Wednesday, August 9, 2006

Luna

As told by Luna's owners

Well, the story of Luna must first begin with a brief background about her two older brothers, Benjamin & Henry. We bought Benjamin & Henry from a local pet store in Maryland. We had not done any type of research about how to go about getting a dog, especially a pug but just knew we wanted one and maybe even 2 pugs. So, we got put on a waiting list for when they would have 2 male pug puppies available to purchase.

About a month later we got a call from the pet store saying they had two pug puppies. Excited, we went to pick up Benjamin on a Thursday and picked up Henry the following day. They were 1 week apart in age. Benjamin was completely adorable, but Henry, if I am to be perfectly honest, wasn’t exactly a looker. His eyes were really bulgy and his head was out of proportion with his body. Henry had a good personality, though and he was still cute in an odd way.

Over the next year or so, both the boys had a wide variety of illnesses. Benjamin had mange, Henry had had his foot broken prior to being given to us (but we had not been told), and both boys had chronic bouts of diarrhea. Benjamin later also developed pancreatitis and Henry needed surgery on his knee due to patellar luxation. Through all of these experiences, we learned that the boys were puppy mill puppies.

We decided at that point that if we were ever going to get another pug, we would rescue one. Fast forward to almost 4 years later when we applied for a rescue. We went to Compassionate Pug Rescue and filled out an adoption application. We knew we really wanted a girl because we noticed that when we would go to the dog parks or on walks, the boys would play best with the girl dogs. That was late August 2006.

Marcia, from CPR, called us in early October to discuss a pug she thought would be a good match for our family. She told us about a male pug that they were trying to place and only briefly mentioned Luna. I quizzed Marcia about Luna. Marcia told us that Luna had lived with a few people in the same family over the last 4-6 months before she was turned over to CPR. Marcia also told us about Luna’s medical issues. She had chronic dry eye, she had lots of missing fur from perhaps, untreated mange or maybe a hormonal imbalance. The foster mom was waiting on some test results. We weren’t sure what her medical condition was for sure. It didn’t matter to us, though, we wanted Luna. We knew we could help her get healthy. So, we told Marcia that Luna was the one for us. Marcia was happy for all of us. She realized she found a good home for Luna and knew that we would be very happy with her. There were some technicalities to iron out but soon Luna would be home with us, where she belonged.

Luna stayed in foster care for about another month and then it was time for us to go pick her up to bring her to her forever home. We all (Benjamin & Henry included) met Marcia & Luna at a pug festival in Hollywood, Florida which is about a 3 1/2 hour drive, one way, from our home. We completed the adoption papers and got gitty over the fact that we had a new addition to the family.

We reflect now about how surprised we were that Luna was so tiny. She weighed about 11 pounds and was a very petite little girl. She did have patches of missing fur but her eye really was the worst. Her right eye could barely close because it was so dry. There was almost no lubrication to allow her eye lid to slide over her eye. Marcia gave us the drops that she was currently on that helped the condition slightly. She was adorable but she definitely needed to get healthy. We knew we could make that happen.

So, we enjoyed the pug event with not 2, but 3 pugs now in tow. It was quite a unique experience because it seemed apparent that Luna may have never been on a leash. She had no idea of who to follow, where to go and she constantly got her leash wrapped around trees, picnic table legs, trash cans, etc. If there was an obstacle to go around, Luna went the opposite direction of everyone else. She was a tangled mess.

Luna in the car with her new brothers, Benjmain & Henry

Luna sleeping in the car during the long drive home.

Knowing that we had a long ride home, our stay at the pug festival was short. We did stay long enough to see a costume contest and to peek at some of the vendors’ goods, but that was about it. We were prepared for Luna. The boys always ride in the back seat wearing seat belts attached to their harnesses and we made sure Luna had a harness and a seat belt. The 3 puggies loaded in the back of the truck, all buckled in and Luna fell right asleep. She had had a very big day. Benjamin & Henry settled into place not long after. We made the long drive back home.

When we got home, we went straight to the backyard. The goal was to have the boys & Luna play some in the backyard before we all went into the house so no one would feel territorial. That didn’t really pan out, but eventually we all made it into the house and everyone got along pretty well. That night was a little chaotic as Luna got up several times through the night: sometimes to go potty, sometimes just checking things out around the house. We were a little worried that this was her routine but didn’t jump to conclusions. She had been in several places and it would take her a little time to realize that she was in her forever home.

Shortly after Luna got settled, it was time to take her to see some specialists. She had to go to an eye specialist and a skin specialist. It was quite fortunate that we found an eye & skin place together. Unfortunately, it is about an hour away from the house. Nonetheless, we took Luna to the specialists where they performed many tests on her skin and checked out her eyes. The dermatologist basically said that the fur would probably not grow back in many of the spots and only maybe would grow back in the others. (Today’s update: Only minor spots of fur have come back but she is no worse for the wear.) The optomologist said that she has chronic dry eye and she will have to be on eye drops for the rest of her life. (Update: Luna's condition is better and we are trying to find the exact combination of drops that work the best.)

As far as “fitting in” with the pack, Luna thinks she is queen of the pack. She loves the boys and they love her. They cuddle, tease, run and play, altogether. We’ve had the boys for 4 years and Luna for about 6 months, but it seems like we’ve had them all forever. They are our babies. They are the pack. Luna is in her forever home and we couldn’t be happier.

Wednesday, July 26, 2006

Maggie

Told by Melinda Kulick

My old Pug, Muggs, was very old. Weekly visits to the vet were not as effective as the year before. Dr. Wen let me know, Muggs did not have much time left.

"How will I know when it’s time?" I asked. Dr. Wen’s eyes were sad. He knew we adored Muggs. "When his tail stops wagging and he can’t eat for three days. You’ll know." My friend Jill heard how sick Muggs was and encouraged me to get another Pug. “You can’t be Pugless,” she’d exclaim. I resisted, and countered with, "How can any Pug replace Muggs? I don’t think I’ll ever want another Pug."

Jill, in her wisdom, let Marcia of Compassionate Pug Rescue in FL, know that her friend "might be" interested in a Pug. Marcia told Jill, a young female Pug named Baby had come into her hands just recently. Marcia thought Baby just might fit the bill. Marcia e-mailed Jill a picture of Baby. Jill phoned me all excited to tell me that, “This is not a pet store quality Pug, it’s not often Marcia gets such a good Pug." Then Jill forwarded the photo to me and when I opened the attachment – the Cutest Pug face was looking right into my eyes. I burst out in tears – "She’s mine. I know she’s meant to be mine." I called Jill up all excited and Jill vouched for me to Marcia that I am a true Pug-0-phile. “What will you call her?” Jill inquired. "Maggie, her name will be Maggie!" I said. I printed out her picture and when Don, my husband, saw her and how excited I was he agreed I could go and adopt Maggie (formerly known as Baby). This set into action a trip to FL.

The trip down to FL was a blur. I had a wonderful evening with Jill’s parents, who took me out to dinner. That night I met wonderful, warm Marcia. It was decided I could stay at Marcia’s house the night before I was to return to New York. I couldn’t wait to meet Maggie, I hoped she be as lovable as Willa - a pug Jill’s Mom had adopted from Compassionate Pug Rescue. I could not imagine a Pug as cute as Willa. She danced and screamed a special food song for her dinner and secretly I wished I had been the one to adopt Willa. But, honestly, to see how Willa was doted on tickled me. I knew she was with the right owner.

When I finally got to Marcia’s, I sat nervously in Marcia's living room, awaiting my new adoptee….when bounding down the stairs came an exuberant Pug, mixed in with about five other Pugs. Most of these Pugs were much older and owned by Marcia. Maggie not only flew by me – she completely ignored me – she proceeded to jump up on every chair and leap from chair to couch then raced in the kitchen, back out and up the stairs. A few seconds later this whirling dervish was back down the stairs racing around the room like a Tasmanian devil. My heart sank. Not only was my poor old Muggs literally on his last legs, my husband was ill with cancer. How can I bring this hyper-active dog back home with me? How could I subject Muggs and my frail husband Don, to this devil dog? My heart sank, and I squirmed in the chair. My voice almost stuck in my throat as I told Marcia – "I don’t think she likes me. I thought she was the one – but, maybe I made a mistake. She goes to you and ignores me." Marcia smiled and leaned over and patted my hand. "Why don’t you give it a night – sleep with her, then maybe you will bond with her."

"I doubt it I thought," I had a sinking feeling I was going to be going back alone on that plane. “Sorry honey”, I’d say, “we gave it a try, she just didn’t work out – she was too wild.” I had already started to rehearse what I would tell my husband. I was sad I had wasted time and money to be so disappointed by this impish Pug.

Before we went out to a diner for coffee, Marcia assigned me to poopey duty. "Here", she said as she handed me a leash, why don’t you take "Maggie" out for a walk (now mind you before I came down, I had told Marcia and Jill I planned to change the adopted Pug’s name to Maggie. I always promised Muggs one day he’d have a girlfriend. I just didn’t realize he’d be over 90 years old in dog age and Maggie would be like Anna Nicole Smith!) I was uncomfortable with this new assignment, but complied. Maggie walked me – she pulled on her leash the whole time, and I prayed she’d do her business fast. She didn’t disappoint me. She tugged me back home and seemed as glad to be rid of me as I was to be rid of her.

After the diner we came back and once again it was poopey duty. This time I felt a bit like a pro. After our walk I talked for a while with Marcia, but it was getting late and there was the trip to the airport tomorrow. "You and Maggie go up stairs and get a good night’s sleep. You girls can bond." Marcia repeated and gave me that big warm smile.

I settled into bed and looked down at that little Pug. She had finally seemed to calm down a bit. She tilted her head as she looked up at me. She put her paws up on the side of the bed. Then hunched back and sprang up onto the bed with me. A bit surprised and pleased, I made room for Maggie. Next thing I knew she snuggled right next to me…then she managed to maneuver into the crook of my arm and flipped on her back so I could rub her tummy. She made a pleasing snorkeling sound while I rubbed her belly. My heart started to melt – I felt her sweet spirit, and knew new my first impression of her had been wrong. She was NOT a devil, she was an ANGEL.

The next morning Maggie gave me more attention. I could tell her loyalty was divided between Marcia and me. Marcia reassured me. “She was with me for a few days – now she is getting used to you. You’re her new Mom. Everything will be fine. So, how was your night?" Marcia asked, with a sage grin. "Great, I think she likes me. I think she’s really sweet." It was a done deal. I signed the paperwork and we started to get ready to go to the airport.

Jill’s Mom lent me her Sherpa Bag to transport Maggie. When I got to the airport I had trouble at the check in. "That bag is too big," the attendant stated.

"But, it meets all these airline standards." I flashed the card attached to the bag. Just a minute she said and when she came back she had the equivalent of a large lunch box. "This is the size that we allow; it has to fit under the seat." I looked at this carrier that the smallest Chihuahua would have a had time squeezing into. "No way I’m going to put my dog in that!" I insisted. That would be animal abuse. We were at an impasse. "Look," I said, "my ride has left, I have to get back to NY and I’m going on that plane." After ten more minutes of supervisors looking over my Sherpa bag – it was agreed, Maggie and I could board the plane – I had paid extra money for her passage for goodness sake! The trip was miserable.

There was a mean steward who kept trying to shove Maggie all the way under the seat. "You are going to break her bones if you shove her any further!" I snapped. "She has to be all the way under the seat, Maman," he said icily. I saw the mesh pressing into Maggie’s muzzle, so I pulled the bag out just a little bit. The steward walked by again, and proceeded to shove Maggie back under. Of course I had to pull her back out and I put my hand inside the bag to comfort her. I was amazed that Maggie did not whimper, or make a peep – not one bark of complaint. I was impressed. When I arrived in NY I was anxious to let her out of the bag – it seemed an eternity before my bags arrived on the carrousel. My husband Don was alerted that we had arrived and was circling the pick up area. When I let her out of the bag – she proceeded to kiss me all the way from the airport to home with one break where she looked up and over at Don. She put a paw on his shoulder and gave him a kiss on the cheek! He was hooked!

When we brought Maggie in she went right up to Muggs. Nose to nose, both tails wagging. Success! Over the next two months Maggie took care of Muggs. She would put her head under his hind quarters and push him to his dog bowl. She would then nudge him down the steps and push him back up after he did his business. She would then proceed to give him a thorough bath. This he did not always welcome. When Dr. Wen came to put him to sleep she was in the room with us. Only one month later she was in the room when my husband was dying. She sensed something was wrong and went ballistic. To calm her down we just put her up on the bed. She went up by his head, laid as still as a sphinx. She kept vigil with us and was part of the circle of prayer and love that supported my husband as he took his last breath.

Maggie, Bailey and their friend the St. Bernard

I call Maggie the healer of broken hearts. When I laid on the couch and cried the days after I buried my husband, Maggie would climb onto my chest right over my heart. It felt like she was a sponge soaking up my pain. I always felt relief after Maggie did this. I never felt alone, with my little buddy tagging alongside me through every chore in the house. Or sleeping with me, to hear her quiet snore was a comfort. I vowed not to let Maggie be alone like Muggs had been, so I got Bailey, a young black female Pug. Maggie adopted Bailey. Bailey became Maggie’s shadow. Everywhere Maggie is Bailey is right alongside her. At night Bailey uses Maggie as her comfort pillow. They wash each other. Play with each other. And best of all love each other. But, that is not the end of their story. My boyfriend has a St. Bernard, which now thinks it’s a Pug.

Wednesday, July 12, 2006

Pete

As told by Stacy.

I would like to introduce you to Pete Petrikas. He is a 10 year-old survivor (stud) of an Amish Puppy mill. Pete was rescued by Green Mountain Pug Rescue when he went to auction on May 9, 2006. At that time, he weighed a mere 16 lbs and was in severe need of dental work. After expensive dental surgery, Pete is left with 2 teeth. He also has a permanent hump on his back due to living in a crate for 10 years, severe joint ailments, several inter-digital cysts, an infection and scar tissue in his lungs. All of which were caused by his horrendous living conditions. These are just a few of the medical conditions which we can see. What we can not see are the scars caused by a lifetime of abuse from being held as a prisoner of GREED, treated as livestock with no regard for one of God’s creatures.

This picture is Pete today, he is the one smiling big, sitting on my daughters lap. He is now living with my family in upstate New York. Pete could teach us all a thing or two in the power of forgiveness. Although Pete’s body is 10 years old, he has the spirit of a puppy. With each new day, he experiences life for the first time - standing in grass, smelling the flowers, watching the birds on the fence, learning to climb stairs, sleeping in a soft bed surrounded by his loving family, tasting bologna, a walk on a leash (but because of Pete’s first 10 years he can not walk far so we have purchased a dog stroller for him), the taste of ice cream, a warm bubble bath...

I feel extremely blessed to have been given the opportunity to adopt Pete. He is my child, my family in every since of the word. He teaches me everyday to appreciate the little things in life and to cherish the moments of simplicity for they do not last long before they become memories. I have made a vow to Pete that the first 10 years of his life will not be in vain

Pete’s travels started in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania 10 years ago. After being used as a stud for 10 years, Pete was sent to Ohio to be auctioned off. He was vetted and neutered in Ohio, sent to New Hampshire then on to South Wallingford, Vermont to his foster home. Green Mountain Pug Rescue is an amazing group. Each person involved truly loves pugs, but as we all know once you have been pugged there is no turning back. One look into Pete’s beautiful eyes and I knew I had loved him long before I had even heard his name. There is something so special about this little man. One moment in his presence can take a bad day and make it the best day ever.

Wednesday, June 28, 2006

Chucky

Told by Rachel

Our daughter is a registered veterinarian technician. We had conveyed to her that we were looking for a companion for Buster, our Boston Terrier who was one year old at the time. He too is a rescue dog. He looks forward to playing soccer almost every day with a beach ball of the same size. Somehow inspite of all his activity we sensed that he was in need of a four footed companion. She called us and said that a dog ten months old, had been brought into the clinic and the owners had given him up to be adopted. She said it was a pug and he and Buster would do well together.

We knew nothing about the pug's background. For starters we didn't know he was trained to do his business indoors on newspapers. You can only imagine the frustration for us and Chucky. To him, outdoors was our indoors and indoors was his outdoors. Then one day my husband noticed his attraction to a sheet from the newspaper and Chucky enthusiasm to mark it. Now we got it. The process of training him outdoors began. It took a month of close observation but now no more guessing.

The second phase was chewing. It seems he was weaned too soon and to this day he will roll a part of the sheet into a nipple and suck. It didn't take too many days before we realized that we had a challenge before us. We are very thankful that we were here for his rescue. I can only realize what his life would have been, to be repeatedly taken from one family to another. With time and patience his obsession of chewing is diminishing. Our veterinarian would not put him on meds and in retrospect I now know he was right. Chucky's drive to chew has lessened from when he first came to us three years ago.

Chucky and Buster

Chucky and Buster are inseparable. Where ever we are so are they. They are a smaller version of our shadows. We are fortunate to have found each other. Yes, Chucky is a 29 pound lap dog and will be four years old in October. He will maneuver his body to accommodate a comfortable position on our lap. Yes, everyone is his friend.

Wednesday, June 7, 2006

Warrick - The Saddest Pug No More

My name is Ann Colby. I work for and do fostering for Central Florida Pug Rescue, a newly formed pug rescue organization serving Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Lake and Brevard counties in Florida. This past April I was called to pick up and foster an owner surrender in Titusville. Warrick was an older male pug, exact age unknown, with a checkered history, passed from one owner to another and unsettled for most of his life. When I picked him up he was about 10 lbs underweight, had a severe bronchial infection and infected eyes, was missing large patches of hair on his legs and hindquarters and was the saddest, most withdrawn pug I had ever seen in my life. He went with me willingly but without enthusiasm and lay quietly in my car for the drive back to Winter Park, barely lifting his head. When we arrived home, Warrick was enthusiastically greeted by the home pack, 2 pugs, Bailey and Julia, and two other rescues of indeterminate breed, Rohan and Jana, but he wanted nothing to do with them, preferring to lie down in a dark corner. He carried his tail straight down, never curled…a sure sign of a pug with no self esteem…a real anomaly in the pug world I'm used to seeing. I knew then and there my new goal in life was to make The Saddest Pug in the World smile.

Warrick cracks a smile after receiving some much needed TLC from his new family.

First he had an immediate trip to the vet, to start treatment for the bronchial infection, deep hacking cough and runny eyes. He also started getting three substantial meals a day, home cooked chicken breast, brown rice and vegetables, supplemented with snacks of salmon and pieces of fruit. But most of all, my husband and I started him on a 24 hour diet of hugs, praise, cuddling and one-on-one play time. He joined Bailey and Julia in our bed every night to sleep…and here the other two pugs joined our efforts, thoroughly bathing Warrick every night before settling in. Within the week his health started to improve, his fur started to grow back in and he started gaining weight. By the second week with us, the miracle started to happen…Warrick's tail started to curl upwards. By the third week we got great big pug grins! Warrick has now been with us for two months, and has morphed into a happy, healthy, joyful pug. And we have a new, full-time family member…because there is no way I'll ever risk the return of the Saddest Pug in the World!

Warrick hanging out with his brother Bailey

Another happy note…a few weeks ago I started fostering another pug for CFPR, a young male named Oliver who is almost completely blind. As soon as he arrived, Warrick became his special mate, leading him around the house and yard, sharing meals with him and cuddling next to him at night. Warrick has become my Assistant Rescue Pug…ready to share with the new guys and girls the happiness and security he knows is his forever.