Pepper – A Tail of Transformation

Transformation. It’s the key concept in our mission statement – “Homeward Pet transforms the lives of homeless dogs and cats…” – and with your support, it’s a word we’re able to put into practice every day.

Pepper was seized by Animal Control after reports of “acting aggressively”. Taken to the local municipal shelter, he remained fearful, anxious and extremely uncomfortable. He was nervous around new people. He crouched down, tail tucked between his legs. Or rushed the gate of his kennel when people he didn’t know approached.

He was a bit of a wreck health-wise. Chronic skin infections had left him with hair loss all over his body and lesions on his face and shoulder. He was suffering from allergies that had gone untreated and left his skin leathery and inflamed. He had a major ear infection and needed surgery to repair eyelids that turned in and irritated his eyes.

Pepper was brought to Homeward Pet for two reasons. First, so that we could continue his medical transformation. With twice-a-week medicated baths (he was such a good boy for his baths!), a special diet, ear cleaning, meds and lots of follow-up exams from our veterinarians, Pepper started looking and feeling like a whole new dog.

Secondly, our Behavior Program was well-suited to work with a dog that was anxious in unfamiliar situations, that needed slow introductions to new people, that would (hopefully) respond to a consistent, positive training plan. With a regular crew of staff and Behavior Team volunteers working with him every day, Pepper’s behavior started to change. He was less reactive. More trusting. He became the happy, goofy (and still very energetic!) dog that we’d only caught glimpses of at first.

Transformations don’t happen overnight. These big changes take time. Your support gives us that time.

Pepper was with us for two months of medical and behavioral care, and everything changed for him during his stay at Homeward Pet. He got healthy and strong, he enjoyed his time with people. But when Pepper was adopted, he underwent the biggest transformation of all, from homeless to cherished family member:

“We love Pepper so much! He fits right into our family and always makes us smile! He’s been loving going on walks every morning around the lake and sniffing out our whole backyard, watching the bunnies and deer. He also loves snuggling up on the bed and taking naps with me. He truly is such a sweet little guy.” ~ Stephanie

If you would like to help pups like Pepper who need that little extra bit of ongoing attention from our clinic, behavior team, and animal care staff while they wait for their new family, you can make your monthly Paw Pack donation on our site at https://homewardpet.ejoinme.org/pawpack

Monthly donors like you enable Homeward Pet to carry out our mission to provide the best care for the animals before uniting them with loving homes.  Questions about Paw Pack Giving?  Contact Annual Giving Manager, Alora by email at  or by phone at (425) 488-4444 x4013.