Pepsi, R.I.P.
Pepsi, a funny, short-legged dog, has been a mainstay at the San Pedro Dog Park almost since it opened.
Sadly, her owners lost her on Saturday, just two days after she seemed to take ill and was diagnosed with advanced liver cancer. She was 9. Her owners adopted her in 2003 from Purrfect Pet Rescue. They are absolutely heartbroken. Pepsi was their first dog.
Owner Rosie and her daughter, Nirvana, now 11, faithfully walked Pepsi daily and every weekend brought her to the dog park where we all enjoyed her "Pepsi-kin" antics -- like her owners playing "hide-n-seek" with her and how Pepsi especially liked to groom a little dog named Daizy, like a mom with her baby.
Oh, and about the name: Her rescue foster owner had named her Betsy (because of her black-and-white cow-like spots). But Nirvana couldn't pronounce "Betsy," it kept coming out "Pepsi." And so she was (uniquely) named.
From Rosie:
"The first time I saw her picture on their website I already wanted to see her. She was under the care of her foster mom, Jane Hendrikson in Whittier. Pepsi was found wandering the street in Whittier. It took Jane about a month to catch her. She would hang around the police station and the library (where Jane was the librarian) ... It took about a month to catch her.
Jane mentioned that it looked like Pepsi just had puppies, but she couldn't find any. We knew she belonged to somebody before because she was potty trained already. She didn't know how to play ball or play catch at all. ...I fell in love with her instantly.
(More memories and pictures on the jump)
"Nivana's special moment with her was her first Christmas. She had a Christmas hat on and she got doggie goodies and a blanket as her presents. The sharing of a McDonald's ice cream is the moment I will always cherish. Just to see them together sharing ice cream. ... Now I miss all the walking and the playing with her. We can feel the absence of her presence in the house. Life is so different without my four-legged baby girl. ... Nothing can replace her."
Most of you reading this have problably gone through the pain of losing a cat or dog. If you're so inclined, please share your encouragement and comfort in the comments section here, I know they'd appreciate it. Nirvana is especially sad, keeping Pepsi's blanket close and shedding more than a few tears. Been there done that, haven't we?
They can take comfort in knowing that they gave her a wonderful, loving home and family for many years. She was one lucky dog.
We'll all miss Pepsi. She was such a funny pup (part corgi, we think) with the softest coat I'd ever petted. The dog park just won't be the same without her.
Here are some more pictures her owners sent me.
I must say, I never realized she owned so many hats!
As a post script, I found a list of things grieving owners can do to help ease the mourning process while they memorialize their lost pet at PetLvr.com. Suggestions included planting a garden or naming a star in your pet's honor, or organizing a family day of service by rounding up family and friends and chosing a project to work on together. Some examples: helping out at a local animal shelter by doing repairs, bathing dogs, or canvassing your neighborhood to collect dog food and blankets for shelter dogs (you can even have special T-shirts printed up for the day of service).
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About the Bloggers
Daily Breeze reporter Donna Littlejohn has shared her homes with a succession of wonderful, funny, and occasionally difficult canines -- Muffin, Fritz, Ellie, Mercy, Pilgrim and now Cowboy, an Australian shepherd-border collie, and Tess, a border collie. From strong-willed terriers to weirdly obsessed Australian shepherds, they've invaded her world with boundless energy, wet noses, muddy paws and soggy tennis balls. But they've really brought so much more than that -- like laughter and joy, some unexpected life lessons, and more than a few tears along the way.
E-mail Donna at donna.littlejohn@dailybreeze.com.
Josh Grossberg grew up with the usual array of animals: goldfish, dogs, hamsters, parakeets and turtles. He now owns the loudest dog in the South Bay(Video: Rocket the Dog) and is the least popular person on his block. He spends his free time in dog parks, pet shops and always has an extra plastic bag in his pocket just in case. He also has a cat.
E-mail Josh at josh.grossberg@dailybreeze.com.
I found a dog a lil weenie dog boy who needs a family I found him in Torranceblvd can't take to the pound they might put him to sleep he's about a year old looking for his family he had a cheetah collar on or family that can take him
Thank you very much Judy Cairns for the beautiful poem the "Rainbow Bridge" My tears rolled every time I read it. I plan to post this copy of the peom in Pepsi's special album.
To all that post comments above, we thank you for the kind thoughts...her memories will be in our hearts forever...
Sleep tight Pepsi and God bless your little soul..
We love you and miss you very much...
To the friends Pepsi left behind: One of the hardest acts in life is to let a loved one "go". No matter how many other critters or people cross one's path, each one is beloved and special -- and our teacher. Animals are particularly good teachers. They teach us compassion, patience, unconditional love, forgiveness and so many other valuable life lessons. I never tire of fondly recalling "The Rainbow Bridge" when I recall a loved one. I hope that sharing the popular poem will comfort you. God bless Pepsi!
"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. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him 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...
Click here for a full range of support services at the Pet Loss Grief Support Website: Petloss.com
Rosie & Family, may you all find much comfort & joy in your precious memories of Pepsi, she was brought into your life not just as a dog, but as family member to love you all unconditionally. Rosie your faithful walks & dog park visits was a example of your love for Pepsi. She is now in dog heaven with no aches or pains and is running around and playing with my Baby Girl Missy.
she will forever be in your heart.
To Rosie and Nirvana
My heart goes out too you both. I remember it seems like yesterday when you got her. Be happy in the fact that she was loved and that you were loved all those years. Time heals or so they say! much love to you both during this hard time.
I have had the pleasure and Blessing to know Rosie, Nirvana and the angel with fur Pepsi.
My world is so better having the chance to know her and the unconditional love between Pepsi and her mom and sister. God Bless everyone who loves little children with fur!
Dear Rosie and Nirvana,
I know how special Pepsi was to you and Nirvana.
All the cute litte stories you would tell me about
Pepsi made me feel she was a part of my life too.
I know it's a great loss, but she will remain part
of your family forever!
Love Anna
Dear Rosie, remember how we met? No where in the world will bring us together because of Pepsi and Lucky. Rest in peace, Pepsi.
I received this msg from another friend of Pepsi's who asked that it be posted here:
Dear Rosie, I always loved your funny delightful Pepsi and will miss her as I’m sure your family and “Miss Daisy” will too. Raleigh, Winston, and I send you our love and sympathy. Kak McKinnie
My dear pepsi has gone and she left us with so many memories that we will cherish them forever. She was a very special dog to us because not only she was a mutt,she has that special personality.She was like a bowl of salad, with so many breed in her, just her shape alone tells you that she was special and unique.
we are missing her so much and our home is so empty without her presence
THANK YOU,DEAR DEAR PEPSI FOR ALL THE JOY, CONFORT
AND WARM UNCONDITIONAL LOVE YOU SO LOVINGLY GAVE
MAKING LIFE A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE. I WILL ALWAYS
REMEMBER YOU AND GRATEFUL FOR YOU.
Dear Rosie and Nirvana,
Pepsi was loved by so many of us. We all know how very sad you are to lose her, but never forget all the joy that she brought to you and everyone who has ever met her. You truly gave her the most wonderful life she could have ever wanted from a family. She will now be your Guardian Angel Doggie and someday she will be the one to guide you to find another dog to love. Our thoughts and prayers are with you... Kathy, Greg, Minnie, Lola and Little Miss Sunshine.
Rosie and Nirvanna,
I know how much you loved Pepsi. I know you are sad and there are no words that can make you feel better. Just want to let you know you are in my heart and thoughts. Pepsi is looking down on your family everyday with the tail wagging and a smile on her face.
Pepsi loves you all so much she wouldn't mind if you got another baby to replace her. She would be very happy for you all. That's how much she loved her family.
Love - Cheryl
Rosie Nirvana and Edwin
Its unbeliveable how an animal can touch our lives more so than humans they are so amazing in their own unique way. Pepsi will be remembered as your baby girl and Nirvana's sister we are their parents and they are our children. Pepsi had a lot of love to give and you had room in your family to add her to your busy lives. You gave her a wonderful home and beautiful memories .
Will miss you pepsi. linda
When a pet dies, that special place in our hearts feels so empty...
But we realize, as time passes, that animals have a way of teaching us about loving, about loyalty, joy, and friendship...
And whatever weve shared in their presence can never really be lost....
RIP Pepsi - Sue
Rosie, Vanna dan Edwin....
I know how sad the feeling losing someone we love.. Pepsi happy now running jumping in heaven with all the dogs ... and Pepsi also play with arwah bapa and arwah abglong... in heaven everybody can touch hug cuddle dogs. Rosie..remember our first dog in the family when u were 10yrs old in penang? Rin-Tin-Tin..remember we all loves him. And pepsi will introduce herself to RinTinTin too... heheheee maybe they will fall in love coz pepsi is pretty girl. Pepsi loves You, Vanna and Edwin very much. Maybe at night when u guys sleeping , she will come and whisper to ur ears and will say that " She love you and thank u for taking care of her" i know her soul will come back and visit u guys.
~ REST IN PEACE PEPSI ~
So sorry about Pepsi. She now in heaven playing
with our che che.Know the heartache you are all going thru.Love Gram Barb