How wrong we were!  Pepper has been an absolutely wonderful gift to us all.  Although she was apparently pampered in her very early life, later on things became rough.  She definitely shows signs of being mistreated and our hearts break each time we see her react as if expecting to be disciplined severely.  She is learning however, that this is a place of love and understanding where she can relax.

Her sad face is becoming softer and she is responding to our attention with kisses and wiggles.  She is learning to play with toys, and reaching out to us to play with her.  Her whimpers are less frequent, and she is adjusting to the routine of a busy house with two college age kids and their friends who take her for drives in the car (her absolute favourite thing...besides food!)

She has survived.  Pepper is a very strong girl.  Her wonderful foster Mom, Tara (and her Grampie and Grammie) boosted Pepper's confidence and gently passed her on to us with pride and love.  And through many emails, Grannie Annie held our hand while we went through the pre-adoption jitters.  We owe both these people many, many thanks.

Pepper's quilt square is a picture of our little lighthouse at what will be her summer place with us at our cottage on the beach in Cape Breton.  She loves the outdoors and we know she will love it there.  There are fields for her to run and a beach where everyone gathers.  There are wild strawberries in the grass and blueberry bushes to nibble.  The little red heart symbolizes how her little heart has brought so much love to us even in the short time she has been here, and for how much we love her already.  The big yellow sun is for all the sunshine she brings every day...once more, we are laughing together at a silly sheepie.

Our family is so thankful that some mystery of life brought us Pepper.  We are thankful to the Rescue angels who helped us be together...

...and we are very thankful that our quilt square was finished in time to be included in this amazing tribute to our sheepies!