Cooper the Basenji
 
For those of you who don’t know, Ruth and I adopted a basenji mix named Cooper in August of 2006. He has grown a lot since we brought him home (he was eight months old then) and always has a positive, curious, and playful attitude despite having severe allergies to dust and storage mites. He’s a great little guy; very smart, very quiet, very well behaved (most of the time), and full of unique skills. He is also finally growing hair back and looks great as of May 2008. Here are some pictures of the little guy hanging out with his two favorite people, Cooper fun facts, and a little more information about Basenjis. Fun Facts about Cooper: Cooper is a rescue Cooper is highly inquisitive and needs to sniff and/or lick everything new Cooper is a skilled hunter and has killed four animals (two mice, a bird, and a mole) Cooper knows > ten commands and many tricks he taught himself Cooper can and will shake hands from any position Cooper will stay for upwards of 10 minutes Cooper can jump to eye level from a standing start Cooper has no tail...someone took it before we got him, but it was removed professionally Cooper has many nicknames Cooper has an “evil” alter-ego named Khamenwati (Dark Rebel), or Skippy the Bandit for short Cooper loves multiples of toys, small fuzzy toys, and puzzle toys the best We had to teach Cooper how to play Cooper likes mint flavors, particularly in the form of soft candy canes Cooper has severe food, dust, and flea allergies Cooper gets allergy shots Cooper is prone to skin infections and lost most of his hair in 2007, but has recovered quite a bit here in 2008 Cooper can undo most seat belts Cooper doesn’t mind having his teeth brushed Cooper does not fight being bathed Cooper likes to have his wet paws wiped when coming indoors Cooper has lots of clothes to stay warm in the winter and likes to wear them Cooper hates rain and snow Cooper will fetch driftwood in Lake Michigan Cooper will wade in lakes and ponds Cooper likes to hunt and bite waves Cooper loves visiting the dog park Cooper is faster than pretty much everything but a greyhound Cooper likes to play chase and run a lot Cooper loves watching the world out windows Cooper likes to be up high and sit on the backs of furniture And for those interested in learning more about basenjis, follow some of the links below: AKC Basenji Page Wikipedia Basenji Page BRAT - Basenji Rescue and Transport Pals for Paws - Kokomo, IN Rescue group where we found Cooper Basenji Forum http://www.akc.org/breeds/basenji/index.cfmhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basenjihttp://www.basenjirescue.org/http://www.palsforpawshc.com/http://www.basenjiforum.com/shapeimage_2_link_0shapeimage_2_link_1shapeimage_2_link_2shapeimage_2_link_3shapeimage_2_link_4
Cooper’s first day
Cooper’s first favorite toy
Cooper and I
Sleeping with Dad
Making goofy faces with Dad
Trying on our camo
Hunting poses
Can I be excused yet?
Hunting fish with Dad
Cooper and Harry
I like fishing!
Cooper with Mom
What is that?
My first pumpkin
I like the insides!
Merry Christmas!
Coop, Duck, and a chewy
Baby boys
Coop on patrol
What’s outside?
Coop and Lucky
Opening first easter egg
Comforting Dad after surgery
The Bowers
I’m so happy!
First time in water!
Fetching sticks from L. Michigan
Chasing waves
Biting waves
Pouncing on waves
On beach with Dad
Freedom!!!
Sniffing the beach
Dog park!
Bullet dog!
Well behaved Cooper
My tree
What’s that?
So fast I blur!
Chasing a dog
Being chased
I like to play chase
Winter at the dog park
Like my coat?
Chase is still fun in snow
Sleepy
Sleepy in the Subaru
Nap in the sunshine
Easter egg hunt
I love to open eggs
This one has dog food!
Keeping Dad’s chair warm
On alert
I’m so cute
At the Lake Michigan shore
Pet me, Big Guy!
Cooper likes sand
Cooper explores Garden of the Gods
Coop and fam at GOTG
Ruth and Cooper
Ruth and Coop at Great Sand Dunes
Daddy! Carry me! My feet are hot!
Cooling off at Sand Dunes
Cooper climbs at Curecanti
Coop at Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Coop and Dad at Colorado National Monument
The Hoosiers at Hoosier Pass
Coop at 14,110 ft!
Family at Pikes Peak Summit
Cooper opening stockings 2008
Cooper opens his present
Cooper in his Santa suit