This evening, it has officially been a week since I took a detour on the way home from work. Against all better judgement, I walked into Tuf Luck Ranch Supply to visit a little 6-month-old black pit/lab puppy, who I found shivering on a piece of dusty cardboard on an empty feed pallet.
It all started with a Facebook Post
I’ve seen many posts on the groups I admin and follow on Facebook, of dogs of all ages looking for forever homes. My heart always goes out to them, but my entire body and soul driving to meet one, is a rare occurrence. There was something special about this one.
That morning, I glanced at an old memory on my Facebook feed with three of the most awesome dogs ever. In it, I saw the pack led by my Ti, my friend’s dog Rocksie [top] and my Dexter [bottom] on one of our many trips to the school bus stop to drop off the kids. Dexter and his bestie Rocksie (yes, that’s how it’s spelled) crossed the Rainbow Bridge a few years after this picture was taken. Ti is still going strong today at the ripe old age of 13.
Directly below the memory of the triple dog walking, I noticed a post from the local feed store about a puppy that was just dropped off. When I saw that face, I swear to Dog, I saw the eyes of my old Dexter. It hit me harder than anything has in a long time, and I could feel it in my chest. To preserve my perceived manhood, I fled to my truck in the parking lot until I worked out whatever must have gotten into my eyes.
I pulled myself together and got my emo butt back to work, but I couldn’t stop thinking about those eyes. They looked like those of another abandoned puppy I met about 16 years ago, who I had the privilege of watching grow up to live a long happy life with me as his best friend. I still dream of hugging that cuddly tank of a dog.
They called him Peanut
I really didn’t know much about this puppy I was at the feed store to meet. When I approached the scared little guy, there were no tail wags, or any of the playful eagerness to meet everyone I’m used to seeing with puppies. He just sat there facing a stack of feed sacks, head down, shivering.
When I touched his dry, dusty coat, I could feel his little muscles twitch in fear. He was terrified of my hand, but slightly responded with a head tilt into my palm, as I rubbed is ears. This led the lady working there to break out in tears, stating this was the first time she’d seen him relax, even though he was obviously terrified of me still.
I was told the story of how Peanut arrived, and I quickly understood why he acted so scared. His 6 months of life were spent with an abusive human. If the feed store hadn’t agreed to take the puppy off the man’s hands, a bullet would be the next option.
There are no excuses for my behavior, other than maybe some sort of crazy dad instinct, combined with some big sads about missing my Dexter when I looked into these little brown pitty eyes… and of course, THAT EAR! I really didn’t hesitate to scoop him up and take him home.
‘Only committing to foster’
I didn’t like the idea of his abuser getting to name the puppy. Later on, after meeting the family, my wife would suggest naming him Pepper, and that stuck.
I drove Pepper home to meet my old dog Ti. For Pepper, this was love at first site. Wherever Ti went, Pepper was right there by his side, watching intently to learn from the wise older dog.
Along with the usual burdens of bringing a new puppy into the home, Pepper also had some unique challenges of his own. Anyone who saw him, wanted to reach to pet him, but he would flee from the human hands, indicating he’d only known them to hurt. With some patience and gentle persistence, we are slowly working through this.
While I still have yet to try that tear free puppy shampoo I bought on day one, I seem to have snuck in enough pets head to toe to polish him up nicely. Some food fresh cooked meats, sweet potatoes, brown rice and celery meals are also contributing to the shine.
After a couple days to decompress, Pepper started to play with his new toys, and even a little with my hands. Now, a full week later, he snuggles next to us on the couch, knows his new name, and has started doing normal puppy stuff like fetch and chew up TV remotes. We’re about to order #3 already!
I can’t imagine starting Pepper over again with a new family, especially with how scared he was, and even still is today, of us big scary human apes. My old yellow dog is Pepper’s emotional support animal. At this point, I don’t think I could bring myself to separate them. So…
Yeah, he’s Pepper Wooley now
Everyone on Facebook and NextDoor called it within the first few hours. I totally caved, and fell for the little black puppy. Every step of progress he makes, brings me joy.
I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to grab Pepper and snuggle him the way I used to with Dexter. Instead of the big teddy bear, this little guy acts more like a wild bird. Every sudden movement makes him want to flee. He’s a goofy little ball of issues.
Also, I love him.
I think Pepper will grow into another legendary good boy, just like all our dogs before him, who all lived long happy lives. With lots of good food, filtered water (because we live in Dayton, NV), and all the love and patience I can supply, we’ll get him past the traumas of his first 6 months.
Nothing is free
Later finding out Pepper’s previous owner was homeless, and already knowing hes had no puppy shots, it’s mandatory that I get him into the vet ASAP. I have an appointment booked, and the estimated cost could be as high as $1,000 for everything he needs.
Since I am always kinda broke, and I wasn’t budgeting for this foster turned family, I set up a GoFundMe to cover those vet bills. People who have been following us on Facebook have already been pitching in. Thank you!!
