I realized how much my 5-1/2 month old puppy had grown this weekend. Just 4 months ago you could carry the little furball in one hand at only 6 pounds. Cooper is a unique Golden Retriever that is slender build long skinny head, and has a deep reddish copper wavy fur.

Here is Cooper this weekend while we went hiking at Elk Island along the Willamette River in Portland. Look at his big smile.

Here are a couple other photos from the hike and one of my favorites that capture his playful personality of attacking me like a little werewolf.

And here is the mini werewolf attacking me on the trail captured right before I was hit with muddy paws and slobber.

Pretty amazing how fast they grow just like kids, but faster. He is about 48 pounds now and will grow to around 65-70 pounds like his parents. Love this little furbaby even when he chews things up or causes logistical challenges to go places. Cooper even has his own Instagram account, but I manage it as he cant type with his paws and has a short attention span. https://www.instagram.com/coopersjourney/ I am fortunate to work in an Autodesk office that allows dogs and can bring Cooper in occasionally while he learns appropriate office friendly behavior. My daughter used to call Autodesk “DoggyDesk” because of all the dogs in the office. Dogs in the office at Autodesk has been part of our culture since the early days and a real benefit.