Cooper- ADOPTED!

Cooper is a wonderful little guy…we think he is mostly Schnauzer or maybe a Schnauzer mix. He weighs 11 pounds. He was a shaggy mess when I pulled him from the shelter, but now that he’s been to the groomer, he’s looking pretty spiffy!

Cooper does have some health issues, so I’ll get right to the point.

1.He’s blind. He can see bright lights at night out of one eye, but basically…he’s totally blind. He walks into walls and trips over things. He has learned the floor plan of my home very quickly and does just fine, even using the stairs by himself. When he is outside, I either clap my hands or stomp my feet to get his attention at night when I don’t want to call his name and wake the neighbors.

2.He has a heart murmur. It’s possible it was caused by the horrible bacteria that was in his mouth from his rotten teeth and gums. He is currently on a medication to prevent fluid from building up in his lungs. While nobody can predict the future, it seems likely that heart disease will eventually cause Cooper problems…but there is no way to know how long it will take. He very well may have many years left if given proper care and medication. His attitude and energy level have improved drastically since his dental…he’s a much happier dog now. His current medication costs about $8 per month, one pill per day. I mix it with his food and he eats it right up.

3.His previous owners neglected his teeth for far too long. He had the most horrid breath I’ve ever smelled in my life when I got him. He had 9 teeth pulled during his dental procedure. He should have a follow up dental in a few months to make sure none of the infection is returning, and then annual dental check ups after that. Making sure that no bacteria from his mouth get into his blood stream is very important for his heart issue. Because Cooper is a senior dog with heart issues, a dental cleaning could cost up to $500 with a full blood panel, EKG, and chest x-rays taken prior to his dental. Cooper’s current diet is dry food and he has no trouble eating!

4.Cooper has a dislocated hip that was never treated at the time of the injury. The bones have fused in their current position and fixing it would require extensive surgery. The vet feels it is not necessary since Cooper gets around just fine and is in no pain. He has a slight little wiggle in his rear leg when he walks…it’s barely even noticeable. He runs and jumps just fine.

It seems that Cooper’s previous family took little interest in maintaining his health. Shelter to Home, with the help of generous donations from the public, have done all we can to get him in the best possible condition. I’m going to do my best to find Cooper a wonderful new home. Because of his special medical needs, I plan on doing a home visit prior to his adoption. Some of the things I hope to find for him…

1.A patient owner: Cooper likes to walk around alot when he's outside and looking for the perfect place to go potty. If you don't have a fenced yard, then you will need to be willing to give him the time he needs to select just the right spot. It usually doesn't take very long. Now that it's getting warmer, Cooper really isn't too thrilled about hanging out in the yard. He does his business and then prefers to go back in the house..I'm guessing he gets overheated pretty fast because he is black. He likes being outside alot more when it is cooler.

2.Non-Smoking home: Cooper has heart problems and it would be best for his health if he were not exposed to second hand smoke.

3.No young children: Cooper would not be able to get out of the way if a toddler were about to walk into him, step on him, or trip over him. He also would constantly be banging into things that children leave laying around on the floor, making it difficult for him to learn the home’s floor plan and have self confidence to walk around.

4.Willing to crate: For his safety, it is best if Cooper be crated when he is left home alone. He does bark with excitement when he hears you returning, so he may not be good for an apartment.

And…because nobody is perfect…I need to let you know about the only 2 flaws that Cooper has. (we all have some…2 is pretty good!!!)

1.After he potties, he likes to kick his feet and kick up grass behind him. If you’re the type who demands a perfect lawn, Cooper isn’t the right pup for you. Granted, he’s tiny and his little feet don’t do much damage…but I felt it was worth mentioning.

2.He usually heads to the door when he has to go outside, but if you don't read his signals, he will not wait for you. He's gone potty on the rug by my back door a few times when I wasn't quick enough. I work full time and am not able to come home during the day to let him out and he usually pees in his crate. He does sleep at least 5 hours in the night without needing to go out, so I know he SHOULD last at least that long in the crate.

Here's a video of Cooper right after he had a bath:

If you’ve made it this far, and you’re thinking Cooper sounds like he might be a good fit for your family, GREAT! or maybe he’s not right for you but you know someone who’s home a lot that would love to take care of an older dog that needs some TLC, then please tell them about Cooper. This wonderful little guy deserves a home that will give him the love and care he deserves. He’s an amazing dog who’s won the hearts of everyone who’s met him…you won’t be disappointed!

Cooper’s adoption donation is $175. If you would like an application, or have questions, please contact his foster home at [email protected].

If you would like to make a donation to help Shelter to Home care for animals that need expensive medical treatment, please click on the link below.