Two P’s in a Pod – Pepper and Paluck

Growing up in the picturesque country of Oman, we two siblings always wanted a puppy at home. On one of my birthdays, a friend called and said a beautiful black female Labrador was looking for a home. As excited as I could be I set off to pick her up. Who wouldn’t want a cute three-month-old black Labrador puppy, right? Originally that little girl was named Pepper because of her beautiful all black coat. Unfortunately, back then our family was not ready to raise a dog. Within the next two hours, I had to request a friend to take care of her until we could find her a new home when she left mine.

Some connections are for life

In the time that followed, much has changed, we moved to Delhi and today our little Indie rescue, Pepper came to us at a very tough time. During the second wave of Covid, I had been diagnosed with a critical medical condition that required immediate attention. In that phase, I was approached to rescue one of the six puppies from a litter nearby. I have always wanted to adopt a dog. Never did it occur to me to buy one. Stuck by the phrase, ‘Adopt, don’t shop’. With almost no doubt I knew I was going to pick the female black one with a beautiful white chest patch and four little white paws that eventually became her identity. I then knew it was the return of my little girl “Pepper”.

From long days of wrapping my head around how I’m going to fight my illness to suddenly running around these baby paws, carrying the responsibility of training this little girl into a gorgeous young lady. The emotional bond between me and her became truly special, one that was forged during a difficult time in my life. In those moments of physical uncertainty and emotional weakness, she became my companion offering a sense of comfort that words can hardly describe. She became a healing source that made me feel less alone. Her loyalty and unconditional love became an anchor even on the darkest days. I knew I had to come back for her.

Pepper’s pawprints on my heart

We share a unique love language of our own. Her mischievous and playful nature, from asking for treats and nudging me to make her bed when it’s sleep time, to reminding me with her soft barks when it’s time for her walk, makes every day feel special. I like to call her a “talking dog”—she even invites us to the balcony to soak up the winter sun and turns back to ensure we are following her to her little sun-kissed party. It’s these simple moments of joy that light up my daily life.

Have you ever noticed how your dog starts to mirror your traits and unknowingly mimics your behavior? As my title states, we’re truly two peas in a pod, sharing qualities like stubbornness and a strong-willed nature. Just like me, Pepper can be fiercely determined and headstrong. She also has an incredible instinct to protect her loved ones, displaying unwavering loyalty and courage. It’s the little things she understands about me and the small details I recognize in her that make our bond unique.

A love like no other

The bond I share with Pepper is genuinely one of a kind, a deep connection built on trust, love, and care. She’s as shielding and affectionate towards me as I am to her. The training process has been two-way. As any dutiful dog parent would I had to teach her, “sit,” “stay,” and “no”, while she unknowingly taught me invaluable life lessons like patience, compassion, and living in the moment. From showing me the importance of responsibility in caring for her and demonstrating resilience by quickly bouncing back from challenges, she has given me the strength how to remain strong in tough times. Together, Pepper and I have come a long way.

Every day, I am reminded of how blessed I am to have her by my side. On days when I feel frail and unmotivated, not wanting to get out of bed, she reminds me how a simple outdoor walk can alter one’s mood. A lively young spirit that brings nothing but comfort & happiness to the lives of our family.

As the saying goes, “If you’re lucky, a dog will enter your life”—a truth I’ve experienced firsthand with my little one, Pep Pep as I lovingly call her.