Cooper's Chance Animal Rescue was founded in 2006.  We are  a  nonprofit animal rescue and animal rights organization. We were founded by our President and Founder, Shannon Steemke after a tragedy involving her beloved dog, Cooper.

Cooper was a young  Pit Bull/German Sheppard mix when she was adopted from Maricopa County Animal Control in Mesa, Arizona in October 1998.  Like thousands of others, she was scheduled for euthanasia and I had felt a connection to her broken soul. Sick with kennel cough, underweight and obvious signs of abuse, the county shelter had no room for a dog so unlikely to be adopted.

From the time I brought her home,  she had behavioral issues; separation anxiety, dog aggression and fear biting.  I did what I thought was best;  I gave her a good home, food, water, toys and love. I never knew the proper way to take care of my dog, I just thought the love would make her feel safe and that would help her past the fear. 

In June 2004, several  years after I brought Cooper home, she attacked me. It was sudden and unprovoked; she lunged at me. I covered my face and she quickly nipped at my hand, then bit the only thing she could grasp...the tip of my left ear. In complete shock and disbelief, I was rushed to the hospital. I had just  suffered a horrific event and knew I was about to face a very difficult decision. The hospital would have to report the incident to police and ultimately she would have to be removed from our home. I wanted to give dignity to her life and couldn't let the county decide her fate. Sometimes the greatest honor you can give your pet is to know when to give them peace.

Several months of healing and plastic surgery repaired some of the physical damage.  I'm reminded everyday of the tragic ignorance I had and the suffering Cooper went through because of it. Every day when I look in the mirror and see my ear, I remember the guilt and the resolve I have to change the lives of animals by educating their owners and easing the suffering of all animals on earth.  Cooper's chance is today,  every animal has a  chance to be happy and healthy. It's our responsibility to help them achieve that.

Thank you for your support.

Shannon Steemke, Founder and President