Dog lovers from around the world have been moved by the story of Cooper, golden retriever rescue dog who escaped and trekked 40 miles back to his original home. While he trekked the countryside, his journey became viral all over the world.

Cooper the golden retriever returns home

Cooper the golden retriever was surrendered in Co Tyrone in Ireland recently made the world headlines. He had bolted from his new owner only an hour after being rescued from the pound and went on to make an epic journey to safety. Moreover, he walked 40 miles over a period of 27 days to get back to the place that was originally his home.

Meanwhile, as noted by USA Today, readers have responded to Cooper’s solo trek home, as well as his new owner’s dedication to find him. Nigel Fleming, Cooper’s new human said:

It’s incredible to know that this lovely boy Cooper, is know to so many people around the world. I’m still puzzling over his journey and how he made it back to his old home. But as we all know, dogs are incredible creatures with amazing abilities.

Cooper is timid and shy

Fleming explained that after his big adventure, Cooper is settling in well and has bonded with his other dog, Molly. However, he still shy and very timid and will take some time to truly come around.

I just want to give him a big hug but it will have to wait until he is ready and comfortable with more contact. I can see that he wants to trust me and he’s working on it. He will have all the time he needs – he’s home for good now and I just love him.

Meanwhile, Cooper’s devoted new human spent 27 days searching for Cooper after only being with him for a couple of hours. Since then, Nigel and Cooper’s search team at Lost Paws NI are being approached for TV appearances and magazine deals. Reportedly, there was even talk of a movie about the lovable pup, but those surrounding Cooper feel he has had quite enough excitement for now.

Origin story of Cooper

Cooper and his brother George were both surrendered to the pound in March 2023. However, he was taken from the pound in April by photographer Fleming as company for his golden retriever, Molly.

However, just moments after arriving at his Dungannon home with Cooper, the three-year-old golden retriever bolted, spending the next 27 days on the run. It seems amazing that the errant pup traveled 40 miles back to his original home.

Lost Paws NI believes Cooper walked more than 40 miles along main roads and through backwoods all alone. It is believed that he mostly moved at night back to the property from which he had been surrendered with his brother. This was 27 days with no humans to feed or love him, but Cooper survived the experience.

His journey was from Dungannon town center, via Cookstown and Magherafelt to finally reach Tobermore, his home where he lived as a puppy. Meanwhile, the public helped by reporting sightings of the golden retriever, leading Pets Lost and Found and Found Mid Ulster to do all they could to help. Once he was finally found, he was reunited with his human, Nigel, who had known him for only an hour before he escaped.

Fleming made a post on Facebook, sharing images of Cooper. He noted: “He now [sic] so thin and needs feeding up, a good bath and plenty of sleep.”

 

 

 

A spokesperson for Lost Paws NI, said: “Cooper really kept us on our toes but thankfully it all ended in good news. His new owner Nigel is one of the most dedicated owners we’ve had the pleasure of meeting.”

We wish Cooper, Nigel and, of course, Molly a happy life going forward now the golden retriever is safe and sound.