Copper Rules: What would Copper do? Enjoy the change of seasons!

by Raquel Bruno

I started writing Copper Rules when we lost our beautiful Chocolate Lab Mix, Copper, in June. He was that perfect blend of elder statesman and big brother to all of the fosters we watched over, and then eventually to our children. He was my shadow in every way imaginable from sitting at my feet during morning coffee on the patio to laying by my side as my pregnant belly grew. He had an important role to fill, and he did it unconditionally with great purpose and determination. Dogs are known for their love and loyalty, but Copper was different. His depth of soul was felt by everyone who entered his world, and he made sure that everyone felt welcome in his space.

Since then, I have thought deeply about the lessons he instilled within us and even in the ether, he sends his messages daily through feathers, birds and thought transmissions. Copper Rules came to me as a whisper, almost as if he was telling me a secret in my ear. Today as I write this, Fall has begun to show itself with a dip in temperature as well as a transition from greenery to Copper’s coat color, which are highlighted in the trees as the leaves complete their life cycle—just as Copper did. I am reminded that Copper loved the change of seasons. He loved summer, because he could lounge in the shallow water of the ocean or place his Scooby-Doo like body in a tiny kiddie pool but he loved the change into a cooler temperature because of his heavy coat. We live near woods and when he was still able, he relished the idea of long walks on a forest blanket of yellow, red, and orange crunchy leaves under his paws, and taking in aromatic scents of the earth. It brought him life and vital energy. As with any of our four-legged furry family members, in the summer, walks are reduced due to potential heat exhaustion and being that Copper was more than 100 pounds, we made sure not to overtax him. With Fall, he had the freedom to roam for as long as his body allowed him to. It also served many more benefits for the humans in his life as well: a chance to spend quality time together, explore new areas, take in life as it unfolds, and marvel at the beauty this planet provides—a pastime that all family members can enjoy together.

The other seasons were just as enjoyable to Copper. He would bury his snout deep into a snow bank to catch an animal scent and leap up into snowflakes as they cascaded down on his nose in the Winter. He would chase butterflies and take in the aroma of new grass, gardens and flowers in the Spring. He would sunbathe (even during his last final days) and luxuriate in the pleasure of a shallow wave in the Summer. But I think the greatest thing that Copper would want to convey is to find the beauty in each and every moment—a passing of time, if you will, while having gratitude for what each season brings to us. Some of us love the heat, and some of us, love the cold—but the sentiment stays the same. Enjoying each nuance of the beauty each season provides nourishes us. Spending quality time together in each of those seasons is truly what mattered to Copper.

So, Copper wants to know: How will you enjoy your change of the seasons? Will you try a new baking recipe? Will you invent a new holiday just to spend time with family and friends? Will you go for that walk in a park you have never before explored? Will you truly look for the beauty in each moment the seasons provide?

Copper wants to know!

Raquel Bruno is a TV & Film Producer who runs Drive Entertainment Group & Thrive with Drive. When she isn’t producing or life-coaching, she spends her time raising her two beautiful kids with her husband, writing Copper Rules, DJ’ing, and now training their new addition: a lab/border collie mix her family adopted from North Shore Animal League: the very same place they adopted Copper.