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.