Pepper came into Dogwatch’s care from Christchurch City Council in February 2025. From the moment she arrived, it was clear this lovely girl had been through a great deal.
She was timid, withdrawn and covered in scars. Her body showed signs that she had been used for breeding several times, and emotionally she seemed tired and unsure of the world around her. There was a sadness about Pepper, but beneath it was a gentle dog who desperately wanted to trust.
More than anything, she wanted to be close to people. She sought comfort from those who cared for her and slowly began to show us just how loving she could be. Pepper needed patience, kindness and reassurance. She needed people who would give her time to settle without asking too much of her.
As the days passed and Pepper became more comfortable, we noticed signs that she was in pain. Further investigation confirmed that she had a torn cruciate ligament and would require extensive surgery.
The operation itself was only one part of the challenge ahead. Pepper would also need to prepare for a long recovery involving strict crate rest, limited movement and time alone while her carers were at work. For a sensitive dog who found security in being close to people, this was going to require careful preparation and a huge amount of support.
Thankfully, Pepper found exactly the foster home she needed.
Jacqui and her family became Pepper’s knights in shining armour. They welcomed her into their home, gave her the space to settle and helped her begin to understand that she was safe.
They worked gently through Pepper’s fear of unfamiliar people entering the home and helped her build confidence around everyday experiences. They also prepared her to feel secure when left alone, an important step before surgery and the long period of restricted activity that would follow.
When the time came for Pepper’s cruciate repair, Jacqui and her family were beside her every step of the way.
Recovery from this type of surgery is not easy. It requires weeks of careful management, patience and consistency. There were countless quiet days, restricted movement, regular checks and plenty of reassurance. There were cuddles, tears, setbacks and moments of hope followed by the realisation that Pepper still had further to go.
Through it all, Jacqui never gave up on her.
Pepper’s foster family carried her through one of the most difficult periods of her life. They gave her the time and care she needed to heal physically, while also helping her become a more confident and secure dog.
Then Judd and Roxanna came along.
What began as the search for Pepper’s forever home became the beginning of a completely new life. Judd and Roxanna saw the beautiful, gentle girl behind the scars and decided Pepper was meant to be part of their family.
Affectionately known as Princess Peps around Dogwatch, Pepper is enjoying the retirement she so thoroughly deserves.
Her family shared:
“Pepper is a lovely girl who quickly became a member of our family. She seems to be loving her well earned retirement from being a litter mama, fully enjoying every corner of the couch for hours at a time.
Although she was annoyed by him at first, she has come to mostly accept and enjoy being a big sister to our 10 month old puppy, Indy.
Pepper has also become an aficionado of treats, walks in the park and the red zone, and cuddles with us on the couch and at bedtime. Her melodic snoring now fills the house throughout the day.
A lot of credit goes to Pepper’s foster mum Jacqui, who gave her so much love and did the hard yards helping her through her cruciate repair.”
Today, Pepper’s life is filled with everything she once needed so badly. She has a family who adores her, a little brother to share her days with, plenty of adventures, endless cuddles and an impressive collection of pink pyjamas.
She no longer has to wonder whether she is safe or loved. She is home.
Pepper’s journey is a beautiful example of what can happen when a rescue dog is surrounded by people who are willing to give their time, patience and love.
Thank you to Jacqui and her family for carrying Pepper through the hardest part of her journey. Thank you to everyone who supported her care and recovery. And thank you to Judd, Roxanna and Indy for giving Princess Pepper the peaceful, love filled forever she always deserved.
