Goodbye Little Pepe

[Old Henry]

Last night at 1:30 A.M. we said goodbye to little Pepe at the pet ER where the fluid in his lungs from his congestive heart failure made it almost impossible for him to breath. It was a very difficult and emotional decision and experience to decide to release him from his misery and let him pass into eternal rest.

He was, by far, my very favorite little traveling buddy. I don't know what I'll do now for the road trips I take while my wife is gone off for a few days. Maybe I'll have to borrow one of my son's little dogs to take along for company.

We had 10 great years with Pepe and he will be sorely missed.

Here he is on some of our road trips.

Pebble Beach (VIDEO HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p43Z4HvM8wI)



Capitol Reef National Park



Glacier/Waterton National Park



City of Rocks National Reserve



Mt. Evans



Pike's Peak



Transcontinental Railroad Grade




Virginia City, Nevada



Yellowstone National Park

[Ross F-1]

So sad, he was always a part of your excellent travelogues. RIP Pepe.

[Scotty's 52 F3]

Sorry for your loss. I know how it is to lose a pet. I'm always a wreck.

Looks like you gave him a great life.

Scott

[Admiral]

I'm so sorry to hear this news. Losing a pet is never easy, doubly so when they're your copilot. I LOVE your travelogues and hope you continue to post them despite the loss. May Pepe rest in peace.

[Barry-ct]

I am sorry for your loss. I've gone thru it a few times and it doesn't get any easier. You have your pets and they become part of your family's life and they're gone. Time to heal and remember the good times you had with Pepe.

[done4]

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Sorry for your lose of Pepe. As we have had many four legged friends in our life it seems that the last one is always more painful, we keep them in our hearts and things trigger great memories of when they were with us.

[Mart]

Oh, man, that's so sad. I know how much you love your little travel buddy.

Positive thoughts being generated from across the pond.

Mart.

[Seth Swoboda]

Sorry to hear about your loss. I know how difficult it is to say good by to a pet when they are really more like a family member. Just think about all the road trips you enjoyed together. Every time you drive Old Henry you will have happy thoughts about Pepe.

[cmbrucew]

I am sorry to read of your loss. It is easy say "I don't want another dog, it's too hard when you have to put one down". Your heart will tell you when you are ready for another best friend.
Bruce

[JSeery]

Sorry to hear this, he was a great travel buddy!

[Willit Stop]

That's so sad.He had a good life though and was loved.Putting a pet down to end the suffering isn't easy but it's the last nice thing you could do for Pepe.

[41Joe]

Sorry about Pepe. That's always a tough decision to have to make.

[JM 35 Sedan]

Craig, sorry to hear about Pepe's passing. When I do get to read your traveling adventure posts, Pepe's presence in your pictures was always a highlight of the read for me. Even though he looked a little bit nervous at times sitting on his pillow, I am sure he loved being there with you and vise versa. Anytime I have lost one of our cherished pets, it was like losing a member of our family. Maybe as time passes you could find one of Pepe's friends or a relative of his who might be living in a local animal rescue, just waiting for someone like you to give him a nice new home.

[flatford8]

Originally Posted by cmbrucew

I am sorry to read of your loss. It is easy say "I don't want another dog, it's too hard when you have to put one down". Your heart will tell you when you are ready for another best friend.
Bruce

X2..... When you are ready... You won't be replacing him ... You'll be making new memories with a new best friend... Sorry for your loss.... MARK

[ford38v8]

If all things could know the love that Pepe knew,
What a wonderful life!
RIP Pepe.

[2935ford]

So sorry to hear.
We have lost two in less than a year......heartbreaking!

[Henry/Kokomo]

Its really tough to loose a buddy. I've had the experience and can empathize, if nothing else. My most sincere condolences.

[Bruce Lancaster]

So sorry. I still mourn Spork, my first Chihuahua. The only thing I can say is go right out and adopt another Chihuahua, or two. They are the only dogs that treat us straight across as equals.
If you have a Chihuahua and an old Ford, your life is running right.

[51504bat]

So sorry about Pepe. It is never easy to loose a pet, they are all special members of the family. Everyone has different thoughts about replacing a lost pet, just do what is best for you. Looking forward to seeing another dog or 2 in upcoming travelogues when the time is right.

[Steves46]

Sorry to hear of your loss. No doubt you will have terrific life-long memories.

[oldford2]

Professor,
Sad to hear about your loss of Pepe. We went thru that difficult time with the Vet with each of our last 3 Brittanys. So, at 77 we decided we should not raise a new puppy. But after 4 months of a quiet house we decided to get a new Brittany.


She seems friskier than the last pup but we are 13 years older. So, as the fellow above said " don't think about replacing Pepe, look at it as getting a new friend".
John

[oldskool]

so sorry we lost our little pom after 13 years ,,,please google rainbow bridge for pet loss... rest in peace pepe say hello to foxy for me

[JonC]

I am so sorry, It hurts so much to lose a great pet.

[Ol' Ron]

Yes, it's difficult to put down an old pet when he;s been a loyal friend for many years. I may have to do the same to Humphrey, he's 84 in dog years.

[Fourdy]

They really aren't our pets but one of our children. Sorry for your loss.

[petehoovie]

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It's especially hard to lose a dog....They give you unconditional love. I still miss the Labs I once had - my duck hunting partners....

[Chisel]

So sorry for your loss, these little friends are so hard to lose.

[Old Henry]

Originally Posted by Ol' Ron

Yes, it's difficult to put down an old pet when he;s been a loyal friend for many years. I may have to do the same to Humphrey, he's 84 in dog years.

Pepe was exactly my age in dog years. Kinda scary wondering how much longer I'll hold on to this life.

[Old Henry]

Thanks to everyone for all of your kind responses. It helps a lot during this difficult time.

[TonyM]

Poor little fella. Sorry for your loss Old Henry. Take care.

[Lawson Cox]

Sorry to hear about Pepe. May God comfort you in your loss.

[1942deluxe]

R.I.P Pepe. Last night my 12 year old calico cat was sleeping on my lap and I thought they ought to invent a drug that makes you feel that peaceful. My Mom was a cat lover too. One of her sayings was "I just know there are kitties in heaven" and I'm sure little dogs that like to ride in old Fords.

[1952henry]

Sorry for your loss. God bless.

[robert dick]

Very sorry to hear of your loss,my family and i have followed your every adventure and thoughly enjoyed them.i am facing the same situation with my 14 year old german shepard, like loosing a member of the family.

[Shu47]

Sorry to hear about Pepe. Always difficult decision on when the right time is. With our Dalmation, Runner, it was sad and yet I was relieved she was no longer suffering. After 4 years dogless we rescued a super smart Australian Cattle Dog/Border Collie mix that is really keeping us on our toes.

[corvette8n]

So sorry to hear about Pepe, I enjoy your travel videos, he was certainly one of the best travel buddies someone could have.

[sunshine]

SO sorry to hear of your loss of PEPE , HE PROBABLY NEVER COMPLAINED WHEN YOU HAD A BREAKDOWN IN YOUR CAR . BEST WISHES sunshine

[Old Henry]

Originally Posted by sunshine

SO sorry to hear of your loss of PEPE , HE PROBABLY NEVER COMPLAINED WHEN YOU HAD A BREAKDOWN IN YOUR CAR . BEST WISHES sunshine

He never complained. He just tried to bail out to head for home. I couldn't let him out except on a leash. It was the funniest thing that, when I did let him out on the leash, he immediately headed pall-mall in the opposite direction we had been traveling to get home as fast as he could.

[36 ford]

I am so sorry to read of this and I know first hand the terrible loss. Those of us who have dogs that let us live with them know the sadness.

Phil

[RalphM]

Sorry to hear this, I always loved hearing of his adventures as you traveled.
We just recently lost our Chiuahua Brandy, he was with us for 12 years, so I know what your going through. Like losing one of the family.

[Bob NH]

Little people in fur coats ! They give us sooooo much and ask so little in return. Where would we be without our animal friends ? I can not offer any more than others here have already but my condolences for your loss. I as many others here, have gone through it several times and it never gets any easier. May Pepe rest in peace and may the Lord comfort you as well in your mourning.

[wisbangman]

Very sad, - I lost Lucky last June 18th ....Still not over it.

[4dFord/SC]

Sincere condolences for the loss of a family member. IMHO, dogs bring out the best in us.

[Don W/Norfolk]

My sincerest condolences. dw

[jrvariel48]

I'm almost in tears reading this. I'm very sorry for your loss.
I've never had to part with a pet, but I'm sure it will be very painful. They really are mans best friend!

[malpais]

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It's hard imagine how much you miss that guy.

Gotta think he had a WONDERFUL 9, worry free, live for the moment, years though.

Best wishes to you Ol' Henery.

[TJ]

Old Henry we know just how you feel. Last June we had to put our little Jack Russell "Paddy" to sleep at age 15. She went everywhere with us and attended many V-8 Club events and National Meets. She was always with us on the front seat of our old Fords. We waited a couple of months and it was lonesome around the house without a little four legged pal. We decided it was time for a new pal and my wife made a few calls and lo and behold we found a lady in Oregon who had a new batch of Jack Russell pups. We traveled to Oregon and picked a new buddy, but she was too young to bring home. We returned in September after the tour to South Dakota and brought our new little pal "Abbie' home. It's been fun ever since. It's a laugh a minute and she's so good at grabbing and running with your shoes or grabbing the toilet paper and pulling it off the roll. Both of us are over 70 so a new pup was a big decision, but we are so glad we did it. Our other little pal is still in our hearts just like Pepe will be in yours. I know you will determine when the time is right for another traveling buddy. Keep us informed when you get a new pal.

[dwick01]

Sorry for your loss.

[39topless]

So sorry for your loss, Ol' Henry. You two made a great team. Maybe it's time for you to write that children's book, "Driving Mr. Pepe' ". The illustrations would be wonderful. Put me down for a dozen copies.

[FlatheadTed]

I to know what its like Henry to lose little Pepe ,we lost our little pal last year about 13 she made it to ,Ted

[Sid the Maineiac]

Sorry for your loss ! Dogs are so special ! Thank goodness you have a lot of great pictures of your"little buddy" Even though it was a painful decision, you made the correct choice for him.

[APDAVE]

Sorry for your loss of Pepe He was your great travel companion! Dave

[Brendan]

sorry to hear about Pepe, its hard to loose a pet! Godspeed Pepe!

[Binx]

Craig, so sorry for your loss. Pepe was and always will be our favorite road-trip mascot. Cherish the daily rituals you shared together. It will cause tears, but eventually smiles.

Lonnie

[Capsacto]

So sorry for your loss of Pepe. He knew he was loved by you folks, you can see his contentment in the many pictures of him. We feel your pain and sadness. God bless.

[Talkwrench]

I feel your pain.. I know whats its like its been just over a year since I said goodbye to "the Skipper" maybe they will find each other in doggie heaven.. Go well little Pepe.

[Marv]

I am truly sorry for your loss. I have been down that road also. Maybe get a puppy and teach him. Marv

[Prawbly]

I'm so sorry for your loss. I have felt what you feel now many times. It is without doubt the worse feeling there can be. My dogs are and were always family members
You are in my thought and prayers, God bless

[Bolts]

So sorry for your loss Craig.
Very sad about little Pepe. He was a cool little dog and we all enjoyed his pictures. I especially remember the one where the laptop was right in front of him and he appeared to be unconcerned about where you were going.
We'll miss him.

[A bones]

Losing a friend always takes away energy. Take the rest you need, then get out and face the next episode. May your heart stay strong. We're all thinking of you.
Tom

[JimOH]

So sorry to hear of your loss. Pets are a part of the family as everyone knows that ever had one. Just so sad.

[Jay in Mass]

Prof.
I'm sorry for your loss. They are without a doubt, part of the family. May God keep you strong during this time of sorrow. Jay

[Drbrown]

Prof .... very sad to hear your loss. What a wonderful thing to have such a loving travelling buddy. I'm sure he had many happy times with you .... he had you all to himself and that must have made him happy. You gave him a wonderful life. What better can one do.

I have an aloft but loving 14 year old cat named Isis, after the ancient goddess. Like may of the breed, she gives me attention when she's ready but that's okay with me. I often think how much I'll miss her when she has to leave.

[jim1932]

"I don't know what I'll do now for the road trips I take while my wife is gone off for a few days." Get one of these.....

[Old Henry]

Originally Posted by Bolts

So sorry for your loss Craig.
Very sad about little Pepe. He was a cool little dog and we all enjoyed his pictures. I especially remember the one where the laptop was right in front of him and he appeared to be unconcerned about where you were going.
We'll miss him.

This one? On "The Loneliest Road in America" - Highway 50 across Nevada.

[jim1932]

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Seriously Jake and I are sorry for your loss. Been there, no fun....

[Ken Crans]

Sorry to hear you lost your best friend, I put my little buddy JJ down a couple of weeks ago,I'm still not over it. Healing will take time. Pepe will surely be missed! Ken

[funrunr]

Craig,
I'm sorry to hear of the loss of such a cherished companion. He definitely lived a good life and traveled more than most people. You treated him good and I'm confident he was aware of that.
Mark

[turnpikecrusier]

Sorry for your loss. Ill pray for you.

[oldandtired]

Sorry for your loss. Your pictures bring back memories. The picture of the locomotive sure looks familiar. My wife, the dog, and I were out in Utah a few years ago.

We went 10 years between dogs for various reasons. Four years ago I decided to get another one. If he can't go on our trips, I don't go, with the exception of one swap meet last Fall and going to Pre-War in Chickasha two years ago. He passed the 40000 mile mark with us over the Christmas Holidays.

We do not travel in a vintage Ford. I own a few pickups I need to put together, and he could not get in them. He's a dainty 200 pounds. It's not good for my male ego, but I bought a minivan with the seats that fold flat into the floor just for him so he could travel with us.

[Old Henry]

Last night Morgan and I built a very nice redwood coffin for Pepe and this redwood grave marker to mark his last spot out in the fort yard. The letters and numbers are all routed in and stained.

[bk53]

Bye Pepe It sounds like you were a good dog.

[fordy_nine]

I have enjoyed your travel adventures with Pepe and I am sure he enjoyed them as much as we did. I had to euthanize my 14-year old poodle last April. It takes time to recover from that loss. Dogs (and other pets) are Gods gift to humankind, His daily demonstration of perfect love.......Bob L

[VeryTangled]

Hi Everyone, Wow, I'm getting this a little late. Pepe was a star in my eyes!

I second the book idea. There's a great one in you, Prof. Henry.

Unless we make buddies with turtles or parrots we will go through this.

The decision to let our friends rest is so gut wrenching, but truly, for the best. Too hard.

Edit to add: Don't forget to watch/dvr The Puppy Bowl! It's a hoot!

[34pickup]

I hate posts like these. My heart goes out to you OldHenry. My great little buddy is in the process of undergoing chemo now and I can empathize with you on a visceral level. These pets get into our lives just like a human family member and are about as painful to let go. I hope you can deal with it as time goes by.

[Old Henry]

Thanks again to everyone for your heartfelt responses. I appreciate it very much. It looks like my experience is quite common among all pet lovers.

AnnaRae and I are just headed on a three day road trip to Bryce Canyon National Park (supposed to get down to 2° tonight) - our first one without Pepe. He is going to be missed sitting there on AnnaRae's lap sleeping. There was always a nice soft little warm furry body to rest my hand on and stroke as I drove along. And then the warm little thing down at the bottom of the bed to keep our feet warm at night. Just thinking about it and remembering tugs at my heart strings.

[Matt in Alameda]

Very very sorry for your loss. Mark Twain once said " I do not know where dogs go when they die, but wherever that is, it's where I want to go when I die." My feelings exactly. I saw a quote attributed to Grocho Marx that I thought was quite funny. He said " Outside of a dog, man's best friend is a book,....inside of a dog it is too dark to read."
Pepe is not replaceable, however when the time is right, you should get a rescue companion, and share your goodness and travels with him and create new memories. I am very sorry for your loss,....Matt in Alameda

[RKS.PA]

Craig, a while ago we found this anonymous quote that sums it up pretty well..."It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them, and every new dog who comes into my life gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are."

Dick.

[koates]

Craig & Family, sorry to hear of the passing of Pepe. He was a real film star and now he is a FORD BARN star. He will never be replaced but remembered every day. Maybe in time you can find another puppy friend. Kind regards, Kevin.

[Old Henry]

Originally Posted by jim1932

"I don't know what I'll do now for the road trips I take while my wife is gone off for a few days." Get one of these.....

And so I did. This little lady.

Meet "Lady" (Gaga or Godiva, I'm not sure which. She doesn't sing but is without clothes so most likely Godiva).





I had such withdrawal symptoms for the week since we lost Pepe that I couldn't stand it. I especially could not bear the thought of my road trip in a couple of weeks all by myself without a warm furry companion by my side.

So, we went to the pet adoption center yesterday and fell in love with this little lady. She is an even more perfect traveling companion than Pepe. On the 50 mile drive home yesterday she never flinched. No anxiety. No shivering. No panting. Just rode along peaceful and quiet.

Our road trips now will be "The Adventures of Lady and the Tramp." I figure you can guess who gets to play the role of the tramp.

[39topless]

One lucky puppy!

[Mart]

Ha ha. Nice one, Craig, that's great news.

Glad she's not nervous in the car.

Mart.

[JSeery]

That is really cool Henry, hope you have many great new adventures.

[Marv]

Henry glad to see you have a new friend to travel with.

[elwood]

Very very sorry to hear this, I sent my boy to see Jesus yesterday, it never gets any easier

[VeryTangled]

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Yippee! Win win! She's cute too. How old?

[funrunr]

Hello Lady, very fitting. I'm glad to hear you saved a dog instead of raising a puppy. Perhaps she is rescuing you also.

[cmbrucew]

Professor
Its good you found that little girl. We found ours just two years ago. Now we don't know how we did without her.
Congratulations on finding your new best friend.
Bruce and Libby

[A bones]

Great, a new love, good luck.

[Old Henry]

Originally Posted by VeryTangled

Yippee! Win win! She's cute too. How old?

Eight years old. She's old and slow, just like me. We make a good pair.

[Old Henry]

Originally Posted by funrunr

Hello Lady, very fitting. I'm glad to hear you saved a dog instead of raising a puppy. Perhaps she is rescuing you also.

Without a doubt, she is rescuing me as much or more as I rescued her.

[TJ]

Craig, good for you. You gave an older dog another chance at a great life. You'll find that a rescue dog is the most loyal friend you will have. Somehow it knows you saved it from a very uncertain future.

[turnpikecrusier]

Thats just Awesome! Great travels you 2

[5851a]

Glad you have a found a replacement co pilot for your awesome road trips.

[37coop]

We are dog free at the moment,we lost Herbert our bulldog and it was so traumatic we are not sure we will replace him,we have had three English Bulldogs and all were quite mad ,naughty and smelly but we had a deep love for them and it hurt like hell when they went .....sounds wrong but better than some humans that's for sure
deepest sympathy Henry .

[jrvariel48]

Congratulations on your new little lady!! I'm sure she'll love being out and about!

[done4]

Good on you, your family is complete once again. We have a long list of friends that were an important part of our family that makes our heritage and when one is gone another enters our lives. Kudos' to you on saving your next co-polit. Now you two hit the road!

[Russ/40]

HOT DOG! Good for you. Pepe would approve.

[Tinker]

Hey Craig, sorry to hear about your loyal travel companion Pepe. Lady Godiva is a winner and it's nice that she is a rescue. Personally I think it's better to get a dog with a little age to them.

Did you know you don't have to walk a Chihuahua? You just hold it out the window and squeeze!
- It's a joke so I hope it does not offend anyone.

Anyway, take care Mr C. and keep those adventures coming!!!

[corvette8n]

Great looking little pup, looking forward to your video adventures with her.

[peewee2you]

Old Henry, My apologies I'm a little late on this news of little Pepe's passing as I have many cars and tend to climb into that particular one at the time, and only check in from time to time on the chats of the others that are in slumber. I was sadened to hear of his passing, I will miss the stories on your travels, that always included Old Henry, you and most of all Pepe. I can see by the montage that you have put together is that you have vivid pictorials captivating such wonderful times and memories to reflect on from time to time. That in itself is very precious and something to treasure. My thoughts are with you and your family. Peter

[jerseyboy]

Henry,

Always enjoy your reading about your travels. I am sorry to hear about your lose of Pepe, but glad you found Lady. May you have many more enjoyable journeys with your new friend!

Keep V-8ing and 4-banging!

[jimalabam]

My condolences Ol Henry. I too have a "car buddy" who is ready every trip, short or long, late model or Model A. I feel your loss and wonder what I will do without my Barney. Jim Langley...