There is one particular home in Wellstone that is filled with the happy rhythm of paws on hardwood and the unmistakable charm of two very different but equally adored dogs, Copper and Nellie.

Copper, a 10 year old mixed breed with a handsome reddish coat, joined the family first. The Thorps adopted him from the Humane Society when he was about one year old. His name was an easy choice. One look at his copper toned fur made the decision simple. From the beginning, Copper has lived up to his warm coloring with an equally warm personality. He is sweet, gentle, and endlessly loyal, and he has grown into the steady and affectionate presence every family hopes for in a dog.

Then came Nellie.

Now three years old, Nellie entered their lives at just eight weeks old, bringing with her a big personality in a very small dachshund body. Madeline chose her name, inspired by an American Girl doll she loved. Nellie’s story carries an additional layer of meaning. Her father was named after a prominent Tulsa attorney known for being tough in the courtroom and who passed away years ago. He was also the only attorney ever to beat Joy Thorp in a preliminary hearing, and it remains the only preliminary hearing she has ever lost. Nellie serves as a daily reminder of humility and perspective, wrapped in a tiny and determined package.

While Copper may be much larger, Nellie unquestionably rules the roost. If Copper is peacefully enjoying a bone, there is a good chance Nellie will march over, take it right from his mouth, and scurry off to hide beneath the couch. Despite his size advantage, poor Copper rarely protests. Nellie may be small, but she runs the household with confidence and a little bit of mischief.

The family still laughs about one early misadventure after moving into their Forest Ridge home. For reasons known only to him, sweet natured Copper took issue with a neighbor mowing his lawn and gave him a quick nip on the backside. Thankfully, no one was hurt, and the neighbor handled it with remarkable kindness and good humor. That Christmas, the family gave him an ornament featuring a dog biting a Christmas tree as a lighthearted apology. Today, Copper and the neighbor are good friends, a testament to forgiveness and shared laughter.

If there were an award for most spoiled, Nellie would likely win. Each night, she enjoys chewing a bone on the bed but insists someone hold it for her. Rather than gripping it herself, she flips it up with her nose and waits until a human assistant steps in. It is a routine the family happily indulges.

For a family with demanding careers as prosecutors, the days can be heavy. They often see the worst of the worst. No matter how challenging the workday has been, coming home to wagging tails and the pitter patter of little feet brings comfort and joy. Copper’s steady sweetness and Nellie’s spirited antics fill their Wellstone home with laughter, perspective, and unconditional love.

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