This one’s for Cooper
We got our third Brittney Spaniel, Cooper, in 2011 as a young puppy. I started blogging in 2012 and if you’ve been reading for a while, you would have seen him make an appearance in quite a few quilt photos. My sewing room was his favorite place in the house to nap. It’s where he knew I would be, and he could just relax and sleep. It’s our happy place.
If you have a dog or a cat, you know how much they are attracted to quilts. They never miss an opportunity to snuggle up and get comfy. And sometimes they want to be part of the design process whether you like it or not.
Cooper turned 12 in May. For twelve years he has been making guest appearances on The Crafty Quilter. Sometimes I would set up a quilt to photograph and when I turned around, he would be right in the middle of it. And that picture would always make me smile (but sometimes I needed a moment).
Cooper has been a big part of our family, and he loved every one of his human siblings. When our kids came home to visit, it was a big celebration in Cooper’s mind and he made them feel like it had been years since he last saw them.
And he was always gentle with our grandkids. Brittney Spaniels make great family dogs.
I wanted Cooper to have a permanent space on my blog. You won’t find him in any more photos, but he will be in our hearts forever. We miss him every day and my sewing room isn’t the same without him. He has been a gift of pure love to Mr. Crafty Quilter and myself, reminding us to wake up each day with excitement and joy, to never hold grudges and to live in the moment. And don’t worry about keeping the house clean or sticking to that list. Life is about living each moment and loving each other unconditionally.
Much love,
thank you for your memories. Mine were brought to the surface with this blog. I had two rescue shelties, Rodeo, now (14) and Kobe (15). They both loved my quilts and the sewing room. I sadly, lost Kobe two years ago. But now Rodeo and I have rescued a darling 12 yr old poodle/schnauzer named Mimi. We have enjoyed her for the past year. She is a hoot and so loves her special bed in the sewing room.
Thank you again for your lovely blog and kind thoughts
Julie, what a beautiful tribute to a beautiful fur baby!! ❤️❤️
Awwwww so sorry to hear that cooper passed away ,I do remember seeing him in photos sitting or lying on quilts .I have been through the same thing losing my dog to she was always by my side it is so heartbreaking
Our animals leave paw prints on our hearts before they cross The Rainbow Bridge.
I’m so sorry to hear about your sweet Cooper Julie. Furbabies are so special. I’m so glad you have such wonderful pictures of Cooper. My thoughts are with you.
My deepest sympathy for the loss of your dear Cooper. It’s always hard to lose our fur babies.
Only just got round to reading this post. I am so sorry for your loss. A much loved dog leaves a huge dog shaped hole in your lives. Feast on the memories. Best wishes Vanessa
I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of your sweet family member, Cooper. Isn’t it something how they become such a big part of our lives? We had a poodle mix, Edison, for almost 17 years, and oh how my heart and home felt empty when he passed. Thinking of you and Mr. Crafty Quilter and keeping you in our prayers.
Hi Julie,
My sympathies to you regarding your loss of Cooper. Dogs have such a special place in our hearts – I just know God gave them to the world for a sign of His comfort! I love the pictures of Cooper on your quilts – it shows the connection you and he had – amazing!
So very sorry for your precious fur baby. We had to pit our 10 year old Boxer down in May. So hard they become intwined in our lives. Such unconditional love
So sorry, it is always so hard to lose a furry family member. We also had a Brittany and I agree, they are the greatest.
Sending love, hold on to the memories.
I’m sorry for your loss. Dogs imbed themselves in our hearts and remain there forever. That’s a good boy, Cooper.
Julie, I’m so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your beautiful tribute to Cooper with all of us. Your photos are wonderful… some beautiful memories to hold in your heart.
So sorry for your loss. Prayers
Such a tribute to Cooper. We’ve had several dogs and each one is special in their own way,
That was a beautiful post. Thank you for sharing. Cooper is beautiful and was quite the quilt model. He will be in your heart furever.
I’m so sad for you and your family. It’s wonderful that you had so many years to share your lives with him and have so many photos to keep Cooper’s memory alive. ❤️
I so feel your pain. A dog is family and especially after 12 years of his unconditional love. They give us so much. I know you loved him like he lived you.
I am so sorry for the loss of Cooper. I do remember seeing him in various pictures throughout the years, and it always made me laugh. I’m sure he will be missed.
I’m so sorry for your loss. He looks like such a sweet companion. And it looks like you gave him the perfect life, where he could be with you and your family, in the center of love and creativity.
So sorry to hear this news of Cooper. Cherish your memories, they will be treasures forever.❤️
Julie, I am so sorry for your sad loss. Cooper will be sorely missed on your blogs but his memory lives on. I send you and your lovely family heartfelt condolences and lots of hugs. Treasure his memory. Love to you and your family xx
Jennifer
I am so sorry to hear about Cooper. I enjoy your emails very much and it would make me smile when I saw a picture of Cooper in your craft room. My Molly loves to relax in my creative space as well.
My condolences & please keep sharing.
Julie & family,
My heart goes out to all of you for the loss of your sweet, darling Cooper. He was fortunate to get to live with you & have such a loving family. We have been in that same spot twice now, so I feel your deep heartache. God be with you as you heal. Sending love & prayers.
So sorry to hear about Cooper. Pets become members of the family and their loss is felt just as deep as anyone else. It is wonderful you have so many beautiful pictures to keep his memory dear.
Carol Anne
So very sorry for your loss. They are so much a part of the family and a big hole is left when he is gone. Bless your whole family.
It is never easy to lose those we love so much. The memories of them help the void left in your heart. We have lost many over the years and they take a piece of our heart with them but we do it again and again because our house is just not a home without them. You can tell just how much Cooper was loved by you all. Take care
Cooper was well loved. I am so sorry for your loss, knowing what a big part of a family your pets are. So glad you shared a little bit more about Cooper. I am sure his spirit lives in each of you, in a very special way.
Oh, Julie, it is so hard to lose our four legged family members. Hugs to you all
Robbie
What a loving tribute Julie. Pets become a significant part of our families & leave a huge hole when they pass. Years ago we had a Brittany, so I LOVED seeing Cooper in your photos. Sending hugs. ❤️
MaryAnne
So sorry for your loss of Cooper! My heart and prayers are with you in your sadness.
Julie, I’m so sorry to hear about Cooper. I know how hard it is to lose a pet. They are truly a member of the family! Cooper always seemed so mellow the few times I saw him. Such a nice dog.
Sad for you,
Dianne
So lovely. Thank you for sharing this heartfelt tribute.
Julie,
What a beautiful post in tribute to your dog, Cooper. Pets are the best and, yes, we can all learn from them to love unconditionally.
Julie, so sorry to hear about Cooper. I know what it feels like to lose our loyal family members with fur coats. Hugs to your family❤️
Meg
My heart just breaks for you. When I lose one of my companions I grieve hard as they are so much of our lives and we are everything to them. At least we know we give them the best life they can ever have. Sending you thoughts and prayers.
Hugs to you all for your hurting hearts. Sending lots of love.
So very sorry for your loss! Loved reading about Cooper and seeing the pictures of him with your quilts. What a handsome family member he was. While we will always feel the loss of our loved ones, whether human or animal, we always have the beautiful memories. Blessings to you.
I am so sorry about Cooper. This was a lovely tribute to him and all those fur babies we all love. You just can’t beat the love and devotion a pet brings to your life. Lots of hugs
I cried when I read your email, Julie. I have loved and said goodbye to many fur friends over the years. Our wonderful companions just don’t live long enough. I am so sorry for your loss.
Cooper was a beautiful boy! We had a Brittany spaniel many years ago and she was a great dog. I’m so sorry for your loss. It is so hard to lose your furry family member. It just makes your heart hurt. Thinking of you and your family!❤️
Sorry for your loss. Great post about Cooper.
I am so sorry for your loss Julie, we lost Mickey in February and miss him as much as I know you miss Cooper. In time you might want to adopt a rescue dog. We adopted Rusty and while he isn’t Mickey, he is such a joy to us.
I’m so sorry Julie! It’s so hard to lose a member of the family. What a beautiful tribute to Cooper. Big hugs to you all.
Loved seeing the photos with Cooper-on-Quilts over the years. Sending you love from England ❤ x
What a wonderful friend and companion Cooper has been. I know you will miss him dreadfully. Sending my love to you both.
Amanda
Xx
I always thought of you as a mom of 5 kids, one of whom had 4 legs instead of 2. I am so very sorry for your loss, Cooper was a joy and constant companion in your family for many years. He will be loved, cherished and missed forever.
Hi Julie. I’m so sorry that your beautiful dog is no longer with you.
He looks great fun.
During first year of covid I started quilting well patchwork and tying. I made a picnic blanket for everyone in family. And my late cat would inspect and curl up on each one.
Our memories are forever
Loving prayers to you and your entire family! As a regular viewer of your blog and maker of many of your patterns… I totally get the loss factor… but also at 12 he may have been ready to see the light or cross the bridge to another place… I hope he is there whenever in the future you get to see him again… but I am glad you devoted this post to him! You had some great photos packed full of him and his curious nature throught this post… Thanks for telling us and for sharing with us this shift in your new reality…
Always your Ruby Winner!
Kathi
I am so sorry. My heart breaks
So sad he is gone. I understand how it feels to lose a much loved four-legged family member.
How beautiful and special was Cooper⭐️ How wonderful he was chosen by you, to have a special place in all of your lives and it was equal. Lots of joy and love to Cooper and lots of joy and love from Cooper. He will always be in your hearts ♥️
Julie ~ I’m so sorry. We lost our Brittany a couple of months ago, too. He was almost 14. You are so right about Brittanys being attached to family members and being so good with kids. Maybe Cooper and Mondo will meet in dog heaven…
I’m so sorry you won’t have Cooper in your emails anymore. I’m also happy for you that you did have him sharing in your life. 🙁
I’m so sorry to read about the loss of your beloved dog. Cooper must have been a wonderful pet. I always liked seeing him in your blog posts.
What a beautiful tribute for such a sweet and loving companion! He will always have a place in your heart. God Bless!
So sorry for your loss. Dogs do become our family don’t they.
I’m so sorry for your loss. We lost our black lab mix, Shadow, almost 10 years now but I still miss him. My daughter said Shadow really spoiled us and set a very high standard for a new dog that we might even consider adopting. Pets do leave a big void in our hearts when they leave us. But don’t wait too long to adopt another one. There are so many dogs who need love and a good home. After two years, we adopted another dog named Max. He’s been with us for about 7 years now. He too brought so much joy to us and we love him dearly. Take care.
So sorry for your family, Julie. We loved seeing him sneak a snuggle on your beautiful quilts!
I’m so sorry for your loss.
I miss my spaniel, too!
Awwww. So sweet. Dogs are the best!
I am SO sorry for your loss. There is never an easy recovery from a family pet.
I wish you all peace with the loss of Cooper.
God bless Julie! I know the pain of loosing a great 4 legged family member. Enjoy those fond memories. They will always make you smile.
Made me smile and tear up! RIP Cooper!
So sorry for your loss of your beloved family pet. ❣️
Such a difficult time for the entire family.
You’re sewing room will always bring a smile to your face as you will always have
Sweet memories of him in there
This brought tears to my eyes…..our pets give us unconditional love ❤️ and have a way of making a bad day good.
Cooper will always be in your heart. . I am so sorry for your family’s loss.
Sending sympathy and hugs. What a great dog; I appreciate your sharing the news and the precious memories with us.
Julie,
Your wonderful memories of Cooper will slowly heal the big hole in your heart. It takes time to process all that has happened. He knew how much your family loved him and loved you in return. Susan
Our fur babies are a huge part of our lives. I’m so sorry for your loss and my heart hurts with you. Sending you big hugs.
Dear Julie & Family ~
I am so sorry for your loss of Cooper. Especially for you & your husband. You two were his mom & dad. Your children & grandchildren will miss Cooper too. Those fur babies just steal our hearts. Your fond memories will keep him close always. Thinking of you…
Sincerely ~ Anne
Hi Julie,
What a beautiful tribute to a most special pup♥️ I still really miss my kitty buddy, (Bacardi) even though he’s been gone for almost 3 years. The pleasure our fur babies bring to us is immeasurable. I know you & Mr. Crafty Quilter are holding Cooper close to your hearts.
Julie,
I was in a beginning quilting class you taught years ago and began getting your emails at that time. The pictures that included Cooper were always so sweet. My condolences- losing a beloved pet is tough. Enjoy all the pictures and good memories. Alice
Cooper, and all dogs, are a gift from God.
My condolences. I’ve lost many dogs over the years , they leave you much too soon.
Oh how our hearts truly go out to you all. What a wonderful furry companion you had, and what beautiful human companions he had.
Oh Julie, I am so sorry for your loss. Our fur babies are central to our families and I can see how much love and joy Cooper brought you and your family. Cherish all those wonderful memories of your special boy.
Thank you for sharing Cooper with your quilting family. Saying goodbye is never easy but it is the last kindness we can give our furbabies. I hope that one day Cooper will send a dog needing a family your way but until then cherish all the love and memories you have with each other.
So sorry about your sweet Cooper. You gave each other a great life. Hold on to that.
It’s so hard to lose such a beloved family member. So sorry. Beautiful tribute!
I’m so sad and shedding a few tears now for you all. ❤️❤️
I’m about to go through something similar, I lost her sister in November of last year and now Tupper being 16 and 8 months deserves to be with her sister. Best Weimaraner ever. Thank you for your beautiful pics and story
I am so sorry for your loss. The best part of my day is when I come home and four sets of eyes want my attention. I think our pets teach us how to love unconditional and accept what comes. When they leave us we have big holes in our heart.
Beautiful tribute to Cooper! ❤️
What beautiful words about your life with Cooper. My heart hurts for you and your family. May the love and joy he brought to you help ease your sadness.
It’s so difficult to lose a furry family member. Thanks for sharing Cooper’s story.
My heart is broken, the entire neighborhood will miss him! … Sending you hugs ❤️
We had a beloved Brittany when our girls were young. She was a wonderful addition to our family. It was hard to make the choice to put her down but she will always live in our hearts
Sorry for the loss of your special companion. I am a watercolor artist and would like to do a memorial portrait of Cooper if you want. Free.
So SO true … I relate to all your observations about the love of a family pet, my heart aches for you … having lost one when he was 14 years old and now the second is coming up to be 11.
Thank you for sharing,
Hugs,
Patricia xo
beautiful tribute to a beloved family member. So sorry for your loss ❤️
It’s always sad to lose a pet but after the sad time comes those funny and memorable moments. I still tear up every now and then but recover and think of a funny moment. Sorry for your loss.
Nothing worse than missing our sewing companions. Hugs. Run free cooper. Hugs for your mommy’s heart.
What a touching tribute to Cooper.
Let me express my deepest sympathy in the loss of Cooper. A vet once told me that our pets are children who don’t grow up and leave home. He had a wonderful home and loving “parents” …. what more could a dog need?
Betty
So very sorry. They are worth the pain, but so very hard to lose. Hugs!
What a beautiful tribute to Cooper- he will be forever in your heart
So very sorry for your loss. Your post was lovely and a beautiful reminder of what great joy a pet can bring to our lives and family. May you and your family always treasure your memories of Cooper.
Sorry you lost your pal, friend and joy. Pets are always missed for quite a while Hopefully you will have a new friend again in the near future.
As someone who is scratching my 13 yo Golden Retreiver’s ear as I read your post, my heart goes out to you and your family for your loss. Sweet thoughts for a sweet dog. It is the pain that follows 12 years of pure joy in owning a pet.
What a beautiful tribute. Thank you for sharing him with us over the years. Sending hugs to you and your family.
So sorry- I’ve been there and mourn with you,as well as celebrate one so loved. How lucky you were to have shared his life.
A beautiful memorial for a beloved family member!
l am so sorry for your loss of Cooper. Our furbabies certainly leave deep pawprints on our heart. Love all the pics of him showing the many ways he loved you & family. Sending big cyber hugs for you. Patti
I picked up a book at a thrift store, chicken soup for the pet lovers soul, your story touched my heart as much as this book. I know you will miss cooper but he served you well and gave all the love he had to your family.
RIP Cooper
Enjoy your wonderful memories.
Cooper is beautiful. He is probably having fun with my 2 Miniature Schnauzers. Jaz is my 3rd schnauzer. She is 11 and having a few issues. But it makes me happy to come home and have her greet me like she hasn’t seen me for days. Thank you for sharing your life with Cooper.
My heart goes out to you and your family. I’m a dog lover and miss every one that we’ve had and lost over the last 43 years. Dogs are such wonderful animals!
So sorry. Sending hugs and empathy.
Aww Julie, my heart hurts for your family’s loss. Cooper is family and that loss runs deep. I hope that soon you all can smile, when you recall the special moments shared.
Made me tear up because, as we all know, love of a pet comes with wonderful memories and a very sad good-bye. Our family has been there too. I wouldn’t trade our time together with any of our four legged family members for anything. But, the good-bye….I wish it didn’t come so soon.
I’m so sorry.
I am so sorry Julie, it’s heartbreaking to lose them because they fill our hearts with so much love. Sending heartfelt thoughts ❤️
So sorry for your loss….my heart goes out to you
So very sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing those joyful, loving photos. It is so very hard to bear. Wishing you peace.
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss of Cooper. I know just how you feel. We lost our 8 year old 3rd golden retriever Finn in late May. We greatly miss our daily power walks, his playful antics, and his enthusiastic greetings whenever we returned home. Our dogs are our faithful and loving companions day in and day out, and it truly hurts when they are no longer there. May your family be comforted by knowing that you gave Cooper 12 wonderful years- and vice versa.
My heart hurts for you and your family ……… to lost a fur-baby is horrible. Please feel the prayers & love for your loss.
sincerely,
Helen
Sorry for your loss of Cooper, Julie. We will miss seeing him around the neighborhood and on his walks with your and Mr. Quilty. Dogs are truly very special companions, full of that unconditional love and affection. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
So sorry for your loss. We had a douchound named Remington for 17 years, we miss him so much. Never did I THINK in a million years how much I would be attached.. We miss him terribly.
Heartfelt dog love to you and Mr. Crafty Quilter in the loss of Cooper. Knowing that he brought such joy to you, your family and your readers ❤️.
Our 16 year old Cocker Spaniel Lulu crossed the Rainbow Bridge right before Christmas last year. Our lives were forever changed.
May you find some peace and joy knowing that Cooper is in a better place.
Blessings,
Anne Byrne
Very touching. Sharon
I’m so sad for you! But you have great memories!
Nothing spells heart brake like losing your dog. A nd yet , every time I go through this I remind myself I would not have had all that love and joy, if I wasn’t willing to go through this pain. May God bless you at this time. Beverly
I know, I know, and I’m sorry for you.
Oh my, losing a pet has to be one of the hardest things we pet folks ever have to face. We try so hard to remember the funny, goofy, loving things they did and concentrate on that, but in the first few days that’s really hard. Blessings to you.
OMG, Julie you brought tears to my eyes. Been there twice, don’t want to do it any more, beaks your heart. What more can I say, it’s so sad, but…. they have to go, like we will one day.
Thank U for the lovely photos
Thank you Julie for sharing Cooper with us. I know how very difficult it is to lose a beloved pet. Always in our hearts,sending you a big hug.
Sharon
Holding you in prayer as you go forward to a new normal.
What wonderful memories and love you will always have from Cooper.
They truly warm our hearts! My oldest kitty Sarah passed last year at age 18 and our dear kitty Blackjack passed three months before her. I still expect them to jump up on my latest quilt project as I begin to sew. They would come running at the sound of the sewing machine! Yes, Cooper will be forever in your hearts.
So sorry for your loss. Furbabies are the definition of unconditional love ❤️
So glad you had Cooper, and that he had you. It is easy to see that he lived the good life with his family. While it is so difficult to lose them, we are also so fortunate to have had our devoted friend and family member in our lives. Cooper will be waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge. Prayers for you and your family members for peace and comfort.
Doggies are the most wonderful creatures in our lives. We never forget them and they will always be in our hearts. I’m 77 and have two samoyeds. They keep me going (sometimes I don’t know where). My thoughts are with you and your family Beryl. Australia
My heart is with you and your family, such unconditional love our
furry friends give us…a lesson for all mankind…
Noelene
Thank you for sharing Cooper. So sorry for your loss. My Aussie loves my sewing room too but basically being with me is his goal. Take care
So sorry for your loss! Animals become such a big part of our family!
My heart hurts for your family as only someone honored to have a beloved furry family member can hurt. But we wait awhile and can’t wait to adopt again, knowing it may bring heartbreak, but also so much love.
Karen