Pep

2004 - 2018

We moved from DC in the summer of 2004 and promptly began a kitchen renovation, which meant lots of carryout. One fine July day, I took our then almost six year old to Jason's Deli to pick up subs. Outside the deli, an animal group called "Friends of the Shelter" had a pen of small black and tan #puppies. My boy immediately picked one up and said, "This is the one I want!" As one does when one is renovating a kitchen with an almost six year year old and an almost two year old AND ONE IS INSANE, I said yes.

Pep was a purebred Germalian Black and Tan (a breed name we invented) who had a six foot vertical leap, a disdain for small white #dogs, and a love of standing in misty rain until her fur crinkled up like disco fries. We would often find her triumphantly atop furniture, both outdoor and indoor. She was utterly unrepentant, shame remaining forever unknown to her.

During her lifetime she was responsible for leading her #canine siblings in the killings of countless voles. These we held funerals for until to be honest we started heaving them over the fence into the neighbor's bushes. Pep also bore culpability for the untimely demises of numerous nestling birds and at least one baby rabbit. These, I am sad to report, she ate. Also a bag of caterpillars, which she chewed methodically like gum while I screamed. It was frankly disgusting.

Although Pep was a year younger than Salsa, another Germalian Black and Tan who joined us a few months later, Pep was the clear leader. Together they were referred to in our home as The Singing Madoodle Sisters. Please do not ask us why. We cannot tell you. Salsa survives Pep, as does William. William is black and tan but is not Germalian. His Madoodle status is unclear. Pep is also survived by Roxy (cat). Pep was predeceased by Gabriel (Germalian Black and Tan), Clyde and Hadley (cats).

Pep's greatest mourner, however, is that almost six year old boy, now an almost twenty year old man, who carried her when she could no longer walk last night. His was the last face she saw, and his words of love calmed her along her way.