Pepper
Name Pepper
Gender Female
Age 4 years old (As of 3/24/2026)
Breed Havanese mix
Weight 10-11lbs.
Dog Good with dogs
Cat N/A
Kids Good with kids
Crate-trained Good in crate
Housebroken Yes
Leash Good on leash
Adoption fee $550
Location Fostered in San Jose, CA
Hi. I’m Pepper. Well… that’s what they call me now.
I don’t remember what I was called before the shelter. I just remember being a stray with long, tangled fur that hurt every time I moved. By the time I arrived at the shelter, my coat was so matted they had to shave me. Let’s just say… it wasn’t exactly a salon-quality haircut. My foster mom promised I’d be gorgeous when my hair grew back, it did and I am!
The shelter guessed I was eight years old, but my vet says, “Nope!” I’m about four years old—young, spunky, and ready for my forever family.
I’m a petite little lady, weighing just under 11 pounds, with soft gray fur, white markings, and one adorable white foot that earned me the nickname “Boot.”
As for my breed? Your guess is as good as mine. Maybe a little Shih Tzu if you squint. Maybe some terrier. A dash of Chihuahua? Who knows? If “cute” were a breed… that’s definitely me.
I’m crate trained, potty trained, and I absolutely love car rides. No drooling, no barfing—I just relax in the back seat like a seasoned traveler.
I’m a champion napper, a professional lap lizard, and I hand out kisses like they’re free (because they are).
I love kids, adore other dogs, and have made some wonderful dog friends. Once I know another dog, I’m all about zoomies and playtime. Don’t let my size fool you—I can hold my own with the big dogs! I’ve never met a cat, so that’s still a mystery.
I’m also working on one little quirk: every once in a while, I decide certain people deserve a good barking. I don’t really know why! Because of that, I’d do best in a calm, predictable home with a smaller household—ideally one without a lot of visitors or frequent comings and goings. A quieter environment with patient adopters who can help me feel secure and continue building my confidence would be perfect for me.
My foster mom says I’m adorable, resilient, and full of personality. I think she’s right.
If you’d like to meet me, be sure to put your best paw forward on your application. My foster mom is pretty picky about where I spend the rest of my life. I’m worth it, trust me.
