Pepper and I returned from a damp and dreary walk in the neighborhood one recent afternoon. Early crocuses blooming at the base of the old oak tree were the only signs of a spring still distant. As we approached the house, Pep and I both heard it: our favorite loud, deep bark.
“It’s Hotch!” she cried, and I let her off the leash. Pep dashed away to visit the very handsome German Shepherd who lives in the yard behind us.
Pep and Hotch played their very favorite game, running back and forth on opposite sides of the Great Silver Fence. They meet nose to nose – he barks – then she takes off running the length of the fence. He lopes after her. When he gets to her, the game begins again. He is always chasing, she is always sought. It seems an amicable and exciting arrangement for both of them.
A loud whistle finally called Hotch back inside, as it always does.
Breathing hard, Pep came to the back patio where I’d been sitting, watching them.
“Why does he always have to leave so soon?” she asked plaintively.
“I know you don’t like it when he has to go back inside, and I don’t blame you. He is a gorgeous dog.”
“I don’t like him because he is a quote, unquote, gorgeous dog,” she scoffed.
“You don’t have to be embarrassed, Pep!” I replied. “I can tell you like him! I think you might even have a Terrible Crush on him!”
“I don’t even know what a Terrible Crush is, but I nonetheless resent the implication.”
“Oh, Pep!” I laughed.
“Here’s the truth,” she said. “With Hotch, I feel the strength in my own legs. And I like it.”
That shut me up from further talk about gorgeousness and Terrible Crushes and made me think instead about True Friends.
“You are lucky to have a friend like Hotch, and he is lucky to have a friend like you,” I said, petting her.
“Yes, we are lucky to have each other,” she agreed, snuggling in a little closer.
Happy Valentine’s Day, dear Bacon readers!
Love who you love, be who you are, cherish your True Friends. xoxo
February 14, 2018 at 5:54 am
I’m so glad to hear from Pepper. And that she uses air quotes. 🙂 I read a beautiful sentence in “Everything Here is Beautiful” and wrote it down so I could remember it. I’m sharing it here with you because it reminds me of how Pepper feels when she runs with Hotch. Happy Valentine’s Day!!
“Querencia refers to that place in the ring where a bull feels strongest, safest, where it returns again and again to renew its strength. It’s the place we’re most comfortable, where we know who we are – where we feel our most authentic selves.” Everything Here is Beautiful by Mira T. Lee
February 14, 2018 at 12:28 pm
Wow, I love that quotation, Mary. I’ll go investigate the book now! Thank you so much for your sweet message. xoxo
February 14, 2018 at 6:10 am
I love that you write about Pepper! a good dog story is hard to beat. Happy Valentine’s Day. xoxo Mary
February 14, 2018 at 12:29 pm
Happy Valentine’s Day, Mary! A good dog is hard to beat. xoxo
February 14, 2018 at 6:24 am
What a wonderful read to start the day. Thank you Jennifer and Pepper for your reflections on love and friendship this morning! xoxo
February 14, 2018 at 12:30 pm
Dear Miss Anne – You are one of the True Friends and I’m so happy to hear from you! Thinking of you! xoxo
February 14, 2018 at 7:14 am
Yeah! Pepper is back! Beautifully written!
February 14, 2018 at 12:31 pm
Thank you so much, dear Farrell! xoxo
February 14, 2018 at 7:31 am
As I am away from my “Benne” and husband this Valentine’s Day I was lifted in spirits to hear from Pepper, this morning. Benne’s favorite activity is to run along our neighbors fence barking with their dogs. Awe
February 14, 2018 at 12:32 pm
It does a soul good to see the dogs taking such joy across a fence, doesn’t it?! Happy Valentine’s Day, I’m sorry you’re away from loved ones. xoxo
February 14, 2018 at 8:27 am
Wonderful! Love the photos too!
February 14, 2018 at 12:33 pm
Oh thank you, dear Carolyn! Can’t wait to see you soon! xoxo
February 14, 2018 at 8:38 am
Happy Valentines Day to you and Pepper. Love the story and the pictures.
February 14, 2018 at 12:34 pm
Thank you so much, Anne! Sending warmest wishes your way!! xoxo
February 14, 2018 at 9:23 am
#pepperisback
February 14, 2018 at 12:40 pm
#fierce #growingupstrong
February 14, 2018 at 9:32 am
iloveit so much I am doing that T-Swift heart shaped symbol-thingy with my hands…
February 14, 2018 at 12:39 pm
Right back at you, Mary Jo! Thank you… xoxo
February 14, 2018 at 4:53 pm
I am very glad to see that Pepper has returned to Bacon. And she is as svelte, athletic, and charming as ever.
February 15, 2018 at 8:28 pm
Thank you, Jack! She continues to be quite a lot of trouble as well! More on that soon – xoxo