I'm leaving right now for Helena this evening to pick up blind Pepper at our vet clinic and rush her to Washington State University's veterinary teaching hospital tonight. Pepper began having seizures yesterday about 6:30 p.m. -- this after healing up from her abscess and being ready to come home. Pepper seemed to respond to medications last night but the seizures resumed today and have been uncontrollable. Brenda kept me posted throughout the day, and this evening called to say that Britt had consulted with neurologists at WSU and they recommended we bring Pepper over as fast as possible. So I am heading to Helena first to get her, then turn around and drive over to Pullman. I won't get there until 1 or 2 a.m., so I will post another blog update tomorrow as soon as we know more.
Please keep our sweet blind Shepherd in your thoughts.

Pepper, you are in our thoughts and prayers! You have a lot of people praying for your health and recovery. Get well soon!
Steve and Alayne, god bless you during this difficult time. Thank you for all that you do! You are truly inspiring.
Posted by: Toni | February 21, 2008 at 01:16 PM
Just a small prayer: please keep Steve and Pepper safe on the road as they travel to Washington State. Please guide the vet's hands in helping Pepper get better . Please let her situation have a favorable outcome ,Steve and Alyane could positively use some GOOD NEWS.
Posted by: Taylors from Olympic Peninsula in WA state | February 21, 2008 at 09:56 AM
Hi-
I have you both in my thoughts. Safe journey and healthy Pepper.
Maxly
Posted by: Maxly | February 21, 2008 at 09:18 AM
Best of luck to you, sweet Pepper. You are in my prayers.
Posted by: Linda | February 21, 2008 at 08:50 AM
oh dear - i hope Pepper comes out ok. may the diagnosis be anything treatable by meds. we're all hoping for the best ~
Posted by: Anna | February 21, 2008 at 08:15 AM
Oh Pepper honey.....hang in there sweetheart. The people at WSU are the best!!! If anyone can help you they can!!!
Posted by: Laura | February 21, 2008 at 07:44 AM
What a long night you've had, Steve. I'm very concerned about Pepper so I can only imagine how you must be feeling!
I send Pepper healing and comfort now...
Let us know how the sweet girl is doing.
Posted by: Boundforglory | February 21, 2008 at 07:26 AM
So sorry to hear this. I will keep Pepper in my thoughts and prayers.
Posted by: Deborah Porterfield | February 21, 2008 at 07:08 AM
In my thoughts I'm blessing the road you're on -literally!- and keep my fingers crossed for Pepper...
Posted by: Jessica, NL | February 21, 2008 at 07:03 AM
My thoughts and prayers are with Pepper. I hope Pepper makes a full recovery soon.
Blessings to you and Alayne for being there for Pepper.
Posted by: Priscilla Smith | February 21, 2008 at 06:48 AM
So sorry to hear of Pepper's setback we will say prayers for her & you & Alayne also. Hang in there Pepper!
Posted by: Mary Young | February 21, 2008 at 06:45 AM
I read your blog daily but this is my first time responding. I am keeping Pepper in my thoughts and prayers. I hope that everything turns out ok. I want you and Alayne to know how much I admire and respect what you do for the animals. If only there were more people like you in the world. Much love to both of you and of course to all the animals.
Posted by: Rita Hubbard | February 21, 2008 at 05:23 AM
Special thoughts and positive wishes to everyone.
Posted by: Kae | February 21, 2008 at 12:08 AM
You are both in our thoughts and prayers. Be very safe you two! You never cease to amaze us.
Posted by: Shirley & James, Portland, OR | February 20, 2008 at 11:33 PM
Your'e definately in our prayers, for safe travel and that Pepper can hold on.
Posted by: Lynn | February 20, 2008 at 11:00 PM
Oh Pepper! Luke and I will be thinking positive healing thoughts your way! Drive safely Steve.
Posted by: Kate and Luke! | February 20, 2008 at 09:17 PM
After the week you've had, I really hope you get some good news at WSU. I'll be saying a little prayer for Pepper tonight. Safe drive, Steve.
Posted by: Kristen D. | February 20, 2008 at 09:10 PM
I was just thinking about Pepper hoping she was almost ready to go home to the ranch. What a terrible setback. I will keep her in my thoughts and prayers.
Posted by: Leigh | February 20, 2008 at 08:37 PM
You are such incredible angels. With so many problems and losses recently, you must be worn out. I admire your amazing strength to shoulder these many burdens. You keep the faith and trust for RDR residents, no matter how hard it is.
Take care of yourselves, please.
Posted by: Debbie Burke | February 20, 2008 at 08:35 PM
Prayers for Pepper. It seems that your heartaches will not let you go so far this year. My Grandma always said good and bad things come in threes. Let's hope that isn't true, especially the bad. Hang in there. God bless you.
Posted by: Sonya Brooks | February 20, 2008 at 08:07 PM
oh pepper, hang in there, little lady...you have lots and lots of people all around the country who are hoping beyond hope that you get well very soon!
steve and alayne, this has been a really rough time for you, as well. i am so sorry for all you are going through.
Posted by: maggie | February 20, 2008 at 07:48 PM
Sending my thoughts for dear Pepper... get well soon.
Posted by: Jen | February 20, 2008 at 07:21 PM