Who Rescued Who

This is my story and my name is Pepper. I am an adorable seven-year-old lab-golden mix. My mom was curious to see what important health issues were in my genes so she bought a kit which had a long Q-tip swab she used to take a sample of my saliva. When she sent it to the lab, it came back showing that my main genetic breed was that of a Shar Pei. No way do I look like a Shar Pei! I look more like a Border Collie with my fluffy, floppy ears, fluffy tail and pointed snout. My report said I am a mix of Shar Pei, German Shepard, Rottweiler, and Beagle. I guess I am a muttigree—Heinz 57. But that’s okay because my mom and dad love me very much. They named me Pepper because I was all black, and I guess they really liked their pepper—sort of spices things up. My journey to New Jersey started in Rustburg, Virginia where my 11 litter mates and I were left abandoned by some uncaring person. We were taken by an animal patrol officer to a nice farm called Harmony which was an animal sanctuary where we were really well-cared for and loved. There we made many friends–a horse, some pigs and chickens and a few other dogs waiting to go to their forever homes. From there we, my sister and I, were transported to New Jersey by some nice rescue group called Golden Hearts. We didn’t mind the long trip because we knew we were going to a forever home. My mom and dad saw my photo on PetFinder. They never had a puppy before so they had to think very carefully about making the decision to adopt a puppy. My mom at first said she didn’t want a puppy until my dad retired, but once she saw my adorable photo—a black fluff ball–I just melted her heart. They immediately made arrangements to adopt me. I came to New Jersey with one of my sisters, who was a little bigger than me, but looked identical—all black. They had the choice of choosing me or my sister but happily chose me. It was an exciting time for me because I was going to my forever home. I didn’t know it until I arrived at my new home, but there were already furry friends living in that house—4 cats. I never saw cats before, but I immediately made friends with them. I did want to puppy play with them, but they didn’t want to take the toys I offered. I eventually found out that cats don’t play the way puppies do. I didn’t feel bad though because I had my Dad who I played with and cuddled up to. He is my best friend and takes me for many long walks through the woods and to a doggy park where I have made many friends who I really enjoy playing with. I am seven years old now, but I’m still raring to go. My mom is the one I normally go to for treats. She also takes really good care of me by spoiling me with my daily meal of roasted chicken and low-fat cheese. I really like to steal my cats’ treats. They are yummy. My Dad has fooled me lately with small dog kibbles in our cats’ bowl to make me think they were cat treats. They were really tasty so I didn’t mind. My diet has been really good, and I am in excellent health. When my mom and dad go on vacation, they always find a place where I can stay with them. I really like the cabin we stay in in Vermont because I get to spend a day on a farm with a bunch of local dogs. We get to run in the fresh air and sunshine of Vermont in a fenced-in pasture previously occupied by horses and cows. My mom likes to bring home their farm-fresh eggs from their chickens which she mixes for me with the delicious Vermont cheese- really tasty treat. I couldn’t have found a better forever home than the one I have with my loving, caring mom and dad and my 6 furry friends–4 cats and 2 kittens—all rescues like me. Hope you liked my story! Love, Pepper