Caper

2012 - 2026

In Loving Memory of Caper, the WonderDog
April 26, 2012 - March 20, 2026

Well, our best buddy is gone!! With very heavy hearts, Michelle, the Ratts and I say goodbye to our beloved Caper, who blessed us with fourteen years of unconditional love, faithful loyalty and stellar companionship. Fourteen years is a good, long life for a large breed, the equivalent of being in his upper eighties in human years.

We discovered Caper just hours after he was born to Biscuit and Beauty in Edinburg, Texas. Even before we brought him home, he immediately bonded with Godiva (Diva) (our senior chocolate lab at the time) and Paul’s father (Nat). Both were fast approaching the impending end of their respective lives. Nat wanted a puppy, so we welcomed Caper into the family with the hope that he would help extend both of their lives. Diva, however, passed two months later and Nat passed three weeks after that.

From the very beginning, Caper carried a strong spirit that would go on to touch everyone who he came in contact with. Everyone loved Caper and you all got to experience his adventures throughout his entire life (via this medium) from the very beginning, to this day which we have dreaded would come. We thank you all for sharing him with us.

From the pool to the trails, Caper was always Paul’s avatar, profile or cover photo. He was a water dog. If anyone was going in the water, so was he and a with big splash. When he became excited or hyped, he was calmed instantly with a good ear rub.

Caper was more than just a dog, though—he was family. He had this calm, steady presence that brought instant comfort and joy. He just instinctively knew what we needed. No matter how bad any day was, he would just nudge us and gaze up with those sensitive eyes that said “Forget the outside world. Let’s make this better. Come, let’s play tug-of-war (his favorite game that he played with everyone that ever came by).”

He followed us from state to state and from room to room, resting faithfully at our feet and stood by us through every season of life. His eyes held a quiet wisdom right up to the end. Caper was truly the consummate companion.

Someone once told us that if reincarnation is real, they wish to come back as “Paul’s dog.” That is the most supreme compliment and we have only heard that of one other person we have known.

Recently, his body grew tired and was failing, but the light did not dim from those sensitive eyes and his life force never diminished. His heart never changed (nor did his appetite).

Caper remained devoted and loving, with a very strong spirit, right up until his final breath. In fact, he fought it while he was being prepped today. He simply did not want to go.

Our Ratt Pack lost its leader today. Caper leaves behind a home that truly feels much emptier now, but with hearts that have been touched and are fuller because of him.

We will be watching closely to see how Shayna and LuckyDog react to his absence… and we only ask one question (which so many have asked before) - Why is it that these beautiful creatures only get about eight to fifteen years to live (depending on the breed)? Their tenure is much too short.

Run free, sweet boy—no more pain. No more stumbling. No more struggle—just sunshine, open fields and peace. You loved fiercely and were very deeply loved in return. You will forever be missed and you will always be part of us. Now, go find Diva… and wait for us. 💔