Our Story

The Archives: Pepper & Co. Backstory

It all started with a little British Shorthair cat named Tina.

My partner and I had always dreamed of having a cat, but we couldn’t bring ourselves to buy a kitten when so many precious animals were waiting for loving homes in shelters. Adoption didn’t go as smoothly as we’d hoped, though—every time we reached out, we were turned away because of our lack of experience as pet parents. That is, until we stumbled upon a little miracle on Kijiji. That’s when we found our adorable Pepper.

Tina, originally named by her previous owners, was being rehomed because one of them was allergic to cats. It turned out she had been cared for by this family on behalf of a friend who no longer wanted her. When we first met Tina, she was curled up in a pet carrier, her eyes full of sadness. But we were determined to give her a life full of love and comfort. First things first: we decided to give her a fresh start with a brand new name. We chose Pepper, in honor of the friendly neighborhood cat who often wandered through our yard—always so cheerful and carefree. We wanted Pepper to live her best, worry-free life too.

And boy, did she settle in fast. On day one, she claimed all the cozy spots—blankets, pillows, and the bed. It was clear she had perfected the art of relaxation! She was the most gentle, peaceful cat either of us had ever met. No hissing, no biting, no scratching—just sweet head bumps and a lot of belly flips. It was hard to believe anyone could have ever wanted to part with her.

But then, we noticed something. Pepper’s breathing was a little loud. The previous owners said it was just her breed’s short nose, but something didn’t seem right. She also seemed underweight for a three-year-old, only about 8 pounds. So, off to the vet we went.

The next six months were a whirlwind of vet visits, tests, and medications. After much care, it turned out that Pepper had neglected allergies that had led to some serious infections. But with a little time, patience, and lots of love, Pepper was back to her healthy, happy self! And now, we can laugh at the fact that we both sneeze together from our shared allergy experience.

As we saw Pepper’s transformation, we began to realize just how deeply pets can touch our hearts. The bond between us and our little furball grew stronger every day, and we wanted to share that joy with others. That’s when Pepper & Co. was born.

Our mission was simple: create an online pet shop that not only offered high-quality products but also helped build a community of love and care for animals. Every product would be crafted with the same affection we had for Pepper, ensuring that our customers knew their pets were getting only the best. And of course, Pepper became the face of the shop, a little reminder of how far she had come and how much love and care can change lives.

Today, Pepper is thriving and continues to brighten our daily pursuits. We couldn’t have imagined a more perfect mascot for our shop, and we are so grateful for the journey that brought us here. From a sick, scared little cat to the mascot of a thriving pet shop, Pepper is the heart and soul of everything we do—and her story is the sweetest reminder that love, patience, and a little bit of kindness can create something truly magical.

Here’s a photo from Pepper's 6th birthday!