jlynnlaas Posted October 26, 2008 Report Share Posted October 26, 2008 My middle child was born Feb 28, 1999. He was a Pisces. My sister Stacey said that’s why they got along. He was a Pisces like her. We got Copper when he was 6 weeks old and I was 5 months pregnant. We named him Copper because of his color and because “My name is Copper. I’m a hound dog…” The Fox and the Hound. Our Copper was a Golden Retriever. Copper was a very sweet soul and trained himself. I swear he could understand anything, even our everyday conversations. He was so smart, and would even open the gate or the door for company. He was an indoor dog, but loved to be outside if someone was with him. He had a lot of random health issues from time to time. He dealt with Parvo, Pemphigus, a snakebite, busted internal stitches after his neutering, multiple ear hematomas that required surgery, etc. But he was overall in great health. Without Copper, I wouldn’t have my youngest son, Michael. Copper saved Michael’s life. I’ll keep this part brief. We were in the back yard one evening. It was getting dark and we began walking to the house. Michael was 2. He was walking a ways ahead of me. All of a sudden, Michael bypassed the house and took off to the road. We live on Hwy 61 right before Scoggins. Copper was on a chain because we didn’t have a fence yet. Copper saw that I was running to Michael, but I couldn’t get there in time. He snapped that chain and got Michael. He knocked Michael down, pulled him out of the street, and circled him until I got there. He earned a place in my heart that day that could never be filled by anyone else. Copper loved to wrestle with my oldest son Nick. They have been doing this since Copper was very small. Nick would pin Copper, then Copper would wrestle Nick to the ground and sit on Nick’s head to pin him. They still did this even this week. Wednesday night my son Nick was packing for a trip Thursday. When he finished, he sat on the couch by me. Copper was lying by my feet. He stood up to walk into the hallway, and swayed a little. He looked dizzy. Nick dropped to his knees to steady Copper. Copper dropped to the floor and had a seizure. He has never had one before. I took Copper to the vet Thursday morning. It was obvious something was wrong. He would not move. The only time he got up was to potty. The vet did every test she could think of to find out what was wrong. We just had to wait and see. With some test results back Friday, she put Copper on some medicine. If he started vomiting, I was to bring him back. Friday night, that happened. Saturday morning I took Copper out to potty before we left to see the vet. He tinkled then laid down in the yard and wouldn’t get up. My husband and I carried him to the car. The new x-ray showed fluid in his abdomen. She pulled out old blood. Turns out he had a cyst or a tumor on his spleen and it ruptured. There was no hope. I called my husband and asked him to tell our youngest son Michael. Then I called my sisters. They came to the vet in their pajamas, and we laid down with Copper for over an hour. We could tell he felt bad. He told us when he was ready. The doctor came in, kissed him on the nose, and gave him the shot in his IV. He groaned, and went to sleep. Today my son Nick comes home from his trip. I just couldn’t call him and tell him on the phone. I bought both boys a frame with four pictures. Copper Kass Stubelt Feb 28, 1999-October 25, 2008 You will forever be in our hearts. Link to post Share on other sites
thatboyaintright Posted October 26, 2008 Report Share Posted October 26, 2008 What a fitting tribute. Thinking of you guys. Link to post Share on other sites
HaydensMama247 Posted October 26, 2008 Report Share Posted October 26, 2008 Im SO sorry! Tears are running down my face! Im really kinda speechless! Your boys will be in my thouhgts! Link to post Share on other sites
LPPT Posted October 26, 2008 Report Share Posted October 26, 2008 I am so sorry, tears are rolling down my face, I have had many pets, and many have passed, but there are some that for some reason become so close, we can not let go. My heart goes out to you and the kids. Link to post Share on other sites
bwitchy Posted October 26, 2008 Report Share Posted October 26, 2008 I'm so sorry for your loss. Pets are really special family members. Link to post Share on other sites
rdstans Posted October 26, 2008 Report Share Posted October 26, 2008 Awww, I am so sorry for the loss of Copper, it sounds like he had a wonderful life with your family and will be missed terribly Link to post Share on other sites
buttercup63 Posted October 26, 2008 Report Share Posted October 26, 2008 That was so heart touching. While I was reading I was thinking about my little fellow, Bailey. I pray that your family finds contentment of the memories continue to flow your minds. I know that your house will feel so empty. I am so sorry for the loss of your "Copper". Thankfully he had a wonderful long life and lived with a family that loved him dearly. Link to post Share on other sites
jkd30157 Posted October 26, 2008 Report Share Posted October 26, 2008 That is so sad! RIP Cooper. Link to post Share on other sites
Signature HomeStyles Posted October 26, 2008 Report Share Posted October 26, 2008 Link to post Share on other sites
ThornwoodMom Posted October 26, 2008 Report Share Posted October 26, 2008 I'm so sorry, LM. R.I.P. Copper. Good boy. Link to post Share on other sites
dawneykids Posted October 26, 2008 Report Share Posted October 26, 2008 Im SO sorry! Tears are running down my face! Im really kinda speechless! Your boys will be in my thouhgts! Me too! My heart is broken for you and your boys. What a great tribute to Copper and strangely, I think I'll always remember him too! Good thoughts to you! Link to post Share on other sites
joemturner Posted October 26, 2008 Report Share Posted October 26, 2008 That is so sad. I'm really sorry for the loss of your dog. (I always liked that "I'm a hound dog" line from TFATH, too!) I am happy, though, that your family was able to have such a great relationship with your pet, and for the many memories you will have of great times playing together! Link to post Share on other sites
Riograce Posted October 26, 2008 Report Share Posted October 26, 2008 I'm so sorry for your loss. Your wonderful memories are Copper's gift to you now, as his life was a gift to you for several years. Bless you all! Link to post Share on other sites
rockysmom Posted October 26, 2008 Report Share Posted October 26, 2008 Goldens will always have my heart. They took my tears a long time ago....I'm so sorry. Link to post Share on other sites
CreativeOne Posted October 26, 2008 Report Share Posted October 26, 2008 I'm sorry to hear of your loss What a wonderful tribute and thank you for sharing ... May Copper rest in peace and your memories help during your grieving ... Link to post Share on other sites
HappyMommyto1 Posted October 26, 2008 Report Share Posted October 26, 2008 OMG That brought Tears roling down my face.. Im really sorry to hear about your Baby.. I will keep your family in my prayers Link to post Share on other sites
akre0023 Posted October 26, 2008 Report Share Posted October 26, 2008 I am sooo sorry for your loss. I completely understand them being like children. We have 3 poodles and they each have their own personality just like our 3 human children. You know that you did all you could for Copper and that he had an enjoyable long life with his parents and 2 brothers. Were you all able to have Copper cremated and keep his ashes? That is something that my husband's family has done with their special animals. I will be keeping all of you in my prayers. Link to post Share on other sites
cuteyellowbug Posted October 26, 2008 Report Share Posted October 26, 2008 I'm sorry to hear your loss of Copper. Your story touched my heart. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Link to post Share on other sites
Loveslife Posted October 26, 2008 Report Share Posted October 26, 2008 I am praying for you and your family in your loss. Cooper was a loved dog. (truly a member of your family) Link to post Share on other sites
jlynnlaas Posted October 26, 2008 Author Report Share Posted October 26, 2008 I am sooo sorry for your loss. I completely understand them being like children. We have 3 poodles and they each have their own personality just like our 3 human children. You know that you did all you could for Copper and that he had an enjoyable long life with his parents and 2 brothers. Were you all able to have Copper cremated and keep his ashes? That is something that my husband's family has done with their special animals. I will be keeping all of you in my prayers. I asked for a public cremation instead of a private or a burial. I don't think I could handle having his ashes here at home. I had my husband go ahead and gather up all his things and donate them. I would rather have pictures and my memories than his personal belongings with me. October 24th was the 4th aniversery of my father's death from cancer. Copper died the very next day. I have to think they are together waiting on the rest of us. Link to post Share on other sites
celeste Posted October 26, 2008 Report Share Posted October 26, 2008 I'm so sorry. Sounds like he was one great dog. R.I.P. Copper. Link to post Share on other sites
spacey74 Posted October 26, 2008 Report Share Posted October 26, 2008 I cried reading your story!! My heart goes out to you and your family!!! Link to post Share on other sites
mythreecrazyboys Posted October 26, 2008 Report Share Posted October 26, 2008 Thank you for sharing about Copper, it sounds like he was a great dog. My family growing up always had Goldens, they are so special . I will be sending thoughts your way, I know this will be a hard time for your family. R.I.P. Copper Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Oscar Posted October 26, 2008 Report Share Posted October 26, 2008 What a beautiful story LM. Link to post Share on other sites
ritualmaker1 Posted October 26, 2008 Report Share Posted October 26, 2008 im so sorry for your loss Link to post Share on other sites
lildees Posted October 26, 2008 Report Share Posted October 26, 2008 Im so sorry for your loss.I know how you feel I know that doesn't help but my thought's are with your family this is so heart breaking and so hard to go through.But just try to find comfort in knowing that he knew he was very much loved by the family and how much he loved you guy's too..He will alway's be with you in your heart's.When you can do it make a special place for a memorial for him with all the picture's you have his toy's,blanket's he may have slept on and a candle and maybe his food bowl he had it keep's his spirit alive and something the family can visit....I know it helped me when I lost my precious baby (rusty)back in March... Again Im so sorry for the family's loss... R.I.P Copper Link to post Share on other sites
retiredteacher Posted October 26, 2008 Report Share Posted October 26, 2008 Bless your hearts! I am so sorry and I know the pain. Copper had a really wonderful life with your family and will be waiting for you at the rainbow bridge, I'm sure. Link to post Share on other sites
lildees Posted October 26, 2008 Report Share Posted October 26, 2008 I asked for a public cremation instead of a private or a burial. I don't think I could handle having his ashes here at home. I had my husband go ahead and gather up all his things and donate them. I would rather have pictures and my memories than his personal belongings with me. October 24th was the 4th aniversery of my father's death from cancer. Copper died the very next day. I have to think they are together waiting on the rest of us. Im sorry I had already posted before I saw that you were donating his thing's..Pictures and memories are very special to keep him with you.. That's just what I did to get through the loss...Im so sorry for your loss... Link to post Share on other sites
jhmom Posted October 26, 2008 Report Share Posted October 26, 2008 I am so sad to hear about Copper. He knows how much you love him, and how much you care!! Goldens hold a special place in my heart. RIP Copper! Link to post Share on other sites
storylady Posted October 26, 2008 Report Share Posted October 26, 2008 I know you will miss your Copper. He's at Rainbow Bridge, happy and healthy, waiting for y'all. Link to post Share on other sites
allen13nicole Posted October 26, 2008 Report Share Posted October 26, 2008 Copper was the most laid back dog I knew!!! LM I'm sorry for ya loss!! I won't/can't think of losing my oldest and middle child!! Go ahead and get some prozac for Nikik13 when it happens!!! I hope yall tha best during your time of loss!! Link to post Share on other sites
jlynnlaas Posted October 26, 2008 Author Report Share Posted October 26, 2008 Copper was the most laid back dog I knew!!! LM I'm sorry for ya loss!! I won't/can't think of losing my oldest and middle child!! Go ahead and get some prozac for Nikik13 when it happens!!! I hope yall tha best during your time of loss!! mama's sending my some trazadone tomorrow. i can't sleep. I keep waking up thinking I forget to let him outside to potty, or that I forgot to bring him in. Link to post Share on other sites
DallasChick Posted October 26, 2008 Report Share Posted October 26, 2008 I am saddened by your loss! God bless! Link to post Share on other sites
celeste Posted October 26, 2008 Report Share Posted October 26, 2008 mama's sending my some trazadone tomorrow. i can't sleep. I keep waking up thinking I forget to let him outside to potty, or that I forgot to bring him in. (((hugs))) Link to post Share on other sites
sunshineoverohio Posted October 26, 2008 Report Share Posted October 26, 2008 (edited) My middle child was born Feb 28, 1999. He was a Pisces. My sister Stacey said that’s why they got along. He was a Pisces like her. We got Copper when he was 6 weeks old and I was 5 months pregnant. We named him Copper because of his color and because “My name is Copper. I’m a hound dog…” The Fox and the Hound. Our Copper was a Golden Retriever. Copper was a very sweet soul and trained himself. I swear he could understand anything, even our everyday conversations. He was so smart, and would even open the gate or the door for company. He was an indoor dog, but loved to be outside if someone was with him. He had a lot of random health issues from time to time. He dealt with Parvo, Pemphigus, a snakebite, busted internal stitches after his neutering, multiple ear hematomas that required surgery, etc. But he was overall in great health. Without Copper, I wouldn’t have my youngest son, Michael. Copper saved Michael’s life. I’ll keep this part brief. We were in the back yard one evening. It was getting dark and we began walking to the house. Michael was 2. He was walking a ways ahead of me. All of a sudden, Michael bypassed the house and took off to the road. We live on Hwy 61 right before Scoggins. Copper was on a chain because we didn’t have a fence yet. Copper saw that I was running to Michael, but I couldn’t get there in time. He snapped that chain and got Michael. He knocked Michael down, pulled him out of the street, and circled him until I got there. He earned a place in my heart that day that could never be filled by anyone else. Copper loved to wrestle with my oldest son Nick. They have been doing this since Copper was very small. Nick would pin Copper, then Copper would wrestle Nick to the ground and sit on Nick’s head to pin him. They still did this even this week. Wednesday night my son Nick was packing for a trip Thursday. When he finished, he sat on the couch by me. Copper was lying by my feet. He stood up to walk into the hallway, and swayed a little. He looked dizzy. Nick dropped to his knees to steady Copper. Copper dropped to the floor and had a seizure. He has never had one before. I took Copper to the vet Thursday morning. It was obvious something was wrong. He would not move. The only time he got up was to potty. The vet did every test she could think of to find out what was wrong. We just had to wait and see. With some test results back Friday, she put Copper on some medicine. If he started vomiting, I was to bring him back. Friday night, that happened. Saturday morning I took Copper out to potty before we left to see the vet. He tinkled then laid down in the yard and wouldn’t get up. My husband and I carried him to the car. The new x-ray showed fluid in his abdomen. She pulled out old blood. Turns out he had a cyst or a tumor on his spleen and it ruptured. There was no hope. I called my husband and asked him to tell our youngest son Michael. Then I called my sisters. They came to the vet in their pajamas, and we laid down with Copper for over an hour. We could tell he felt bad. He told us when he was ready. The doctor came in, kissed his on the nose, and gave him the shot in his IV. He groaned, and went to sleep. Today my son Nick comes home from his trip. I just couldn’t call him and tell him on the phone. I bought both boys a frame with four pictures. Copper Kass Stubelt Feb 28, 1999-October 25, 2008 You will forever be in our hearts. You know, it sounds like Copper was a special dog with special insight on people. You were lucky to be his "Mom" during this time on earth. I went through this 5 years ago with a beloved pet. I said at that time I would wait to replace her when an animal that really needed me was available. You will never replace him, only share the love you once gave him to another animal in need. Rescue one sometime, there are too many being abandoned and killed at shelters. Our pet was not a puppy but in a terrible puppy mill environment and she has brought me a lot of love and joy. She was the one who needed me and I waited 4 years to take on another pet. Best to you and it was a really nice tribute to your loved famly member, sounds like you're the kind of family animal rescue people are hoping will come forward to adopt another dog later. Edited October 26, 2008 by shineforgod Link to post Share on other sites
Bigun3026 Posted October 26, 2008 Report Share Posted October 26, 2008 What a beautiful tribute, LM. I have tears streaming down my face as I read it - thank you for sharing. Copper was a wonderful member of your family; rest assured you will see him again one day. Link to post Share on other sites
fire911 Posted October 26, 2008 Report Share Posted October 26, 2008 Lynn I'am so sorry for your loss.My thoughts are with you. Link to post Share on other sites
LewisK Posted October 26, 2008 Report Share Posted October 26, 2008 I'm so sorry - {{hugs}} to you all. Link to post Share on other sites
aberdeen Posted October 26, 2008 Report Share Posted October 26, 2008 I am so sad for your loss and am shedding a few tears myself. We had a Golden, Molly, who saved both of my kids' lives by doing the same thing. She was awesome and I still miss her. She died of cancer when she was 7. It was a horrible experience. Anyone who has had a Golden (or probably other breeds, but Goldens are so special!) can understand. Link to post Share on other sites
sheri714 Posted October 27, 2008 Report Share Posted October 27, 2008 October 24th was the 4th aniversery of my father's death from cancer. Copper died the very next day. I have to think they are together waiting on the rest of us. I'm so sorry and I'm certain the anniversary of your fathers death has been weighing heavy on your heart. You are right in thinking they are together. Knowing your fathers love for you, your family and your pets. It is his way of comforting you, knowing he was waiting with open arms to welcome your courageous and beloved Copper. Link to post Share on other sites
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