Food time!

Pepper LOVES food time! He has become a good eater and really enjoys his kibble with canned goodness and some occasional spoonfuls of cottage cheese. Here he is getting all excited for dinner last night.

Walks with Pepper

Pepper is really gaining his confidence, especially with his foster brother Apollo at his side! He LOVES going on walks around the neighborhood. He isn't scared of the cars anymore and bravely walks by with his tail wagging. He is still not comfortable with strangers petting him, but he no longer cowers or tries to run away. Now, when people approach he just stands at my side and keeps an eye on them. Big steps for a shy guy and I am super proud of him!

Housetraining Success!

Pepper continues to impress with his fast housetraining success Other than some submissive pees here and there when putting on his leash, Pepper is already fully housetrained. He lets me know when he needs to go out with a little whine and has done great with a 30 foot training lead outside. He is quick to do his business and even leads me back to the door when he's done. He is such a good boy!

Antlers and Toys! Oh my!

Pepper is still very shy with us, but he is starting to get used to being in a home. He has come to love chewing on antlers and his new favorite toy is a little kong frog that our terrier Mamah has gladly loaned to him. I cannot express how adorable it is when he starts to gently nibble on his beloved squeaking froggie.

Potty Progress

Pepper has never lived in a home before, so housetraining is a new concept for this shy guy. We've been struggling a bit because Pepper is not used to being on a leash, let alone pottying while attached to one. This is really common with shy pups. They like to potty in privacy. I don't blame them really.

We've been taking Pepper outside on a 30 foot training lead after meals and every few hours so that he can have more space and gradually ease into being on a lead. He is starting to get more relaxed in the yard, but gusts of wind and dark evenings are still scary for him. This morning we had a HUGE breakthrough! Pepper peed outside! That is a great moment and now he seems to understand that we do our business outside. So only more progress to come!

Tail Wags!

Pepper couldn't wait to get out of his crate in the morning. He bolted out and proceeded to wag that big happy tail of his while he waited for breakfast with the other pups. He is still very nervous, but he is starting to like it here.

Pepper's First Night

Pepper has sniffed the den, found his favorite nap spots, enjoyed a tasty dinner, sampled some yummy treats, and become accustomed to wagging his tail whenever I say his name. Now if only I could get him relaxed enough to go potty...

Meeting Pepper

Pepper the Plott Hound arrived at LDCRF with his mother and sister in February 2011 from a rural shelter in West Virginia. The ladies got adopted quickly, but shy little Pepper is still looking for his home.

I met Pepper today on a rainy afternoon at the Fair Lakes Petsmart. The van pulled up and I peeked around the open back door anxious to meet my new foster. There was Pepper looking out from the safety of his crate with a worried face. I coaxed him out and we awkwardly walked towards the grass to take a few calming breathes.

As the event picked up, Pepper followed me while I did interviews with potential adopters. He sweetly leaned into my legs and hid his head behind my knee, patiently waiting through each interview as strangers gave him gentle pats on the head. It may not seem like a lot, but for a shy dog that is huge. Pepper started to relax a little as we weaved through the people and said hello to all of his friends from the ranch who were also looking for homes that day. Every now and then I'd catch him smiling with a little tail wag as we walked back and forth. He started to walk at my side rather than darting around. Pepper was trying his very best to be brave.

The adoption event came to an end and it was time to take Pepper and our little foster kittens home. (Yes, Pepper seems to do well with kitties!) Pepper followed me to the car like a good boy, then stood by as I opened the door and loaded the kittens. When it was his turn he looked at me as if to say, "You must be joking? I'm not jumping into that SUV lady..." So I picked up all 55lbs of him and in he went. After a few nervous circles, Pepper settled on a spot to lay down and smiled at me from between the seats, then away we went home to meet our pack of pups.

Pepper was not sure that he wanted to leave the car, so I scooped him up in my arms and gently set him down in the driveway. Once he was on the ground, Pepper cautiously followed me to the door where he was greeted by our dogs - a bossy JRT, a shy shepherd, and a goofy pit bull. Pepper was submissive, but friendly with all of the dogs. He was an easy addition to the pack and they all instantly accepted him. He wandered around the den sniffing all of the corners and inspecting the stairs until he found a spot on the rug to settle in and take a nap.

Pepper is still a shy boy, but I am confident that each day he will get a little more comfortable. He is a sweetheart and I can't wait for him to shine.