In June, 1998, my wife and I adopted Candy and Copper. They became buddies at our house with Katie, another rescue beagle we received from a family. In 1999 we all moved to another city where the trio became well known at the animal hospital where we occasionally board them and where they receive their medical attention.

As my wife said, "Copper's like a puppy in a big beagle suit" -- but last night we lost Copper to a hemorrhaging tumor on the spleen. It hit so fast, we still can't believe it, and our hearts will never be the same. Sunday morning he was fine -- totally normal -- but by evening he was showing signs of distress and pain, so we took him to the urgent care facility. After X-rays, the vet gave us the prognosis. What had started as a precautionary trip turned into the last time we would ever see our beloved companion. Copper was put to sleep about 1:30 AM. He was the best, the very best -- a gentle giant -- and words can't express what a void it's left in our home, and our hearts.

I'll always remember the day he found us at the beagles rescue facility; he trotted up to me like he was introducing himself. When we drove him and Candy home with the sun roof open, Copper had his front paws on the back of the seat, head up to the roof line, sniffing the air and barking like he was saying " I'm going home!"

So for the last 7 years, it's been large (Copper), medium (Candy), and small (Katie). Among the three, Copper was the alpha. We've had 7 beagles since 1978, but Copper was by far the most personable, affectionate, funniest -- the only beagle we've known with a "sense of humor." He knew how to toss a blanket up over his head (always like to clean his feet under cover). He'd come charging up the stairs, jump on our bed, and go sliding into the sham pillows head first. He'd sort through his toy bucket to find just the right toy. He loved anything crunchy – even ice cubes! He’d sit puppy-style with his big back feet protruding like skis between his front legs, and he was by far the most “talkative.” A BIG beagle bay always welcomed us home.

His loss really hurts, and I don't think there will be another like him. I sure hope I get to see him again someday.