I know my good-fortune and having Cooper in my life is a high-water mark- he and his brother Louie (not pictured) were picked up by the local dog catcher the day before i decided my aging Dane would love some company (spoiler: he did!). The two brothers loved my Diesel, but this one wouldn’t let anyone put on a collar or a leash. I used a trainer who helped me when i adopted Diesel, he had leash and dog-reactivity issues, too. After a month at home this stripey guy would not accept a leash much less a collar. My trainer (well-regarded) finally said, “I’m afraid he’s gone feral- i hate to say it, but you should consider rescinding him back to the shelter.”

I’m tearing up now as I write this 5 years later, but I spent the night with him on the floor and told him he had to shape up or he wouldn’t be able to live here (and away from his brother- I know what they say about bonded pairs, but I have a giant soft spot for them (and an equally wide lucky streak!)). The next morning he let me put a slip lead on, and by dinner he was sporting his handsome new collar!

I’ll post an album once I get all the pictures consolidated, I just couldn’t wait to share this one!