Rainbow Bridge: Cooper

I started working with Cooper in 2022 after his parents contacted me about his anxiety. Then when they had a baby, I worked with the family to help Cooper be successful with their new addition. Cooper LOVED training, and always had a smile on his face. He had big feelings but learned how to be calm and make better choices. His anxiety diminished significantly, and he had a happy, fulfilled life. It always breaks my heart when dogs I work with step on the rainbow, but it was even harder to hear that Cooper's life was shorter than it should have been because of cancer. I am so grateful that Cooper's parents found me and taught him with kindness and patience. Cooper mattered, and he will be missed!

"Hi Kari,

It's been a bit since we last met, but you met with my family a few times regarding our reactive Aussie, Cooper. Most recently you came for a home visit in 2024 to help us build a safe relationship between Cooper and our new son.

Because you and your training had such a strong and positive impact on Cooper, his reactivity, and our family, we wanted to share with you the very sad update that Cooper passed away at the end of March. What we thought was out-of-character mellowness following your visit in 2024 turned out to be an advanced skull tumor - given he was only 4, we decided to proceed with radiation which bought us an extra year with him despite a 6 month prognosis.

While we are devastated to have had our time with Cooper cut so short, we recognize that because of the training and guidance you gave us, the quality of our time with Cooper even after his diagnosis (especially with the addition of our son) was worth 20 years. We cannot thank you enough for all the resources you shared that taught us how to best support Cooper for the rest of the time he was with us.

Thank you,

Jess & James"