Day of the Dead Post 2

"I can't believe Kopper died :( I thought for sure he'd hold out until I got home. At least he feels good now, poor dog. I'm really going to miss that mutt, he made everyone feel loved and loved the cabin more than anyone else, besides Dad. Who is mom going to feed all the leftovers to?"

That is how I found out first about Kopper, from a sister missionary's weekly email. Not on Facebook, although I found out there a few moments later. Then a few days later I remembered that this weekend was Day of the Dead. And I thought why not honor Kopper. Dogs are more than pets in quite a few families and Kopper was no exception.

Kopper came to the Pugh's home shortly after Kip, their dog died. This puppy was copper colored, so it was natural that he was given the name "Kopper". 

Kopper had big paws to fill as Kip was a well beloved pet and family member of my adopted family. I'm convinced that Kip was one of Jared's best childhood friends. But years later, Kopper filled those paws well. As Crystal wrote, he made everyone feel they were loved. Even Jason, who commented after he came home from his mission, "I do not like that dog."

Jason came home to a new family pet, who was still a child and not an adult like Kip had been when Jason left on his mission. Kopper was high maintenance his first year. Not only did he chew on shoes, he enjoyed furniture. He even once chewed on one my sandals that I left unattended. If it wasn't for his guard dog abilities, Kopper probably would have  been put up for sale.

But Kopper grew up. As Crystal said, he loved the cabin. He was free to roam like a dog should. He also grew out. Most of the time when I would eat at the Pughs, Kopper would be at my side begging for food. Sometimes I would give him some of what I was eating. Kopper loved whatever (mostly meat) anyone would give him. Once after I had a procedure, Jewel brought me to her home. She fed me apple slices and some of the best chicken. But because I was so weak from the procedure, I could barely eat the apple slices. But Kopper was there by my side to help me eat most of chicken. He did his good deed for the day and didn't let the food go to waste.

But like my mom, Kopper grew old and slowed down in his old age. He lived a good long life. And like Crystal and Jared, he had a place in everyone's heart that knew him. Kopper has gone to heaven. I imagine he is sharing a few tall tales with Kip. But most of all, he is probably roaming free at the cabin and the neighborhoods he lived in. And he is probably still looking out for those he loved. Kopper touched hearts in his own way. Love ya, Kopper. We shall all meet again, you crazy and lovable dog