If you've met Cooper, he likely greeted you by gently sniffing your eyelashes, and chances are, he's never forgotten you. 

Somehow, I've gotten lucky enough for him to be my every day, and the best part of all of them. Despite not even being 6 years old, so many friends and strangers have been able to befriend his goofy, loud, dramatic self. A stray in the very beginning of his life, he is a dog that is so well loved.

On Friday, suspected cancer was found in his abdomen.

Because of his young age, I'm opting to get more tests done at UF Veterinary Hospital to determine our next steps and try to give him the best chance to fight this for longer. Unfortunately, I hadn't thought to get pet insurance before; of course now, I highly recommend you get it. 

I know life is so expensive and too many days are too heavy, so I don't ask this lightly. If you can spare a few dollars towards tests and possible surgery, or especially some good thoughts or prayers, it would mean the world to us. I'd do anything for more time with Cooper and I know he has so much more life to live and many more people to love.

And if you're reading this and have a pet family member of your own, I hope you let them sleep on your bed, that you never choose one more hour with your inbox over a walk with them, and that you throw birthday parties and half-birthday parties, too. When suddenly the time feels limited, it's amazing how little everything else matters. We are so lucky to love and be loved by animals in this life. 

Thank you for loving Cooper too.