cooper dreams

I'll bet your dog dreams big, just like my dog, Cooper. Now Cooper, I'll have you know, is an eight-year-old Golden Retriever who lovvvvvvvvvves to sleep, so he's had a lot of practice at dreaming. His snoring alone indicates the intensity of his dreaming capacity. But the reason Cooper sleeps so much is because he's high energy all day long. Let me share a typical day in the life of Cooper:
7:30 a.m. As you can see, he's not an early riser, which suits me just fine since I'm not either. But the snorting, and sneezing, and carrying on that accompany this morning ritual are quite remarkable. I believe this is Cooper's personal take on a Sun Salutation, only he's horizontal in his stance. Once his paws hit the ground after such a theatrical start, he's ready for the day.
Into the backyard he goes for his morning constitution. Once again, he stretches out each hind leg in cat-like style, and widens his jaw with a long, drawn-out yawn. Oh, no, he's not tired. He's just limbering up for his morning conversations with the Canada Geese that dare to fly over his property, or the Air Canada jets that pass overhead, or the neighbourhood dogs who have already embarked on their morning stroll. Cooper has a lot to say, but it's because his dream from the night before is still clearly visible in his mind. It's the same dream he has every night: When do I get my big walk?
9:05 a.m. Cooper has licked all the cheese off the top of his kibble, and has left the rest for later. Once he sees me reaching for my nylon wind or snow pants, he knows his dreams are about to come true. For an eighty pound dog with bad hips, he can buck and spin his weight like a miniature chiahuahua in a tutu. Nothing makes him happier than a trip to the trail behind Riverwalk Park. He knows the leash comes off as soon as we exit the cemetery grounds, so he sits patiently while I, with my big and bulky downfilled mitts,attempt the release. A dream come true!