Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Walk away slowly, old friend

First, I'd like to say thank you to all of you special people who have left comfort and encouragement here at the Lilypad in the last few days. I appreciate it so very much.

I write this post with a heavy heart, and with tears in my eyes. We laid our sweet Pepper to rest here on the farm this morning. It was the hardest thing I think I've ever done, to look into her eyes and say goodbye.

The vet said that there was no way she would survive the treatment needed in order to "jump start" her kidneys  -- her gallant heart would have stopped, just as her kidneys had. Her liver was failing, and there were evidences of cancer, as well.  Instead of "all systems go" as Pepper wanted, it was "all systems failing."

It has helped me to look at some old pictures, and I thought I would share them with you. Pepper was a rescue pup of about eight or nine weeks of age when we became friends . . . this is what she looked like thirteen years ago:


She grew to adulthood scampering around the pastures, playing with the kiddos in the creek, and letting every skunk and raccoon know that she was the boss, if they dared to stop by in the nighttime.

Smart? Oh, boy was she smart! We were soft-hearted about all of the bunnies around here,and one evening while we walked in the pasture, Pepper took off after one. One word from hubby and she stopped in her tracks. And never chased a bunny again.

Those of you who have followed here for a while probably remember the story of how at one year of age, Pepper  rescued a kitten from the horrible conditions the litter was in . . . the kitten she gently carried back in her mouth and deposited in the cedar shavings in her own house, became Moses the studio cat. (See? At one day old, he had to be syringe-fed!)


He obviously has thrived under Pepper's care, and does a good job at holding down my sewing chair:


She also has been a very tolerant nursemaid to eight ducklings:


Who loved to stay close to her:


And when winter came, she loved to play with us in the occasional snows that we experienced:


And did I mention that she was an awesome wide receiver? (Grin)


In the midst of all of her other responsibilities, she took the time to train our second rescue pup, Kooshie, who we nursed through Parvo to excellent health:


Many of these memories came back to me today, as I looked through these pictures. In the last few days, she clung to life just as tenaciously as she did to the towel when we played tug of war . . . but there was too much to fight all at once. Even a fierce contender like her found it difficult to wage war on so many fronts at one time.

So, old friend, walk slowly as you approach that rainbow bridge. Pause one more time to look over here at me. Wag your tail and lift your head high, like when you caught the scent of deer coming to the spring for water.
Give me more time. Please. I don't want to lose you.

Rest in peace, Pepper. I love you.

It will be quiet here at the Lilypad for a few days. I hope all of you will understand.

Love,


53 comments:

  1. oh I chocked up reading your post :( All my thoughts are with you, I know what a devastating loss losing such a beloved pet is.
    Hugs

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  2. I had a little cry for you, so sorry Snoodles.

    (blog.pennydog.com)

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  3. HUGS- our prayers are with you!

    Thank you for sharing her story- May you heal quickly from this

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  4. Gorgeous tribute for a much loved, loving member of the family.

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  5. It's so hard to say goodbye to a family member, hugs.

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  6. Oh no......so very sorry. this is one of the hardest things to do. They are a real part of the family. Take care.

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  7. So very sorry. Pepper is beautiful!

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  8. I am so sorry for your loss, I will say a special prayer for you in this time of sorrow.

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  9. Oh I am so very sorry for your loss. Praying for your peace and comfort.

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  10. I am so very sorry Snoodles. There are no words. Just to say that one day the memories will become sweeter and stronger than the pain of grief is now. xox

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  11. So very sorry for your loss. What a joy she was to you. Our fur babies will be forever in our hearts.

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  12. Sweet, sweet puppy, running free again over that bridge. I'm so sorry for your loss.

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  13. I'm so sorry, Jacque. It's hard to lose such a good friend.

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  14. Oh no. I am so so sorry, it is the hardest thing to do, it never gets any easier. I am thinking of you my friend. Big Hugs xxxx

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  15. I laughed when I got to the ducks, and cried by the time I came to the end. It is so difficult to lose a beloved pet, probably why I just can't have anymore. Thank you for sharing your love story.

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  16. So very sorry. Prayers of peace and comfort sent your way.

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  17. So, so, sorry....thinking of you and sending many hugs...

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  18. Shedding tears with you. I know how deep the hurt is. Take time to heal. Extra hugs.

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  19. I am so sorry :( There is nothing harder than making this particular decision. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Many hugs.

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  20. I am so sorry, it's always so hard to lose a furry family member who's been with you for years. I had to make the same choice for my Bandit less than two weeks ago. Shedding tears for both of us as I write this. Don't worry about a reply just take time to heal. Big Hug!

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  21. I'm so sorry {{{{ }}}}} I'm balling like a baby. We had to put down a beloved, most excellent friend of a cat in January after some strange disease ravaged his eyes and then his heart. Pepper sounds like one of those incredible rare angels-in-fur-bodies. And I do remember when she rescued the kitten. :) What a great dog!

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  22. My heart goes out to you and your family Snoodles! I can't imagine how hard it was to let her go, but I want you to know that me and my pups (and the kitteh) are thinking of you and sending you lots of snuggles. Take care.

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  23. oh, snoodles! I am so sorry for your loss. I have tears in my eyes as I identify how much I love Cleo and understand how much we love our animals. Take care of yourself. hugs.

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  24. I'm so sorry. I'm so glad Pepper had you (and the family!)to love and entertain.... I know she was loved in return (and she knew it!). I hope your heart feels lighter soon.

    Love,
    Thing I

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  25. I'm sorry to hear that. Sending you hugs. xx

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  26. Aww, I'm so sorry. Peace be with you and of course Pepper...

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  27. I am so sorry Jacque!!!! ****BIG HUGS**** Sending lots of love your way.

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  28. She will be waiting for you at the bridge. Keep her in your heart until that time. Deepest sympathies.

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  29. Minha linda,eu sinto muito.Cuide-se.Abraços bem abraçados.

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  30. Oh dear, I'm am so very sorry. According to Colton though, you will see your pets in heaven. :)
    I too lost a sweet doggie named Pepper. She was our baby before we had human babies. I never felt the same way about a pet again. My heart goes out to you Snoodles.
    No need to reply. <3

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  31. My heart hurts for you, as I know the feeling. I agree no need to reply, just know thoughts are going your way. Hugs

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  32. Big Hugs to you and your family - so very very sorry for your loss...

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  33. ah, it is so difficult to loose a pet! My heart goes out to you and your family...take the time you need to grieve and thank you for sharing your life with us...

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  34. I'm so sorry for your loss. Pepper was so beautiful and looks very much like my Hanna. It's so difficult to leave our best friend. Warm hugs.

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  35. What great stories about Pepper, sounds like she was such an awesome dog and will be greatly missed. I'm sure she is in a better place now and still hanging around in spirit :)

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  36. So very sorry to hear this. Such sad news. :( Sending you big hugs from NZ.

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  37. Dear Jacque, I am so sorry for your loss. The loss of a pet is never easy especially one as special as your beautiful Pepper. I hope that these memories remind you of the wonderful times you had together and the fact that she was a fortunate dog indeed to have shared your life.
    A big virtual hug and shoulder to cry on.

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  38. Oh I am so sorry :( The pictures you show of her are so wonderful, she had a fantastic life with you. Sweet girl too. That cat and the ducks loved her too :) xo from me

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  39. I'm so sorry, I'm sitting here crying with you.

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  40. I'm so sorry... My heart is with you, I wish I could ease your pain.

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  41. I'm so sorry. Pepper was indeed a wonderful pooch who will be dearly missed.

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  42. I am so sorry for your lost. Thinking of you and your family.

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  43. I'm sorry to hear this:( I wish you the best.

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  44. I'm sorry that Pepper is gone. From your stories, it sounds like Pepper had the best life a dog could ask for. {{hugs}}

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  45. We lost our Daisy over 2 1/2 years ago, and I am just now starting to think about getting another dog. Oh how they work their way into our hearts, don't they? I know how painful it is to lose a "furry child." My thoughts and prayers are with you.

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