Saying Goodbye

Pepper,

I met you in the Columbus Animal Shelter in 1998.    It was my first summer of vet school and since I was out of the dorm and desperate for the dog that mom and dad said I could have “when I was grown” I headed out to pick one out.     I was nervous about how I would find you amongst the rows of dogs in the noisy shelter… How would I know which one was the right one?  There would be so many,  but God led me straight to your kennel and that was that.     I don’t even remember seeing any other dogs that day…

As a puppy we shared an apartment with another dog and two cats along with their 2 human counterparts.   I remember trying to sneak  you down the stairs and not wake anyone at 2 in the morning so that I could take you out to go the bathroom.    I remember when you destroyed not one but TWO single beds… ( I thought Amy was going to decapitate me AND you!)     I remember how you used to love to play frisbee, but one a lower level because your little short legs could only get you so high.. and the grunty noise you made each time you jumped and caught it in your mouth… so proud.

And even though I don’t remember the wreck, I will remember the stories the nurses and EMT’s told my parents about how I had gotten myself out of the car and was  standing on the side of I-55 asking the good samaritans that stopped “Where is Pepper??”  all the while holding onto your leash with you beside me.    And how the EMT’s put you in the ambulance with me and the nurses snuck you into the ER and hid you behind the desk until my parents came.     The only memories I have of that experience are waking up and reading a sheet of paper Mom had placed in my hand (apparently I had become pretty annoying by repeating my questions…)

1.   You were in an accident

2. You hit your head but you are ok

3. Pepper is ok

 

I remember how you accepted every animal I would bring home (other dogs, cats, pigs, horses, squirrels, possums, racoons) even if you were reluctant to give up more of my attention… you took it so well.    And when the babies came you were great about them too.

I will remember your little raccoon tail… it was definitely your trademark.     I will remember how you would do anything for cheese.

 

 

 

And I will remember that when you needed me to be strong for you the most… that I was and let you go.    I know you have fought hard to stay with us.    I would never have imagined I would have had you in my life for over 15 years.    But I can see you are tired… and you need your rest.    You have repeatedly shown me that over the last few days and with the help and prayers of so many I am ready to help you go home.    You have several of those family members already up there waiting on you…  Please give them all a kiss for me.    I love you and will miss you so much.    Thank you for being my first… there will never be another like you.

Pepper

1998-2013

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