copper

Sweet Copper passed away.

In the handful of times I got to see her in real life, Copper was pretty shy for the most part (aside from being a bit of a treat-hound when the camera was not on her!). But I know she had her silly side, her soft side; her side that let her trusted humans in so they could care for her, stroke her face as she lay on the bed and tell her they loved her.
The photos I got to see and stories I got to hear of when she was out with her safe group -- the dogs and humans she felt most comfortable with -- were full of adventure, laughs, high jumps for treats, and even a few surprises. 
My heart goes out to her sleddie crew -- Deb with Apex, Calli, Mary Kate, Roo + Flash, Jillian with Jasper and Portia, and all the others - sleddie and non-sleddie, human and non-human who she spent time with.

As I went through my archives searching for photos, I realized I only saw her a handful of times in person over the 5+ years she lived with her family. But because of this strong, supportive, sleddie community, we get to know each other's dogs so well. 
And that's a pretty special thing.

Whatever Copper's first chapter as a sled dog had been, her second chapter was spent in warmth, peace and as a beloved family member. Loved for who she was.

Was it too short? 
It always is.

My love goes out to her family.
​Rest in peace and love Copper.
xo