PEPPER

Kelly's Rich Cinnamon Pepper, CGC, TDI
March 31, 1991 - January 4, 2005
Our Founder

JACOB

January 22, 1995 - March 20, 2005
Pepper's 1st Lieutenant and Kelly's Faithful Knight

LADY

beguiling
steady
indomitable
intelligent
dignified
silly
loving
loved
missed

THEO

??? - 1/2/2010

Also known as
"Good Puppy"
"Best Boy"
"Handsome"
"Bless Your Heart"

To know Theo was to understood why dogs are known as "Man's Best Friend"

Theo's favorite activities were

Rolling around on the warm grass
Guarding Mommy
Hanging out while Dad worked in the garden

We miss you, dear friend.

Mommy, Dad & Tuffy

BOWIE

1996-2010


My loyal companion, my velcro boy, always by my side.
We love you so much. We miss you.


Lisa Lee and Family

DOROTHY

1993-2009

We love you Dorothy.

Herb & Sylvia Forsmith

MAJOR

Ten years ago, I went to the Humane Society looking for a German Shepherd dog. I saw this beautiful dog come to me and lick my hand through a cage. The employee who was showing me Major told me most of the staff and volunteers were afraid of him and he would not be there long. I said, "Your right he will not, I will adopt him." She went back to start the paper work and approval process. Then a man came over with another employee and said, he would take him. I said that he was not available and that I was adopting him. He said he wanted him and was really angry, stating he was there at the same time as me. I stood up to him, even though he was really angry, and said, "Sorry he is mine, I was here first", and walked out to the front desk with Major. This man was still complaining and acting angry with the employee in the other room. The employee who was filling out my paperwork started explaining their approval process when a volunteer who knew me walked in. She said, "Are you adopting that German Shepherd?" I said, "" I hope so." She told the employee I would give him a good home and knew I had adopted from them before. She said it was okay to let me adopt him. The employee said, "Well in that case, you can take him home today!" I thought what a blessing my friend came in at that moment. She did not volunteer very often anymore, but just happened to come in at the right time. I was worried I had to leave Major there and that man might try to adopt him. When I left with Major the man was still complaining. If I had been just one minute later, I would not have been able to adopt him. I went home with Major. My best friend came over and we spent an hour petting Major and enjoying him. We thought, "How could anyone be afraid of this sweet boy?" Well, when my husband came home he was greeted with a curled up lip and some teeth showing. We knew we had a lot of work ahead of us. What a great payoff that work was! Major ended up being ok with everything and everyone as long as I was by his side. He never once curled his lip up at me. He always greeted me with kisses. We had this special bond and love that could never be explained. I knew Major was meant for me the second I saw him. God had a plan for us to be together. My boy will be greatly missed. We love you Major!

The Neville Family

FRISCO MANDEVILLE

July 2000-2009

Beloved Friend

The Mandeville Family

MAYA

? - 11/5/09

A Little Story About A Big Dog-

When I first met Maya in April of this year, she was a sweet, affectionate St. Bernard who could only lift her head on her own. The rest of her body just wouldn’t work. She had been neglected, partially starved, and forgotten about. But she was happy. She licked our hands when we would pet her, and she would wag her tail when we got her standing. After getting back normal bloodwork and finding out she had some of the worst hip dysplasia and arthritis ever, we got her started on anti-inflammatories and pain medications. Within days this inert happy dog became this barking, tail wagging choppy gaited angel. Peppertree was working to find her a foster, and in the meantime she lived in one of our exam rooms. If you closed the door she would bark until you opened it. We put up a baby gate and she could watch the entire hospitals’ coming and goings. And as she got less painful and more mobile, she would greet people at her gate, and would always steal a pat on the head from a passerby. Everyone who met her immediately fell in love with her, to not do so was impossible. Her smile and tail wag were contagious. The pharmaceutical representative heard her story and dropped off three months of free medications for her.
We all missed her here at the hospital when she got placed in foster care, but we knew it was better for her. She had a great summer and finally got to be a family dog. Eventually the medications, injections and special diet she was on just couldn’t cut it to control her pain. After a long talk with Peppertree, I set up surgery for Maya. I was able to relieve some of the intense pain in her hip. Right after surgery she was back to wagging her tail and had that infectious smile (maybe partially induced by the morphine after surgery). Unfortunately, it just wasn’t meant to be with Maya, and her body failed her. We all miss Maya, but I hope that she’s in a better place, pain free, with full use of all of her body. Truly that big dog is now a saint, smiling down over all of us.

-Matt Brunke, DVM, CCRP
Shaker Veterinary Hospital

I can't believe that you are gone. I remember how happy I was to hear that you were going to get an operation and the prognosis seemed good. I thought now maybe our big gentle girl will be whole again and able to go to a home of her own. Then Diane told me the news this morning and I was just crushed.

I will miss seeing your triumphant entrances into the clinics, hopping in and voicing your arrival with that unmistakable bark and yes I will miss the barking. To some it was a bit of an annoyance, but to me it was just your way of saying "Hey folks, I'm over here, come and see me and my beautiful face and gentle nature, and oh by the way, would you please take me home."

Well my big girl, you are finally home. Over the Rainbow Bridge but not alone. So if you would please give my girl Michaela and my boy Tahoe a big kiss from me and tell them I miss them, and if you happen to see my buddy Taz, please do the same for him. Run and jump and chase all the squirrels you can and just be happy and know of the hearts you touched. I'll miss you.

Your buddy,

Brian (The biscuit man)

OSCAR

1994 – 2/9/09

Oscar came to us at the age of eleven after his original family no longer “had time for him.” He was a gorgeous white golden retriever and on the day that he was surrendered, several people expressed interest in him until they found out his age. How shortsighted they were as he turned out to be a dream dog. He was supposed to be a foster, but after only two days it felt like he had always been here so he never left. We had him only a few short years, but he was a perfect companion who enriched our lives with his quiet devotion and dignity. Even as his health failed in recent months, he wanted nothing more than to be at our side; that and a treat, of course.

To those who hesitate to adopt an older dog, I say that there is a special pleasure and increased sense of self-worth that comes with opening your heart and home to an older dog that otherwise might be overlooked and cast aside. It is not true that older dogs do not bond as well as young ones; they are incredibly devoted and you can literally feel their gratitude. A dog as special as Oscar was deserved to be loved in his golden years and he, in turn, brought us immeasurable pleasure. He was my special “Momma’s boy” and there will never be another one like him.

Karen Harmon

BRANDO

Brando Brando Puppyboy Robinson

2005 – April 3, 2008

We picked you up and adopted you in May of 2007 in Albany. The ride to get you was horrible, but you made it all worth while. You stole our hearts immediately with that beautiful face and delightful disposition.

You were a wonderful brother to our Kirby Joe and to all our kitties, and our parrot, Katey.

You loved walks, Doggie Day Care, taking care of mommy when daddy was gone, and everyone who ever came to visit. You thought all company was for you – you were such a people dog – you loved people and tolerated dogs and cats. We were ever so thankful no one else had adopted you due to your high-pitched bark when you were excited. Now we miss that voice so very much. No one barks when we come home, the vet office is quiet when we go with your brothers, and no other dog is so impatient when we do not do things as fast as you thought we should!

You were a good brother when we brought Marley home, and showed him kindness and love when he was so
very frightened at coming to yet another home.

We will always remember and love you, Puppyboy.

Mommy, Daddy, Marley, Chula and Sammy Robinson

COLBY PEPPERTREE STILLMAN ?- 5/25/08

Colby, you came into our home and our hearts. We knew you had health issues but together we’d battle the heartworm and others. You enjoyed your new family, new bed, new toys and new hope. You were so gentle and loving and great with our boys. We looked forward to years of you being part of the family. But God knew something we didn’t. He knew we’d find out you were too sick to ever be a healthy young boy again, that your health would change drastically in just days. That must be why he sent you our way. So that after a short, and what must have been a crazy life on the run, you would find peace and solace, friends and a family, and most important of all a home where you belonged. You found a home to call your own, even if for only your last week here on Earth. You gave and received unconditional love from everyone around you. Your time with us was too short and yet we felt like we knew you longer, you were like an old friend. I am so glad I told you I loved you and hugged and kissed you that last night. You will be sorely missed and in our hearts forever. Now your journey has continued on once again and we look forward to the day when we meet again in Heaven. We will always miss you. We love you Colby.

Sheila and Kevin Stillman

SHILOH

She was loved by many who never met her, was on the road to the home deserved but took a detour to the Bridge! At least her last weeks were in a loving place and not on a cold shelter floor.
In loving memory
? - 11/23/2007

ROCKY

In 2001 after the loss of our first Golden Retriever Mollie I convinced my husband to go to Petsmart in Saratoga where Peppertree Dog Rescue was holding an adoption clinic. We went thinking we were just going to look and not prepared to bring home a new companion. My husband saw this golden retriever and instantly fell in love. He had some health problems and I was concerned but he convinced me that we could handle them. So home came Rocky. What a great dog he was! Well trained by whoever his first owners were but had some mischief in him also. We went off to work one day and had left some lollipops on the table. When we came home there he sat very innocently with lollipop sticks and wraps all over his fur. Just like he had done nothing wrong. I guess he thought we wouldn’t notice. He was so funny at times. We miss our sweet boy.

LOBO

We wish we could have told you, in words you could have understood that we wanted you to stay with us and that this was not what we planned.

We wish somehow to tell you, how empty we now feel. A part of us went with you today. A part that time can not heal.

We wish we could see you once more with your silly smile and your love for all but especially food.

We wish we could have placed you in a loving home.

We wish that you will remember the love we had for you.

But hopefully one day, we will see each other in a far, far better place.

LOBO- 2001(?) to 7/4/07

MOLLY

The Last Battle
If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this -- the last battle -- can't be won.
You will be sad I understand,
But don't let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.
We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn't want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.
Take me to where to my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree
It is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don't grieve that it must be you
Who has to decide this thing to do;
We've been so close -- we two -- these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.

In memory of Molly my beloved dog for almost 17 years

She was also loved by Chris and Barb Kucharczyk from Peppertree who lovingly took her into their home after we had to give her up because of our situation. She went to a very special foster home. I thank God for allowing Molly to have more time and I am glad that Chris and Barb knew when the time was right to let her cross the "Rainbow Bridge".

In loving memory of Molly
1991-2007

Tammy Sprague

BEN

Your life had been hard---we knew that the first day. It was an uphill battle the doctors did say.

But we had such plans for you a new life, One where you would be loved without hatred and strife

But the years of abuse we couldn't make go away. We just loved you so dearly---prayng please let
him stay

Your head never lifted except that last day, You raised it high as if you had something to say.

You seemed to be saying "I'm ready you see I'm off to a better place God has waiting for me''

Where the sky is so blue and each day I will play, Running free with no pain and warm, soft places
to lay.

But I wanted to thank you, for my last days you were there, Always coming to see me— I knew you did care.

But I'm tired and I hurt this will be my last day. My head I'll lay down — I'll drift slowly away.

Now I'm still — my spirit will now play and run For my tortured life here is finally done.

On a hill at your farm this body will be. With flowers and a marker – I'll be remembered, you see.

My marker worded short will say it all best: "A tatered life ended is finally at rest."

Loved by Katherine & Frank Glankler 10-25-06

NELL (NELMA)

1994 – September 26th, 2006

“A good dog never dies he always stays he walks besides you on crisp autumn days when frost is on the fields and winter's drawing near, his head is within our hand in his old way. “
--Mary Carolyn Davies

Our sweet girl, now sleeping in the grass but you’ll always be with us.

All our love, Sam, Paul and Wee Gracie Stelmaszyk

BEAR (AKA, MR. B., BIG BEAR, CAREBEAR)

1993-2006

There is a special place for those who have loved us without question,without a word or promise....There is a special place where there is no pain or fear, where love flows freely....
There is a special place to rest in our hearts forever.

Gentle Soul, Rest in Peace,
Your loving family, Patrice, Marty, Rory, Eileen, Teddy, Jenny, Lilly, and
Little Nelson

HOLLY

Too short of a time for such a big heart. May you eternity be filled with peanut butter off the spoon, sweet girl.

Madelyn and Chuck Thorne

PEGGY B., SHELDON (AKA SHELLY BELLY)

12/1/05
With extreme sadness and sorrow, Peppertree has lost two of our finest
canine friends over the weekend- both cared for and loved by Chris &
Barbara who knowingly opened their home and hearts to these two loving
canines. While they knew the time would be short for both, little did
they realize that while their souls were strong, their bodies were fast
becoming unworkable and both would depart this life so quickly and
almost together.

PEGGY B. (? - 11/26/05) Roughly 8 years old

GOODBYE
-------
With heavy hearts; and a tear in our eyes;
we must say goodbye; Please understand; we've done all we could
if there was anything we could do; you know we would

I'm sitting right here; gently rub your ears
while I talk to you softly; trying to hold back the tears
The memories you gave us; we'll never forget
especially the ones; of the day we all met

One last hug; and one last kiss
you have no idea; how much you'll be missed
To look into your eyes; this one last time
you tell me it's ok; you know it's your time

Close your eyes now; and go to sleep
we'll pray to the Lord; you're soul he'll keep
Go in peace now; our good friend
we'll stay right here with you; until the end

Dream of that special day and time
when we'll meet at the Bridge; and all will be fine
We'll run and play; side by side
with a soft warm feeling; deep down inside

Your memory will live on; in each one of us
you'll always be number 1; to all of us
Have a safe journey; through the night
I promise when you awake; you'll be in God's light

So with heavy hearts; and tears in our eyes
just for now my friend; we say goodbye

attributed to: John Quealy


SHELDON (AKA SHELLY BELLY) (?- 11/28/05) Roughly 3 years old

Responding to a dying old woman's inquiry
James Herriot, the late British author/veterinarian noted:

"If having a soul means being able to feel love and loyalty and
gratitude, then animals are better off than a lot of humans. You've
nothing to worry about there." He goes to note regarding animals joining
their masters in the afterlife: "I do believe it. With all my heart I
believe it."

James Herriot "Dog Stories" chapter The Card Over the Bed .

Romp well at the Bridge Peggy and Shelly- two dogs who gave love,
loyalty and gratitude back when so little was given to them until the
end.

CODY - 1992 TO 10/8/02

"We who choose to surround ourselves with lives even more temporary than our
own, live within a fragile circle, easily and often breached. Unable to accept its awful gaps, we still would live no other way. We cherish memory as the only certain immortality, never fully understanding the necessary plan." Irving Townsend.



There are times that being strong can hurt more than grieving can. With the
loss of Cody, I could no longer be strong, but only grieve. His life so
precious is no longer with us who cherished him. My heart now empty
wondering if he has finally found that final home that so eluded him over
the years. All I can do is wait to see if he awaits for me when I also make that final journey. PDS 10-12-02

CHLOE

Chloe came to live with us on August 2, 1998. Bewildered and confused, her dignity was still very evident. She settled into our home and put us on a routine, never to be deviated from, under any circumstance. She bossed her new sister, Summer, quite vocally, I might add, and tolerated kisses from her new brother ,Zack. Chloe was my heart-dog, always close by but never in the way. At the end of my bed, by the side of the chair, she would be, I could always count on that. Good-bye, Chloe - 'til we meet again ! May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

Kate, Zack + Summer.

BORADAILE'S BLACKBERRY LOVER (BEARY), NEWFOUNDLAND 7/28/90-11/12/96

Boradaile's Blackberry Lover (Beary), Newfoundland 7/28/90-11/12/96
Calvin Chabakkah Bear (Calvin), Bearded Collie 1/12/86-4/26/96
Ebonewf's Honey Bear (Bubba), Newfoundland 12/10/74-8/23/83
Peacestead's Whitmans Sampler (Yogi Bear), Newfoundland 6/28/75-10/12/86

Loved by Rosemary and Guy Biegler.

IN MEMORY
His eyes said "Take me home" I did.
"Was I bad?" - He was.
"Did I make you laugh?" He did.
His eyes said over the years
"I love you", Me too.
I knew one day
His eyes would say "Send me home".
I did.

NORA (NINNY) DOYLE, TEDDY DOYLE

NORA (Ninny) Doyle
July 11, 1988 - April 20, 1998

TEDDY Doyle
ca. 1980 - October 9, 1998

Loved by Michael, Alison, Bridget, Pat and Katie Doyle.

Goldens take your heart, and cherish it... they walk with it, and sleep with it, and they will never let it out of their sight... and when it's their time, they will take a little piece of it with them to remember you by.... And leave a piece for you to remember them by....

Author Unknown

DANA

12/98- 6/4/02

Another life that begins today.
A life in which you no longer need to feel threatened.
A life where you can share the love you had of people with other canines like yourself.
Sometimes the best efforts of us humans is not enough, no matter how hard we try.

SHADOW II

1995 - 8/8/99
"Your smile tugged on every heart and, other burdens cast aside, we know you are bringing additional light, and finding peace, at the Rainbow Bridge."

ZACK

Zachary Spenser of Maltby
August 21, 1991 to November 18, 2001

He was born in August, came to live with me in October and left me ten years later in November. And every month in between he gave me the best he had to offer. A smile, a wink, a gaze that only he and I shared - one that said "I love you always". He was named after a character in The Piano Lesson and the poet, Spenser. He was both an actor and poet. There were others along the way. One almost captured my heart as much as he did, but not quite. He did things in his own time and in a manner like no other. From saying hello to saying goodbye. If you ask anyone about his unique method of greeting you, you may not believe it, but it's the truth. He accepted everyone, never judging on the first opinion. He was stubborn and willful, yet gentle as a baby. He captured my heart forever and helped me learn more about relationships then anyone else. He has kept me warm, made me laugh, helped me cry and made me realize that not everything in life is perfect. He certainly wasn't, but it didn't matter to him or to me either. He was big and red, the light of my life and brought me out of the dark many times. He was my boy-o. An Irish word for a special boy and he was the most special one to me. Sleep well Zachary Spenser. We miss you.

Kate, Summer and Wood.

SIMONY

2/2/96 - 2/17/99

You entered our lives so we could love you.
As a puppy you were shy and a "silly sausage".
We all grew together, our "sniglet", our "princess".
Our adventures were many and always held new surprises.
You soon learned your passion for digging at the beach in Cape Cod.
We remember how you used to stick you whole head into a pile of snow!
Boomer arrived...it was LOVE and he soon became your big wind-up toy.
Play, tackle, tug and keep away games by the hour.
At half his size you still ruled.
Your days in agility gave you many challenges that you conquered
with bravery, trust + pride.
You were our devoted tracker, herder and "look-out".
We will never understand why you could not stay and grow old with us.
Sim, we will never forget your perky face, your happy tail or your
strong spirit. We will forever hold in our hearts the joy and love
you gave to us. We miss you so much !
Fly high and run free little "Roo".
Someday we will all meet again. We will always love you, Simony.

Bear, Karolyn, Boomer, Mush-face and Tobie.

(Simony was in obedience class with Betsy + David's then recently
rescued April, thereby opening a new door leading to wonderful
new friendships and lots of rescue work to be done...Simony, an honorary
Peppertree dog.)

SAMSON

probably 1996 - April 15, 1999

I hope that you did not go to the Bridge.
I hope that instead you are starting a new life,
A life that begins today,
A life in which you have, from its first moment,
All the love, security, guidance, and warmth
-- and, yes, all the food and head skritches --
That you deserved, but did not receive, in this one.

POPPY

1999 - 9/8/99

MARCY

Marcy was a stunningly beautiful German Shepherd with a lovely spirit. She is at the Rainbow Bridge with her pal George A.K.A. Spotty, whocrossed the bridge in his sleep in March. Dog and cat were inseperable in the animal shelter and spent their last days surrounded by Peppertree love.

RED

3/31/88 - 1/19/99
Loved by Brandy, and by Joe and Kathleen Toomey, and many others.
"Waiting"

I got to the gate of heaven yesterday
after we said good-bye.
I began to miss you terribly
because i heard you cry.
Suddenly there was an Angel and she asked me
to enter heaven's gate.
I asked he if I could stay outside
for someone who'd be late.
I wouldn't make much noise you see,
I wouldn't bark or howl.
I'll only wait here patiently
and play with my tennis ball.
The Angel said I could stay right here
and wait for you to come
Because Heaven just wouldn't be Heaven
If I went in alone.
So I'll wait right here, you take your time
but keep me in your heart.
Because heaven just wouldn't be heaven
without you to warm my heart.

Author Unknown

JAKIE

December 26, 1997 - July 30, 2004

"You've always been time and again the one to take my hand and show me it's ok to be just the way I am. With no apology oh you've always been and you will 'til God knows when, yes you've always been a friend to me."
-A Friend to Me By Garth Brooks

KIKI

You came to me Thanksgiving weekend.
I didn't know what to expect.

I never had a dog before.
Well Kiki, my love, you are one decision I will never, ever regret.

Although our time together was brief …
A little less than two years.

You will always have a special place in my heart,
In spite of my current tears.

Kiki, my doggie, you taught me so much.
You taught me so much about life.

Each day with you was a blessing to behold.
How lucky I was to have you in my life.

You woke each morning with your tail wagging,
And a beautiful smile on your face.

Off to my bedside you would stroll,
Shaking your collar, then gently licking my face.

"It's time for breakfast," you would say.
"You know it's the most important meal of the day".

Every day on my lunch hour, home I would drive
Just to have you walk by my side.

Rain or snow … sunny days too,
They were all the same to you.

The past it's forgotten. The future, what's that?
The present is all that we have got!

Each night when I came through the door,
You would flip and flop and roll on the floor.

What fun we would have just playing dog games.
You hopped on my back and broke all my chains.

Your appetite was strong from beginning to end.
Was it me or food … Who was your best friend?

You have touched the lives of many people.
We all know how special you are.

Mere words can not describe your gifts,
Or the place you hold within our hearts.

I love you my Kiki girl. I miss you. Your forever mommy … Lisa Taber

WILL (WILBUR)

My Tribute to Will

The day I fell in love with you..
I found a piece of me.
The child within who needed love
Came in the form of thee.

You'd seen the side of life not kind
But worry not, there was more to find.
A new beginning with love and care
Hand to paw to guide you there.

Your time on Earth was short by far
Your gift to life so rare.
You taught me how to greet each day
Without worry or a care.

Your goofy smile and big boy grin
You burst my heart and woofed, "I win"

Three legs and illness stopped you none
Your heart kept beating
I love you...I won!!

We're at the bridge, my heart feels lost
I hold your head...my heart so lost.
Friends for life...you silently say
Friends for life....together some day.

Thank you Will, for days of joy
Smiles of love for my big goofy boy.
Rest in peace for all is well....
You're in my heart...you make it swell.


Liz Ammian

AKIRA, 1997 - 12/27/98 , SYDNEY 1996 - 12/27/98

A Light Lost

You were frightened,
but you wanted to love.
You distrusted,
but there were moments when - almost - you would rest your head.
You were always on guard,
but you dreamed of learning to play.
You knew no one would protect you,
but there were thoughts, or memories, of having a friend.

And we wanted to rescue you, to let you know you were safe.
If we had stroked your lovely coat just one more time.....
If we had whispered just the right words in your ear.....
If we had run with you just a little faster, or more often, in the grass.....
Then maybe you would have been able to believe.

We will never know if we failed you,
or if life had failed you too harshly before we met.
We will not know if you heard us and couldn't answer,
or if you had lost the power to hear before we spoke.
We cannot know if you will forgive and wait for us at the Bridge,
But we know that we will look for you.
You, also, are one of ours -- and we loved you as best we could.

By Elizabeth Sommers

GINGER

11/87 - 12/28/98. Loved by John and Lynn Paraskeva.


You walked into our home only a few months ago and stole our hearts.
Your brave and uncomplaining battle made us work harder to save you.
You tugged at the hearts of all who met you.
You were loved not by one, but by two families.
Your quiet, sweet and loving spirit will be missed by all.

DUECE

SADNESS
I thought we would outlast
the shine of the stars.
That our sun would never fade away.
I dreamt that maybe one day
we would grow old together
and now you say you won't stay.

I felt your heart caressing my heart,
and then your love withered to dust.
You left me empty inside, so very cold.
I thought we would never end.

And now you ask me why, I do cry.
Don't ask me why, I do cry.
When you know I still love you
deep inside.

Original by Lucirina Telor Vevan