Togo Goes to New Heights

Togo Cope: September 24, 2012 - February 1, 2024

Togo Cope was born on or about September 24, 2012 near Albany, Texas on a small farm. He was adopted by Nancy and Joey Cope on December 24, 2012 and lived in Abilene, Texas since that time.

From his early days, Togo was loved, patted, fed, played with, and occasionally chased by his family and a few close friends. He was particularly kind and loving to his parents, Nancy and Joey.

Togo was an avid outdoorsman. Until his last year, he never spent a night indoors except during a thunderstorm or fireworks. Joey recalls that Togo was persuaded to stay indoors on the first night of the big Snowpocalypse. But upon seeing the snow the next morning and despite the sub-zero temperatures, he insisted on staying out to enjoy the feeling of the northlands as his ancestors did. His Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute, and Gray Wolf ancestors spoke to him in frigid times.

Togo had special talents in landscaping, especially in demolition activities. His exploits prompted regular refashioning of his backyard. Togo relished having his humans work with him side-by-side in the great outdoors.

He was also an accomplished walker. Togo was well-known in the neighborhood and on the campus of Abilene Christian University where he regularly patrolled — and pooped. A good citizen, he always ensured that Momma or Daddy was well-stocked with poop bags and treats and he never left anything behind.

Togo was also known for his storytelling and adventures — some of which may have been embellished. He also had a short career in fiction writing spinning his imaginary exploits as an Agent of S.H.E.D.

He loved his family. He had a special fondness for his brother, Jeremy, who drove him from his first home to his forever home and who doted on him for years. He enjoyed the times he had when his brother, Justin, would visit from Austin. And he was thrilled when Justin was joined by Erin, Togo’s sister-in-love. Togo was filled with pride whenever he could be with his niece, Bella, and his nephew, Henry. Although he never met them, he had warm thoughts toward Oliver and Blue Bug, his Austin cat relatives.

Togo fell asleep to his final rest on February 1, 2024 at the age of eleven surrounded by family members and his friends at the Radford Hills Veterinary Clinic. The family thanks Dr. Leavell and his loving staff for their care for him these past eight months following his diagnosis with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Togo is survived by his Momma and Daddy, Jeremy, Bella, Justin, Erin, Henry, Oliver, and Blue Bug, as well as numerous squeak toys and stuffed animals in varying degrees of disrepair. He was preceded in death by Cindy, Tipi, Snoopy, and Zoe. He’ll be missed by his friends, Doug, the Dove, Sammy, the Squirrel, and Mickey, the Mockingbird, along with his neighbors, Murphy and Millie.

In lieu of flowers, Togo’s desire was that all of his friends be especially nice to animals.