Pepper update, Oct.3, 2025

As I have shared on NWKA so many of my kayak fishing adventures with Pepper, since we started this crazy journey in 2013, I wanted to give an update on her status as she approaches 14yo.  It's what you expect with a large breed/athletic canine friend- she is fading.  Her vision is going, hearing also weak, and so are her back legs; she needs my help going up and down stairs, starting to get 'brain lock' often.  The lift harness she wears really helps reduce the risk of an injury while still letting her 'go for a ride' with me to do something.

So this summer has turned into an extended farewell for us. Lots of morning visits to the Siltcoos BL (she still loves to poop there and walk out the dock), she 'guards' the car (sleeps) while I go for 5K trail runs and then we always go for a 'short cool down' walk, and we recently took a hike down the Siltcoos Lake trail (no mushrooms as of June 20) and we camped overnight beside the lake- extended campfire, fine Irish single malt and lots of our favorite treat- 'Pepper'-ridge Farms Chessmen Cookies.

Pepper is my 4th Labrador retriever, I know how larger/working dogs age, she's still a functioning canine and often bounds off full of energy (and crashes down on her butt)...but the end can come fast.

I still marvel at how she would lay on the back of our Outback while I netted a salmon or lingcod right in front of her nose, and she would stay down (despite often getting splashed) while I dealt with the fish, bleeding it, stashing it in the bow hold, knowing that once the 'work' was done, she could whack me with her nose to get the attention and treats she was conditioned to receive. 

So I'm skipping the summer salmon fishing this year to spend more time with her, training myself to get back into hiking (planning to hike the PCT from Mt.Hood to Mt.Shasta next summer) and I'm expecting to start my 2025 salmon fishing on Sept.1 this year.  Without Pepper on the kayak.

cheers for now, roger

I am so sorry to hear Pepper is fading. Her condition is almost identical to to my Jed, a large pit bull cross. I didn't get into kayak fishing soon enough for him to join me. When he a has a bad day it breaks my heart and on his better days he still lifts my spirit. I know to love an old dog and be loved by an old dog is a blessing. I hope to come across you next fall at Sunset Bay.
(PS) it's hard to type with tears in my eyes.

Sweet, sugar faced girl! Hugs to the both of you.❤️🐾

Thanks for sharing. It's nice to know that the challenges we face with our aging dogs and the abrupt lifestyle adjustments are similar. It doesn't seem to get discussed that often. My 11.5 yo borzoi has done the same thing this last year, getting weak back legs and needing only short walks, short drives, and lots of rest. We had to cancel our summer plans and cut back to only the essential family functions and short day trips.

You've had one heck of a fishing partner. Best of luck in this next chapter. Give Pepper some pats from our family. We've always enjoyed your posts featuring her.

Thank you for the lovely flashback of having a wonderful, loving, patient and kind dog. That made me think of our lab/retriever Belle who was also a part of our family for 14 years. She was the protector of our children even when they still in my partner's womb, gently resting her head on her stomach and feeling them kick and turn. She was the most gentle and patient dog ever with them. Enjoy this summer together and give Pepper lots of ear scratches, butt scratches and belly rubs from me.

Fred "True" Trujillo

I too had a black Lab, Jody, who made it to 14 years. We got her when I was 12, and the first bird I ever shot (pheasant) was the first bird she ever retrieved. While she lived with my dad after I left home at 19, she came to live with me that last 3 years of her life. Sadly, I know the feeling, Roger.

I'm dreading the phone call from Kay  that I know is coming. Our Rosey is a 14 yro Bassett with major aging issues to include large sub dural non cancerous masses in her hips and rump, causing her to not be able to navigate even the lowest set of steps, nor relieve herself easily, as well as losing her hearing. Of all the dogs I've known, even the side by side loss of my Shephard Fred and my dachs Willie won't hit as hard.

Roger I totally feel you. It's hard to lose a great companion even if you know it's coming.

Give Pepper lots of scritches and tummy rubs from me too, she is such a sweet girl.  It sucks so much to see them age so fast. 

Pepper peacefully dozed off for the last time today laying across my lap at her Vet. in Corvallis.  She had a good September, short forest walks, pooped at the Siltcoos boat launch many times, I thought we might get one more kayak outing there next week but she let me know yesterday that it was time for her to rest.

My 4 legged companion on so many adventures, on and off the water, for almost 13 years.  But it was riding the rear deck of our Outback where I think she was at her best- any water, any fish, any weather, she seemed to always understand we were on a mission and that she was part it.  And that there were always plenty of treats on the kayak and sometimes a DQ chicken strip basket afterwards

Thanks to everyone for their kind words and good thoughts.

Roger, I am so sorry for your loss. 

Very sorry to hear this.  Losing a dog buddy hits hard.

Logged in to look for a Siltcoos update and found this.  Tears welled up reading that first sentence.  Been there twice myself.  You were lucky to have her and she you.  If Pepper could speak she would have thanked you for the life you gave her.  Cherish the memories.

Roger, so very sorry for your loss. Although never met you or Pepper in person, I along with many over here followed your adventures together and cheered for both of you as if we knew you both. Hope your memories together help you moving forward.

I am so sorry to hear this news of your loss. Thank you for sharing much her life with us over the years.