04/06/2026
Today, we took Pepper to the vet.
We’ve been so torn about what to do. She’s eating better now and I can sense the joy in her eyes, and at the same time, she has some pain in her mouth, and I understand the medication is only temporary.
Hearing that Pepper’s gums are still pink, along with the other signs (enjoying the breeze during short car rides, eating well, going to the bathroom on her own) tells us she wants to be with us a little longer. She’s been following us into every room we move to. Another sign she just wants to be near us.
It’s in moments like these, when I feel confused and need support and clarity, that collaborating with the right vet matters so much. A vet who understands our pain and Pepper’s, who lets us make the decision while giving us the objective facts, observations and medical expertise so we’re armed with knowledge.
If you want to be prepared for moments like these, I really recommend finding an experienced vet you can trust. It makes or breaks moments like these, and I couldn’t be more grateful to Dr Michael and the entire team at Macquarie Veterinary Hospital. Feeling understood, cared for, and able to fully trust and hold onto hope during these moments keeps me going, and helps me trust myself more. After today’s appointment, we talked about how extending things a little is okay. We’ll keep monitoring her and listening to her. She’ll tell us when she’s ready, not the plans we made earlier this week.
Today, I’m feeling relieved. Not because we get more time with her (though that part is really nice), but because we can trust ourselves more. Relief that going to the vet gave us the clarity we needed. Relief that if we extend her days a little further, that’s okay, as long as Pepper isn’t in pain and she’s still showing signs of joy.
With all this said, we will continue to monitor and wait for you to tell me when you’re ready.
Thursday, 4 June 2026
