Copper: A Dog's Life

by Annabel Goldsmith

With more stories to tell than you could count on the pads of one paw, this curly-tailed, shaggy-bearded mongrel led a truly astonishing life. Famed for his remarkable wanderlust, canine curiosity took him all over the place, sometimes traveling on buses with his friend Jessie the cat, often stopping off at his favorite bars, or chasing unsuspecting joggers in the park—a hobby which nearly ended his life. In this delightful book, Copper tells us of his astounding adventures with the finest of tail-wagging wisdom. He sniffs out all the important things in the comings and goings, the loves and losses—and, of course, what it's like to live in high society. Sometimes cheeky, most of the time charming, but always cherished, Copper's story is by turns funny and moving, the tale of a real canine hero.

Genres: Dogs, Animals

160 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2006

About the author

Lady Annabel Goldsmith was an English socialite, author and political activist. She was the eponym of Annabel’s, the exclusive Mayfair nightclub founded by her first husband, businessman Mark Birley.

A prominent London society hostess during the 1960s and 1970s, she attracted media attention for her extramarital relationship with Anglo-French financier Sir James Goldsmith, a member of the Goldschmidt banking family, whom she later married. A descendant and heiress of the Marquess of Londonderry, her primary occupation was as a mother of six children born over a span of 25 years. She also founded the "Democracy Movement", a Eurosceptic political advocacy group, and published several works of memoir and commentary.

Lady Annabel died on 18 October 2025, at the age of 91.

Reviews

[Doggy Peixinho · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this book and it was the first book I cried reading.













SPOILERS!!!!

As incredible as it sounds, I just cried at the part where I thought Platypus was going to die.

[Fiona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Copper the cross bred dog tells the poignant tale from heaven of his life from birth to old age.
Born as a litter of 10 pups to a mum who has fallen on hard times it is his struggle to survive and his life story told often with humour but also with sorrow.
After his birth his wise mother gives him very solid advice about life as a dog but one day when he is not too old she disappears leaving the puppies to fend for themselves. Rescued by a kind stranger the pups are re homed and Copper begins his life with Goldsmith.
Some very charming tales told from a dog's point of view, his new mum has two "litters "of her own and Copper is bought for one of the "litter"- Jemima. We learn of his likes, Jessie the cat, his mum, swimming and frequenting the local pub and his dislikes which are mainly joggers ( doesn't like white hairy legs!!!)
Most of the tale centres around trying to find his birth mum and with plenty of advice from his animal friends his adventures begin.
A fantastic tale full of warmth, sadness and affection.

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very cute book. Full of laughs and it even brought back family memories. Copper reminded me of the old family dog, I only knew him until I was three or four, Sam. It's often retold his adventures from Scunthorpe to Cleethorpes beach. He'd be gone for a week at a time on average, and everyone there knew him and would tell the family all about what he got up to when they went up there themselves. Sadly, at the age of fifteen, one time he didn't come back.
Copper's story if a fun read with truth and insight on each page.

[Sara Parkes · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's so cute!

This is such a fun little book, Copper is adorable and the fact it's based on his true adventures makes it even better. It is very short though which is why it loses a star. But still, it's worth picking up to read the adventures of one of such an adventurous, fun little dog.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant Dog Story about a loveable rogue.