Big Brother

Cooper is our Cairn Terrier - he is two and a half years old, 21 pounds, full of sharp, pointy teeth, and the best dog in the world. Ryan will no doubt find him entertaining, and will likely become very attached to him. Cooper will be his very first pet, and maybe one of his best friends.

We got Cooper after our first failed IVF procedure. It was the perfect consolation prize. It was a hasty decision ... but a good one. I have pretty bad allergies (mostly asthma) so we had to find a hypoallergenic breed. Cairn Terriers fulfill this requirement. Friends of ours (in the U.P.) have a dog of the same breed - we liked his personality a lot, so decided to go for it.

Cooper was born in Ohio's Amish country (Apple Creek, OH). We made the trek to pick him up in late November 2008. We had no idea how much he would change our lives. I've never been a dog person, but having lived with Cooper for the past two years, I can't imagine not having a dog. And Cooper's been preparing for his arrival - he often wanders off on his own and just hangs out in Ryan's room by himself. He's been growling at any and all threats (like people walking down the sidewalk, or leaves blowing by) ... but we're hoping he cuts back on this so he doesn't wake Ryan during naps, or at night. I think Ryan will love him.