Bentley was a rescue from the Brantford SPCA and instantly became a member of our family. We adopted him on New Year’s Eve in 2003 and he was so gentle with all of us from the beginning. We knew that when 5 year old Michael was able to walk him around the yard on a leash that he was going to fit in perfectly.
No matter the aggravation (pulling ears, tail, trying to ride him) that his kids Rebecca, Sarah, Michael and David, put him through, he never displayed any concern. We can still picture David holding Bentley’s tail, Bentley putting David’s arm in his mouth with no pressure and those pleading eyes asking us to make it stop, but he wouldn’t have burst an over-inflated balloon with that grip.
Bentley was aptly named, as he was as fast as his automotive namesake, and loved to run free. Many times, we had to chase him around town to bring him home. Then one day, we had the good fortune of finding a wireless fence system. This eliminated the need for the 12 foot chain to keep him safe when he was outside and opened up a whole new world to him. He was able to roam free and quickly became the neighbourhood dog. Neighbours would feed him treats and he quickly learned that the treats came when people returned home, so he would ignore them when they left but rush to greet them on their return. There is a story about one neighbour unwittingly sharing a fresh-baked cherry pie with him.
Once he was able to roam the property, he became the Cooper Funeral Home greeter. Many a family member or visitor was greeted by this ambassador, dressed in black and white, stubbornly refusing to move as they parked their car within feet of him. His job, as we are sure he saw it, was to allow everyone the opportunity to pet him, rub his ears or feed him a treat. His was the first face many people saw when they visited our funeral home, or our residence in the last 12 years.
As late as last autumn, he was still able to do laps around our property at incredible speed, but alas, age caught up with him this winter. Unable to move well at all, with climbing stairs being impossible and descending them being dangerous, the decision has been made by our entire family to relieve him of his pain and allow him one last peaceful rest. Following an appointment with the veterinarian tomorrow afternoon, we will be gathering in his backyard to say one final goodbye. We will share memories and tell some stories as we pay tribute to this wonderful family member. Anyone who feels that they want to join us to say goodbye is welcome to join us in his backyard at 7 pm, Friday, March 3, 2017.
Following a short time of farewell, and doing what physically must be done, we will be heading to Just John’s in Jarvis for pizza and you are welcome to join us if you wish.
If desired, we would encourage gifts to the Brantford SPCA or your local animal protection agency, so that other dogs like Bentley can have a chance to make an impact on the lives of others, as he did.
The Last Battle
If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this — the last battle — can’t be won.
You will be sad I understand,
But don’t let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.
We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn’t want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.
Take me to where to my needs they’ll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree
It is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don’t grieve that it must be you
Who has to decide this thing to do;
We’ve been so close — we two — these years,
Don’t let your heart hold any tears.
— Unknown

Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Bentley
Cooper – 2017.source

avis deces Bentley
Cooper – 2017- avis mortuaire Bentley
Cooper – 2017