Meet Cooper Pupp (The Real One)

Before Cooper Pupp ever became a character in a children’s book, he was simply a tiny dachshund with a big personality — and from the very beginning, we knew he was something special.

Cooper Pupp was born on November 23, 2024, in Stilwell, Oklahoma, and spent his early weeks at B&K Dachshunds, where he was loved, played with, and well cared for. He was surrounded by affection there, and we’re so grateful for the way he was raised before coming home to us.

From the moment Cooper arrived, it was clear he wasn’t just another puppy.

His little face lights up instantly when you call his name — the kind of look that makes you feel like you’re the most important person in the world. And if you step out the door for more than two minutes? Well, apparently that’s the equivalent of an entire year in Cooper time. The reunion is always dramatic, joyful, and completely sincere.

Cooper brings us so much joy. He loves trips to the dog park, especially when there’s room to run. His favorite game is chase, and when the zoomies hit, there’s no stopping him — he just runs and runs, ears flying, completely carefree. Watching him is a reminder of what pure happiness looks like when it isn’t worried about anything else.

One of Cooper’s favorite things is going to visit Lola, who is — slightly — his elder. In the book series, Lola is lovingly portrayed as Mrs. Lola, Cooper’s mother. In real life, she is cherished just as deeply by her devoted pet parents, Ken and Jani Smith, in Pea Ridge. Their home is a place Cooper loves, and his visits with Lola are always full of familiarity, affection, and the kind of quiet bond that doesn’t need words.

Another of Cooper’s favorite companions is Oliver Webb, my dad’s miniature cockapoo. When we’re down visiting my dad in Sheridan, Cooper and Oliver pick up right where they left off. They race each other across the yard, play endless games of chase, and then wrestle across the living room floor until they’re both worn out and happy. Their friendship is loud, joyful, and full of movement — the kind of play that leaves everyone smiling just watching it unfold.

He has a way of making ordinary moments feel important. Whether he’s running with friends, following closely behind at home, or greeting us like we’ve returned from a long journey, Cooper lives fully in the moment. There’s no pretending with him — he feels deeply, loves fully, and gives his whole heart without hesitation.

This is the Cooper Pupp who inspired the stories. Not a perfect pup, but a joyful one. A little shepherd-hearted dachshund who reminds us daily of connection, loyalty, and the simple beauty of being present — and finding joy — right where we are.

More Cooper stories are coming, both real-life and on the page. But this felt like the right place to start: with the pup who began it all.

If you’ve met Cooper through the books, this is the heart behind the character — and if you’re meeting him for the first time, welcome.

–Kristin