Napoleon had a close call the other day. I took him to Dirty Hairy's Self-Service Dog Wash since he was a stinky pug and needed a bath. Bathtime went fine - I think he likes the warm water, and Dirty Hairy's has a massaging bath mitt to use and Nappy loved that. Well after his bath, he was being feisty and I couldn't get his harness back on. All I had to do was walk outside and get him the car, so I just looped the leash around his neck and headed out. Well, as soon as I step outside, a biker comes careening down the hill, almost knocking us over. Napoleon breaks free and goes running down the street after the biker. The biker is trying to avoid running Napoleon while also not falling off his bike - it was really icy here that night. Then I see a car heading towards the bike and Napoleon. All I could think was, "This is it. He's going to get hit by a car." Luckily, the car turned off on a side street, and the biker zipped off. All this happened in about ten seconds - I didn't even have a chance to react. Napoleon had gotten about a block away - I yelled his name and he came running back. All night I cuddled with him - I couldn't believe what a close call we had!

Next time I give Nappy a bath, I'll bring my camera - I forgot this time. He always looks so miserable but cute at the same time! Here's another Nappy pic to tide you over. Still haven't perfected removing the blue eye, but I'm working on it.

Morning Madness

I have a very particular morning routine. I am usually sleeping on top of the covers, curled up next to my owner. Her alarm goes off MUCH to early, so while she gets ready for work, I continue to snooze. Usually, she'll put a blanket over me to block any offensive light or sound while I manage to sleep for about 20 more minutes. Finally, RIGHT before KJ has to leave for work, she'll put my camo harness on, and we'll go for a walk once up and down the street. After I have completed all my necessary business, my owner lets me run off-leash from the end of the driveway to the door. Then I gallop inside and directly into my crate. I get settled on my fleece pad and await treats! KJ leaves a couple treats for me, and I promptly gorge myself and fall directly back to sleep - ahhhh what a life!

Pug Puppies in need

Our local pug rescue, Guardian Angels Pug Rescue, had recently taken in a pregnant pug - and she gave birth to 6 puppies. 2 have clef palates and might not make it. For more info, and to contribute to their care, check out this link:
http://www.guardianangelspugrescue.com/newrescuetinkerbelle_babies.html

Troubled Times at the Vet

I knew adopting Napoleon would be a challenge. With his history, and sometimes questionable temperment, I expected a rough road ahead. Napoleon is the sweetest little guy and such a cuddler, but he still has his moments.

He doesn't like to be picked up. By anyone. For any reason. If he even thinks you are attempting to pick him up, he'll growl. He doesn't like having his nails trimmed. My first attempt to have him groomed ended in numerous bite wounds and dismissal from the groomer.

He hates the vet.

Napoleon doesn't need to go to the vet often, but does need his yearly maintence, i.e. Heartworm Test. The first time he ever had his Heartworm Test, it took two vet techs to hold him (keep in mind he only weighs 16 pounds) and another to actually draw blood. A couple months ago, I took him in again for the test. The vet tech was not able to get him under control, and I was asked to come back another time. I came back a week later, only to have two vet techs not able to get him under control once again. Keep in mind I had also given Napoleon a sedative before each appointment.

I know he's a difficult case, but I couldn't believe that these vet techs couldn't get him under control after multiple attempts. So, I switched vets. Just for safe measure, I gave Napoleon two sedative pills. He was noticably drugged, but still fairly alert. The vet came out, took Napoleon back, and returned less than a minute later. I feared the worst - but she had managed to give him the Heartworm Test, and she said he was no problem.

I was so excited when I got home, I successfully trimmed Napoleon's nails! I think I finally have a system down. I give him a big chunk of bread, and while he's chewing on it, I clip a nail. Since his mouth is otherwise occupied, he doesn't try to bite me.

After all this, Napoleon was miffed at me for about a day, but he's over it now. I def. feel like I passed a milestone!