In 2002, Jason and I were volunteers at an animal shelter.  We already had our amazing dog Mudhoney and were considering possibly, maybe, getting another if we found the right fit for us and for our other dog.  That’s when we met Pepper Ann and she gave us no choice.  She loved us completely from the first moment we met her.  From her kennel, she’d howl and whine and jump on the kennel door until we’d let her out and play with her.  The shelter said she was probably around 9 months old, and a mix of a Black and Tan Coonhound with a Rottie.  We thought all of her enthusiasm was for people in general and she would be that excited for anyone to come in and play with her, but we were there when other visitors came and she didn’t jump or howl for them.  It took us less than a week before we decided she had to be part of our family.

Our other dog was an old-soul, but Pepper was active and curious.  She was almost 90lbs but would jump onto our kitchen table or try to sit on our laps on the couch.  When we’d leave she’d get so upset – all that enthusiasm over seeing us at the kennel transferred to separation anxiety.  When she was young she would jump onto the windows, tearing down the blinds, and she’d even chew right through furniture!  We got through those issues, but Pepper’s exuberance was always part of her personality.  She was so loving and friendly!  Some people are nervous around big dogs, especially rotties, but Pepper Ann didn’t know she was a big dog.  We joked often that if someone broke into our house, the most Pepper would do would be to lick them to death!  She loved rolling over onto her back so you could pet her belly.  If you were giving attention to our other dog or our cat, Pepper would push her way past them and barrel into you, forcing you to pet her instead.  She was easy-going, laid-back, and got along with everyone and everything.

As Pepper got older, she got bad arthritis and developed lumps all over her body.  Soon it was hard for her to get up and down, and she was so stiff when she walked.  We tried many different things, but over the past year it really started to slow her down and she also showed signs of a developing cancer.  The vet told us her time would be coming.  Today that day came and we had to say goodbye.  We had 12 years of adventures with her and she is a loved part of our family.  We are all so incredibly sad, but we know that Mudhoney is waiting to play with her, and we know her pain is gone.  We love you Pepper Ann, and we are thankful for the wonderful memories we have with you as part of our family.