By Megan Minnix
Kelci Marshall and her dog Cooper, a 2-year-old Australian Shepherd, are Hattiesburg park experts.
The pair has explored nearly every park, walking trail and large grassy field in the area. Marshall recently found one of the local parks as Cooper’s new favorite: Chain Park.
Marshall moved from Cincinnati, Ohio to Hattiesburg in August when she enrolled in graduate school at the University of Southern Mississippi. Marshall, 25, is also a graduate assistant coach for the Golden Eagle volleyball team.
Although she knew she would be busy with school and coaching, Marshall never hesitated when deciding to bring Cooper down south with her. Her mom and brother own Australian Shepherds, and she says the dogs are a very important part of the family.
Marshall exercises Cooper to exhaustion every day when she gets home, and she says that is why he is such a good dog.
“A lot of high-energy breeds, and especially Australian Shepherds, can become destructive if they’re not exercised enough,” Marshall said. “A lot of people don’t know what they’re getting into when they buy one, and sadly end up getting rid of them.”
Marshall has dedicated a lot of time to training Cooper. He can do a wide range of tricks, including catching discs, but his favorite game is good old-fashioned catch.
The pair has explored nearly every park, walking trail and large grassy field in the area. Marshall recently found one of the local parks as Cooper’s new favorite: Chain Park.
Marshall moved from Cincinnati, Ohio to Hattiesburg in August when she enrolled in graduate school at the University of Southern Mississippi. Marshall, 25, is also a graduate assistant coach for the Golden Eagle volleyball team.
Although she knew she would be busy with school and coaching, Marshall never hesitated when deciding to bring Cooper down south with her. Her mom and brother own Australian Shepherds, and she says the dogs are a very important part of the family.
Marshall exercises Cooper to exhaustion every day when she gets home, and she says that is why he is such a good dog.
“A lot of high-energy breeds, and especially Australian Shepherds, can become destructive if they’re not exercised enough,” Marshall said. “A lot of people don’t know what they’re getting into when they buy one, and sadly end up getting rid of them.”
Marshall has dedicated a lot of time to training Cooper. He can do a wide range of tricks, including catching discs, but his favorite game is good old-fashioned catch.