I can't believe Cooper is 9 years old. As much as I hate to admit it, he is on the back 9 of his wonderful doggie life. Knowing that motivates me to try to get him out as much as possible and enjoy every last minute with him. What a life lesson. Thinking this way has provided some perspective and I've definitely eased up on my expectations. If he doesn't heel perfectly and hold the bird the whole way through the retrieve, its all good. We're really out to just have fun and that is a theme I hope to carry with me for my next dog.
He still has a good motor and I swear if there is snow on the ground, he works like he's 3 years old again. He hasn't changed his hunting drive, but it's more on his recovery. I notice the change getting in and out of the truck and the day after when he is stiff and doesn't rebound as quickly. At 36, I feel the same way sometimes and can relate. But he's 63 and does all the work on the hunt, so I will stop my whining.
