A couple of months ago, Pepper (1) started exhibiting some health issues around balance and general cognitive functions – affected a permanent head tilt and became clumsier than her usual self. Issues jumping onto the sofa for a cuddle, getting in the car, staggering when walking, etc. We consulted with the vet and they did some non-invasive (other than bloodwork) tests but the general conclusion was it was either a stroke or a brain tumour. Since she wasn’t suffering, we continued to monitor. Past few weeks leading up to Claudia’s birthday in early December, she got progressively worse and we made the difficult decision to have her put to sleep about a week prior to what would have been her fifth birthday.

We discussed that with Sage now much older (8), we may not want to introduce another dog, but the reality is that Sage doesn’t enjoy long walks so much any more and Claudia wanted a good walking companion. So we started evaluating a new addition to our pack with the criteria that they should get on well with Sage, be female, majority GSD breed, a rescue and not bring complications. After one meet and greet with a dog that didn’t meet our criteria, we met with “Clementine” from Salvaged Souls (https://salvagedsoulspetrescue.org) at our community dog park and introduced them for free play and a walk.

The meet/greet went well and since the foster was leaving town a couple of days later, we decided to take her for a trial stay. All went well. Of course, there was some bumps in the road but Sage was very accepting, the pup was submissive and the integration was effortless. The foster (Paola) had her for a couple of months and filled us in with all the good info one can only glean from having lived and experienced the dog in her own home with her dogs and family. I can’t say enough good things about the rescue, Denise (the owner) and Paola have been fantastic at making the transition smooth.

Naming conventions….

The pup was called Clementine – fits her colour nicely, however when we told Paola about our Pepper (1), she said a previous foster had called the pup Pepper also. So for us, this was a bit of a sign. We took Clementine, now Pepper into our home on what would have been Pepper (1)’s 5th birthday. I kid you not. And whilst many a pet owner will tell you they see traits of a previous pet in a new one, there are similarities. Both loved toys and those long lasting dog chews and loved to hoard them, so we do not feel bad to call Clementine, Pepper. It’s not complicated. Also helps mitigate the sense of loss.

She is a calm 6 month old delightful bundle of fur. She sheds as much as Pepper (1) but just in a different way. This one has soft, fine hair and her predecessor, coarse fur that clogged the vacuum. Loves food, pleasing us, cuddles. Obedient (mostly), attentive and looks up to Sage whilst pushing play to the point where Sage needs to correct her, LOL. Her birthday is also 6 months and a day off Sage’s so we get effectively two birthday events that “coincide” annually.

Will post more over the coming weeks.