It is with deep regret that I report to all of you that "CHILE PEPPER HOUNDINI," my ever faithful Basset Hound, companion, and fellow ChileHead has passed on to the other side and walks with El Grande. At 6:15pm last night we took him to the Dr. to be put to sleep after a short illness. The diagnosis was diabetes and he was given only 8 - 12 months to live. Pepper had lost 20 pounds while I was in Hong Kong, and had lost the ability to control his bodily functions. I could not let him suffer further. It would not have been right to come home to find that he had died horribly or hurt himself doing something simple. His last day of life was well spent. I gave him every can of dog food I had so he had a doggie buffet, complete with my own "Hairy Tongue Pepper Powder," which he loved. We played in the backyard, and for two hours we played in the park near the house. He was not alone when he passed. Both my girlfriend and I were present and talked to him while giving him as much comfort as possible. He went quickly and quietly. El Grande welcome our humble request to take our friend and fellow ChileHead into your kingdom. Let him have full run of the house, and of the yard. Feed him Chilies daily and walk carefully through the Chile Patch. Now everyone join me in eating one Chile in honor of "CHILE PEPPER HOUNDINI". Thank You All John "ChefChile" Whalen