Cooper

Cooper, my lovable, calm, gentle golden retriever, passed suddenly in April 2021 at the age of 8 years. Diagnosed with Lymphoma in September 2020, he was enrolled in a clinical study at Tuft’s University - Cummings Vetinary Center. He endured his chemo treatments with grace and remained calm but ever playful throughout. In remission for months and 2 weeks shy of getting a clean bill of health, he succumbed suddenly, but peacefully at home. We later learned this was from another form of aggressive cancer that affects goldens. He and I were looking forward to restarting his therapy work.

Cooper had a passion for working with children affected by physical as well as emotional challenges. He excelled at bringing out the best in children while working at Hasbro Children’s Hospital in RI, in their psychiatric unit and in their pediatric medical units. Also working with children at Bradley Hospital in RI, the children always looked forward to seeing Cooper. Cooper enjoyed being with college students, loving the attention, but also putting smiles on the faces of many stressed students and faculty. This also gave them an opportunity to talk about their own pets at home and share their pictures.

His many awards include being a Distinguished AKC therapy dog (THDD), Urban CGC, CGC. Cooper and I earned special recognition for our commitment to the PVD pup program at TF Green Airport in RI. Together we logged in over 850 hours of visits to multiple facilities.

Truly a special, caring, lovable, playful, helpful member of the family, he will be missed by all that shared an encounter with him.

                                                      Bob Fontaine