Browse ›
A smiling white-haired woman in a green quilted vest poses cheek to cheek with a scruffy black and white mixed-breed dog. 1 / 33

Grandma Nell Held Up the Camera for a Selfie. Pepper Knew Exactly What to Do.

AI imagerescue muttgrandmaporch selfie

Cheek to cheek and grinning, Grandma Nell holds the camera out at arm's length and leans her snowy white curls against her best friend. Pepper, a scruffy black rescue mutt with a bright white chest and wiry eyebrows, presses in close and offers a lopsided, tongue-peeking smile of his own. Nell's sage green quilted vest is zipped over a soft gray top, little gold earrings catch the light, and the wooden porch behind them is crowded with potted herbs, a blue enamel pot, and a watering can resting by the rail.

Mixed-breed rescue dogs like Pepper often come with a little mystery about their background, and that is part of their charm. Every one is a unique blend of looks and personality. When adopting a rescue, it helps to ask the shelter or foster family about the dog's energy level, how he does with people and other pets, and any known habits. Many rescues settle in quickly, while others need a few weeks or months of patience to fully relax in a new home. A steady routine, gentle training with rewards, and plenty of quiet time help a rescue dog learn that this new place is safe.

Looking at Pepper's face here, it is clear he has found his place. He leans into Nell with the easy trust of a dog who knows he is home for good.

Some pictures are worth printing out, and this happy pair looks ready for the refrigerator door.

More from this collection

All 33 →
A white-haired woman in a quilted vest feeds ducks on a small pond while a scruffy black and white dog sits close by.The Ducks Paddled Right Up to Grandma's Hand. Pepper's Reaction Says Everything.A white-haired woman in a quilted vest naps on the lawn at dusk with her head resting on a sleeping black and white dog.Grandma Lay Down in the Grass at Dusk. She Found the Softest Pillow in Town.
A white-haired woman in glasses waters pink petunias from a metal can while a black and white dog with a red collar watches.Grandma Nell Was Watering Her Petunias. Pepper Took His Job Very Seriously.A white-haired woman in a navy quilted vest sits on a wooden dock holding a fishing rod as a black and white dog sniffs it.Grandma Brought Her Rod Down to the Foggy Dock. Pepper Had to Inspect It First.A white-haired woman in glasses and a green vest carries a small fluffy black and white dog up wooden porch steps at dusk.The Walk Ran a Little Long. Grandma Nell Made It Home With Pepper a Different Way.A white-haired woman in glasses reads a newspaper on a sofa while a black and white dog naps across her lap.Grandma Nell Opened the Morning Paper. Pepper Opened Up Her Whole Lap.