07/19/2026
Please be aware of this risk!
The Walter family has had a tough time grieving the loss of their rescue puppy named Copper after he suffocated in a chip bag last fall. Angel Walter writes, “I wanted to share our family’s experience in case it can help spread awareness to others. We adopted a puppy from a local shelter. He was the most kind hearted little soul I’ve ever known in a dog. Truly, he had the kindest eyes, and he never growled or barked at anyone ever. He snuggled and loved and was happy to just be near. He was the sweetest boy. We got to love him for 7 months. Which doesn’t seem very long, but it was his everything.
We have 3 kids. A daughter who was 11, another daughter who was 7 and a son who was 6. The 6 and 7 year old were on a soccer team. One day we were running late for their game. My oldest was having a quick snack before we left. Everyone rushed out of the door and her Dad told her to come on. She put down the bag of chips and ran out of the door. When we returned, we walked in to find our poor Copper (the puppy) dead. He had ran around the house losing competence of his bowels and bladder before passing away due to suffocation. All of our children were screaming and crying and on the floor hysterical. It was the most traumatizing thing any of us have been through.
They were far too young to have to go through something so traumatic. Especially something that could have been so easily more known. None of us, nor anyone we know, had ever heard of something like this happening. It has been 7 months and my poor 11 year old still cries all the time because she feels like it is her fault and she thinks our puppy’s death is on her hands. I just want to help spread awareness to this cause. If more people knew of the dangers then maybe less of these tragic accidents would happen.”
I tell everyone you can’t prevent what you don’t know is a danger - and that applies to pet suffocation. So many people still don’t know about all the risks. But, sharing your story is a wonderful gift to the community as spreading awareness is our best defense against pet suffocation. Copper’s story will definitely help save other pets. Please share in his memory. Thank you.
www.preventpetsuffocation.com
