Cooper's Lament

I’m just a puppy dog and I don’t understand all human behavior. But They clearly don’t know me either. If They did, They would see that a hole has been torn in my heart. As humans go, I just didn’t think They could be that cold. Especially not Him.  How could He do this to me?

He wasn’t from my litter like my brother Wilson, but what does that matter?  I loved Him from the day She brought me to my house and I know He loved me.  We did everything together and we learned from each other - He showed me what “sit,” “shake,” and “rollover” meant and I taught Him the joys of deer chasing and belly rubs.  He even put my name, Cooper, on all His important human papers, even on His body.  Communication with humans is hard but I thought ours was a wolf-pack bond. 

And then suddenly He rejected me. He didn’t want me. I guess He decided He had stronger feelings for the humans in His birth litter.  I learned a new human word - “re-home.”  He sent me away. I think He even wants to take my name off His human papers.  It feels like the time sand collapsed on me while I was digging a tunnel and I couldn’t breathe. 

I have a hard time functioning in my new home. I’ve stopped doing puppy things - playing, running, even eating really.  I can tell that my new humans are disappointed in me.  I spend my time working through my confusion and grief - why did He abandon me?  Why didn’t He want me anymore?  

I know most of it has to do with Her.  Of course I love Her too - She rescued me from my first mother who treated me badly.  I owe Her my life. I guess He just can’t understand that I love and must protect Her.  I love Her, I love Him, I love my brother Wilson and all his brothers. Why can’t I have them all in my life?

He’s wrong to let me go. He’s wrong. I wish He had just put me down. I will spend my time in this strange place figuring out ways to get back home.  There are rivers and horse pastures and dangerous roads between us, but I am determined that I will never stop trying to find a way back.  Because I love Him.