In Memory of Pepper - 1992-2008

After going back and forth on this in my heart I have decided to submit a post in memory of Pepper, our cat, who we lost to feline lymphosarcoma and related complications last Saturday, 7.26.08. She was so much more than just a pet...she was our friend and we miss her more than words can say.

We adopted Pepper, a domestic short hair Burmese, from the Oregon Humane Society in the autumn of 2003, shortly after moving into our apartment. Her previous family had raised her for 11 years then had to give her up due to moving to a place that would not allow pets. Chris remembers bringing her home and that she hid in the tiny space between our kitchen sink and the wall for at least three days. After her initial acclamation, she first explored our home and then quickly became the "queen of her domain"...and our hearts.


Unlike many cats, Pepper was not aloof or independent. She was a people's kitty, and insisted on either being on or near one of her humans at all times. She was always a dainty girl, a max of 7.25 pounds when adopted dropping to only 4 pounds by the time she passed. She was a fussy eater and many times preferred our choices of cuisine versus the cat foods we provided for her. Pepper was a social cat, alert and talkative, she communicated with us by meowing and grunting and she followed me like a shadow.

Chris nicknamed her The Panther ('Small Black' was her gangster name) and he invented a story about her previous life in the jungles of Burma and how she migrated to America as a stowaway on a freighter! She slept by my side (and sometimes under the covers!) for almost the entire time she was with us except for the last two months when her illness made her retreat to a quiet space in our bathroom.

Pepper was a kitty that loved people and she always welcomed our friends when they visited our home. She played a mean game of soccer (batting a ball back-and-forth with us), "The Chase Game" ("run when we chase you!"), the "Where's Pepper?" Game (hide and seek).

We have many, many memories of all the sweet and funny things she did and of all the times we enjoyed with her. Life is simply not the same without Our Girl.

Chris found this story online and it has given us some comfort in our time of loss.

The Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing: they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. Her bright eyes are intent; her eager body quivers. Suddenly she begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, her legs carrying her faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.

~Author Unknown

Our sincere thanks to all who have expressed their condolences, kind thoughts and prayers--we appreciate it very much.