A tribute to Copper

Today, all of us at National Mill Dog Rescue wanted to pay tribute to a very special little Miniature Pinscher who made his journey over the rainbow bridge yesterday.

Copper got his name at a dog auction.  He was purchased for a penny.

Copper's story was followed since his rescue in 2009.  NMDR purchased the 8 year old Min Pin during the closing minutes of a Missouri dog auction.  No one wanted him.  He spent his entire life as a breeding dog and was "used up" and no longer of any worth to the commercial breeding industry.  Theresa found room in the rescue van and purchased copper for one cent.  Hence the name, Copper.

Copper underwent extensive surgery and vet care.  He also was the focus of an incredible documentary titled, "I Breathe."  The most infuriating part of Copper's story is that his previous owner is Barb York, the president of the Missouri Pet Breeders Association.  An excerpt taken from the documentary about Copper is below.
(Warning - although the video below does not contain any disturbing images, if you're squeamish, you'll want to skip 1:20 - 1:45 as Copper is in the vet room getting stitches)

After his surgery, Copper was adopted by a wonderful family - the Buckleys.  He was a cherished and truly loved family member.  An email from the Buckley family....

We just wanted to let you all know that Copper the penny dog passed this morning.  From the time he came to our home, we knew his kidneys were failing.  He did great on prescription food but he had been in ill health probably for many years prior and couldn't fight it anymore.  We knew the end was close (only over the last few days), but didn't want to acknowledge it.  Yesterday evening he took a major down turn.  I slept with him on the couch waiting to go to our vet this morning.  At 2:30 he woke me up and I thought he had to go to the bathroom.  He just laid down on our deck.  We went back to the couch and sometime between when I fell back to sleep and 4:45 am he jumped down from the couch and went under our X-mas tree (yes it's still up) and passed there.  He looked so peaceful when we saw him.  You'd never have known his past.  


Thank you for rescuing Copper and allowing the blessing of his company over the past 2 + years.  He was in inspiration to many.  Though we are feeling the pain now, we are glad to have had the opportunity to give and most receive love from an older dog that was thought to be disposable.

Bonnie Buckley and the Buckley family

Copper and his family at Christmas