Pepper – 2003 to 12/31/2010

 So sorry for you lose. Thanks for sharing Pepper's story.

 Run free and breathe easy, Pepper.

Leslie --

I so understand ... we came to that point with Ms. Socks and did almost exactly what you did (only her 'thing' was black licorice and I let her eat a whole bag of it!).

When we went up to the vet to be with Socks that last time she actually walked in on her own, and nosed the ball I brought her back and forth .... and I looked up at Dr. Bailey and said "ARE we doing the right thing?" and he told us YES heartily.  They may seem to rally a bit but that's usually just sheer force of "I'm so glad to see you and that you're with me NOW" -- but it makes the decision even harder.

At Rainbow Bridge there are no slick floors, she can breathe free and easy, and Ms. Socks would go one further and say there are no bitches britches with continence pads in them there either!

You did the best and most loving things. She got to SEE you again which to her was probably paramount.  Justt seeing you again was likely what she was holding on for.  But then she didn't have to disappoint you by 'leaving' -- you made the decision for her which is where YOUR love was so paramount.

Sometimes our time with them is so short -- and trust me she knew you were the ones that always "came back" and got her from difficult places.  That's love, Leslie. 

I'm so sorry you had to go so far to face something so difficult, but it sounds to me like she was worth it and she loved you FOR it.  I know, in my heart of hearts, she felt that BIGGER hug ... because by then she was beyond the worldly pain but could feel the love for what it was meant. 

 Thank you all for your kind words.  I love this forum.  It will be hard for so many days and now, me being in a new place, with only a handful of people that I know, is going to be even harder.  I want to go home and go back a year before all of this started, but I can't.  I have to keep moving forward.

Oh, I'm so very sorry to hear this sad news about Pepper.  Your tribute was beautiful; I know from experience how hard it is to write a memorial like this but how one is compelled to do so, no matter how one's heart is breaking.  I also know exactly what you mean about wanting to turn back the clock.

Pepper, you were obviously loved dearly and your human and dog family will miss you very much.  Breathe easy now, and enjoy some new friends you'll meet at the Bridge who are also missed by their families.  You're in good company while you watch over Leslie and Kris as they adjust to your absence.

Leslie, I'll send you a PM, too.  You're not alone -- here on the forum or in "real life."

Run free, Pepper...

(((Leslie)))

I so sorry for your loss, Leslie.  Run free Pepper.

Deb W.

Leslie, thanks for sharing Pepper's story.  Run free, sweet girl.  Tight hugs for you and Kris. 

What a wonderful story of your life with Pepper.   Run free sweet girl, know you were loved and that all our babies that went before you were waiting at the bridge to welcome you. 

 Leslie; Thanks for sharing the details about your life with Pepper and helping us to know her better. She was so lucky that you found her at the shelter. I'm so sorry for your loss; (((hugs))) for you and Kris. Run free sweet girl; I'm sure that you have found a spot to rest on a big comfy sofa with Maggie and some of the other dogs that went before you.