On August 6th, 2024, two gentle souls named Billy and Jamie were surrendered to El Paso Animal Services by their devoted owner, Mr. Cooper. This was not a case of neglect, nor convenience, nor indifference. It was a story of love so deep, it broke his heart to let them go.

Mr. Cooper is a kind, soft-spoken man facing the final chapter of his life. Very sick and without family—his children had passed years before—his three dogs, Billy, Jamie, and Cooper Cooper, had been his only constant, his joy, and his comfort for eight beautiful years. They slept beside him every night, shared his days, and filled his life with unconditional love.

But life had been cruel in recent months. After losing his home, Mr. Cooper had been living in his truck with his dogs, his health quickly deteriorating. Public housing wouldn’t allow pets, and his doctor warned that continuing to sleep in the vehicle could end his life sooner. He tried desperately to rehome his dogs himself, but no one would take them. With no options left, he made the most selfless decision he could—he brought them to the shelter, ensuring they would be safe and cared for, even if he could no longer be with them.

Billy and Jamie, both big, beautiful bullies, instantly struggled in the shelter. They weren’t used to kennels—they were used to warm beds, gentle words, and Mr. Cooper’s quiet presence. A shelter employee took home Cooper Cooper, and knowing the depth of this bond, reached out to Trev’s Ranch to see if there was a way to help Billy and Jamie. The answer was immediate: Tell Mr. Cooper that Billy and Jamie are coming to the Ranch.

Billy and Jamie came to the ranch, where they could breathe again. And most importantly, this wasn’t goodbye for Mr. Cooper. Twice a month, he visits the ranch to spend time with his beloved dogs, giving them the ear massages, moisturizer, kisses, boiled chicken, treats, and belly rubs they’ve always known. Here, they are not just fosters—they are sanctuary dogs, loved for the rest of their lives, exactly as they deserve.

We may never meet another person who has loved their dogs more than Mr. Cooper loves Billy and Jamie. We’re honored to be a part of their story, and to make sure that, no matter what, they will always know the love they were given from the very beginning.