13 years ago, our family welcomed Copper (a Bichon Frise / Poodle mix) into our home. This week, we sadly and suddenly said good-bye to our family dog. As I reflect on his time with us, I realize he wasn’t a guide dog, yet he has helped me see life a little differently.

COPPER BOPPER
Working from home can be challenging because the office is only steps away from the family room and the kitchen table. I’m sure I’m not the only person to experience that dilemma. However, that’s where Copper comes in. Literally, he comes into my office with a ball, sets it at my feet, and goes into his “Let’s play” stance (leaning down on his front paws, butt in the air, tail wagging, and if I don’t respond soon enough, a playful yelp.).

I’d walk out of the office, ball in hand, and sit on the floor before I threw the ball to start our game. After five or ten minutes, he’d grow tired of fetch and jump up on the chair next to mine in the office, breath a satisfied sigh, and nap as I continued my work. While he played with each member of our family a little differently, he always had that playful puppy energy.

CURIOUS COPPER
Since I travel occasionally for work, it seems strange to me that he doesn’t leave the house too often. The only time he leaves the house is to go in the backyard or to go for a walk. Of course, there were times he’d go for a ride in the car, and he even went with us to visit many of the Arizona State Parks.

I remember our trip to Picacho Peak State Park. As we made our way up the trail, he walked ahead of our family leading the way, looking back once in a while to make sure we were still with him.

COPPER BEAR
Being a smaller dog, no more than 20 pounds, he was a great lap dog. He was cuddly like a teddy bear. He’d lie on the couch and rest his chin or his head on the leg of whomever was sitting closest to him. He liked to have the white spot on his chest gently rubbed or scratched.

To say he was affectionate would be an understatement. He seemed to know who needed him at any given moment. When I had my retina surgery a few years ago, I had to sleep face down for a month. At first he thought it was a game and would borough his face under my shoulder to try and lick my face. Eventually, he realized that wasn’t a good idea, and he’d lean up against me and sleep.

Dogs are called “Man’s best friend”, and I think I know why. The love of a dog is truly unconditional. Somehow, on the day we brought him into our home, he knew that’s where he belonged. As proof, we tried to go for a short walk that first afternoon. He planted his bottom on the walking path, and we actually pulled him the length of our neighbor’s yard. Realizing he didn’t want to go, we turned around, and he ran all the way back to our yard. Each day we’d try to go a little further, and after about a week, he began to realize that at the end of our walk, we’d always go home.

Even in the way he frolicked on his walks after that first week, he lived life to the full. Sitting on the couch alone today, I am starting to realize all he has taught me. Work is important. Yet, make time for play… and rest. Explore opportunities like each is an adventure. Yet, don’t lose sight of those closest to you along the way. Learn the specific needs of each member of your family. Yet, be willing to grant a little independence too. Love unconditionally, and make home a place where everyone runs back to because they always feel welcome.

When Copper was younger, I thought his personality would make him a great therapy dog. Though we never pursued that, I had no idea of the impact he would have in our home and in our lives. He will always be a special part of our family. To anyone with a family dog, you know the power of “Puppy Love”.