"Can we keep Cooper forever?"
The boy cradled the gangly puppy in his arms and looked up at his mother desperately.
"Sure, baby, for life," she reassured him with a smile.
Tears shimmered in her eyes as she watched their new puppy happily licking her son's face.
Cooper waited at the bus stop every day, rain, snow, or shine for 12 years. Until the last day of senior year when the senior dog couldn't rise from his bed.
"I thought we'd get to keep him forever," the boy cried, cradling Cooper in his arms.
"We did, baby, for life."
About the Creator
Donna Renee
Hi! Thanks for reading! My hobbies include making coffee, drinking coffee, and starting to write a story and then rage-deleting it when I get the slightest bit frustrated.
Work in Progress: WOWH, cozy mystery (paranormal elements)
Enjoyed the story? Support the Creator.
Subscribe for free to receive all their stories in your feed. You could also pledge your support or give them a one-off tip, letting them know you appreciate their work.
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Masterful proofreading
Zero grammar & spelling mistakes
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Expert insights and opinions
Arguments were carefully researched and presented
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives
Comments (30)
After my family's dog died, it took 15 years before anyone had the courage to say: shall we get a dog? 🙄
Ugh, this is so sad! Great writing, the poignancy of the relationship with Cooper is stunning. Reminds me of Hachi. I sobbed during that movie.
Dear Donna ~ I've been following you for a year and so glad that I've heard from you *I've subscribed to you 'Caffeine-Drippings' and all. Don't slap my hand for self promoting: I'm just a Senior "Goof Writer" - but please take a moment to view "Rescue" as written on behalf of - Pet Haven Minnesota - They've received so many 'Re-Home' Adoptions from that silly (3) minute story; that's a lovely feeling, Donna. - They name everyone ~ And they have a lot of Smiling "Coopers" ~ L'Chaim, which means “To Life!” - - With Pleasure - Jay Kantor, Chatsworth, California 'Senior' Vocal Author - Vocal Author Community -
Just lost my pup this week, so extra tears with this one ❤️ Well done ❤️
Ugh. That is heartbreaking. Excellent story.
Beautiful story, a dog's love is so pure.
'For life'. So many different meanings to diff situations. Still Cooper had a good run. Really wish we could peek over beyond the beyond. Heartfelt and relatable words.
Forever is never long enough with someone you love, including our furry friends.
Excuse me while I go ugly cry in the corner now....😭 I loved it so much! We really don't deserve dogs, but life truly is better with them!
So much feeling in so few words ❤💔 Their lives really are too short of a story for us aren't they
Happy for the new family member.
Donna.... this was so heartbreaking. I cried reading this, I both love and hate (in a good way) that! This was so passionately written and is my favourite story I've read from you! It's a subject that's close to my heart and I admire you for how emotional you were able to make this short story! 💜
The ancient Hebrew definition of forever: a very long time (the foreseeable time).
A story that teaches an important life lesson. Well done!
This was so sad it’s so hard losing a pet great microfiction
Oof Donna 💔 Great story but heartbreaking. I really loved this one.
😭
Why can't animals live as long as us 🥺 I lost my cat 1 and a half years ago and it devastated me. It's never easy. Loved this emotional story!
Such a hard thing to lose a pet. Great story though.
So poignant! A life full of love.
I'm not crying - you are! 😢
Sad and beautiful. ❤️ Reminds me of my dog, Fozzie who died a couple of years ago. His death was so sad, but we got 11 years with him. He was a very good boy 😢
Awww! Dog years are so quick. I did a silly story a while back (before vocal) where I had to figure out what dog years actually equates to. Turns out dogs have a birthday every 54 days lol. This totally reminded me of that. Great read, Donna. 💖
Oh man, that will get any dog-owner/ pet-owner and probably anyone teary eyed. Fantastic job with so few words. I felt that one!
Great work Donna and a refreshing perspective! I hate saying goodbye to dogs, they are still with me! 😊