Sadly, at the age of 15, Pepper crossed over Rainbow Bridge at Christmas. Pepper had a remarkable life and touched many people as a TDV dog.
Pepper became a TDV dog in 1995 and was the only Dalmatian to ever be certified with Therapy Dogs of Vermont. He was also the first Canadian dog to represent TDV. Pepper became a regular visitor at Holland Elementary School as a reading buddy (one graduating class even dedicated their yearbook to him) and Bel-Aire Health Care facility.
For the last nine years, my mantra before each visit has been “Come on Pep, let’s make a difference because we’re a team.” It’s difficult to think that I won’t be saying these words any longer. However, I am comforted to know that TDV members continue to make positive differences for so many people they have contact with.
– Beth Wadleigh, (Tester/Evaluator for the Northeast Kingdom.)