A Year of Puggy Goodness!

The amount of "Why didn't you get a real dog?" comments have decreased by now. The Pug is here to stay and he's a popular guy. Here's what I wrote a year ago:

He's got eyeballs that don't quite go in the same direction, a wrinkly forehead, bowlegs, a round belly,and black whiskers. He's also got no nose. Just a little black button where his nose should be! He is the most adorable, funny little dog I've ever had and we are officially all in love!

At nine weeks old, our pug, from here on known as Dog, is already quite the personality. I am so glad we decided to get him. Not sure if Cat feels the same way, but that's mostly because Cat is not sure exactly what kind of alien Dog is. He doesn't look or sound like a dog...but he sure is! He's all about chewing, playing, peeing, and falling into a snuffly sleep on somebody's warm body. I think he and Cat will get along very well in the future considering their similar lifestyle. Other than the playing part. Cat isn't into that silly stuff anymore.

Obviously Dog isn't up to walks yet. Soon, very soon. And then I'll have a canine buddy to take me for walks. It's essential that I go for walks. The doctor, counsellor, and Husband all said so. But it's really hard to go for a walk. Really. The hardest part is just getting out the front door, but I can only walk past the same manicured lawns so many times before it gets monotonous. I have no problem talking to a dog as I walk. I talk to my horse while we ride. I talk to my cat. And yes they do talk back. Those of you who don't believe me simply have the mistake of thinking that animals don't speak English. Of course they don't. They speak Animal.

Jethro was afraid that with the kids in school I could be turning into a hermit. Cat wouldn't mind that. He'd love it if I just got into bed and kept him warm all day. I don't know how healthy that is for me. Tempting, but not practical.

Regardless, I love my Cat so much that I wanted another pet to love too. Our little Dog won't fix me or solve any of my problems or make Big Daddy leave work earlier. But he sure is a heck of a great little companion.

I wasn't in very good shape back then. Reading that now makes me realize how much progress I've made since! I can't set all the credit on a little snorty faced dog but he's been a good helper.

Here's what I was telling myself before we brought him home...

I don't live on a farm yet/again. I have to face the facts: I live in a raised bungalow. Our family car is a VW Jetta. We could easily fit a mutt in the back seat of the truck except that we don't take the truck on long journeys since we don't have $400 for gas. Is there room for a nice lab or shepherd in our lives?

Not really.

Next best thing- a small dog who thinks he's big. Kinda like me. And as far as dogs go, there are plenty of small dogs who have a large aura.

I know exactly what kind of dog would suit us. Compact but strong, friendly, active, with a face only a mother could love. A squat, bulldoggy, squishy faced pug.

So he wouldn't be great on a three hour trail ride with the horses. This is a breed developed by royalty to warm their feet. I have cold feet. My dog could keep the couch warm for me while I ride. So there, he has served his farm dog duties.

He wouldn't be much use for rounding up horses. But there's only two and besides, that's what shaking the grain bucket is for, haha.

He would get me out of the house for a walk through the burbs when I'm stuck at home. When the day comes that we pack it outta here, he can accompany me down the bush lane and back.

I think that wrinkly little face would look pretty cute looking out of the pickup truck's window. Besides, my cat doesn't give a crap where we live, as long as we bring the black couch with us. He's got his priorities straight.

WHAT I'VE LEARNED ABOUT PUGS:
-They are much more athletic than people expect. We've kept his weight down to avoid the hip and breathing problems that often affect these little guys. In other words, we resist the begging face. It's not easy.
-Other pug owners tell me one of two things. Either they say they're the smartest dogs in the world, or they tell me that they're impossible to train. Hmmm...
-It's hard to walk in town and not get stopped. The crowds of kids who wanted to see him got a little overwhelming when I was still getting over my little anxiety thing.
-Pugs really do believe that they're huge. In his little mind, he is 120lbs of solid intimidating bigness.
-Pugs are totally clowns. This dog knows when we're laughing at his antics and I'm convinced that he takes our response as a reward.
-Some people seem to be scared of him.

-Some other dogs seem to be afraid of him!
-We really love him.