Cooper, you were born on my birthday in 2012. Little did I know that having you would catapult my life into pure wonderfulness.

You were the only yellow puppy in a litter of seven English Labrador Retrievers. I knew the minute I saw you the first time that you were meant to be with me, and the fact you were born on my birthday was a huge message that you were divinely chosen to join our family. We were blessed to have you for 9 ½ magnificent years – but a huge part of me feels very cheated that you were taken from us so soon. I had expected you to live until you were well into your teens.

When you were one year old, you became certified as a therapy dog. Most people could not believe you would get certified at such a young age, but you were the most magnificent puppy with a loving and mellow personality, and you always wanted to serve.

Our years as a therapy dog team were magical. You were born to do this work. We worked at a nearby memory care center and at the local hospital. But one of your very favorite activities as a therapy dog was to visit the University of Colorado campus in Boulder, Colorado during finals week. We visited every library on campus and spent time with the students helping them to de-stress. This became a very popular event and students looked for you every semester. You worked at CU for seven years.

Losing you so soon was devastating for all our family and friends. I ask myself why such a beautiful, angelic being as you would be called so soon? I will never understand. It torments me every day.

Cooper, you were my world.