By Kailani Clarke
Elm Staff Writer
Elvis Presley’s remix of the classic song “Hound Dog” helped shape rock and roll forever. Spunky, confident, and begging to be danced to, the tune is an iconic recount of the singer’s griping to his wayward canine.
Occasionally, you meet someone who seems to live in a song. Even rarer, you meet a dog who does.
Copper, this week’s Pet of the Week, always has “Hound Dog” as his background music — and he knows it.
Copper has been at the Animal Care Shelter for Kent County since late March. He sidled into a backyard asking for food and landed at the ACSKC, where he quickly began breaking hearts.
With his cream-and-coffee spotted coat and adorable droopy ears, Copper has the classic sass of a hound, and he steals the show in any environment.
Despite his swagger, Copper is a big goof, and once he warms up to strangers he will flip over for a belly rub with a floppy grin. He seems to think he is actually a beagle, because he does not know his own size. His tendency to trip over his own feet or droop over the boots of the nearest human only adds to his charm.
Copper probably danced too much as a puppy, because although he is only around seven years old, he suffers from arthritis in his hips. However, his medication renders his condition practically imperceptible, especially when he gets excited about something, like an interesting scent or a swim in the play-yard’s kiddie pool.
Like any true rock star, Copper is accustomed to a wilder lifestyle. Rather than settle down as a house dog, this rugged pup adores the outdoors, and would be happiest as an outside or inside-outside member of the family. This setup requires an enclosed area and a soft, warm shelter for nights and cold times. This could be a nice barn or an insulated outdoor kennel.
Any potential homes will need to be checked by ACSKC staff to ensure conditions are right for the down-home diva to thrive. He could be solo or part of a pack, given proper introductions.
Copper “ain’t nothing but a hound dog,” but he is well-loved at the ACSKC. And while his rabbit-catching skills may be lacking, he is one heck of a high-class friend. It is time he retire from the shelter’s stage and enjoy collecting royalties and belly scratches in his forever home.
This rolling stone needs a permanent love in his life.
If you are interested in adopting Copper, you can fill out an adoption application online or in person at the Animal Care Shelter of Kent County at 10720 Augustine Herman Highway, Chestertown, MD, or call at 410-778-3648.