“What kind of dog is she?” asked the friendly woman at the kennel where I take Pepper for Doggy Daycare. She was picking up her dog too. I’ve only been asked about a thousand times, and I never have just the right answer. “She is – a black dog. We tell her all the time that she won the genetic lottery,” I said, smiling, as Pepper jumped up on me, joyfully celebrating our reunion. Pep then proceeded to make friends with the woman and her yellow lab, and we walked out to our cars together.
“It would have been nice if you could have refrained from jumping up on that lady,” I told Pepper driving home.
“But she was nice! And I could tell that she liked me!” Pepper enthused.
About a month ago, my husband ordered a genetic test for Pepper – one of those tests where you swab the cheek for saliva and send it to a lab. We’d acquired Pep as a 5-pounder from a shelter and had often wondered what circumstances led her to walking the streets, with her 6-pound sister, when they were tiny pups.
The results came back, and we were surprised.
We’d thought, given her silky coat, that she might be part spaniel. We’d thought, given her athleticism and body shape, that she might be part border collie. We had been almost certain that she was part lab, given her face.
We learned that Pep is a lab-pit bull mix. A bit more lab. With some German shepherd and Boxer for seasoning.
What?
I have nothing against pit bulls. I understand that they are loyal and fierce family dogs. But – you know, their their loyalty and ferocity have been abused. They’ve got a bit of a reputation.
“Peppy,” I told her. “You need to sit down. We’ve gotten the results back from your genetic testing.”
“Okay,” she said, getting cozy on her favorite small sofa in the kitchen.
“You are a lab-pit bull mix,” I told her. “Isn’t that – fascinating?”
“I’ve always thought I was a lab mix!” she exclaimed – then her face fell. She paused, and continued more quietly. “But you always said I looked like a spaniel. And a border collie. I’m not sure about being half pit bull.”
I sat down on a chair beside her and stroked her beautiful face, her beautiful strong body.
“Am I… dangerous?” she whispered.
It was my turn to pause.
“Yes, you are dangerous,” I whispered back, my head close to hers. “You are dangerous because you are strong and fierce and true. You have love in your heart – and courage. At my best, I am dangerous, too,” I told her.
“Then we can be dangerous together,” she whispered back, and all was well in the world.
* * *
Note: My vet and other experienced professionals in the field question the results.
August 20, 2018 at 5:57 am
I’ve missed you, Pepper! I think your friend Hutch will be thrilled to hear about your German Shepherd seasoning! And I don’t know if the genetic test revealed it, but I believe your particular mix makes you an excellent judge of which people would enjoy a full-on jump hug. 🙂
August 21, 2018 at 11:52 am
Mary, you GET Pepper!! I love it!! xoxo
August 20, 2018 at 6:46 am
There’s danger in all of us. Beautiful story. I’ve got a tear in my eye.
August 21, 2018 at 11:52 am
Thank you so much, Gretchen – there’s no bigger compliment. xoxo
August 20, 2018 at 7:49 am
I got our dog Banner at the Avery County Animal Shelter in North Carolina, and he’s beautiful inside and out. When people ask “What kind of dog is he” I say, “good dog”. That even throws the Vet a curve.
August 21, 2018 at 11:53 am
Kathy, I’m borrowing your line going forward! First and foremost, Pepper is a Good Dog. Like Banner. Thank you so much for being in touch! xoxo
August 20, 2018 at 7:57 am
So beautiful, Jennifer! You are a very special storyteller. As another friend of mine says, “Some days I am more wolf than woman and I am still learning how to stop apologizing for my wild.”
August 21, 2018 at 11:55 am
Dearest Sylvia – Thank you for your kind comment, and also for sharing that provocative statement! You are good at remembering what people say. xoxo
August 20, 2018 at 8:25 am
Love, love your Pepper stories! Dogs, books and people – can’t tell what’s on the inside by looking at the outside. I always thought our Lily – who looked a bit like Pepper – was a black lab/border collie mix.
August 21, 2018 at 12:00 pm
I am so glad you enjoy these stories, Heather! And – the mystery of Lily’s heritage will remain a beautiful mystery. It actually feels a little strange to have this new knowledge about Pepper! xoxo
August 20, 2018 at 11:13 am
Wonderful post! Moved my thinking about pit bulls.
August 21, 2018 at 12:02 pm
Thank you, Julie! I’m still a little bit in shock that she’s got so much pit in her. Now that I know to look for it, I can see it in the shape of her body and in a certain squareness of jaw… xoxo
August 20, 2018 at 11:56 am
Hi! I am a Memphis lover of both books (currently Beth Ann Fennelly’s “Heating and Cooling: 52 Micro-Memoirs”) and bacon (Wright’s, currently with lettuce and Cherokee Purple tomatoes, the mayonnaise so tomato juice-heavy it drips off my chin onto my shirt). I also really enjoy your blog.
I’ve tried clicking on the “Contact” link several times, but it’s gibberish on my iPhone and laptop. What am I doing wrong?
Thanks, Suzanne
August 21, 2018 at 12:03 pm
Hi Suzanne! It’s so nice to hear from you, and I’m delighted that you enjoy the blog!! I’m so sorry the Contact link isn’t working. I’ll ask my tech person to take a look. In the meanwhile, feel free to email me at jenniferhpuryear@gmail.com. xoxo
August 20, 2018 at 7:11 pm
Great story Jennifer! Our daughter has a full-blooded Pitt bull dog named Butterschotch. She is a sweetheart! She might lick you to death but she has no mean bone in her body. We love her! You’re in good hands with Pepper.
August 21, 2018 at 12:04 pm
Hi Anna! It’s so terrific to hear from you – and I am glad to know about darling, sweet-tempered Butterscotch!! I look forward to seeing you very soon!! xoxo
August 21, 2018 at 8:52 am
Great story! I love the way you write for Pepper.
August 21, 2018 at 12:05 pm
Thank you so much, Judy – I truly appreciate it. She is an inspiring pup!! xoxo
August 21, 2018 at 9:02 pm
Love your storytelling! We are what we believe!
August 23, 2018 at 7:23 am
Beautifully said… thank you, Vanessa – xoxo
August 23, 2018 at 3:40 pm
One of your most beautiful, poignant posts ever. Thank you.