 A Program of the Central Pennsylvania Animal Alliance |
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Cooper
In loving memory...
Week 1 ║ Week 2 ║ Week 3 ║ Week 4 ║ Week 5 ║ Week 6 ║ Week 7
Week 8 ║ Week 9 ║ Week 10 ║ Week 11 ║ Week 12
Week 13 ║ Week 14 ║ Week 15 ║ Week 16 ║ Week 17 ║ Week 18
Week 19 ║ Week 20 ║ Week 21 ║ Week 22 ║ Week 23 ║ Week 24 ║ Week 25
Week 28
It was with very heavy hearts that we let go of our sweet Cooper this
weekend. After seven months of intensive training, we were still
unable to successfully manage Cooper's aggression issues. The issues
had been extremely severe at the beginning of his training, but with a great
deal of love, patience and specialized training, we saw him begin to face
his fears and behave in a way that we hoped would allow him to spend the
rest of his life in a home of his own. We saw him truly begin to
turn a corner about six weeks ago and we hoped for the best for him.
But, the last two weeks saw many setbacks that endangered both people and
animals. This led us, along with his rescue, to the decision that we
could never safely place him in a home environment. We tried in every
way possible to help Cooper find his way back, but sometimes they come to us
too late. Cooper started his life with a breeder who sent him to a
family that barely tolerated him and sent him to a shelter at the first sign
of trouble. His next home would be for a longer period, but without
the care that he needed for his issues. He was medicated rather than
rehabilitated and by the time he reached the HOPE Program his issues were
severe. During his first week at the jail, he tried to attack
everyone. There wasn't a shred of trust within him. As the weeks
went by, we saw glimmers of hope and definite improvement. But, with
each step forward, there were several taken back. All that being said,
we hope that the weeks that Cooper spent in the program were some of his
best. We used every resource available for him including a canine
massage expert, an animal communicator, Reiki sessions, field trips with
devoted HOPE volunteers and lots of specialized attention. He was
loved dearly by all of the staff of the program, the inmate handlers and the
staff at the prison. He will be missed terribly and will always serve
as a reminder of the failures of mankind toward the most wonderful of
creatures. Rest now, sweet Cooper, we'll see you at the
Rainbow Bridge.
Week 27
Cooper continued to work on his "meet and greet" exercises this week and
found that he thoroughly enjoyed all of the practice. He never used to
like meeting new folks, but now he's a pro and enjoys the time he spends
making new friends. He also continued to work on backing away from his
food bowl when asked to by his handler and he did very well with this
exercise too! Since that went so well, Cooper and his handler decided
to take the training one step further and Cooper started eating some of his
meals out on the cell block. He handled the new challenge without a
hitch and we couldn't be prouder of him.
Cooper is becoming more familiar with his fellow tier-mates! They ask him to
"sit" and then wait to give him a treat, and Cooper's loving the attention!
Cooper is also really loving the attention of one of the staff members on
the block. In the past week, he has taken Cooper under his wing.
He takes him around the block, has Cooper go up and down the stairs
off-leash, and reinforces Cooper's commands! He seems to enjoy having a
companion while he goes about his work and Cooper couldn't be happier to
have made a new friend and have a job to do with him.
Cooper got to go on another outing with one of the HOPE volunteers this
week! He went back to the Lower Allen Park, and just had a wonderful time!
Last week, he waded into the creek. This week, he showed off his doggy
paddling abilities. That's right, Cooper went out so far, that his
paws didn't touch the bottom of the creek! Cooper had a wonderful time
testing the waters and having a good swim in the dog days of summer. Then,
it was off to PetSmart for a very special treat...picking out his very own
toy! Cooper opted for a squeaky hamburger and he just loves it!
Week 26
Our Mr. Cooper looks like a brand new dog! He continues to learn and grow
and is thriving with all of the attention and mental stimulation that the
handlers provide for him. Cooper is getting a lot better with people
coming to the door. He hardly ever barks and his crate issue is improving as
well. A huge milestone for Cooper this week was that he learned, with
the help of his handler, to back away from his food bowl...even if he’s
eating out of it! Cooper came to us with a great deal of fear over losing
his possessions and this is a terrific step for him and one that he and his
handler should be extremely proud of.
One of the HOPE volunteers took Cooper out on an outing last week to the
Lower Allen Park. Both of them had a wonderful time. Cooper sniffed
the grass, waded in the creek, and seemed to have much more confidence in a
public setting than we've seen before. His recalls were great, and he even
went up to people and offered them a kiss on his own! The HOPE volunteer
reports that Cooper was "so cute, and was as good as gold!" Our Cooper is
making wonderful progress, and we're so proud of him. He has really
turned a corner in the last few weeks and is making great strides at getting
himself ready to start over in a home that will truly love him for the rest
of his days.
Week 25
"Baby Cooper is doing really great with meeting new people and allowing
pets." Cooper can sense if someone is nervous around him, so his handler has
broadened his horizons by having inmates both inside and outside of the
program work with him on his crate issue. For the most part, Cooper doesn't
bark! What a great accomplishment for this little boy! Waking Cooper up is
also no longer an issue. All his handler has to say is, "Cooper, move," and
he does! Cooper still has some resource guarding issues, but his handler
thinks that it's "nothing that can't be worked out."
Cooper, keep up the good work! There's a special family out there for you
somewhere!
Week 24
Cooper's handler
says that he "is coming along fine." He still has some room for improvement,
but he's making progress when meeting and greeting people one-on-one! Cooper
is also doing well with his "leave it" command when it comes to treats. When
he responds to his handler in this area, he's rewarded with none other than
a treat! Cooper's still taking "baby steps" in some areas, but in others, he
is just shining! He's even doing a roll-over trick now with his handler!
Cooper was at the Super Saturday event at South Middleton Park, and his
handler would have been so very proud of him! All of his training helped
Cooper be a great ambassador to the program! He accepted pets from wee-ones
to adults. He accepted treats from one of the HOPE volunteers. He did well
when he saw other dogs! Cooper showed that he can truly trust people in a
new environment! Cooper is ready for a patient adoptive family who will
understand his needs and continue to work on his training. We hope there is
someone who will reach out their heart and home to this special guy. He's
not an "easy dog," but he's adorable, loveable, and adoptable.
Week 23
1. Cooper did super-great with his Meet and Greet training! He met a lot of
people this week, and Cooper accepted everyone's pets without a hint of
fear! You go, boy!
2. Cooper's handler is going to still work on his crate issue. He was
focusing on Cooper's Meet and Greet training, but now he has to get back to
basics!
3. Cooper visited a few cells to hang out with some of his block-mates for
awhile this week, and did "very good!"
4. Cooper's handler, and one of our new handlers, took Cooper and one of his
doggie friends out in the yard for some exercise and play. They waited to
see how the two of them would interact together. When the other dog showed
his teeth to Cooper, Cooper just "slapped him with his paw [as if to say
'stop it silly'], and went into a play bow several times!" After that, the
two canine buddies were off and running for a good romp around the yard!
As your former handler said, "Cooper, Cooper, Cooper, oh what a challenge
you are." But, Cooper, you are rising up to meet your challenges, and are
succeeding to beat them! You're a trooper, little one!
Week 22
Cooper continues to do well! People are noticing a change for the better in
his behavior! Cooper "is gaining more confidence and is dealing
appropriately with situations that, in the past, would have caused him to
respond negatively. He also is becoming more tolerant with his surroundings
and in particular, people. Slow and steady!" In fact, one of the other
handlers visited Cooper to give him a pet, and Cooper did very well...no
reactions! His handler says that "[the] three second rule is working well."
Cooper continues to improve with the resource guarding of his food bowl,
treats and toys! He really enjoys his handler's pets, and even lets his
handler pick him up now! Cooper is also losing some weight [not a bad
thing]! One of the HOPE volunteers took Cooper out on an outing this week,
and reported that this pup did "great!"
Cooper's handler says that, "He's not 'fixed' but continues to make
progress." We're so proud of you, Cooper, and HOPE that someone will love
you for the pup that you are, and invite you into their home!
Week 21
Cooper is adjusting well! His crate issue is improving! He still barks at
times, especially if he's relaxed or sleeping when someone unexpectedly
comes to pay him a call. Cooper's handler, and others on the block, have
noticed that the intensity and length of Cooper's barking has "decreased
considerably!" Cooper's handler is encouraging others to come to their cell,
stand at the door and toss treats to Cooper. The method has been working
well, and has also helped Cooper with his barking issue! The guards on the
block are also helping Cooper with his training! Cooper appeared to have an
issue with the "jingling" keys. The guards will toss a treat to Cooper while
"playing with their keys," and Cooper now doesn't seem to mind the noise "as
much!" Cooper still has a way to go, but he's making progress! His handler
says, "small steps." Small steps lead to giant strides, Cooper! You've made
so many already, little boy! Keep up the good work!
Week 20
Cooper is still making progress with his new handler! His "crate issue" is
fading, and he's doing oh, so much better with his "food-guarding" issue! As
a matter of fact, his handler can now hold Cooper's bone while he chews on
it, amongst other progress with food and treat issues! Not only that, but
Cooper's handler starting teaching him how "roll over" this week, and "he's
getting it!" Cooper's handler is limiting others' pet-time with Cooper and
asking them to wait to treat him until he has heard his "okay, take it"
commands. Cooper is doing a lot better as a result! A couple of the other
handlers helped reinforce Cooper's training this week. Our little boy did
well with taking commands from them, and enjoyed running and jogging with
them in the yard! What a big step for this little boy!
Week 19
Cooper is adjusting to his new handler! When his first handler moved down
the block, Cooper felt that his world had been turned upside down, and he
would search out his friend. Cooper's new handler is working to re-direct
this pup's attention on him, and Cooper is responding to him! Cooper's
handler says that "it is not as bad as I thought it would be thanks to
Cooper's strong desire for treats."
Cooper and his new handler are making a fresh start. His handler has laid
down his "house rules" for Cooper to follow. "They are working most of the
time. Cooper is calm and relaxed in the cell." His handler says that
Cooper's issues cannot be "fixed" overnight, but they will get fixed."
Cooper, you have come such a long way! Keep up your good work, little one.
We know that you can do it!
Week 18
Cooper is our longest resident in the history of the HOPE Program.
Despite his long history of behavior issues, he continues to make slow and
steady progress. As long as he is comfortable and thriving, he is
welcome to stay in the program as long as necessary. He had a handler
change this week in an effort to place him with someone new who is
well-versed in his particular issues. His first handler did a
tremendous job of getting him to this point and now it's time for some
specialty training to help him work through the remaining issue of resource
guarding and continue to help him feel confident enough to keep his
temperament nice and level. Cooper has come an incredibly long way
since he started the program several months ago. We know there is
someone special out there willing to help him continue his journey toward
being a happy, well adjusted pup and we'll keep working with him until we
find that special person.
Week 17
Cooper interacted with some of the other handlers in the yard again this
week! They all said that Cooper listened well to them, knew his commands and
was a very good pup! Cooper is not the same dog that he was when entered the
program! Cooper has been on two outings, and was a "perfect gentleman"
during both of them! He allowed strangers to touch him, and showed no signs
of aggression! Unfortunately, for some strange reason, he growled at his
handlers after they crated him after one of the outings! Although he is
"basically is a good dog," Cooper still has some ingrained issues to
overcome. You've come such a long way, Cooper, and we know that you'll find
your niche someday, little one!
Week 16
Cooper went out with some of the other handlers this week! Cooper's main
handler made it a point to make sure that Cooper didn't see him during these
outings so that he could learn to interact more with other people. Cooper's
basic commands are "really good!" His "recalls" and "stays" are excellent!
He will "sit," "lay," "shake with either paw," "beg," and "bow." Cooper also
walks very well on-leash, and only needs to hear "Cooper with me" to come
back to his handler's side when he pulls on it a bit. Cooper's handler says
that he's very quick to learn!
Cooper is "a very nice dog." His handler says that he has his "baggage, but
don't we all? More than anything, his handler wants Cooper to succeed.
"Maybe Cooper isn't everyone's ideal dog, but Cooper surely deserves a
chance that so far he hasn't had. To me, Cooper is great...I still think
that Cooper will make someone a wonderful pet."
Week 15
Cooper is getting along a lot better with his canine block mates! During
potty breaks, Cooper is in a more playful mood with them! Cooper's handlers
have taken him around to different people this week. Cooper can be choosy
about who he wants to meet and who he will accept touches from, but he's
doing much better! Of course, he has no problem receiving touches from one
of his handlers. In fact, Cooper enjoys a nice "massage" each night from
him! His handler says that he has "actually felt the muscles in his back
relax!" Although Cooper's crate manners have improved, he still has some
resource guarding problems with his possessions in the crate. He'll bark a
little when folks come up to his door while he's in the crate, but will
listen to his "no-bark" command!
Cooper is "very smart and more than willing to learn." He has excellent
"recalls" and "stays!" Cooper does all of his commands, plus much more. His
handlers think that with more interaction with other humans, he'll learn to
trust again.
You've come a long way, little boy! Keep up the good work, Cooper!
Week 14
Cooper is doing much better! Overall, his behavior has improved with the
other dogs and his human neighbors on the block! Cooper usually gets along
well with the other dogs, unless there are treats to be had! That's still an
issue, but his handlers are working with Cooper, and are slowly seeing some
improvement with his behavior!
Cooper is fetching his toys for one of his handlers, and will give it up
with the "out" command! Once Cooper becomes comfortable with playing with
one of his handlers, he'll turn Cooper over to the other handlers to see how
he reacts to them. "Baby steps is the name of the game with Cooper." Once
Cooper trusts his person, he realizes that he won't ever be hurt again.
One of his handlers says "you can't give Cooper an inch because like most
children he will make a mile out of that inch." Whoever adopts Cooper will
"have their hands full," but at the same time will "have a very good
companion and friend." Cooper's handler knows that he would be best suited
"with an experienced person" who can be stern with him when needed.
"Cooper is very intelligent and a pleasure to be with." We hope you find
your forever home soon, little one!
Week 13
Cooper's doing just fine! He can still be unpredictable with strangers
sometimes, but his handlers continue to work on this issue. Cooper's crate
manners are 100% better than they were, but there is some "fine tuning" to
be had! Cooper is tolerating new situations and people more than he used to,
as he continues to release his inner fears. His handlers say that "whatever
he needs" is their agenda for this pup!
Your handlers only have your well-being in mind, Cooper! Listen to them
gently little one!
Week 12
Cooper's handlers decided to switch roles this week. Cooper's first handler
took a back seat to his new second handler to give Cooper an opportunity to
interact one-on-one with someone new. Cooper's crate manners have really
improved! One handler taught Cooper to give his right paw....the other
handler taught Cooper to give him his left paw! Both handlers are still
working on Cooper's resource guarding issues. Cooper is getting a little
friendlier with strangers. Cooper and Cragger are also getting along really
well now! They've been playing in the yard together for the last couple of
days! They stand up and "dance" with each other and like a good friendly
wrestling match! Sometimes they get a little exuberant with each other, but
will break off nicely when given the appropriate commands from their
respective handlers. After a few minutes of rest, it's back to play time for
the two of them!
Cooper has come a long way by leaps and bounds since he entered the program!
Keep up the good work, Cooper!
Weeks 10 & 11
Cooper's handlers report that he's doing much better with most of the other
dogs! He still has some resource guarding, but his handlers are working with
him, and feel "sure that Cooper will come around." Although Cooper has been
in the program since February, his handlers think that he's trying to
overcome the past that he remembers, and he's done fairly well getting over
his issues.
Cooper's not a hands-on pup. He tolerates touch from strangers, but it's not
on his list of favorite things. His handlers know that this is an area that
will be some work for this little boy! Cooper has a second handler now who
is helping him to concentrate on his development. Cooper has warmed up to
his new cell mate, and in just a week's time, has been able to connect with
him better than anyone else but his main handler. Cooper has EXCELLENT stay
and recall. His handler can leave him anywhere in the doggie yard in a "sit"
or "down", give him the "stay" command and walk away from him. When his
handler gives him the call, Cooper will run to his handler with a smile on
his face!
With the weather being so hot this week, it was time for some fun in the
doggie pools! At first, Cooper drank some water out of the pool. His handler
kept tapping the side of the pool and got him to actually test the waters!
Cooper got in and walked around for awhile. Cooper's handler tried to give
him a treat to make him sit, and he did! Of course it was on the side of the
pool and not actually in the water, but Cooper brought a smile to his
handler's face!
Cooper's main handler thinks that Cooper has made considerable progress! He
still has a long way to go, but his handler says, "I'm willing to go the
distance with him, more than anything I want him to succeed." We want you to
succeed too, Cooper! Keep up the good work!
Week 9
Cooper has been really good for his handler this week! He still has his
moods, but his personality is starting to come through! Cooper will play
when the mood strikes him, but his handler says that he prefers just hanging
out with him. Cooper's handler learned this week that Cooper is afraid of
the laundry carts and mop buckets! His handler is going to "introduce"
Cooper to these "scary" objects to let him see that they really are nothing
to be afraid of!
Cooper's handler is going to be working with him to interact more with the
other handlers and his neighbors on the block. Up to now, Cooper has been
"exclusively" his handler's dog, but Cooper does get along with other people
better than he used to. Cooper's handler thinks that once this pup gets used
to a lot of other people handling him, he'll turn into the special dog that
everyone is looking for.
Cooper went to the groomers on Monday and his handler was told that he cried
for him the whole time. Overall, though, Cooper is doing better than
expected, and he has reacted well to his handler's commands. While it took
some time, Cooper's handler thinks that he and this pup have mutual respect
for each other! "Cooper is a great dog!"
Weeks 6, 7 & 8 Wrap-Up
Cooper is still challenging his handler, but he's learning new things each
week! He has excellent recall and an excellent "wait"! He's been introduced
to some new dogs in the last couple of weeks, and he gets along with them
very well! He sometimes gets a little pushy with the newcomers, but his
handler is working to make him more of a gentleman friend with the new
members of his pack. Cooper also has a new interest...chasing vehicles! His
handler is a little bemused by this, but he'll work with him to "park it"
when the vehicles go by!
Cooper will need a family who can give him a lot of attention. We recommend
that there be no children in the home, and if children come to visit the
home, that they be strictly supervised. Cooper is a stubborn pup, but he
lets his handler touch him all over his body, play with his ears, clean him
up after he's been in the doggie yard, and put his hands in Cooper's mouth.
Those strides may not sound like a lot, but those are strides that make
Cooper's handler proud!
Cooper is a beautiful dog. His handler says, however, that any potential
adopter shouldn't be fooled by his "doe-like" expressions when he wants
something, or how he cocks his head in his own "funny way." Even when his
handler tells Cooper that "no means no," Cooper still tries to charm him
with his endearing looks! Once Cooper knows that his handler REALLY means
no, he'll stop trying to test him.
Even though Cooper still has some issues, he's not struggling as much as he
was when he entered the program! His handler truly HOPES that there is
someone out there that is willing to rise up to the challenge and adopt this
little one! Cooper is waiting for that someone special who is willing to
give him a chance, and show him the love that he really needs.
Week 5
Cooper has been a really good boy this week! He still has a lot to learn,
but he's a different dog than he was just a couple of weeks ago! Cooper gets
along well with all of the other dogs! He knows when to correct them during
play and he also knows how to be corrected during play! When he first
entered the program, there were some guys on the block who didn't quite know
how to approach him. Those days seem to be over, because Cooper is really
enjoying all of the attention, pets and play time that he's receiving from
everyone who greets him! One of Cooper's handler's pet projects is to get
his pup to stay with him when he or she is off-leash. Cooper is doing quite
an excellent job with this command, and is also doing an excellent job with
his recalls! Cooper's handler knows that there are a lot of things that he
wants to condition Cooper to do, so he's decided that he'll watch his
favorite...Animal Channel...while Cooper is in his crate! Stay tuned to see
how Cooper does...hopefully in time, he'll be snuggling with his handler so
the two of them can enjoy the Animal Channel together!
Cooper's handler says that anyone who is considering adopting him will have
to be stern with him until he gets to know him/her or them. Cooper thinks
himself as a "be-in-control" kind of guy, but once he realizes that someone
else is in control, he'll does just fine!
We're so proud of your progress, Cooper! Keep up the good work!
Week 4
Cooper believes in the Charleston approach to training...a little bit
forward and then a little bit backward. But, we're starting to see
progress. It will be a long road for him, but the spark is there and
that's all that matters to us. He doesn't have a single issue when
he's out and about on the cell block. Cooper likes interacting with
people and dogs and with such an adorable face, people are usually more than
happy to take a moment and tell him hello. Where he's struggling is in
the area of possessions. "It's mine and you can't have it" seems to be
his motto of choice. But, we're pretty sure that he's no match for his
handler. Patience and structure is all this boy needs to recover and
start fresh. Keep watching for the moment when he turns the corner.
We're not sure when it will happen, but we know it will!
Week 3
Cooper exhibited some serious resource guarding this week. This is a great
concern to his handler. Cooper's handler has re-adjusted some of their
routines in their space to minimize the possibility of Cooper's being
over-protective of his "possessions." Cooper seems to understand his
handler's "tough love" approach, however. After being crated following one
of his incidents, Cooper showed signs of wanting to be out of his crate. His
handler left him in "time out" for awhile longer. When Cooper was released,
his handler was pleasantly surprised at how happy Cooper was to be with him!
Cooper just shook and shook his little hind-end, wagging with delight!
Cooper made good progress in other areas of his training, however! He
broadened his circle of human friends by allowing others to touch him
whether on-leash or off-leash! He didn't bark or growl at his doggie
friends. He continued to do very well when his handler groomed him! He
played with his toys, and let his handler take them from him after he had
his play! Be kind to your handler, Cooper. He's only looking out for
your well-being!
Week 2
His handler says, "Cooper, Cooper, Cooper, oh what a challenge you are!" But
lucky for Cooper, his handler has risen to the challenge! Cooper gets along
with all of the other dogs, because he knows how to speak "dog talk." He'll
let the other members of his pack know who is "boss" when he thinks it's
necessary to do so. He's not aggressive when speaking his mind, however!
Cooper has bonded very well with his person! Cooper lets him give him a
bath, clean his ears, and clean his paws. Cooper has learned to play with
his toys, which he wouldn't do a week ago! Unfortunately, Cooper and his
handler don't agree on TV programming. Although Cooper loves TV time, he
doesn't appreciate watching Animal Planet, much to his handler's dismay
[it's his favorite channel]. Cooper tends to bark when the other animals
appear on the screen, so for now, there will be no Animal Planet in their
space.
Cooper has a lot of potential, but at this point in his training, the only
person Cooper really relates to is his handler. Another one of the handlers
took Cooper out for a potty break and Cooper cried because he wanted to get
back to his safety zone. Cooper's handler knows that socialization to
broaden his circle of human friends is key for this pup! Now if he can only
get the other handlers to help him interact with other people! Mmm...is
their some apprehension of Cooper on the block? His handler will work on
that! You really will be okay, Cooper!
Week 1
Cooper has had a lot of ups and downs this week. He's beginning to get
used to his new environment, but there are so many changes to his life right
now that he's struggling a bit. He adores his new handler and is
starting to learn the rules of the big house. His handler got him
started on the Nothing In Life is Free training plan right away and Cooper
still isn't sure how he feels about it. He has a lot of tough habits
that need to be worked through before he'll be ready to start fresh in a
home of his own. It can be really difficult when issues aren't
addressed early on, but left to grow deeper and deeper. Such is the
case with Cooper. But, there is a glimmer in his eye and his handler
sees plenty of cause for hope. After all, that's how the program got
it's name. Keep watching Cooper because as soon as he realizes that
life becomes a lot more enjoyable when the rules are followed, he'll be
unstoppable!
UPDATE - 2/6/09
Cooper is heading into the big house on Sunday and we're all really excited
to get to know him. He just needs some structure, lots of consistency
and some lessons in good manners and he'll be ready to head out for parole.
Stay tuned... Cooper is available for adoption
through Cocker
Spaniel Adoption Center.
Hounds of Prison Education
A Program of the Central Pennsylvania Animal Alliance