Cooper’s Story!

Cooper James is like most teenage boys: he’s energetic, social and craves the freedom to do things without the aid and constant assistance of his parents. However, unlike most teenage boys, he has Spinal Muscular Atrophy and a Special Skills Dog Guide.

Before getting Kodak, a white Standard Poodle Special Skills Dog Guide, Cooper was not as independent as he would have liked. He needed assistance with tasks like getting back into his wheelchair, picking up dropped objects, and taking off his jacket. One winter Cooper slipped on some ice and lost his balance while walking home from a friend’s house. He fell to the ground and was unable to get back up. He did not have a cell phone with him and there was no one around. After a half hour had gone by, Cooper’s mom went in search of him and found him lying on the pavement. This is one of the reasons Cooper and his family looked for a way for Cooper to be more independent and secure.

A person living with spinal muscular atrophy, like Cooper, often uses a wheelchair to get around because of muscle weakness, especially those in the legs.

Fast-forward to the present: Cooper and Kodak have been together since 2006 and life is busy. “We have four dogs including Kodak. I am always out and about so Kodak gets out a lot and he probably knows Calgary like the back of his paw. Also, it’s not easy for me to bend down and pick things up. Now that I have Kodak that isn’t an obstacle I face anymore,” says Cooper.

His mother is less concerned about her son’s safety these days. “Having Kodak with Cooper gives me peace of mind. I don’t worry about him out on his own anymore because Kodak is there to help him out.”
Not only does Cooper have a source of safety in Kodak but a companion as well. “He is a bit goofy at times and matches Cooper perfectly, two teenagers having fun and exploring their surroundings,” says his mother.

“My biggest obstacles used to be picking things up off the ground and getting up,” says Cooper, “but with Kodak I don’t have those problems and can focus on normal things like homework and hanging out with my friends.”