Blog Tour — Lauren Scott’s new book King Copper: Our Dog’s Life in Poetry

On By Mike U.In Previews / Reviews
Cover image © Lauren Scott

Lauren Scott is an accomplished writer/poet and someone I consider a good friend. I’ve followed her blog BaydreamerWrites for a few years now and always look forward to her thoughtful and beautiful takes on life and nature. I was delighted when I first discovered Lauren was a dog lover, and her occasional poems and photographs featuring Copper, her beloved chocolate Lab, revealed a deeper layer to Lauren, one in which her love and compassion for all living things shine so brightly. I enjoyed Copper’s cameos on her blog, and was reminded of the dog buddies I’ve known in my own life (Dexter, Schroeder, Bilbo, Buffer, Harley, Pup-Mup and The Roadie, to name a few). There’s nothing quite like the love between a dog and a human; it’s a transcendent, piercing love. There’s a reason dogs are considered humans’ best friends.

Earlier this year, Copper left Lauren and her family and crossed the Rainbow Bridge.

When our animal friends leave us, it’s devastating. They’re more than pets or sidekicks. They’re family. I understand what it’s like to lose a dog, and it was crushing to know Lauren and her family were hurting in Copper’s absence.

And then, something beautiful happened. Lauren decided to create a tribute to Copper in the form of a poetry collection, a memorial to her wonderful friend and companion. I can’t imagine how painful this must have been for her, but it’s my hope it helped assuage her grief and pain, and focus her memories on all the love and happiness Copper brought into her life.

King Copper: Our Dog’s Life in Poetry ensures that Copper will live on, and I’m so glad that his memory will be enjoyed by so many people, thanks to Lauren’s new book. The book’s official release date is Wednesday, August 6th in paperback and e-book. Pre-order is available at Amazon or Barnes and Noble, and at Kobo for e-book only.

Back cover image © Lauren Scott

Lauren has provided a couple of samples of what you can expect in this wonderful, poignant collection:

Our Furry Friend (excerpt)

He knows when we’re sad, resting his head on our knee.
He feels when we’re happy circle dancing with glee.
He doesn’t play games as some humans do.
He just lives his life like each day is new!

He’ll eat anything, gulps down his meals.
Anyone who meets him falls head over heels!
He can’t get enough of cuddles and pats,
and he’ll run after those pesky squirrels and cats…

…..

Loss is Loss

Death comes in many forms

Death can be tragic

Death can be anticipated

Regardless, when a loved one passes

whether human or pet

loss is loss

hearts still break

tears fall until

there are no more

stages of grief

call us and we answer

submitting to erratic emotions

to heaviness in heart and limbs

to wondering if the sun will rise again

and no matter what triggers the pain

we must offer ourselves grace…

to grieve as we should

to mourn as days unfold

Loss is loss shattering us

into tiny pieces of uncertainty

until the healing of time

brings those pieces back together.

…..

Here’s Lauren in her own words from her Amazon page:

When I knelt down to Copper’s level, my heart melted. His amber, soul-searching eyes told me all I needed to know.

I recalled sitting at the table, perusing a Labrador rescue website. A lab sporting a copper-colored coat stood out like a citrine crystal in a bowl of black diamonds. I had to meet the handsome fellow.

So, on a late winter March day in 2012, my family drove to Oakland to meet Copper. A woman was fostering him in her small apartment. He had a gentle demeanor, and after a walk around the block and some play time, I was ready to take him home. My son and I were excited to welcome Copper into our lives. But my husband and daughter were hesitant to adopt another dog so soon. Would we be replacing Lucky Girl, our black lab mix, who passed just four months earlier?

Despite telling the woman we needed time to make a decision, only three days later, we found ourselves signing the adoption papers. Copper effortlessly jumped into the back of our car for a ride to his new home. We heard that the best way to get past the grief of losing a pet is to get a new one, and that’s what we did. Lucky Girl would always be in our hearts. But after many conversations, we felt the timing was right. I, especially, couldn’t shake the feeling that Copper was meant to be our next canine friend.

From the hugs, cuddles, and games of fetch, Copper learned to trust us. And so, he became family. For thirteen years, he gave us unconditional love. He crossed over the rainbow bridge this past March. It is serendipitous to know that he came into our lives in March and left our earthly world also in March – the month of new beginnings. He was a bright light in our lives that will shine eternally. This is the power of our dogs or any pet. They leave a positive, long-lasting imprint on our souls.

Image © Lauren Scott

Lauren Scott is a poet, and writer of fiction, memoir, and children’s books. She enjoys small-town living in Northern California with her husband, Matt. They have a wonderful relationship with their son and daughter who are adulting and enjoying life out of state. Lauren has authored three collections of poetry: New Day, New Dreams (2013), Finding a Balance (2015), and Ever So Gently (2023). In 2021, she released her memoir, More than Coffee in verse and prose. In 2024, her first children’s book, Cora’s Quest, was released. Lauren’s writing has been published in many anthologies, and she is a monthly contributor on Gobblers at Masticadores, an online literary site. Her work has also been featured at Spillwords Press, also an online literary site, where she was voted Author of the Month in May 2023, Publication of the Month in October 2024, and Publication of the Month in June 2025. Lauren discovers writing inspiration from family, her connection with nature, and the simple things in life. To learn more about Lauren’s work and books, please visit her contact links below:
  
Author website: baydreamerwrites.com
Instagram: @baydreamerwrites.com
https://www.amazon.com/author/lauren-scott
www.goodreads.com/author/show/42498464.Lauren _Scott

77 thoughts on “Blog Tour — Lauren Scott’s new book King Copper: Our Dog’s Life in Poetry”

    1. Thanks so much, Maggie. I’m excited about this book, and I can’t wait to see what Lauren’s created with this tribute to Copper. I just read your post about it and it’s wonderful. I don’t have the book yet so I wasn’t able to include any sample poetry. Wishing you a splendid Tuesday, my friend. 😊

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      1. Hi Mike
        I am exvited too for Lauren and it is an honour to promote this book for Copper.
        I am sure he is wagging his tail on rainbow bridge.
        Your post was a wonderful and, like you, I value Lauren not only for beautiful poetry, but her kind nature and soul.
        Thank you 🤗
        I wish you a splendid Tuesday too my friend.

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    1. Thanks so much, Layla. Just a preview so far–the book comes out tomorrow (August 6), so I wanted to help spread the word for Lauren. It promises to be a beautiful tribute to her beloved dog Copper. 😊

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  5. Hi Mike, thanks again for your wonderful support! What you wrote touched my heart – your words are so beautiful and compassionate. I can tell how much of a dog lover you are, and I’m glad you mentioned your dog buddies. They live in our hearts forever, and now Copper has joined our previous dog family members, and they’re all romping around, having the best time, no pain, just freedom and fun. I can’t express in words how much I appreciate you being a part of this special blog tour. Hugs, my friend 🤗

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    1. Kindest thanks, Lauren. It’s my pleasure and honor to help spread the word about this tribute to Copper. My last dog was Dexter, a beautiful, sweet black Lab, so there’s a connection there to Copper. I like to imagine Dexter meeting Copper in a green meadow under blue skies and chasing butterflies. I’m so looking forward to this book, my friend. Wishing you all the best, and I know Copper is proud of you. 😊🐾

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      1. Oh, Mike, our dog before Copper was Lucky Girl, and she’s mentioned in the preface. She was also a black lab mix who we adopted. An independent sweetheart, and I still get teary-eyed when I look at old photos. But I know that she, Dexter, and Copper, and all of our other dogs are doing just what you said. There’s a poem in the book that touches on crossing over the rainbow bridge. Your words remind me of it. Thanks again, my friend, and I really hope you love the collection. The poems are joyful in the beginning when Copper was with us. Then they segue into when I wrote through the grief. It ends with hope though. Circle of life, right? Hugs again! I’ve got many to give away. 🙂 🤗

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    1. Hi, Robbie. Thanks so much. Lauren’s a wonderful writer and a good friend, and I’m glad to be able to help spread the word about her book. I’m counting the days until my copy arrives. 😊

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  7. Hi Mike!

    Great review of Lauren’s book. Now we can all have a Cooper in our homes with memories every dog owner can relate to. So kind of you to review it. Woof, woof and all the best Lauren. I’m happy you finally figured all of this out and followed your heart! ❤️

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    1. Thanks a bunch, Cindy. Just a preview–the book doesn’t come out until tomorrow (Aug. 6) and I don’t have my copy yet, but I’m eagerly awaiting it, for sure. It’s a beautiful gesture, isn’t it? A poetic tribute to a beloved animal friend. Looking forward to it. Lauren is a superb writer, and a wonderful person, too. 😊

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    1. Thank you, Yvette. I’m excited to get my hands on this collection. Lauren’s an amazing writer and friend, and I have a feeling there will be some profoundly poignant moments in this book. Thanks for stopping by and supporting Lauren! 😊

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  11. What a lovely introduction to Lauren’s book, Mike. I imagine that all of us who have lived with and loved our four-legged family members can relate to her poems of love, joy, and loss. It’s so hard, and I can’t think of a more beautiful tribute than a book of poems. Lauren writes from the heart, and her poetry is always a pleasure to read. Thanks for hosting her and her book, and congrats to Lauren on tomorrow’s release!

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    1. Thanks, Diana. I’m happy to play a small part in spreading the word about Lauren and Copper and this wonderful tribute. Lauren is indeed an amazing writer and her poetry is so effective at touching the heart. I can’t wait until my copy of the book arrives. Thanks for dropping by today, my friend. 😊

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    2. Thanks for your lovely words of support, Diana. I’m truly touched by this beautiful post of Mike’s. Writing through the grief really helped, and then when the idea of another poetry collection evolved, I thought it would be a nice tribute to our beloved Copper. Our other dog’s are also mentioned in one of the poems, because they also live in our hearts. Thanks for your good wishes too! ❤️

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    1. Thanks a bunch, Liz. This project is really special, and I’m sure Copper is delighted at all the love pouring forth. Lauren’s got a heart of gold, and her poetry is on another level. Wishing her the best with this collection. Thanks for taking time to stop by today, my friend. 😊

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    1. Thanks so much, Balroop. I’m excited for Lauren and Copper. This is such a lovely way to immortalize a loved one. I’m sure Copper is pleased and wagging his tail. Lauren’s book should be an instant classic, for sure. 😊

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  14. This is really precious. I am so sorry for your loss Lauren. So I am so happy that you have decided to leave a wonderful tribute to Copper. Animals love us unconditionally and they become part of our family. What a beauty too. I love the cover and the poetry Mike shared. Thank you Mike for sharing this wonderful new publication with us.

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    1. Thanks so much, Joni. I appreciate your compassionate words. You know what it feels like when dogs or pets in general make a positive impact on our lives. It’s so hard to say good-bye. I still wear Copper’s dog tag on a chain as a necklace. I don’t know when or if there will come a day when I won’t wear it. And it may sound silly, but we all grieve in our own ways. Thank you again for your kind words. Mike wrote a wonderful post that went straight to my heart. ❤️

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    2. Thank you Joni. This is such a beautiful way to immortalize someone we love. I can image Copper being delighted and doing zoomies at the thought of being the subject of such a tribute! I miss my dog buddies so much. Lauren’s a superb writer and I’m expecting this book to touch a lot of hearts. Thank you for your kindness and for stopping by, my friend. Wishing you and Scott a peaceful remainder of the week. 😊

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  15. What I love about the snippets from this book that I have seen thus far, is that I can see my beloved kitties (who are frolicking with Copper no doubt) in the sentiment that will touch the hearts of anyone who has a beloved pet on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge.

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    1. I love what you love about the snippets, Annette, because whether you’re a dog parent or a cat parent, our furry friends become family. And when they cross over the rainbow bridge, it’s heartbreaking. But they will always live in our hearts. Thanks so much for your beautiful words. ❤️

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    2. Kindest thanks, Annette. Oh yes, I recall so many of my farm cat buddies from my youth. The love we receive from our animal friends (dogs, cats, and many others) is on another level. That love is so unique and healing in so many ways. Lauren’s tribute to her beloved Copper is such a wonderful way of expressing her love for her friend. She’s a brilliant writer, so I’m really looking forward to reading this collection. Thanks for dropping by today, my friend. 😊

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    1. I’m glad you enjoyed the back story of how Copper came into our family, Pete. His amber eyes said it all, and we miss him, but he’s in our hearts forever. Thanks for your support on this amazing blog tour, and for stopping by to read Mike’s beautiful post. 🙏

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    2. Many thanks, Pete. Copper’s story is beautiful, and I’m so glad he chose Lauren to be his human. I can picture Copper now, eagerly anticipating Lauren’s tribute to him. Lauren is a wonderful writer and person, and I’m excited for her and the release of this collection. Thanks for stopping by. 😊

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  18. A beautiful and heartfelt review, Mike. A relationship between a pet and its owner is priceless. When my 19-year-old cat died, I couldn’t bring myself to even write a poem, and here, dear Lauren expresses her love for Angel Copper by writing a book. She is amazing, and an excellent author. 💖

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    1. Hi Eugi, thanks for stopping by Mike’s. I love his beautiful post, and I’m so sorry to hear about your cat. I think we’re all different in how we deal with grief. For me, writing poetry helped, but this book wasn’t planned. And then I thought that maybe my poems would help others. Anyway, you are too kind, but I appreciate your supportive and beautiful words so much. ❤️🙏

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  21. Mike,

    Thank you for hosting Lauren and her new book on this blog tour!

    I am a huge fan, and am thrilled she has gone though enough stages of grief, to release this book.

    I had 2 of the best cats pass away in the last year. I know I will gain from reading the book, which I now own!

    Thank you Mike!

    Thank you, Lauren!

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    1. Hi Resa, I’m grateful that Mike wanted to host during the tour. And your support means a lot. I’m so sorry to hear about your cats. It’s hard, isn’t it? Sigh. I hope the poems bring comfort, but warning, some may bring tears first. In fact, smiles in the beginning, then tears, then comfort, hopefully. Thanks again, my friend, and thanks to Mike again too! I appreciate you both! ❤️

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