What is it that made me want another pug?? I was already owned by LuLu (the diva) and Sam, a border collie mix. Perhaps it was that my two grandpuggies didn’t live close by and I missed the gaggle of pugs underfoot. Perhaps it was fate that drew me to search through the Petfinders postings. I was searching for a black, female pug.
There were so many pugs available at that time…as sadly, there always are. I narrowed down my search to the southeast and looked over every photo, read every description. When I came upon the photo of Kramer, my heart skipped a beat. His face was so sweet, it seemed to leap out from the computer. Then I read the description….blind, not housebroken….oh my. Besides that, he was male and fawn. Sadly, I kept looking. For several days I would go back to his listing, look at the photo, re-read the description. I began to wonder if I had the patience to bring a blind dog into my family. The door had opened.
After several more days had passed, I sent an email to Pam Mayes of Alabama Pug Rescue and Adoption. I asked a lot of questions about Kramer, needing information. I don’t know if I was looking for a reason to stop my inquiry or a reason to continue. Pam answered all of my questions and gave me a little background on Kramer. He had been a backyard breeders dog (see Letter to a Backyard Breeder) and literally had lived outside in the backyard. He had been blind since birth and wasn’t potty trained – even worse, he hadn’t been loved, until he went to rescue. Pam had fostered him for several months and he became accustomed to humans and living indoors. I cried many times over his story and he touched my heart.
I broached the subject of adoption with my husband, who thought I was crazy, but agreed to welcome Kramer into our family. Pam approved the adoption (after much pleading on my part – he was very special to her) and then he was ours.
We brought him home and kept him in a pen in the kitchen, since he wasn’t used to roaming about on his own. We would take him outside and walk him around for hours, as had Pam, but he just didn’t get the concept of ‘go potty.’ As soon as we brought him inside, placed him in the pen and walked away, he would go….and then walk in his mess. He had many, many baths those first few weeks. One day, though, lo and behold – he went potty outside! Just a quick tinkle, but he liked all of the attention he received for that small event! You could just see him swell with pride. Within days he was urinating outside. Scheduling the ‘other’ potty took more time, but I finally figured out when he was most likely to go. He also gave a big clue – he likes to frantically circle a lot before he squats!
The pen had been put away, as Kramer started woo-wooing when I would leave the room – he wanted to be with me! Happy day, happy day!! Within 2 weeks, he was no longer sleeping in his crate, he had made it into our bed. The boy can sleep like log!
That was 3 years ago. Today, Kramer is a well-adjusted, lovable, wonderful pug. Always in a good mood, sometimes stubborn and very, VERY spoiled. He gets along with the other furkids and all humans, but there is no doubt that he is MY little man. When he hears my voice, he has to find me. Can you imagine how much that means to me? I love him with no reservations whatsoever and although I love all of my kids, he holds a special place in my heart. He is my joy and I am blessed every day by his affection.
Back to the black female pug….
Six months ago Pam contacted me and said that a young black female had come to her for fostering – was I ready for adoption? Tallulah was from a good home that just couldn’t keep her and so came to us already spoiled! She is now 18 months old and sweet as all get out, although she can be aggressive with the other dogs. Tally, as we call her, is so funny and always ready to play. Another perfect match!
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