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Pepper’s Story

Pepper came into the SNAFU Rescue via a private party. Her owner wanted her to be placed in a loving home that had the time for the needs of a young dog. 

Pepper is an energetic, curious, and awkwardly jubilant Frenchie puppy who thrives on positive attention and has a strong desire to please her people. She is absolutely fascinated by everything and adores playing with both her humans and other dogs. While she initially attaches to women, she does warm up to men quickly with time and patience. At first, she can be hesitant around strangers, but with her trusted core people nearby, she eventually comes out of her shell and shows her true, affectionate nature.

If there’s an activity or a toy involved, Pepper is here for it! She loves taking in all the sights and smells on a walk—she thinks exploring the world is the best part of life! While her leash manners are still a work in progress, she thankfully isn’t a puller. Pepper also loves being outside in good weather, and she enjoys chasing balls (and will even bring them back for another throw), chewing on bones, and playing a fierce game of tug with a rope. In the evenings, she loves to relax and chill with her people. If she were stranded on a deserted island, her one essential item would be a Yak Cheese Chew—her absolute favorite treat!

Pepper has shown that she gets along well with other dogs, both male and female, though she is still learning proper canine manners. She isn’t the most independent pup and does not enjoy being alone. Because of this, she would likely do best in a home with a mentor dog who can help guide her and provide companionship. Since she is still learning behavioral cues and respectful play, patient dogs who don’t mind enthusiastic energy and occasional personal space invasion would be ideal playmates.  Due to her desire to run and chase all small things, a home with cats, birds, or small critters would not be ideal. 

Due to her exuberant energy and youthful tendency to nibble fingers during play, Pepper would do best in a home with dog-savvy, gentle children who understand puppy behavior. She will need a lot of patience, guidance, and a predictable routine to help her grow into a confident and well-mannered adult dog.

Pepper does struggle with significant separation anxiety. While she has made progress in her time, she still has a long way to go in learning how to be comfortable on her own. Her adoptive family will need to be dedicated to helping her build confidence and security when left alone. We do believe a playmate/doggy friend could help reduce her overall anxiety when left home alone. Pepper is still a young dog and would thrive with a lot of patience and a predictable routine for her successful growth, confidence, and happiness. 

As with all of our dogs, we recommend slow introductions between Pepper and other pets, as well as supervision around children, to ensure a smooth transition for everyone. With the right home, patience, and love, Pepper will blossom into the amazing companion she is meant to be!

Pepper’s house training is a work in progress—she is about 80% of the way there. She understands she needs to sit by the door to signal when she needs to potty but still occasionally forgets. Pepper can easily hold it overnight for up to 7.5 hours if she is allowed to sleep in bed with her humans. If not, a potty break in the middle of the night is necessary. She almost always needs to potty shortly after her meals and then about every 2 to 3 hours during the day. She has an odd habit of not pooping and peeing during the same trip—many times, she will poop and then need to go back out shortly after to pee. Her foster family has been working on prompting her to pee after she poops.

Pepper is more prone to accidents if she feels unsure, is nervous, or experiences a slight change in routine. She will excel in a home that can keep to a consistent schedule.

Pepper is definitely not a fan of the crate. Even when it’s left open, it’s never a space she chooses to relax or sleep. Initially, she would poop and/or pee in her crate within 30 minutes of being placed inside, but now it happens less frequently. Even with highly desirable treats given only during crate time, she will howl for hours and won’t fully settle or sleep while contained. Currently, she is only crated when her foster family has to leave the house and never for longer than 3 hours. She would likely do much better and be calmer if confined to a fully puppy-proofed smaller room or pen instead and with a balanced furry pal to keep her company. 

Medically, Pepper seems to be in great health.  She has been spayed, updated on vaccinations/dewormings, microchipped, and has been given the okay for adoption by our veterinarian!  Pepper has a rear luxating patella that should be monitored by a veterinarian to ensure her continued comfort and mobility. 

Pepper would thrive in a home with a fully fenced yard, as her youthful curiosity and love of exploration make her prone to wandering. A safe space to chase balls and run her frequent zoomies would be her ultimate paradise. A multi-story home wouldn’t be an issue, as Pepper has completely mastered going up stairs and, when she’s not being a speed demon, is great at going down too.

Due to her tendency to vocalize when left alone, an apartment/share-walled home may not be the best fit for her. She would likely enjoy accompanying her family to work, but be prepared for plenty of distractions—and possibly an accident or two—since she is an active and curious puppy. From the moment she wakes up until the evening, Pepper is always on the move. While her energy levels will likely settle as she matures, this won’t happen for some time. Pepper would excel with a part-time or full-time stay-at-home or work-from-home family member as she thrives around her trusted people!  Pepper’s anxiety can get the best of her but with time and a furry playmate, she can learn to spend some time alone when her family is away from home.  

Pepper is an exceptional eater who has never skipped a meal. Her food motivation has made positive reinforcement training highly effective, as she responds well to treats and vocal praise. 

She is an affectionate cuddle bug who loves to be close to her people. Be prepared for the needs and required training that comes along with such a young dog.  While short-nosed dog experience is not required for Pepper, education around a brachycephalic breed is necessary!  Expect puppy hugs, muzzle presses against your chin, and lots of requests for belly rubs and ear scratches. With time, training, and the right environment, Pepper will grow into a confident and well-mannered companion—a dream come true for the right family. 

If you feel like your family might be the perfect forever home for Pepper, please submit an adoption application for her today!!