The Bauers, who have a particular affinity for NICU kittens, have fostered and rescued over 250 kittens during the four-year period. Bauer was initially afraid of dogs, but that changed after they lost their stillborn daughter and found comfort in the companionship of animals.

After seeing a video of a German Shepherd on Instagram who was on the verge of being euthanized, Bauer became attached to the dog and volunteered to foster him. She woke up to a message saying that he was going to be euthanized in thirty minutes, and she agreed to take him in.

Bauer and her daughter, Lilly, drove to the shelter to rescue the 12-year-old, 90-pound German Shepherd, whom they named Cooper. A cancerous tumor was discovered in Cooper’s neck during a veterinary checkup, but the Bauers, who had previously fought cancer with their daughter, decided to fight it again.

Cooper was given 60 days to stabilize his numbers and gain ten pounds before being considered for surgery. He met the requirements within three weeks and underwent the procedure, which was complicated by his age. However, the pathology results came back clear a month later, and Cooper was officially adopted on the one-year anniversary of Millie’s death.

Bauer believes that it was fate that led them to Cooper, and she is grateful for the therapeutic and peaceful effect that dogs have on the soul.