By Janet McAfee
On October 19, 2021, this beautiful female German Shepherd was brought to the Riverside County shelter in Thousand Palms. She was evaluated by the shelter staff and deemed to be a healthy, happy dog. However, the stray dog was not microchipped, and no owner came to claim her. The weeks passed, and potential adopters pass by Pepper’s kennel, often preferring to adopt a small dog or a young puppy.
How long can a shelter dog wait and still have hope that someone will come for her? How long can a large dog mentally survive in a shelter kennel without becoming stressed? Why are so many German Shepherds in shelters?
Pepper is becoming kennel stressed in spite of enjoying walks provided by shelter volunteers. I visited Pepper, and she appears to be a friendly and calm animal. Upon intake, her age was estimated at 3 years, but she may be between 3 and 5 years old.
Pepper did not engage with the other dogs in the Big Dog Playgroup, preferring to sit quietly nearby, not providing much information on how she gets along with other dogs. She is now listed as “Needs Rescue” for a private animal rescue group to take her. Private adopters can also adopt Pepper, after a proper meet and greet to ensure a good match, and signing a standard adoption waiver that they understand her issues. Out of the shelter environment, 95% of rescued dogs transform into the loving companions they were meant to be.
German Shepherds are my favorite breed. I was raised by a German Shepherd, and Boy saved my life when I was a baby. They are one of the smartest breeds, fiercely loyal, people oriented, adaptable to so many situations, and have lively personalities. They brilliantly learn training commands and quickly becoming house trained if not already trained. They are heroes in the military, in law enforcement, in search and rescue operations, and can detect some cancers quicker than scientific laboratories. Devoted companions, dogs like Pepper make wonderful family pets.
Pepper’s beautiful photo shows the fall leaves. Now fall has turned to winter, and she still waits. You can also see how her ears are bitten by flies, evidence she was likely kept as an “outdoor only” dog. Pepper needs a home where she can exercise in a back yard, but she also needs a home where she will live indoors to enjoy the human companionship she loves. German Shepherds need to exercise their brain and their brawn.
There are more German Shepherds than ever in public shelters. Some people don’t understand that the cute little German Shepherd puppy they adopt may become a large size very active puppy. The television program Game of Thrones resulted in the overbreeding of both German Shepherds and Huskies, creating too many dogs with not enough homes. “Outdoor only” dogs like Pepper are more likely to escape due to loneliness and boredom in addition to unsecured fencing.
Pepper would make a great family pet and hiking companion. She would do great in a “one dog” home, and probably do well with another calm large dog. If you have another dog, bring them with you to the shelter to ensure a good match.
Riverside County Department of Animal Services is offering No Fee adoptions through December 20 due to the recent influx of dogs, especially large breeds. Come meet Pepper at 72-050 Pet Land Place in Thousand Palms between 10am to 4pm Monday through Saturday, (951) 358-7387. She is dog ID#A1645576. The shelter also has a foster program to help you become a “foster failure”!
Given the second chance home she deserves, Pepper will become the “best friend” dog she was meant to be after a few days in your home. Her grateful heart may transform quickly when she senses your intent, and in turn she will bring you holiday joy. Sometimes good things come to those who wait. Christmas is the time for miracles, and Pepper dreams to have a loving family for the holidays.
