Pepper

Pepper was born on September 1, 1989 and was put to sleep on April 5, 2000. We rescued Pepper from a pet store when she was very young, and are certain that she was the product of a 'puppy farm'. She was our second Schnauzer; her 'sister', Kasey, just turned 12 years old on May 31, 2000. Pepper fought typical Schnauzer diseases, pancreatitis and hypothyroid, throughout her life, but they were always manageable and she was actively healthy for over 10 years.

In early December 1999, our vet removed her enlarged spleen, and pathology results led to a diagnosis of lymphosarcoma. We made the decision to give Pepper the best QUALITY of life that we could offer, for as long as we could offer. She began weekly chemotherapy treatments, and her cancer went into remission for three full months.

Throughout this time, Pepper never complained about the trips to the vet, or the multiple injections required for her treatment. She was playful, ate well, and seemed very normal.

Pepper's cancer relapsed during the first week of April, and early on the morning of April 5, 2000, we had her put to sleep. This was the hardest, yet easiest, decision we have ever made. When this ordeal all began, we promised ourselves that we would not let Pepper suffer. We are comfortable now knowing that we kept that promise.