Stories & Features
Meet Cooper: “Second Act” Therapy Dog
Oct 22, 2025
by
IDEX Health & Science
While Danielle Hogancamp manages the complexities of trade compliance at IDEX Health & Science, her loyal companion, Cooper, manages the much-needed work of providing comfort and connection as a therapy dog.
After her first dog passed away, Danielle was doing "Doggy Day Out" visits through Lollypop Farm (a local animal shelter) when she saw Cooper, a nine-year-old senior dog. "He looked so sad, but also so handsome," Danielle recalls, despite him being a larger dog than she was initially looking for. Her daughter compared his perpetually sad expression to Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh. Cooper was surrendered to the shelter after his previous family, who had many children, had largely kept him outside.
When he first arrived at Danielle’s home, he was withdrawn, with thinning fur and covered in scabs— showing obvious signs of neglect. "He just didn't know how to be part of a family," Danielle explains. For about nine months, Cooper always sat behind the couch and slept under the bed, fearful of being fully integrated into family life. It took time, patience, and love for him to come out of his shell, but his sweet demeanor eventually shone through. Danielle recalled her delight at seeing the first signs of his comfort, like coming out from behind the couch during TV time.
Despite his hesitant start, Danielle immediately noticed Cooper's innate calm and laid-back personality, which made her think he'd be an excellent therapy dog. She also hoped this “second act” purpose would help build his confidence. To become certified with RocDog (a local dog therapy group), Cooper had to first pass the Canine Good Citizen test, which covers general obedience. The subsequent therapy certification required him to work through all kinds of distractions, including:
- Loud noises
- Children
- Wheelchairs
- Food on the floor (a challenge he still struggles with!)
- Not reacting to other dogs
- Approaching people politely, such as sitting patiently next to a wheelchair or a bed without jumping.
This rigorous process is a testament to Cooper’s character. As Danielle says, "It wasn't me. It was just his demeanor. He's such a sweet boy." Cooper's therapy work extends right into Danielle's workplace. Shortly after Danielle started at IDEX Health & Science, RocDog was scheduled to bring therapy dogs to the office. Danielle brought Cooper in with the group.
"It just started little by little," she explains. Because he was part of the certified therapy dog program, Cooper's visits were approved, and he now comes in frequently to provide stress relief and joy to the employees at our Center of Excellence location in Rochester, NY. Today, Cooper is a beloved and active therapy dog, who Danielle brings to visit locations across the region, including libraries, hospitals, and schools (even colleges like RIT and SUNY Brockport).
What does Cooper love most about his job? Danielle says the love and attention. “I feel like he was so starved that he just goes from person to person... he just loves to have that attention and all the pets."
Cooper still hasn't fully figured out how to "be a dog"—he doesn't play fetch or chew toys—but his favorite activities are simple: being petted, lying down, snuggling his favorite people, and going for walks. He's even formed a close relationship with a neighbor who gives him a (nearly daily) cheese as a treat, which Cooper often collects by simply running over to lay on their back deck until they notice him.
Cooper's transformation from a withdrawn senior to an increasingly confident therapy dog proves the power of rescue and the special healing comfort only a dog can provide. We’re honored to have Cooper and Danielle as a part of our IDEX Health & Science Team!