Pepper - you are loved and will be forever remembered

The time is approaching for me to be with Pepper ... to hold her paw as she crosses over rainbow bridge. Tears have started falling. Jenny and I went to see her (and Cass) yesterday ... to check on them and to give them some loving. As always, we end up getting more love back from these precious creatures than one can even imagine.

Yes, this is the hardest part of animal rescue; it is the part that makes me feel like my heart is being shredded into pieces ... truth is, I don't ever want it to be easy for me. Every animal deserves to be loved, to be treated kindly and to be remembered ...

Pepper, you are loved by so many. You have touched the hearts of so many, and you will forever be etched in my heart.

I found the following poem on the internet. Pepper will be a bright star in the summer night skies tonight ... and tomorrow she will be joined by another bright star when Cass joins her up in heaven.

I'm Still Here

Friend, please don't mourn for me

I'm still here, though you don't see.

I'm right by your side each night and day

and within your heart I long to stay.

My body is gone but I'm always near.

I'm everything you feel, see or hear.

My spirit is free, but I'll never depart

as long as you keep me alive in your heart.

I'll never wander out of your sight-

I'm the brightest star on a summer night.

I'll never be beyond your reach-

I'm the warm moist sand when you're at the beach.

I'm the colorful leaves when fall comes around

and the pure white snow that blankets the ground.

I'm the beautiful flowers of which you're so fond,

The clear cool water in a quiet pond.

I'm the first bright blossom you'll see in the spring,

The first warm raindrop that April will bring.

I'm the first ray of light when the sun starts to shine,

and you'll see that the face in the moon is mine.

When you start thinking there's no one to love you,

you can talk to me through the Lord above you.

I'll whisper my answer through the leaves on the trees,

and you'll feel my presence in the soft summer breeze.

I'm the hot salty tears that flow when you weep

and the beautiful dreams that come while you sleep.

I'm the smile you see on a baby's face.

Just look for me, friend, I'm everyplace!