Owning a dog or cat can mean a loving relationship with memories, images and a friend that will never go away. Unfortunately, some pets don't get a happy ending like this. Pepper is a one year old cocker spaniel that I recently adopted but not from a shelter. It was my cousin's and he was one who didn't give her any love or even feed every day. He left it alone in the garage for a whole year. When I heard about this I called him and told him I would give him $100 and come get her myself. He accepted in a heartbeat. Pepper was a mess when I picked her up. His fur was long, greasy and had something stuck in it. He also had such a sad look. I made the right choice. Once home, I bathed her and made her a nice bed right next to mine, but we share my bed. The next day I took her to the groomer, to the pet store and even for a walk in the park and she no longer had that sad look. Pepper is a new dog with a loving family and a nice warm bed to sleep in. Animal abuse and neglect happens every day and needs to be stopped and how we can make these changes is up to the owner...