Grateful for every grey hair

When you were 3, 4, 5 and so on, it was just another moment with you. Just another day.

Another beach day. Another cuddle. Another car ride together.

Pepper at the beach at 3, and held close on her last beach day at 13.

Then I started noticing your grey hairs. Year by year, it would pain me because you were getting one year older, and I’d think that meant one less year I got to spend with you. It’s funny how, as soon as you hit your senior years, I started thinking that way.

Julia holding Pepper at 6, and cuddling her at 13: no cuddle felt long enough.

I wanted to cherish each year with you. I started filming the smallest things. Your breathing, the smallest movements of your eyelashes, you just being here.

Pepper being ridiculous at 4, and just being here at 13.

Moments that felt so abundant before became more scarce and precious as you got greyer and greyer.

At 5, the car took us on adventures. At 13, the little things were the adventure. Looking out the window. Sniffing the air.

Car adventures at 5, and enjoying the little things at 13.

At 10, you kept us company while we ate. At 13, I kept you company while you ate. Those everyday routines meant everything.

Pepper keeping us company while we ate at 10, and being kept company while she ate at 13.

And to my parents, you were still their baby.

Pepper with her grandparents at 7, and still their baby at 13.

I’m lucky I got to be with you until you were 13, because I know not every dog parent gets that privilege. I’m glad I got to cherish each year with you.

I’m so grateful for each of your grey hairs. They reminded me that your life, and life in general, is temporary and precious.

I still love you and miss you. Thank you for making my life so full of love, laughter, zest and joy.

Julia 💛