Meet local pet Pepper a rescue puppy with “cat-like” characteristics and the star of the Instagram page @pepperjackcheesedog

Family member names Chris, Rob, Caroline, and RJ Miskewitz

Type of Breed Cavalier King Charles Spaniel mix

PET’S NAME Pepper

MALE OR FEMALE Female

PET’s AGE 1

Where/why did you get your pet?

We adopted her from a nonprofit rescue organization, White Diamond Double Merle Dane Rescue, located in South Jersey. I love Spaniels and I was following the organization’s journey to rescue the litter of Cavalier mix pups from a puppy mill in Ohio.

Anything special or unusual about your pet?

Her given name was Cheese, so we decided to change her name to a type of cheese. Pepper is short for Pepper Jack Cheese. She has her own Instagram page @pepperjackcheesedog.

She is cat-like. She can pounce from the floor to the arm of the sofa and land on all fours. She likes to lay behind your shoulders on the back of the sofa.

Any funny stories?

She loves to spin in circles, chasing her tail. Because it’s so long, like a cat tail, she catches it. We think she’s attracted to the white spot on the tip of her tail. Our son has discovered she is fascinated by chasing lasers around the house. How he figured this out was when he was using his laser, Pepper saw the light and dove feet first at the laser trying to catch it.

What do you like best about your pet?

She’s loving… she loves to snuggle and give hugs and kisses. She’s trusting and is friendly with other dogs and people.

How has the pet enriched your life?

She completes our family. Sparky was with us for 16 years, so when he passed we felt a void. Pets are like therapy, they provide a source of comfort and warmth.