While most dogs take a while to get used to a new environment, some pups just know: “This is it! This is where I belong!”
No doubts. No second-guessing. No untrustworthy looks. No hiding under the bed…just their new hooman, and endless cuddle sessions awaiting.
Pepper, a few-week-old Labrador puppy, is definitely one of those dogs. Despite being a shelter pup, when this tiny cuddle bug finally climbed into her foster dad’s lap and took the coziest nap ever on his shoulder, she knew it: this was the person to hold onto.
The Video That Warmed Hearts
Monte, a Florida foster and a shelter volunteer, initially planned to keep her for a week and give her the chance to decompress from the shelter environment. Little did he know that she would take that job “too seriously!”
On her very first day in her new foster dad’s home, Pepper already felt like a brand-new dog.
She dazzled her foster with her cheerful spirit, showered him with love, and then, as an ultimate act: she stole his heart!
After the first hour of getting to know each other, Pepper literally climbed into her dad’s arms and fell asleep on his shoulder.
The Florida foster, who expected Pepper to be friendly due to her breed, didn’t know the bond would be made so quickly!
With Pepper sleeping on his shoulder, Monte decided to take a video, only for it to become viral days later.
“I’m fostering a shelter pupper for a week. This is not even an hour into meeting her and she’s already like this…how am I supposed to give her back,” the video text reads.
Monte had a serious dilemma. How could he return a puppy this sweet to the shelter? However, his decision not only melted hearts, but actually helped Pepper find the perfect home only a few days later!
Pepper’s Sweet Update
Pepper, a dog from Santa Rosa County Animal Services, Florida, sure stole Monte’s heart. However, due to his fostering commitment and ownership of two retired, bomb-sniffing Shepherds, he wasn’t able to keep Pepper for good.
Monte knew that, with Pepper’s personality, she wouldn’t have trouble finding a suitable home. And that way, he could continue to foster other shelter dogs and make room for more doggy day-outs he regularly takes part in.
Turns out, he wasn’t wrong at all! A few days later, Pepper was officially adopted by Monte’s friend — and she’s already thriving in her new home.
She had the best sleep on her very first night and a fabulous walk in the park the next day. Needless to say, she loved it!
“She had her first night at our house and slept great! I just took her on her first walk at the park and she loved it…..but she got way too tired and I had to carry her like a baby all the way back to the car,” Joey wrote in an Instagram post.
There’s no doubt Pepper is going to be her new family’s sweetheart.
This cute Lab has already stolen their hearts, and it won’t be long before she takes over the entire home – and turns into her family’s little queen!