

This little dog was so, so sweet. Just wanted to be with you all the time. He loved the kids so much. They fell in love with him. Cooper got along with all the other dogs, and was very, very obedient. For the life of me, I could not figure out why somebody would ever dump this dog, unless it was dire financial circumstances.  I called the vet and the shelters to report him found, but we had pretty much decided that if somebody didn't claim him, that he would become a member of our family. He was...

Long story short, this little dog loved us with every ounce of his being. And we fully gave our hearts in return. Only to have it broken this week, when he was killed in the road in front of our farm.  He had tried to follow me out to work that morning, and I had turned back into the alternate drive to have him locked up. Which he was. But about an hour before I returned he was let loose, and I think he was still bound and determined to find me. Heaven found him first.... 

I want my children to learn, that even though there is pain in life, it is not a reason to shut down, and close the doors to your heart.  Yes, we have shed more than a few tears, but we are better people having experienced such truly unconditional love and loyalty, even if just for a short time.

A lot of people would not open their hearts again after such hurt. And trust me, I am devastated. But it is a life lesson to love and be loved. No matter the tragedy, I will live. I will love.

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P.S.  I hope you will consider opening your heart to a pet in need. Contact your local shelter, or one of many rescue groups, including Adopt A Beagle. Do it in honor of Cooper....

Cooper the Beagle

Comments (2)

Anonymous
Jenifer De La Garza

Lori that was absolutely beautiful, made me cry.  I love the unconditional love a dog brings to a family and I'm so glad you were able to be a part of Cooper's life and that even for a short time, he was a part of yours.

Jun 05, 2009 01:36 AM
#1
Carol Smith
Casmi Photography - Mebane, NC

Lori - I am so sorry that your family's time with Cooper was so short.  My heart breaks for all of you.  But he was sent to you for a reason ... and we may never know what that is ... But I'm sure he knows that he was loved instantly.

Jun 06, 2009 05:24 PM