Introducing Cooper, our 8 year old, neutered, tri-colored basset boy. Cooper is quite a happy boy as well as a camera ham. The dragon costume he is wearing was something Cooper took to right away the minute I brought it out the closet during spring housekeeping. He really did not try to slay the dragon but he was fascinated by it. Cooper has a lot of energy so he loves to go for walks, car rides and play.

My belief is that Cooper was not socialized with other other furkidz. He has come along way in learning his “dog” manners but can still be over zealous when meeting others furkidz of his kind. I also don't think that Cooper ever met a kitty during his previous life. Because of this, he never learned the game of chase and just wants to sniff them out of curiosity. Even my still semi-feral kitty has no fear of Cooper.

Cooper lived as an outside dog for most, if not all of his life and will need a patient and loving family to help him continue in training. Though Cooper is a mature boy he in many ways is like a puppy learning to navigate living life in a home. He has come a long way but still has a ways to go. We are working on potty training and Cooper was doing very well until the hail storms which set him back. He did not seem to be overly anxious during the storm but he did develop a fear of going outside. I found the use of an anxiety wrap really has helped in this area and which I will send to his new “Furever Home. Cooper now knows when the bells on the door ring it is time to go outside and potty. Like many bassets, Cooper has the “flat basset” down pat. He walks best on a leash when couple with another furkid. He does need reminders to not pull, which is something I try to teach all my fosters as well as my own gang. Given the chance he will, like most bassets, will counter cruise but being a short boy he can barely reach the top of the counters.

Cooper loves meeting everyone, people, children and furkidz. He shows no fear going into new situations and I don't think he ever meets a “stranger”. Cooper has come a long way from the boy I first me and I am proud of the progress he has made.  

Cooper is ready, willing and waiting for the next phase in his life and his greatest wish: A loving family and a Furever Home.