Fostering Sometimes Means Expecting the Unexpected

Pepper is now ready for her forever family.

“There’s a puppy on my living room floor!”  That’s not a phrase we hear very often, even being steeped in rescue.  But that’s the message that Silicon Valley Pet Project (SVPP) Foster Manager Andrea Lee received from foster mom Laura Bower late on Friday night in September. That evening — and unexpectedly — her new foster Chihuahua, Pepper, gave birth to four puppies at her home.

Every foster journey is different.  And, they all matter.  With twists and turns, ups and downs, surprises and challenges, the end result is saving a life – and in this case, five.

Just a few weeks prior, Laura had volunteered to foster Pepper, in part, because Laura’s own dog, Jilly, was so calm with her.  At about 9 months old and just a puppy herself, Pepper started showing signs of a first possible heat cycle just a few weeks after settling in at Laura’s home.  Little did Laura or SVPP know that a litter was on the way.  

Pepper debuted her puppies at a recent adoption event.

Laura had been a little concerned about Pepper and made an appointment at her vet for a visit the very next day.  

“I was only sure Pepper was pregnant the night she gave birth!  I was suspicious that she was, and had made an appointment for an examination with my vet – which I completely forgot about with four newborns in the house.”

Laura, Andrea and SVPP came together to make sure Pepper and the newly named “spice” pups were healthy and well.  After three weeks,  another foster took the new family and now, Pepper is back with Laura, exhibiting all of the energy and spunk of a puppy herself.  The spice pups are awaiting their own spay and neuter appointments to avoid any more surprises!

Foster mom Laura with Jilly and Pepper

While Laura is new to fostering and Pepper is only her second experience, one lesson she has learned (times five!) is that you have to be patient and flexible. Foster manager Andrea Lee emphasizes this.

"Although we try to get as much information as possible about pets we rescue, you really never know what you’re going to get.  In some ways, you have to expect the unexpected. But in the end, it’s all worth it!  It’s another life saved.”

Now that mommy duty is behind her, Pepper is ready for her forever family!  You can find out more information about her here.  

With shelters in crisis and over capacity, fostering and adopting are more essential than ever in saving lives.  If you are interested in your own foster journey or want to find out about adopting a dog or cat, puppy or kitten, please go to www.svpetproject.org.

Karen Zamel is a long time SVPP volunteer and foster and part of the communications team.