Years ago, on a beautiful Christmas day, a young girl received the best gift mankind has discovered.
That was, when man's best friend, my dog, Pepper Corn Miller was brought into our lives (and yes, I came up with the great name Pepper Corn). Since that day, Pepper has stuck by my side through countless moments of euphoria, hundreds of tears, and continues to watch over me as I sleep.
When I first met this spectacular dog, I must admit I was a bit taken aback by her manic yappy facade. But, as our family bonded with her and saw this possessed little darling as one of our own, I discovered a part of myself. She became much more than just a dog, she became a priceless member of our family I would do anything for.
https://www.instagram.com/pepperthepomapoo/
For the last couple of years, this girl has struggled with health issues, and yet continues to fight to be with us; she is a sassy girl who thinks she's queen of the world (which she rightfully is), loves squeaky hamburgers, has an innate hatred for all things kitty, and knows how loved she is.
Her strength shows me that you don't just give up when things get tough, but you surround yourself with family and loved ones and fight. Every time I look in her expansive chocolate brown eyes, I see my best friend, and the immense love we share toward each other.
Every time I go away to college, I fear that it will be the last time I see her, and I try to spend as much quality time playing with her and forcing her to snuggle with me beforehand. Thankfully, I will always have the stream of countless memories playing through my mind; from the times we would run around Quakertown and go down every slide we could find, to playing in the water with Andrew and teaching her how to "surf".
https://www.instagram.com/pepperthepomapoo/
https://www.instagram.com/pepperthepomapoo/
No matter what happens, I know Pepper will forever stay in my heart, and will undoubtedly remain the best cutie patootie out there.
man running in forestPhoto by 
