Kamper Profile: Cooper Porter

There’s nothing comparable to the youthful, exuberant, sheer NUTTINESS of a chocolate Labrador Retriever. We’ve known several, and while of course every dog’s personality is unique, there are certain breed (and color within breed) traits that one can expect out of a chocolate. Cooper Porter doesn’t disappoint.

Cooper’s mom, Kristin, had existing arrangements with a breeder, and during the summer of 2007 waited to hear word from him. He was born in mid-August in a litter of 9 (yikes!) pups. Having been a dog mom before, Kristin vowed that she would never have a Labrador Retriever in bed with her, but of course there he is, every night, snuggling up to mom. He functions as a fairly regular alarm clock, as well. At first he has a snooze function: He’ll just lightly touch the tip of mom’s nose with his tongue, and when she chuckles in response, he flops down and the kiss shower begins.

As much as the word "energetic" can be used to describe him, the word "snuggle" also comes in very handy. When he’s not at Kamp K9 for day care, he spends his days at his doting Grampy and Grammy’s house, where he makes himself comfortable on Grampy’s recliner, and on his grandparents. Though he’s a bit large for it, he’s a total lap dog, much to his mother’s delight.

Now, for the "energetic" part: This boy LIVES for tennis balls. He’s not thrilled about the fact that they’re not allowed in the house (because he chews them up), and it results in some pent-up excitement when it’s time to go outside and play. It’s the same thing with the car ride to day care; the anticipation is almost unbearable for him and he screams like he’s in pain until the fun begins. And as long as you’re willing to throw, he won’t stop chasing.

He’s a nice guy who’s fun to have around, and he enjoys the company of others (to the point where a walk for exercise around Baxter Boulevard in Portland degenerates into one long meet & greet). His bright, cheery face is great to have at Kamp K9!

In Other News

Mutt. Mixed breed. Mongrel. Mélange.

Alliteration aside, however you refer to your non-purebred dog, there are reasons for trying to figure out what bloodlines shape him/her.

The biggest reason is to see if your dog might have genetic tendencies toward certain diseases or conditions. Forewarned is forearmed, as they say.

One other reason is insurance. Some insurers and municipalities have bans on certain breeds (which really ought to be bans on certain owners), and being able to offer proof that your dog isn’t one of those banned breeds could save his/her place in your home.

Testing costs vary; consult your veterinarian for more details.

« Back                                                          Next »