Today Pepper turns 13 years old! It hardly seems that long since I first opened the Christmas card telling me that I was getting an English Springer Spaniel puppy. It was so exciting - I had been begging for a dog for so long! Our family had fun brainstorming ideas for names as we drove home after Christmas. Noel, Buttons, Oreo, and Pepper were on the final list. I'm glad Pepper was the winner, aren't you? :)
That winter there was an ice storm that caused many power outages, and the breeder called and wanted us to pick up Pepper early since there was no heat at her house. My puppy was soooo tiny, and she trembled and howled all the way home. Awww. She got used to us fast though.
Look at that picture of my young 12-year-old self! That was our first attempt at playing Frisbee outside - it was almost as big as she was! Nowadays, she prefers fetching rocks when playing outside, but most days she snoozes away on her blanket. Pepper is almost completely deaf now, and she's slowing down since those first puppy days. The vet just said this year, "At this point, consider every year a bonus." *tear*
I sure have enjoyed my dog these past 13 years!
Happy Birthday, Pepper!
~Sarah
Happy birthday Pepper! Other than you two growing you haven't changed much.
Posted by: Rose | Monday, November 21, 2011 at 05:13 PM
Hi Sarah!
Pepper was so cute as a puppy! I hope that Pepper can celebrate many more birthdays. Happy Birthday Pepper!
Anna (and Kathie)
Posted by: Anna | Monday, November 21, 2011 at 06:02 PM
Way too cute with the birthday hat.Hope you make lots more memories with Pepper.
Posted by: Tammy | Monday, November 21, 2011 at 07:48 PM
Dogs add so much fun to our lives. Pepper is so cute. I hope she enjoys her birthday and has many more to come.
Victoria
Posted by: victoria | Tuesday, November 22, 2011 at 01:18 AM
Happy 13th Birthday, Pepper! Awww, that was such a fun post, Sarah! I remember your Mom telling me all about the surprise that Christmas. :-) Pepper is such a cutie!
Posted by: Dorothy | Tuesday, November 22, 2011 at 07:31 AM
Hi Sarah!
What a nice post on your sweet Pepper. I love the photo of the 'birthday girl' complete with party hat! So cute!
Posted by: Lisa | Tuesday, November 22, 2011 at 08:18 AM
What a blessing that you still have Pepper. I just had to put my 16 year old Jack Russell to sleep in May. I still miss her. They do become a very important part of your family.
I hope you and your wonderful family have a very Blessed Thanksgiving!
Posted by: Bobbi | Tuesday, November 22, 2011 at 08:02 PM
So amazingly cute--both you and Pepper! I remember when you opened that card at Christmas too. You were SOOOO surprised! and happy. Love the pictures and love the memories you shared. Give Pepper a big hug from Aunt Bet. Happy Birthday, Pepper!
Posted by: Aunt Bet | Wednesday, November 23, 2011 at 08:28 AM