10. April 2026

Cooper’s Story

— and the Spark Behind Yma O Hyd

Cooper came into my life like a burst of golden sunshine — a gentle, tail‑wagging reminder that love can be simple, joyful, and endlessly loyal. For six beautiful years, he was my shadow, my comfort, and my favourite hello. Losing him so young felt like the world had tilted, leaving a space no words could fill.

In the quiet days after his passing, I found myself holding onto the smallest things — a collar, a photo, a memory that caught me off guard. But it was his ashes, resting softly in my hands, that made me realise something powerful: love doesn’t end. It changes shape.

So I created a small resin pendant with a pinch of Cooper’s ashes — something I could wear close to my heart, something that felt like him. That single piece became a lifeline. It brought comfort, connection, and a sense of still having him with me as I moved through the world.

That’s how Yma O Hyd was born — a memorial jewellery brand rooted in love, remembrance, and the belief that the bonds we share with our pets and loved ones deserve to be honoured beautifully. Every piece I create carries the same care, intention, and tenderness that went into Cooper’s first pendant. He is woven into the heart of this business, guiding my hands with every swirl of resin and every delicate detail.

Today, I help others keep their own beloved companions close — dogs, cats, horses, and the people who shaped their lives. Each piece is crafted with the same devotion I had for Cooper, because I know exactly what it means to hold a memory you’re not ready to let go of.

Cooper may no longer walk beside me, but he walks with me still — in every story shared, every keepsake created, and every person comforted through this work.
And that is his legacy.