When Cooper’s family moved away, they left the 9-year-old dog behind at a shelter. He waited there for what felt like forever, hoping someone would give him another chance. That’s when Victoria Vazquez, a volunteer and foster mom, found him — and knew he deserved so much more.
“One day at the shelter, I asked, ‘Which dogs have been here the longest?’” Vazquez told The Dodo. “I wanted to take them out for a fun day. Cooper was one of them, and the moment I met him, I knew I couldn’t leave him there.”
Now 11 years old, Cooper has a personality Vazquez describes as “part old man, part toddler.” His favorite activities are simple joys: sunbathing, napping, destroying toys, and being close to the people he loves. While life in his foster home is a huge improvement from the shelter, it’s not permanent. Vazquez already has another dog Cooper doesn’t always get along with, and her busy work schedule leaves Cooper craving more attention than she can give.
“It’s much better than the shelter, but he really needs a place where he can relax and have the home to himself full-time,” Vazquez said.
For nine months, Vazquez has poured her heart into finding Cooper the perfect home. He’s had seven near-adoptions — each one falling through at the last moment, leaving Cooper waiting once again.
“He looks a lot like a beagle, and even though I tell people he’s bigger — over 70 pounds — they’re often surprised,” Vazquez explained. “Some people expect a short, chubby dog. He’s more like a tall, skinny beagle on stilts.”
His age has also been a stumbling block for potential adopters. Many hesitate to open their hearts to a senior dog, despite the incredible love they offer. Plus, Cooper struggles with separation anxiety, a lingering result of being abandoned by the only family he had ever known.
“After being left at a shelter at 9 years old and bounced between foster homes, it’s no wonder he feels anxious,” Vazquez said. “It’s little things like this that have led to him being overlooked again and again.”
Determined to highlight Cooper’s ongoing search, Vazquez began saving screenshots of every rejection. Seeing them lined up paints a heartbreaking picture of a dog who just wants to be loved.
Despite the setbacks, Vazquez remains hopeful that the right family is out there.
“Cooper’s ideal home would be without cats — he loves to chase them — and preferably with older kids,” she said. “He’d thrive with someone who’s home often, whether working remotely or being a stay-at-home parent. He just wants to be around people. That’s when he’s happiest.”
Cooper would be equally thrilled to go on outdoor adventures or simply snuggle on the couch watching TV. “He’s an easygoing, loving boy who just wants to eat, nap, sniff, and love,” Vazquez said.
More than anything, Cooper just wants to belong again — and his forever family is surely out there, waiting to find him.
If you’re interested in adopting Cooper, reach out to Victoria Vazquez for more information.
