Cooper came to the shelter as a six-month-old puppy. From the start, he was extremely fearful of people and would bark fiercely when approached. It took months of patience before he was comfortable enough to walk on leash, and even longer before he began to trust familiar handlers.
Today, six years later, Cooper still struggles with fear—especially around strangers. He can be nervous on walks, and when overwhelmed, may poop or pee in fear, or pull hard on the leash to escape a scary situation. While many might overlook him for being big, black, and not immediately friendly, those who know him see the progress he’s made and the resilience he holds inside.
Cooper goes for regular walks with a few trusted volunteers, but what he truly needs is a patient, experienced home where he can continue to grow at his own pace. We believe that in the right environment, Cooper can continue to blossom into a more confident dog.
He’s waited a long time—we hope his forever home finds him soon.
