Puppy Love

oh puppy love...*sigh*

I'm not talking about the butterflies in your stomach, heart beating fast, first crush, kind of puppy love. I'm talking about puppy love - in other words, love for your puppy. 

I have always been a dog person. I grew up with all kind of dogs. We had Basset-hounds,  and Newfoundlands, and Pit Bulls, and mutts. Quite the mix of breeds, right?

But it wasn't until I had my own dog that I would truly understand what having a dog really meant, for me personally that is. When I was growing up, I would say that our family dog(s) was my dog, but they weren't. They were the family dogs, or really, my parents dogs who I liked to claim as my own - similar to my parent's house, my parent's money, and my parent's car, etc. I had no responsibility for our dog(s). I wasn't responsible for feeding our dogs..I wasn't responsible for the vet bills.. and I only had to take them outside or play with them if I felt like it. 

I guess I would admit that the younger version of myself did not fully understand what having a dog meant, and did not fully embrace what an amazing companion a dog can truly be. It wasn't until I had a dog "of my very own" that would start to appreciate all of the things that dogs give to humans.

Dogs give us a sense of safety and protection (well, my dog does anyway....because he's a big dog...not a little dog like a Yorkie or Pug - but maybe your little dog gives you a sense of safety and protection, which is great!....moving on..)

Dogs love you no matter what. They are excited to see you when you walk in the door and greet you with an excited tail wag (but in my case, its a waging "nub"). Dogs know when you are sad or when you've had a rough day and know that the only thing to make it better is having a paw to hold. 

Is this getting too mushy? The point of all of this is that, for me, my dog has changed my life and made me see the world a little differently. And for all of you, this post is for me to introduce you to my dog. My best friend. My boy. My Coop-a-Loop. 

Meet Cooper

As a puppy...

 

{wearing a tshirt so he didn't get a sun burn}

 

{supporting the Boilermakers)

 

{oh and here he is just being handsome}

Cooper is a white Boxer. He is 3 years old with the heart of 3 month old. He is silly, and clowny, and clumsy most days. But behind his playful exterior, he is smart, loving, and starving to learn new tricks. Hes a 65 lbs dog who thinks he's a lap dog, and I wouldn't want him any other way. He's a cuddle bug, and a terrific napping partner. He's strong, and protective. He's amazing. 

I'd love to hear about any dog stories that you might have or would love to chat about anything K9. Leave your comments below or feel free to email me.