Meet Pepper Pepper is a 1 year old Lab Retriever and Mastiff mix, born on 3/24/25. She currently weighs around 60ish pounds and has a sleek black coat that matches her strong, athletic build. Once a tiny 10 pound puppy saved from a Bakersfield shelter, Pepper thought she had found her forever home. Now she is back with us through no fault of her own, waiting for the family who will give her the life she is meant for. Pepper is an incredibly intelligent, deeply connected dog who forms strong bonds with her people. She has a way of looking at you that makes it feel like she truly understands every word. Playful and full of life, her absolute favorite game is tug of war and she will happily play for hours if you let her. She loves children and has a gentle, affectionate side that shines in the home. When it is time to wind down, Pepper settles beautifully, whether that is relaxing in her crate or curling up on the couch next to you. She is also wonderfully social in the right settings and thrives in off leash environments, where she does great with other dogs. On leash, she can have some moments of excitement or reactivity toward other dogs, but she is very responsive to guidance and continues to improve with consistency. Pepper’s story started at the Bakersfield shelter, where she was one of ten puppies we saved from euthanasia in what we lovingly called our Superman group. Originally named Hawkgirl, she came into the shelter at just 10 pounds on 7/25/25. While not all from the same litter, she did have siblings by her side. After receiving her initial care and vaccinations with us, she was adopted into what we hoped would be her forever home. Unfortunately, due to changes in her adopter’s lifestyle and schedule, Pepper is being returned through no fault of her own. Now fully grown, Pepper is spayed, fully vaccinated, microchipped and has received excellent foundational training. She completed a 6 week course at Petco as well as a 2 week board and train program at Hollywood Dog Training School. She knows all her basic commands including sit, stay, come, here, and down, and is very eager to learn and please. She thrives with structure and enjoys having a routine. She currently eats Purina Pro Plan Adult Shredded Salmon and Rice, along with supplements recommended by her vet. Pepper will grow into an ideal companion for someone who is ready to continue guiding a smart, active, and loving dog. She would do best in a home that can provide consistency, daily exercise, and ongoing engagement, both mentally and physically. A family with children would be a wonderful fit, and a home comfortable continuing her leash training will help her continue to succeed. She would love a yard, playtime, and a person or family who sees her not just as a pet, but as a true companion.