Copper is the coconut retriever Dr. Cubelo rescued in veterinary school while in St. Kitts. Based on his injuries at the time, it was suspected he had been hit by a car and we elected to amputate a rear leg for improved comfort and mobility. Over time, his other injuries and arthritis caused him to slow down. Acupuncture and rehabilitation therapy was introduced and his world changed!

After his acupuncture appointments, he would go back to chasing monkeys and mongooses, run on the beach, and wrestle with his canine buddies.

Copper moved with Dr. Cubelo through three different states and two countries before they settled down in Coastal Virginia. Copper felt right at home being back in the sand. He was a fighter and persevered through many different ailments, and said his final goodbye in early 2021.

His journey taught Dr. Cubelo about the amazing capabilities of using integrative medicine and that motivated her to share that with her patients.