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Pumbaa

Pumbaa is 2 years old and was turned over by his owner. The arrival of a new baby didn’t allow the family to give him the time and attention this young Pug deserved. He’s housetrained, up to date on his shots and loves the company of other pets. He’s playful and curious and has blended beautifully in his new home.

Poppy

This petite young female is was nicknamed "Ms Piggy" because instead of the typical Pug snort she squeals. She was brought in to the shelter as a stray. She’s a healthy playful girl. Her eye had to be removed and now she is be ready to be adopted. She’s a lap/velcro pug and loves to be cuddled and give kisses. Poppy is getting along with the other pets in her foster home and is housetrained. She walked in like she had always lived there. She stomped all over the dog beds, checked out all the toys, made sure she knew where the refrigerator was located! Patty has 4 Pugs of her own and Teddy, her month old is the only one that will play fetch with the stringy dental floss ball. She throws over and over and he gets it a million times. Poppy decided she would like to play and came out of the bedroom and ran straight for the ball and brought it back to Patty. Teddy just sat there and wondered what the heck? She beat him for the ball every time!! Teddy got fed up and left the room to pout. Ha, it was so funny. Poppy looked so pleased with herself! !Dr. Blackburn estimates her to be 3-5 year. She's a little comedian, confident and full of personality. It's hard to believe that she was a stray in a shelter and wasn't claimed by her owners.

Rascal

He's about 4 years old, another owner turnover. This dynamo is 15 lbs, and has a darling little face and cobby pug body as well as that perfect Pug temperament. He's FULL of energy & personality and has a mind of his own. He's housetrained and gets along with other dogs also. His foster fell in love with him and couldn't imagine ever letting him go!

Cindy

Cindy was rescued from the same puppy mill as Ginger and is 5 years old. It took all of 1 second for her to acclimate to the free world. Cindy had a prolapsed uterus and her breeder had recently had it sewn back in. Fortunately she decided against continuing to use her as a breeder and turned her over to rescue along with Ginger. Cindy has personality plus and is very playful. This little clown is housetrained and has made a wonderful addition to her new family who has 2 cats and children who adore her.

Chelsie

Hi Anna,

I thought I would give you an update on Little Miss Chelsie. The past 4 months with this little girl have been interesting. She and Roscoe have so much fun together, and they play hard!! They snuggle together once they get tired from playing, and Roscoe is constantly licking Chelsie's little face. It's so cute! We've discovered that even though she loves Roscoe, she is definitely more of a people person. She insists on being held if someone is sitting on the couch or in the office chair or even in the floor. She does like to be left alone for any reason. When we leave for work or go to bed, we baby gate the pugs in the kitchen. Every time we have to put her in the kitchen, she snubs us when we offer her a parting treat. One time, we gave her a treat prior to putting the gate up, and she was scarfing it down like she usually does. When we put the gate up, she immediately spit out the treat. You can't buy this girl off with anything!! Even though her normal bark is more like a whisper, Chelsie becomes a screamer when she is ready to be let out of the kitchen when we get home or during the night. I never knew a little dog could be so loud! We've also realized that if given the opportunity, this 11lb little one can out eat our 19lb pug, Roscoe. We have to monitor them closely at feeding time. :o) Chelsie has learned to speak on command just like Roscoe, but is a little more animated when doing so. Again, her bark is more like a whisper, but her body shows complete authority. On command, she lets out little barks while jumping up on her two hind feet and spreading her toes out on her two front feet. It is such a sight!

We have just recently moved into our first new home, and the pugs are having a blast in their new yard. It's a chore to make them come back inside!! They've already made friends with the neighbor dog, Pal. He is just their size, and he loves to play too. The little boys next door love our pugs too. They think Chelsie is "really soft." :o) Anyway, I just wanted to give you an update on the little girl, and I can tell you that we couldn't imagine our family without her. She truly fits in with us, and it's like she has always been with us. She gives lots of love and kisses to Roscoe, Rick and me, and we're happy to return it. Thanks for giving her to us.

Lhasa

Lhasa did really well on the way home. We were so surprised that he actually slept most of the way. Chuck and I took turns sitting in the back with him for a while, but he conked out not far out of Nashville. Once we got home, we let him explore around the backyard a little and do his business, which he did very well, by the way. Then he sniffed and smelled and bopped around every inch of the house. We cooked dinner and watched the game and Lhasa helped all the way. He had no problems getting on the couch and lounging around at all:-) And even slept in the bed. He acts a little shy at first, but today I've noticed him opening up and letting himself go crazy a little bit more. He has a rope toy that he already likes and is funny when he tries to drag around his dog bed?! He is intensely aware of our cockatiel Kiwi. I think he thinks she is whistling for him, because when she whistles he goes running, barks and even tries to jump up and see her in the cage. This only makes Kiwi whistle more and makes Lhasa jump and bark more, too funny:-) He is also terrified of the stairs to the basement and WILL NOT go up or down them. He's okay once he's down there, he just won't do the stairs, yet. He went for two short walks today and did really good on his leash and even got a little aggressive with the plumber who was here today! He hasn't been shy about barking (which is good) and is obviously getting used to the bazillion different noises in his new home.

Thanks for all your caring and love,
Gina

Update

Dear Anna & Angie,

Just wanted to give you an update on Lhasa! He is doing really great, he's over here curled up in his pet bed, while I write on the computer. Periodically, he gets up and clippy-clops down the hall to huff at the TV for some unacceptable sound that it may be making.

He's been getting to sleep in the bed a lot because its been cold at night. What a spoiler! The first three or four nights that he was here, he ran around the house all night. And I mean literally - ran around the house all night. If we put him in the bed he would want down, once he was down he would run around and then want in the bed again. Chuck slept with him on the couch a couple of nights so that I could get some sleep. After a few days, he settled in and was able to get on his pet bed and sleep all night. I think he was getting used to not being in the crate. He still won't have anything to do with the stairs, although we did do a little treat training involving the stairs and he wound up going up about half the stairs without even realizing it. And then, ran back down:-) It's just a matter of time.

Chuck had some friends over not to long ago to play music. Usually they stay up until the wee hours playing. Lhasa had to be right in there! He likes music and stayed up until he was so tired he could hardly sit up! He's like a little brother who wants to be with the big kids, staying up all night, so funny! He's also become best of buddies with Kiwi our cockatiel. Although I'm not sure who torments who... Kiwi likes trying to dive bomb Lhasa, which causes all kinds of running around, flying around and commotion. Kiwi's also figured out that Lhasa can't reach her, so she is completely unafraid when he tries to jump up at her. They sit and stare each other down, its hilarious:-)

Anyway, things are going fine here, hope they are going well for you too!

All the Best,
Gina

Cricket

Hi Anna!

I took Cricket to UT Vet Hospital/School to see if she would make the "cut" for the eye study they are doing. She was accepted! She has done well with the new eye drops and seems to have more "moisture". We are trying them for 3 months to see if they work better than what she was previously on. It's basically the same type of medicine, but a little different. Anyway, I'm unsure which kind it is b/c they are doing a "blind" study, meaning one of them is the cyclosporine but a 2% solution instead of the 1% she was on and then the other one ( I can't remember the name) that is being tested. She had a complete physical today and passed with flying colors. She was so good at the hospital, everyone loved her. However, she didn't not like having her "temperature" taken and I don't blame her. The bad news is they do not think they will be able to restore any of her eyesight b/c the pigmentation is so bad. The good news is that hopefully the medicine will make her more comfortable and get rid of those red eyes she has. She (as suspected) is completely blind, with no light sensitivity at all. She actually went to an ophthalmologist. She was tested for glaucoma and a variety of other eye problems. She only has the "dry eye" condition so I was very happy for her.

Tondrea

Blake

Dear Anna, I just wanted to thank you for allowing me to bring Blake into my home and make him part of "the family." I have absolutely fallen in love with this dog. He is so incredibly sweet to his Pug brother Bailey, and I think they are really becoming very good friends. Blake follows me around everywhere as if he were my little guardian and he has made himself right at home sleeping with his head on the pillow right next to me at night. Sometimes when they don't think I'm looking, I will catch Bailey & Blake snuggled up together on the couch with their matching collars. Although I worried a little about adopting a dog at this age that had already lived in a few homes, Blake is more loveable and well behaved than I could have ever imagined or hoped for in a pet. I cannot imagine coming home everyday to a house without Blake sitting right at the door wagging his little tail and rolling over so I can scratch his belly.

Mr. G

Update 8/3/2005

It has been just over a year since I adopted Mr. G from Pug Rescue of Memphis. His new home is located just steps away from the state capitol and he has adjusted beautifully.

Mr. G makes for wonderful company and loves visits to the Country Music Hall of Fame, Riverfront Park and to the Farmer's Market. Fortunately, he does not shy away from the attention of passers-by and we often use this as a chance to spread the word about Pug Rescue of Memphis.

We are currently undergoing AKC Good Canine Citizen training in support of becoming pet partners with Therapy ARC, which provides animal assisted activity and therapy services throughout the metropolitan Nashville area. More information may be found by visiting http://therapyarc.org.

R. B. Mathes Dow

Sassy (aka Kitty)

Hi Anna,

Just wanted to let you know how things went this weekend. We changed Kitty's name to Sassy because that really seems to fit her better. She was wonderful! She rarely had her feet on the ground because she constantly wanted to be picked up and held. She picked out a new bed out of a selection and she patiently let us try on harnesses and collars. She also got a shirt that says "Spoiled Rotten" and she got tons of toys and treats. She was very happy. She is still learning the potty training thing, but she is getting there. We bought lots of carpet cleaner for the meantime. My other pug, Max, is still skidish around her, but he shows no aggression at all. He is just not sure what to make of her. We showed him lots of attention, too, but he still is a bit scared of her. She is not fazed at all by him. I think he is adjusting slowly but surely, but she had no problems from the beginning. He wants to play, but he is uncertain. I am sure he will be playing and snuggling to her in no time. Just wanted to let you know how things are going. She is just a precious angel and we love her. She is eating well and playing like crazy. We took some pictures, so when I get them, I will send some to you.

Thanks so much for everything!!

Sherry

Penny

I drove home with this scared, little girl on my lap. She was so distracted outside that she didn't do her business. Then she came into the house, drank a bowl of water, and peed a river. The poor girl, she probably held her urine in the crate on the way up to Boston and was so timid and distracted about her new location that she couldn't go outside and finally had to let go somewhere. No more potty accidents after that. She sits on my lap all evening making her little snorting noises, plays fetch with her toys, and is getting used to men and other dogs. I know she wants to make friends; she wags her tail so hard. Then she hides behind my legs. Then she approaches the strange dog or man, and runs back behind me. It's a lot for Penny to absorb and handle. But she is always bright and cheerful. And she adores her car seat which allows her to sit up high and see out the window. Penny comes to work with me every day and loves meeting my customers. She has a bed here and some toys. Right now she is curled up on her bed taking a nap. She is just so darling.

Skippy

This 7 year old with a gentle expression is very sweet, affectionate, well mannered, and loves attention. Her owner passed away last year and she was turned over to rescue along with Cricket. She is on daily eye medications for life but what a small price to pay for such an incredible little girl. She is a wonderful, laid back dog who is a joy to have around and is absolutely no trouble… yet will demand a hug or a scratch on the head if you happen to pass her way. Pugs, like Skippy, who have been uprooted from their happy home are more likely to bond very completely and deeply with their new people. Here is an update from her new Mom.

Dear Anna,

I thought it was about time for an update on our girl Skippy. It's been three weeks since she joined us and I cannot tell you how much she has changed! She was so quiet at first I was concerned she may be ill. She hardly ate anything and did not play. She made the trip home (almost 5 hours) with no fuss... she slept on a lap the entire trip.... her choice which lap... and she still enjoys riding in the car. Well... to say the least, she is out of her shell!! I now call her "Skippy - Queen of Marshville" She is truly the Queen of the household. She has the most loving, funny personality. If we are away from home, when we return her entire body wags with joy. She grunts and snorts when she is happy or playing. (The kids and I snort back of course) When she smiles, it covers her entire face. She snores like an old man. ( I still smile every time I hear her snore.) Skippy is getting along fine with our lab " Jake"... and she knows his name... she looks at him every time we say "where's brother Jake?" She doesn't know what to think of the youngest cat yet... she's a little afraid of her, but Skippy has already shared a nap with the old cat on our bed... that was too cute. Skippy went on a hunting trip into my daughter's room this weekend and came RUNNING out...she hardly ever runs... with a white furry toy cat in her mouth. We all laughed at her, but it was even more funny when we squeezed the toy and it "meowed". Skippy's eyes got even bigger and she dropped the toy out of her mouth (kind of like the commercial on television when the big cat drops it's mouth open). I wish you could have seen her face... it was so funny. Health wise, she is doing fine. We are still fighting the skin / yeast infection and she is still having problems with her ears... good thing we like Dr. Pam so much !! Dr. Pam has been talking with another vet friend and has some new allergy medication she wants us to try, so keep your fingers crossed. Skippy takes her medicine for me with no problem... (I have become quite creative with hiding pills). Skippy has done so good with potty training...I'm so proud of her, we have NO problems.

I could just go on and on about her... she has become part of our family so quickly. She is truly our baby.

Thank you for bringing her into our lives...

Best Regards, Cindy

Nikki, Stitch & Beaudreax

Just wanted to share the latest with Nikki and Stitch. Both are just the most wonderful pugs. They both slept all the way home the day Dave came to pick them up. He kept calling and telling me he couldn't believe how well they were riding. When they arrived home they both jumped out of the truck and were greeted by both girls and Kaitlynn's best friend (she had to be there for their arrival too). It took all of about 2 seconds for them to make themselves at home. They explored the back yard and did their business just like they had been here all their lives. They then explored every corner of the house. That night they both slept with Kaitlynn( They amaze me. Its like they know they are home. Nikki had attached herself to my husband but Stitch is definitely mine. He follows me every step I make. They both love the girls. Nikki wants to run and play and is a little on the wild side while Stitch is so laid back and docile. He lets Lileigh (the 16 month old) play and pull and do whatever. He just takes it all in stride. He is so sweet. Nikki loves it when Lileigh throws her toy and will bark when she teases her and holds it above her head. Lileigh just giggles. She loves it. So needless to say, both have adjusted very well and we can't imagine life without them. I had thought going from no dogs to two would be difficult but now I wouldn't have it any other way. They are a blast. And the girls just adore them. Thank you so much for our babies and for all you did.Anna you are a wonderful person and you do wonderful things for these animals. The world is truly a better place for having you in it. We are going to be in Gatlinburg for Christmas this year and Dave has mentioned several times that we should make a side trip to Memphis on the way home. So maybe we'll see you then (of course Nikki and Stitch will be with us).

Take care and we will stay in touch

Dave, Michelle, Kaitlynn and Lileigh

Beaudreax Update

This super sweet young boy is in East Tennessee. He was little unsure of his new surroundings, but quickly warmed up to things. He loves to be rubbed and will cry and paw at your hand if you stop. He was in a shelter and wasn't claimed by his owners. He's been to our vet and is healthy, up to date on his shots and has been neutered. His age is estimated to be close to a year old. He gets along well with his new siblings.

Inky

Louie

Angel

Rufus

Honey

Remus

Senior Pugsley

Toby

Sophie

Oliver

Clara

Princess

Josh

Oprah

Bridgette

D Jay