Episode 127: “King Copper” with Lauren Scott

Posted on by Wynne Leon

I had a friend once tell me that he was so shattered by the grief of losing his beloved cat that he wasn’t ever going to get another pet. I think all of us who have loved and lost our faithful companions can relate to the powerful emotion behind that sentiment.

I love the podcast conversation that Vicki Atkinson and I had with Lauren Scott because she provides us a beautifully written roadmap through the intense emotion that comes with losing our pets. Her beautiful book King Copper is such a heart-warming celebration of our furry friends.

In this heartfelt episode, Lauren Scott shares her journey of grief and healing after the loss of her beloved dog, Copper. Through poetry, she found a way to express her emotions and honor Copper’s memory, culminating in her book ‘King Copper.’

Our conversation explores the deep bond between pets and their owners, the process of creating a tribute, and the importance of allowing oneself to grieve. Lauren also tells us about her future projects, including a children’s book about camping experiences, highlighting the ongoing journey of love and remembrance. 

Takeaways 

The love for pets is unconditional and deeply impactful. 

Lauren Scott wrote poetry to cope with the loss of her dog Copper. 

The book ‘King Copper’ is a tribute to the joy and grief of pet ownership. 

Writing poetry provided Lauren with a cathartic outlet for her emotions. 

The process of creating the book helped Lauren feel connected to Copper. 

Grief has no timeline, and it’s okay to take time to heal. 

The book includes joyful poems as well as those reflecting grief. 

Lauren’s experience resonates with many pet owners who face similar losses. 

The importance of honoring the memory of beloved pets through storytelling. 

Lauren’s next project is a children’s book about camping experiences. 

Here’s a clip of Lauren reading her beautiful poem in honor of Copper, March to March.

Here are some ways you can listen and watch to the full episode:

Episode 127 transcript

Links for this Episode:

King Copper on Amazon

Lauren’s blog: Baydreamer Writes

From the Hosts:

Vicki’s book about resilience and love: Surviving Sue; Blog: https://victoriaponders.com/

Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith; Blog: https://wynneleon.com/

86 thoughts on “Episode 127: “King Copper” with Lauren Scott”

  4. Dear Wynne and Vicki,
    What can I say that I haven’t said already? A huge thanks to you both for inviting me to chat with you about Copper on your podcast. I know he’s smiling, getting so much attention. We all had our emotional moments, but without those, where is the authenticity? My glasses are goofy, so lesson learned. 🙂 Also, thanks again for reading my special book. It means so much to me and my family. Lots of love and many hugs to you both! ❤️🥰🌈

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  6. In a world of loneliness, anger and uncertainty, pets offer an irreplaceable bond. Lauren has done us a service, showing us that sometimes our pets display a nobility, kindness, goodness, and touch that says, “There is still good in the world.” Thank you , all three.

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    2. Dr. Stein, I agree with Wynne. Our pets really do show us that there is good in the world in spite of what the news portrays. This is why it’s so hard to ‘say goodbye’ when that day comes. Thanks so much for your thoughtful words. I truly enjoyed this conversation with Wynne and Vicki.

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  7. Thanks, Wynne and Vicki, for sharing such a touching “HEART of the matter” podcast with Lauren Scott. I have a 12-year-old chocolate lab granddog that I spoil with treats whenever I visit. I can relate to Lauren’s heartbreak when having to decide whether to help a suffering four-legged family member pass on. It truly is devastating. Lauren’s poetry sounds like it would be cathartic for pet owners who have loved and lost.

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    1. Thank you for tuning in, Nancy! I love that you have a chocolate lab granddog and that you spoil that dear dog! You are right, it’s truly devastating but we are so lucky to have such wonderful presences in our lives!

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    2. Thanks so much for your lovely words, Nancy, and please give your granddog a hug for me. When our lovable dogs cross over the rainbow bridge, it’s so heartbreaking. But like Wynne said, we are lucky to have the precious time with them. Thanks again! ❤️

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  9. Such an endearing interview, thank you for introducing us to Lauren Scott . 💞💞 We lost our beautiful calico kitty cat several years ago, and I can’t bear the thought of getting another. We had Angelica for 16 years and she was the most amazingly brilliant individual. 🐈🐱

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    2. Thanks for your kind words about the interview, Rose, and I’m so sorry to hear about your calico kitty. I understand how you feel though. We’ve always had dogs, so this is the first time without a canine family member. We probably will adopt again in the future when the time is right, but right now, I’m not sure if I can go through the heartbreak again. My heart isn’t ready yet, so I think time will tell. Thanks again! ❤️

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  10. Sitting in the airport right now as we prepare to fly to South Dakota to see our son, daughter-in-law, and grandson. I’ll check back in the next day or two to listen in. Hopefully, with all of the craziness of travel, this all works out today.

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  11. What a touching and powerful interview! Cooper touched so many hearts. I used poetry after I lost our last dog, Sara to work through it. It really helps and this book opened the conversation on it. Xo

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    2. Denise…love your comment…about “King Copper” opening the conversation to work through grief. It’s why I think Lauren’s book belongs in every family library. Thank you so much. 💝

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  13. what a beautiful conversation to hear on such a beautiful fall day. I love Lauren’s writing and the way she dealt with her grief and paid tribute to her beloved family pet, Copper, is a wonder to behold. we all find a way, and we don’t even always know what that path will be when we begin, but this is so inspirational, and gives hope to us all to finding our way through love and loss.

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    1. What a beautiful comment, Beth. Thanks so much! It was wonderful to chat with Wynne and Vicki even though the subject was bittersweet. I love when you wrote “gives hope to us all to finding our way through love and loss.” I appreciate your kind words and support. ❤️🌈

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    2. You have such a way with words, Beth. Yes – inspirational, hopeful – for all of us who experience love and loss. Thank you so much for your praise for Lauren’s beautiful book. Big hugs to you, dear one. 💝

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  14. Such a heart warming, emotional, loving, happy sad, memory filled post and video. I think my tears were for all the pets we loved and lost throughout our 55 year marriage and even before. Each hold a special place in our hearts. There are often those days that hit us out of the blue, even after many years have passed, resulting in floods of tears.
    Here’s to the beautiful “King Copper” whose book will definitely be on my Christmas list.
    Lauren, Vicki, and Wynne – thank you for making me cry. 😊🥰

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    1. Thanks so much for your lovely words, Margaret. It sounds like you’ve had a similar life with dogs as my husband and me. We’re close to celebrating 37 years, so not quite to 55 which is so inspiring, but many, many years with loving dog companions. Yes, tears and I have had a close relationship this year. Sigh. Love and loss. Thank you also for adding King Copper to your Christmas list. I hope the poems bring comfort even through some tears. I’m so grateful to Wynne and Vicki for inviting me again into their beautiful podcast world. ❤️🌈🌷

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    2. Margaret…we love you! Thank you for your kindness…the recognition you share of how dear and treasured our pets are. Special places in our hearts. Oh my, yes. “King Copper” is one of a kind…as is our dear Lauren. Sending hugs to you. 💝💝💝

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  15. Oh, I love this episode of Copper and Lauren sharing her book with you both being dog lovers as am I. There is nothing like the love of an animal that gives their unconditional love to us. For me, it’s all of my animals from dogs, to cats, to parrots, to pigs and I so relate and know after having so many animals that live in my heart. I love Lauren’s honest exploration of feelings and emotions and both of yours. You all have hearts that reach out and touch us. Great episode!

    “To have an animal is to know that joy of living and to be held in a space of grace!

    xoxoxoxoxo”

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    1. Thanks very much for your wonderful words, Cindy! I appreciate your support and love what you wrote about “all of my animals.” Even though King Copper is about our dog, I feel that the emotions in my poetry will resonate with any pet parents. If those pets bring unconditional love…well, enough said. 🙂 Thanks again, my friend. ❤️🧡🌈

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  16. As someone who has been enjoying 30 years of Airedale Terriers (otherwise known as our fur-children) this podcast was very poignant to me. Yes, the grieving process is not linear – it comes in waves. This podcast leaves ripples of kindness and comfort, thank you all!

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  17. This was a tender conversation to listen to on the first snowfall day in our part of the world. A beautiful life experienced together with Copper and what a lucky dog and a lucky family. Pets are family and make a lasting impact in our hearts and lives. 🙏💕 Life certainly can be unpredictable and that day at home sounds so gut wrenching. But ultimately the kindest decision to make to let our pets go in peace and without pain.

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    1. Thanks for your thoughtful comment, Ab. And the first snowfall sounds beautiful. I appreciate your time, and your’e right, that day was gut wrenching, but so was the thought of Copper suffering. We did the right thing, but we also questioned our decision in the days that followed. Part of the raw grief in the very beginning. Anyway, I love this conversation with Wynne and Vicki. And I know Copper is smiling from all the love. Thanks again.

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    2. You are so right, Ab…the kindest decision but also incredibly gut wrenching, as you said. Thank you so much for your supportive words about “King Copper” and Lauren’s beautiful podcast. xo! 💝

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  18. Thank you, Wynne and Vicki for this heartfelt and touching episode. Dearest Lauren, I needed tissues, and felt for you, as all of us who have said loving farewells to our beloved furry buddies, feel for you. 🧡 Your book honours Copper beautifully. Your boy was so special. 🧡 Xxxxx

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    1. Jane, thanks so much for listening to our conversation. I’m honored to be a guest again and enjoy chatting with Wynne and Vicki. They’re amazing! I appreciate your kind and lovely words so much. Copper was very special, and I know his tail is wagging from all the love he’s received. Thanks again, my friend. ❤️🌈

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  19. I totally enjoyed this excellent interview with Lauren, one of my fave poets.

    I found her candid and completely open and loving.

    Also, the 2 of you are considerate, empathetic interviewers.

    Thank you!

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