Pepper at our backdoor waiting to chase squirrels in our backyard — Bob Strange, Fairfax Station
Take a look at some of the adorable pet photos our readers sent in for the Pet Connection.
Ode to Pepper
By Bob Stranger, Fairfax Station
A poem of my 10-year-old Scottish Terrier who was lost to cancer in August 2013. As the poem indicates he was a regular visitor to Burke Rehabilitation Center with the Fairfax Pet on Wheels Program for a number of years and will be missed by everyone who ever encountered him.
From a private home in Tidewater land
Came a young pup by Sophie, the dam
Dubbed Bucky by name for his misaligned teeth
He soon became PEPPER upon joining our midst
Obedience class was a needless chore
In a church parking lot with which to explore
He seemed to enjoy the attention he got
But discipline was out by any sort
A creature of habit you bet he was
A built in clock it seemed to be
His walks could be timed by his location at the door
With bedtime a must following his nightly chore
He dearly loved to roam the beach
To chase the gulls and to watch them fly
The sandcrab was a challenge to behold
With many a tryst between friend and foe
Pepper considered everyone a friend
Whether young or old ‘twas always the same
A warm greeting or a pat was all he required
To satisfy the tail wagging of this endearing lad
A weekly visit to nursing home care
Became a mainstay for him in his own little way
He was always anxious to greet all he met
And gained many a friend in the lives that he touched
Pasta was a favorite snack to partake
With long strands of spaghetti a special treat
Vegetables that crunched were a delightful fare
carrots became a favorite to share
Pepper could never accept the sound of flight
Planes and helicopters were a menace to sight
Holiday fireworks were his nemesis as well
Requiring loving attention to calm his fright
Whenever he wanted to be mischievous in kind
He would always find something to hide
Whether it was clothing or trinkets that someone had left out
More often than not he would be found
Guarding his cache in a well secluded spot
Regardless of whether he was always up for his daily walk
Whether it was raining or snowing was no concern to him
The elements had no dissuasion for this endearing dog
Pepper was never much in to learning tricks
But had mannerisms that endeared him to us
When groceries were delivered from the store
He could often be found in search of a treat
Disease took its toll in a prime time of life
His ten years on Earth became too much for him
He now joins the legions in a better place beyond
With lots of fond memories to cherish abound
Farewell good buddy you were a good friend and will be missed by all that you met.