Pepper is not really a Dalmatian, despite looking very much like one. She's a half Dalmatian and German Shorthair.

"Her mother was a pure bred Dalmatian ", said her owner Paul Davison, "and she used to belong to a man that had a 'Whirligig" that he had up at the Summer fest in the Junction. Her mother was like a mascot for him. Her name was Pebbles. She had glasses (...) and I saw that she was pregnant so I asked about her (...) He was going to give away the puppies since they weren't full Dalmatian. So I got the first one."

Pepper is now 13 years old.

She has gained a few extra pounds in the last couple of years and is now on a special diet of Iams dog food, and she goes for walks, mostly around the neighborhood but often at Westcrest Dog Park. She weighs 80 lbs but should weigh 70 lbs.

Treats for Pepper are special dog cookies.

Davison notes that Pepper has a special behavior when she wants attention or wants to go outside. "She snaps" he said quickly opening and closing his mouth in imitation." She doesn't bark, she snaps and a lot of people think that's kind of unique to her character. It's kind of like she's sassing you a little bit."

She's all dog though and the proof is that "On a Sunday we made a small roast and our kitchen is upstairs we we hang out downstairs. So the roast was on the kitchen counter breathing and she went up there and ate the whole thing," he said laughing. "We had something different that night for dinner."

How to nominate your pet for Pet of the Week:
Want to nominate your pet for Pet of the Week? Stop by the VCA West Seattle Animal Hospital at 5261 California Ave. S.W. and just ask for a form. A nomination is not a guarantee of appearance and your name and photo may appear in our newspaper and online.

Photos may or may not be used and our "Pet Reporter" may be in touch with you to arrange to take a photo. Pets nominated will be chosen on the basis of uniqueness of the pet and the quality of the story and information submitted.