Pepper

First, I can say that he is one of the most deserving dogs I have met. He came from a situation where he was owned his entire life by a cranky old lady who on the surface took great medical and physical care of the Pepster (my name for him) but mentally he was taunted and abused. She was mid 80's when she got him as a high energy puppy. When she passed in her mid 90's he was a senior and had lived the majority of his life with someone who hadn't had the patience or ability to socialize him to different environments and different people. The family wanted this healthy dog euthanized (demanded it) but through the grace of god, we got to him first. She had a shock collar on this little 15 lb dog and had him so pumped up on trazadone and Prozac the majority of his life to keep him calm and zombie-like to mimic her sedatory lifestyle rather than to give him the stimulation he needed to meet the needs of a young, high energy dog. So now, we have this young senior who never got to grow old because he was expected to be old his whole life. Now let's talk specifically about my very handsome boy. Pepperoni (as I also call him) is a good boy. I was initially told he had never been around other dogs and wouldn't be good. Well, that is not the case. He is with my crew and does great. My dogs are 2.5 lbs to 80 lbs and he loves them all. He's never been cat tested but I expect after the first chase, he will not ever look their way again. He likes woman more than men but he lives in a home with my husband and I as well as living with other men in another foster home and did fine. Woman are definitely his favorite though. I think children would not be a good match so no kids. Now for the quirk: He bonds very quickly to his person. When he loves you, he loves you a lot and wants to protect you and his home. New people coming into the house is scary for him and he acts out in a scared, reactive way. He will bark and nip at anyone coming into the house that he feels doesn't belong. My other dogs in the home look at him like he's an a** when this happens. For the person it's directed toit looks terrifying but it is purely fear and being protective of his people. When company is coming, we put him in his pen or another room until he calms down and sees that the threat is over. Would he make contact? Yes. He doesn't have many teeth and honestly, his nips are nips but his bark is ferocious and annoying. Who do I think is the perfect person for Peppy, you ask? Someone who doesn't have strangers or visitors walking in and out of the house often. I definitely think children of any age would be a no go. Someone who loves a sweet, cuddle buddy who will love you unconditionally. Bonus points if they have a yard for sunbathing. Another respectful dog would probably be fine but having his person to himself is great too. The biggest thing needed is patience and a big heart. One look at his crooked smile and his deep and soulful eyes and it's hard not to fall in love. Animal Lifeline Pittsburgh is an all volunteer, 501c3 non-profit foster based rescue. PA Rescue Kennel License: # 16842 Kennel Address: 139 E 8th Ave Homestead PA 15120