Meet Pippa, a ten-year-old Pug with a sugar-dusted face and a heart that has loved deeply her entire life.
Until recently, Pippa had only ever known one home. She spent her whole life devoted to her owner — a retired woman who was her person in every sense of the word. When her beloved owner passed away at the end of December, Pippa’s world changed overnight. She didn’t lose her sweetness, though. She simply carried her love with her, waiting for somewhere new to place it.
Now fostered in South Windsor, CT near Hartford, Pippa is writing her next chapter — and it’s a beautiful one.
When Pippa first came into rescue, a tiny bump was discovered on her shoulder. It was diagnosed as a mast cell tumor, a word that understandably sounds scary. But here’s the part that matters most: it was low grade (level 2), successfully removed with clean margins, and she is fully healed. No additional treatment is needed at this time. As with any older and wiser gal, she will just need to be monitored. She may be up for some dental care but that will be up to her new best friend. Pippa is feeling fantastic — vibrant enough that people regularly mistake her for a much younger pug.
And she certainly acts like it.
Each morning begins with hopeful eyes and a soft little wiggle. She enjoys short walks where she can take her time investigating every scent along the way but don’t let that fool you. She has pep in the her step and walks more like a spry pixie. If there’s a fenced yard, she’ll happily explore — carefully circling and “mapping” out the perfect potty spot with impressive dedication. (If she’s on leash, prepare to spin a little — she takes her job seriously.)
Indoors, Pippa is friendly, affectionate, and wonderfully laid back. She knows no strangers and greets visitors with warmth rather than barking. She lived peacefully with a small male dog in her previous home and has been content as a solo pup in foster. She did well around middle-school-aged grandchildren but, at this stage in life, truly thrives in a quieter home without young children under five.
Her joys are simple and endearing: baby carrots hidden in her snuffle mat (she will twirl and “sing” while waiting for them), her Woof Pupsicle treat toy, the occasional stuffed toy, and most importantly — resting beside her person. After a little enrichment and a short walk, she’s happiest curled up on the couch… or even better, sleeping in bed with her human.
And here’s what makes Pippa especially special: she bonds deeply. Historically, she has gravitated toward the female of the household, forming a strong and loving attachment. She doesn’t have separation anxiety when left alone — she calmly sleeps on the couch when her people go out for 4–6 hours — but she does prefer not to be gated away from her person when they’re home. Being physically closed off makes her anxious, though she has already made progress in foster. She simply loves being near her human and cherishes that closeness.
Pippa is housebroken, knows “sit,” and has no aggression or bite history. She is not crate trained and would do best in a home that doesn’t require it. She’s currently eating a white fish–based diet due to a suspected chicken allergy and is doing well.
Her ideal home? Quiet homebodies, retirees, a single woman, or a couple (young or older) who appreciate a loyal shadow and gentle companion. She would flourish in a suburban or rural setting, especially a single-family home, though she doesn’t require a large yard. Experience with dogs is a plus — not because she’s difficult, but because she deserves someone who understands how meaningful that close bond will be.
One small note: Pippa is still working on her car confidence. She may whine and pant during rides, though she’s improving with practice. Having a second passenger sit with her helps tremendously.
Pippa has already loved once in her lifetime — beautifully and completely. She is ready to love again with that same devotion. She will make her person feel chosen, adored, and deeply connected.
All she needs now is someone ready to be her next forever.
