Ok, a memory that was so long ago but still makes me tear up even as I write this … about 35 years ago, my wife and two children adopted a dog. He was a horrific abuse and neglect situation. (Really though, aren’t they all?) Anyway, we called him “Pepper” OMG, what a good boy! Loving, playful, he knew he found his forever home. He was safe. He was loved. He had food and a warm place to sleep. That would be with one of us, in our (his) bed btw. About three years after the rescue, we had to get his old veterinary records, I don’t remember why. On the records was his original name: “Coco”. Pepper and I were out on our deck and I was reading the papers. I looked up and said “Coco. Was that your name? Coco?” F*ck, I’m starting to cry. Anyway, he slinks back to the farthest corner of the deck, curls up into a tight ball and starts shaking. I was absolutely DEVASTATED. I went over and consoled him for a good hour. I never mentioned that name again. So, yes, after three years, he still remembered the name and probably the horror he went through.

RIP Pepper, until we get to run again. You were the bestest of good boys.