The first half of 2015 was full of heartache and sadness. My then-boyfriend’s mother passed away in January, and my own mother was placed in hospice for cancer she’d been battling for years. I knew I wanted to adopt a dog, and all my friends agreed it would be good for me, but I didn’t want to bring another creature into the midst of my depression and grief. After my mother died in June of 2015, I started to seriously look again for a dog. Even though I was still grieving, I thought a dog could help distract me from my pain. If nothing else, who can be sad when looking at pictures of puppies?

I saw Pepper’s picture on AdoptAPet.com. Then called Janis, she was the cutest eight-week old border collie/blue heeler mix with big, floppy ears. She looked so curious and ready for an adventure. She had been brought from a full shelter to the Central Texas SPCA with her three sisters. I knew I had to meet her immediately, and once I did, I fell in love. But I wasn't the only one smitten with this puppy; I was one of several applicants to adopt her. After several days of waiting, I received the first good news I’d had all year: I was chosen to be this pup’s new mom! On August 8, 2015, I brought Janis home to her forever family and renamed her Pepper.

Raising my first puppy wasn’t easy at the beginning, but she provided such a great distraction. It was easier to get through each day when I knew this sweet girl would greet me with joy and happiness every time I came home. Her precious snuggles melted all of the stress and sorrow that had marked my life for so long. On the days that I didn’t think I could get out of bed, I did because of her. Our many walks and hikes, with plenty of sunshine and fresh air, helped me heal. I may have rescued her from the shelter, but she rescued me from my pain.

Over time, Pepper would become my navigator on road trips, keep me warm on camping trips, and blaze trails for me to follow up mountains and across rivers. While she was learning to fetch, and swim, and play, I was learning to move forward in my life with less sadness and more fun. She was the reason I met new friends, explored new places, and got out of my comfort zone. With Pepper by my side, I gained confidence and learned about tenacity, resilience, loyalty, and love. I never thought a dog could help me heal from the loss of my mother, but with the right timing and the right dog, anything can happen. I look forward to getting Pepper certified to be a therapy dog so she can bring comfort and joy to others who need it.