The Heart of our Dog!

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Poetry

Last Sunday we took Copper, our 14 1/2 year old puppy, to our favorite state park. The weather was cool but not freezing, just perfect for a walk among the redwoods. Copper loved walking around, taking in the new sights and smells. He can’t hear anymore, so we use hand signals to communicate with him, and we give him lots of hugs and kisses. I took some pics and sent them to our daughter and son who live in TN. and CO. Then I saw an IG post from my daughter that went straight to my heart. She wrote about living far away from ‘her dog’ and missing him so much. I’m going to share it, then I’m going to add a poem written from Copper’s POV. So, this post is a combination of tears and smiles. I hope you enjoy, and maybe you’ll relate too.

From my daughter:

“It’s weird having a dog or any pet be part of your life for a good amount of time but then you move away. Across the country. And rarely see them anymore. And when you do visit once or twice a year, you’re so excited to see them because you know them, but you wonder if they remember or recognize you. And they look older because you’re older. When we first adopted Copper, I was with him for 6 years and was hesitant on adopting another dog after Lucky Girl passed. And now, I’ve been away from him for that same amount of time that I was with him & it’s sad, bittersweet. He’s still got those same amber eyes you get lost in, but he’s a little grayer than he was the previous year. And you just know the inevitable. It’s weird being so far away & not “growing up” with him into adulthood. But when someone asks if I have a dog, I say yes even though it’s only through pictures my mom sends me. I love this boy so much.” ❤️
(This brought us to tears. We miss her enough, and then to read her feelings about living far from Copper just about did us in! Does this scenario sound familiar?)

And now, let’s wipe away those tears and find a smile:

What a Fun Day! (from Copper’s POV)

Thanks, Mom and Dad,
for taking me to the park!
I took in all the beauty
without one single bark!

Oh, the smells were awesome,
and the redwoods so tall!
I’m pretty tall myself
but I felt very small!

Lifting my leg was fun
around new territory,
I even inspired Mom
to tell my canine story!

We walked by the creek
hearing water flowing.
You said it was peaceful
without any wind blowing.

Then we found a table
where you ate your lunch
and I gulped down my food
with a crunch and a munch!

Naptime followed soon
when I plopped down on my bed,
with every muscle relaxed
I laid down my big head.

I know I’m older now;
I don’t move very fast,
but I’m glad we came here
because I really had a blast!

© Lauren Scott

A note from Copper: I hope you liked this post that my mom and I put together! Can you relate? Do you have a dog or cat that melts your heart and whose eyes see right into your soul like mine do? If you do, let my mom know in the comments. And thanks for coming by today! I hope you don’t mind a slobbery kiss from me! ❤️🐶🐾

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© Lauren Scott, BaydreamerWrites.com – All rights reserved.
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119 thoughts on “The Heart of our Dog!”

  2. From poignant to hilarious, this post covers it all. You know, maybe it’s time to get Copper an agent–a book of his original dog poetry could be in his future! I’m saddened to learn Copper is deaf now. I think you’ve read my poetic tribute to a deaf dog I once had the pleasure of knowing–a beagle named Harley. It’s so cool you can communicate with Copper via hand signals. He’s a beautiful boy, that’s for sure. Please give him my regards (and a treat) for me, will you? 😊🐾

    Reply

    1. Hi Mike, thanks for your thoughtful and caring comment. Copper thanks you too! 🙂 It’s funny, I’m working on 2 new books, but now you sparked the idea of a dog poetry book! So much to do in so little time! I remember your touching post about Harley, so you understand about Copper. What saddens us is that he can’t hear our “Good boy, Copper” or “I love you, Copper” so our pats, cuddles, and kisses have to show him, and they do. He knows….Thanks for your kind words, and I’ll give him a hug and a treat for you! He loves treats! 🥰🐕

      Reply

  3. Beautiful Lauren. I love how you describe Copper as a 14 1/2 year old puppy. I have a goodbye piece for Nittany coming on Friday. It was hard to write, but I’m glad I sat down and tried to put my feelings down on paper. I’m convinced that dogs are really angels dressed up in disguise.

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much, Brian, and I’m sorry about Nittany. I saw your IG post. It’s beyond tough when they ‘leave us.’ But I’m glad you wrote about her because it’s important for others to see the positive impact our pets have on us. And I agree with you; dogs are angels dressed up in disguise. Sending comforting hugs.

      Reply

  5. Oh, Copper hon, you’re the sweetest! Slobberies are very welcome and I’m sending kisses and hugs back!!!

    Message from Hera: Don’t you think that that bit of white hair makes us look sweeter and wiser?! Sending tail wags and slobberies back.

    Reply

    1. Copper’s reply: Aww, thanks, Marina, and I love those kisses and hugs. And tell Hera that I totally agree with her about the white hair. I am much wiser than I was when my family took me in. So much happier too! 🐶 I’m sending tail wags and slobberies back to you! And mom sends lots of love and hugs to your mom! xoxoxoxo

      Reply

  8. So cute!. Love dogs but can’t keep them. My daughter loves dogs more than anyone I know, but still can’t keep dogs. I don’t like putting them in the cage or leash. Feels bad seeing them tied to a spot. Where I live, dogs can’t be left unleashed or uncaged. Love Copper.

    Reply
  9. Willie Torres Jr.'s avatar Willie Torres Jr.

    Such a beautiful and heartfelt post, Lauren. Copper’s journey is truly special, and your daughter’s words are so touching.

    Reply

    1. You too, Kym? I immediately got teary-eyed! Thanks so much for your lovely words! I’m glad you enjoyed this entire post. And thanks about the photos too. You’d love the park. I’ve posted about it before. Hugs, my friend 🤗💖🐶

      Reply

      1. Oh how awesome Lauren. Thanks for taking us on a sentimental journey. We need this every now and then. Enjoy the rest of your week my dear. Much love, hugs and smooches coming your way! Cheers! 🥰🥂🤗💋😘

  20. Yes, I got teary-eyed with your daughter’s post. We’ve always had pets but this is the first time in my life without a cat or dog. It’s too hard to say good-bye. We had to put our yellow lab down when our son was away in college. We adopted Angus when my son was in first grade. Our son wanted to come home to say goodbye, but Angus was in so much pain we didn’t think it was fair to wait.

    Reply

  24. This is a most touching post, Lauren.

    The letter and poem are special.

    Ever since I read Copper Boy, I have always had a soft spot for Copper.

    The line about the barbeque lingers. Yes, he was a bad boy, but the love was so much stronger. As it should be!

    xoxo🧽🧽🧽

    Reply

    1. Thanks, Resa, and I know you have a soft spot for him. Oh, the barbecue! What a day that was! In his defense, he was new to our family and yard, so he decided to ‘eat’ the barbecue. I mean, wouldn’t anyone? LOL But yes, the love was stronger and his eyes…need I say more! Love and hugs to you! xoxoxoxo 🐶

      Reply
  28. petespringer's avatar petespringerauthor

    I was just writing about my history with dogs today for my Storyworth writing prompt. Smokey, our loving black lab, went with us from South Dakota to North Dakota. When my dad was transferred to California to start a new job, Dad made the loving decision to give Smokey away, fearing the trip might be too hard on him. I was starting high school. It was one of the last times I can remember crying. I hadn’t thought of that memory in years until today.

    Reply
  31. D.L. Finn, Author's avatar D.L. Finn, Author

    Sweet day and poem. We got my daughters cat when she went off to college and we became quite attached to him. Love your daughter still considers him hers too.

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much, Denise, and our son still considers him his dog even though he doesn’t live at home anymore either. But I can imagine how they both feel. He’s a senior dog and when his time comes, it’s going to be so hard on all of us. Does your daughter consider her cat still to be hers? It doesn’t take long to get attached. 💖

      Reply

  34. Copper, lovely dog. I’m so happy he had a walk in that beautiful park. I can relate so much when my cat look straight to my eyes, saying yes, I hear you and I know you love me, while brushing my legs and meowing. It melts my heart, and I can’t stop saying, I love you, Virgo. They are just so pure and authentic, their love has no filter.

    This post is so heartfelt. I love it, Lauren.

    Reply

  35. Copper’s little poem is just too adorable ❤️ I’m sure it’s tough for her to be away from him.
    And I’m totally with you on the whole ‘fur babies have a direct line to our hearts’ thing… our little pup does the same thing to us.

    Reply

  38. Copper, you are such a beautiful dog with those soulful eyes that melt your heart. Lauren, you are blessed to have so many years with Copper. We have a cat that is full of energy adopted Feb. 14, 2020. Before that, we had a cat that lived to be 19-years-old. Our furbabies are family and make our lives more meaningful. 😽💕

    Reply

    1. Aww, Copper thanks you very much, Eugi! And we are lucky to have him for all these years. How wonderful that you adopted your cat in 2020, and 19 years for your prior cat, Wow! That’s a long life, but not unheard of, I think for cats. Right? And I couldn’t agree more with you about our fur babies being our family. ❤️🐶

      Reply

      1. Our cat that lived to be 19 was a Himalayan and was given to us by friends. They had another cat that bullied her and thought it would be better to find her a new home. She had papers and a very expensive cat to buy. We were blessed to have her in our lives. 😺

    1. Thanks so much, Dave, on all counts! I’m really glad you enjoyed the serious and the humor. My son who lives in CO feels the same way as my daughter. So I send them lots of photos. I think I have close to a billion of Copper! 🙂 I mean, we can never have too many. Thanks again for your kind words! 🤗

      Reply

  43. Oh my goodness Lauren… Blubbering away here.. I had to stop, find a tissue, wipe my eyes before I could see to type…
    Your daughter hit the spot..

    And your own cheerful poem from Coppers perspective was full of joy…
    Thank you Lauren, really enjoyed including the tears xx ❤

    Big hugs my friend, and wishing you many more happy walks in the woods together xx ❤

    Reply

    1. Blubber away, Sue! I know, when I read her post on IG, the tears began, and then I shared it with my hubby, and he felt the same way. He’s not afraid to show his emotions. But I’m glad you liked my fun poem too! At first I thought, which one should I share, hers or my poem? And then I decided to share both in a combo. post. 🙂 Big hugs to you too, and lots of love coming your way! xoxoxo ❤️🐶

      Reply

  48. Beautiful post, Lauren. Copper looks and sounds like a gentle and wonderful companion, and I enjoyed reading of him from the different perspectives. The park looks amazing.

    I hope you are having a great Saturday! ☀️

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much, Steve! Copper is very gentle, especially in his senior years. He’s snoring as I type. 🙂 I’m glad you enjoyed both perspectives, and you’d love the park! We’ve been celebrating my husband’s birthday since Thursday, so it’s been a fun weekend! 🎉 Have a great week ahead! 🥰

      Reply

  49. How very special; the note from your daughter and Copper’s poem. We have two dogs that melt our hearts. Dot is 9 1/2 and Lia is, we think, 7. Both rescue dogs. WE love them to bits. Since my kids and grandkids are so very far away, they have filled that hole in my heart.

    Reply

  50. Pingback: The Heart of our Dog! – Gobblers by Masticadores

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