Al Roker and his family pay tribute to their 'sweet' pup, Pepper.
Al Roker and Deborah Roberts are reeling from the loss of their dog, Pepper.
Just one month after the Today show anchor, 69, missed work to care for the pup, Roker shared on Instagram Tuesday the sad news that their family had lost the four-legged friend, whom they welcomed into their lives more than a decade ago.
"12 years ago, this sweet little girl named Pepper changed our lives. Yesterday, we had to say goodbye," the weatherman began his post. "While our hearts are heavy, they are also fuller because of all the love she bestowed on everyone who got to meet her."
The post featured a slideshow of pictures with Pepper ranging from her arrival to their household as a small pup to the final days of her life. One sweet photo shows Pepper resting calmly on Roker's lap while another sees the NBC personality and his reporter wife, 63, posing for a photo around the holidays with their three children and their dog.
The collage -- which is set to Vanessa Williams' song, "Oh How the Years Go By" -- ends with a sweet video of Pepper and Roker playing fetch with the pup faithfully running and retrieving a frisbee Roker had tossed for him.
Roberts similarly posted a tribute of her own to the dog on her Instagram page, penning a message of love to the companion whom she said quickly became her "shadow" in their house after an impromptu adoption.
"She arrived on my birthday. Wasn’t even supposed to be ours. The rescue coordinator had promised the perfect pup for us. A beautiful mop looking mutt who would be gentle with kids. Nick wasn’t fond of dogs. But this 8 week old little black and white ball of fur brought along for the ride jumped into Nick’s lap and stole the show. For 12 years , Pepper continued to do just that," the ABC journalist wrote.
She went on to share that from the moment she entered their home, Pepper stole their hearts, the show and "those of so many friends and relatives. Even those who never liked dogs." She continued, "The warmest companion anyone could ever ask for. (Apologies, Al)."
"Today I woke up to a world without her. A quiet house. Her toys and beds still. Yet, Her warmth still lingering. Our hearts are aching. But wow. What a beautiful gift of memories she gave. We miss you dear Pep! 🐾🐾♥️♥️," Roberts ended her post.
In the comments of their individual posts, the media personalities were met with well wishes and condolences on the loss of the important member of the Roker-Roberts family.
"Sending you so much love ❤️," shared Jenna Bush Hager.
"Oh no! I am so sad to hear this! I know Pepper will be missed. Pets are such a big part of a family," one follower wrote.
"They change our lives always for the better. Then break them wide open when they leave - but the love lasts forever. ❤️🩹," another fan responded.
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