The Life and Times of Napoleon Luigi

Napoleon is Mick Jagger

2008-05-06T16:36:00.001-04:00

A super-trooper who gathers no moss, Napoleon is rock and roll legend Sir Mick Jagger!

The ePETome of someone who knows how to have a good time, Napoleon is a mover and a shaker, onstage and off. His luck with his lady friends is legendary and Napoleon has obliged many of them by giving them a little shelter. Known for his unique bark, Napoleon relishes his time in the spotlight and loves to let loose and give his audience what they expect. Unable to get satisfaction, he and his pals still paw away at the prize, clinging to the memories of the past as he continues to churn out the hits that made him a leader of the pack.

RIP Snickers

2007-11-13T18:45:00.001-05:00

The Rainbow Bridge

By the edge of a woods, at the foot of a hill,
Is a lush, green meadow where time stands still.
Where the friends of man and woman do run,
When their time on earth is over and done.

For here, between this world and the next,
Is a place where each beloved creature finds rest.
On this golden land, they wait and they play,
Till the Rainbow Bridge they cross over one day.

No more do they suffer, in pain or in sadness,
For here they are whole, their lives filled with gladness.
Their limbs are restored, their health renewed,
Their bodies have healed, with strength imbued.

They romp through the grass, without even a care,
Until one day they start, and sniff at the air.
All ears prick forward, eyes dart front and back,
Then all of a sudden, one breaks from the pack.

For just at that instant, their eyes have met;
Together again, both person and pet.
So they run to each other, these friends from long past,
The time of their parting is over at last.

The sadness they felt while they were apart,
Has turned into joy once more in each heart.
They embrace with a love that will last forever,
And then, side-by-side, they cross over… together.

Snickers was my dog growing up and my Mom just had him put to sleep today. He lived a long, full live (16 years), but in the past couple years his decline has been evident. She told me she took him for his last walk today on the creek bank and that he seemed happy and at peace.

2007-10-07T22:09:00.000-04:00

Me with Napoleon and his friend, Beans

The Morewood Avenue pugs at PugStock 2007 - Max in the tie dye t-shirt, Obie, and of course, Napoleon

Napoleon taking a much needed rest at PugStock

2007-09-02T22:45:00.000-04:00

He's doing better!

2007-08-03T09:06:00.000-04:00

Napoleon is almost over his kennel cough - thanks to everyone that left well wishes.

I'm still keeping him away from other dogs for the time being until he gets his new Bortadella vaccine - he was so sad this morning when we saw our neighbor's pug, Max, across the street. I'm sure he misses all his buddies!

Sorry for the lack of updates - I have been overwhelmed at work and also with class. I will get back in the swing of things next week once my summer class is finally over!

Napoleon at the last Pittsburgh Pug Meet-Up

Bad Times

2007-07-20T09:25:00.000-04:00

Napoleon has kennel cough and is miserable.

I'm a bad owner and didn't realize it had been a little over 6 months since his last vaccine.

He's on antibiotics and is taking cough syrup, but he is just so unhappy.

I hope you have a speed recovery, little guy!

Those who can't do.....

2007-06-26T09:51:00.000-04:00

I had a student ask me yesterday how I figured out what I wanted to do with my life. I literally laughed out loud and said, "Honey, I'll let you know when I do figure it out." (Keep is mind this student was actually older than I am and she was asking me for life advice!) I guess those who can't do, really do teach!

In other news, Pitt has a new Panther logo.

Here's the old:

Here's the new:

And here's my cousin's version - Pitt Pug:

Any similarities?

Napoleon's MeMe

2007-06-25T10:09:00.001-04:00

1. Your age? My owner isn't really sure of my actual birthday, but we guess-timate I'm about 4 and a half years old

2. Your age when came to live with your people? 3 years

3. What color is the collar you’re wearing right now? No collar, but I am wearing my orange Puppia harness

4. Who is your favorite person other than the people you live with? Uncle Jesse

5. How much do you weigh? 20 pounds

6. Most expensive thing you’ve ever chewed up? I don't chew anything - only toys

7. Do you like other Dogs? It takes me a little while to warm up to them

8. Who is your best non-human friend? Hmmmm I guess my owner's Mom's dog, Snickers

9. Squeaky Toys or Tennis Balls? The squeakier the better!

10. Do you like to be brushed? I'm indifferent

11. Peanut Butter or Cheese? PB

12. Do your people cut your toenails? Ha - she tries, but I put up one hell of a fight!

13. Any formal education? I'm a proud graduate of the Keystone Canine Club Obedience School

14. Couch potato or Energizer Bunny? Couch potato

15. Five nicknames your people call you? Nappy, Mr. Luigi, Napster, Smiley, Hot Puggie

16. What is your best trick? I don't do tricks

17. Do you like kitties? Yes, but if they run, I'll chase them

18. What did you have for breakfast? No breakfast, I only eat at dinner time

19. Can you hunt (aka have you ever killed anything living)? I once picked up a frog with my mouth, but my owner caught me and made me drop him (the frog was unharmed)

20. When and why was the last time you went to the V.E.T.? In March for my Rabies shot

21. Where do you sleep at night? On a pillow in my owner's bed

22. Do you like to swim? Sure do!

23. Can you make puppies? No

24. Your favorite place to visit? Grandma's

25. Do you give kisses? Yes

26. Can you potty on command? Yes, "Potty Time"

27. To Cuz or not to Cuz? Cuz

PITA!

2007-06-19T10:58:00.000-04:00

If you aren't sure what a PITA is, check out RPM's Blog here:

http://www.raguspug.blogspot.com

(Another PITA - I can never get links to show up in my posts - any ideas?)

I want to share my three recent PITA experiences.

First, a very frustrating Ebay experience. I ordered a bubble umbrella, similar to this one:

It rains so much in Pittsburgh, so this was an item I've been eyeing for awhile. I checked the sellers feedback and it was 100% positive, so I assumed this would be a safe and easy transaction. I paid the 20 bucks through PayPal on May 31st.

About a week passed and I didn't hear anything. This isn't too unusual - sometimes Ebay sellers don't always email you and let you know the item has been shipped. The seller finally emailed me and said the item was out of stock, and did I want to wait another week for the item or receive a refund. Well, first, I was a little surprised - why would you list an item for sale that you did not have available, and then also accept payment for the item? I told the seller, if the item will be shipped within a week, then go ahead, if not, then please issue the refund.

Once again, another week went by. I had not received any further communication, so I had again assumed wrongly that the item had been shipped. I emailed the seller saying if the item hadn't already been shipped, please issue a refund. No response. I send another email a few days later with the same request.

Finally, I hear from the seller. The sellers says she was in a car accident and has been incapacitated but she will be sure to issue me a refund. I reply saying I was sorry about her accident and that I understood why it took her awhile to get back to me. She said she would issue the refund through PayPal last Friday.

The weekend came and went with no refund. Now for those of you that aren't familiar with Ebay/PayPal, it literally would take about ten seconds to issue a refund. I have done this myself and know from experience. The time it took her to send me the email saying she would issue a refund took more time then actually issuing the refund.

Monday rolls around - I realize I am probably not getting my 20 dollars back, especially since the seller left a note on her Ebay store saying she would be out of communication till the end of July. I really felt it was in no way acceptable that she would wait two months from the date of payment to issue a refund, so I left her negative feedback, nothing mean, just explaining I had paid for the item, not received it, and had not received a refund.

She proceeds to then send me more than one nasty email about how I'm a terrible person because I didn't understand that she had been in a car accident and how 20 dollars wasn't worth her life, etc, etc. I really couldn't believe this - I had apologized many times to her about her accident and gave her plenty of time to issue the refund. I ended up withdrawing the negative feedback, but I really felt I was being the understanding party and she was being the unreasonable one.

OK - I know that one was long but I really needed to vent. Second PITA, finding a good dogwalker. I had a great dogwalker for about a year who really understood Napoleon, was very dependable, and was bonded/insured. A few months ago, she told me she had other dogwalkers that worked for her walking Napoleon. Now I'm sure that she knew and trusted these people, but I had never met them or seen them interact with Napoleon, and I don't want someone I don't know in my house. It seems very hard to find a dogwalker that is bonded/insured that actually does the walking here. You guys all know how hard it is to trust someone with your fur-baby, especially one who is as sensitive as Napoleon.

Third PITA - I live in a big house that is divided into apartments. I live on the first floor, and my landlord and his wife on the first floor as well. The heat and AC are controlled by my landlord. The past couple days, it's been sooo hot in my apartment. I feel bad because I think there apartment is freezing and that's why they don't turn the temp down any more, but my apartment is almost unbearable. I think neither Napoleon or I got any sleep last night. This is the first summer that I've lived there that someone has lived in the other apartment. The last two summers my landlord was doing renovations and just left the AC on a nice 68 degrees. I guess Napoleon and I got too spoiled. I am going to call my landlord later today to see if he can turn the temp down.

Sorry for all the ranting - I just had a lot on my mind.

Loving' the 'Burgh

2007-06-18T16:22:00.000-04:00

This past weekend was a big one for the City of Pittsburgh. We had so much going on - US Open, Three Rivers Arts Festival, 911th Airlift Air Show, Pride Weekend, Pittsburgh Celebrates Glass, and of course, Pirates games. Weekends like this make me realize how much I love this city!

Of course, even though the Bucs lost as usual, PNC Park was almost full. Check out this video they showed at the game. The Parrot is the official Pirates mascot, the Pirate is his sidekick, and the Pierogis involved in the video perform the Great Pierogi Race every game. The diner they are at is the infamous Ritter's Diner, open 24 hours and right down the street from my house. At the game, you could hear everyone singing along and then the collective groan at the cut-off ending (even though we all knew what to expect).

And here's some Napoleon pics:

Napoleon in his crate trying to cool off

Napoleon playing with one of his million toys

2007-06-05T11:34:00.001-04:00

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

MeMe

2007-05-16T11:15:00.000-04:00

1. When you looked at yourself in the mirror today, what was the first thing you thought? I need a new face wash for summer.
2. How much cash do you have on you? Twenty something
3. What word rhymes with "DOOR"? More
4. Favorite Planet: Pluto - I know it's not a planet anymore, but it was my fav before.
5. Who is the 4th person on the missed call list on your cell phone? Mom.
6. What is your favorite ring tone on your phone? Barbie Girl by Aqua - it's been my ring tone for years.
7. What shirt are you wearing? Black and white.
8. Do you "label" yourself? Yes - Conservative, Pittsburgher, Pug Owner, etc.
9. Name the brand of shoes you are currently wearing? None right now - I was wearing black flip-flops, but after going out in the rain they are soaked.
10. Bright or dark room? I'm a fan of soft light - in my office I turn off the overhead lights and have two lamps turned on.
11. What do you think about the person who took this survey before you? (Alfred's Mom) She's a great mom - I can't imagine having all of her responsibilites.
12. What does your watch look like? Pink Fossil watch with a huge face.
13. What were you doing at midnight last night? Reading.
14. What did your last text message you received on your cell phone say? Think you should call off - from my best friend on Monday.
15. Where is your nearest 7-11? On Forbes Ave. - about a 5 minute walk from my office.
16. What's a word you say a lot? Ridiculous.
17. Who told you s/he loved you last? Mom.
18. Last furry thing you touched? Napoleon this morning when I dried him off from the rain.
19. How many drugs have you done in the last three days? Does fake Unisom count?
20. How many rolls of film do you need developed? None - I only use my digital camera now.
21. Favorite age you have been so far? 21.
22. Your worst enemy? My beer gut - lol.
23. What is your current desktop picture? Script Pitt.
24. What was the last thing you said to someone? I'm gonna change my pants.
25. If you had to choose between a million bucks or to be able to fly what would it be? A million bucks.
26. Do you like someone? Nah, no crushes for me right now.
27. The last song you listened to? The new Maroon 5 song.
28. What time of day were you born? 1:43 PM
29. What is your favorite number? 66
30. Where did you live in 1987? Y-town, OH
31. Are you jealous of anyone? I'm jealous of my one co-worker who always looks cute and put-together no matter what. I try to, but it doesn't always work out.
32. Is anyone jealous of you? Not that I know of.
33. Where were you when 9/11 happened? Sleeping - I woke up and my friend Mark IMed me and told me to turn on the TV.
34. What do you do when vending machines steal your money? Kick them.
35. Do you consider yourself kind? Most of the time.
36. If you had to get a tattoo where would it be? I have two on my lower back - I would like to get another one on my upper back.
37. If you could be fluent in any other language what would it be? Spanish
38. Would you move for the person you loved? Actually - I don't think so. My family is here, I love my job, and I love this town.
39. Are you touchy feely? Only with Napoleon.
40. What's your life motto? If God leads you to it, God will lead you through it.
41. Name three things you have on at all times? Watch, Pitt class ring, gold necklace.
42. What is your favorite city/town? THE 'BURGH!
43. What was the last thing you paid for with cash? My buffalo chicken wrap from the GetGo yesterday at lunch.
44. When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper and mailed it? Monday at work - mailed out a thank you card to a volunteer.
45. Can you change the oil on a car? No way.
46. Your first love: What is the last thing you heard about him/her? He actually died a couple years ago - it was very sad.
47. How far back do you know about your ancestry? Great-grandparents
48. The last time you dressed fancy, what did you wear and why did you dress fancy? My Mom's Wedding last Semptember - wore a black dress.
49. Does anything hurt on your body right now? My back - I started swimming again on Monday.
50. Have you been burned by love? Who hasn't - there's always a lesson to learn from each relationship, though.
51. Do you read in the bathroom? Yes.
52. Do you sing in the shower? Not usually - only if I'm getting ready to go OUT.
53. If you stumbled upon your ex's blog, would you read it? Yes.
54. Is there one food you have never eaten and refuse to try? Calamari - ewww!
55. Can you change a flat tire on your car? No - my dad has shown me twice but I don't think I could do it.

2007-05-01T23:38:00.000-04:00

The Pittsburgh Pug Meet Up Group had our April Meet-up at a local dog park. Napoleon had fun even if he wasn't too social. Here are some pics of him enjoying the action.

He slept for the rest of the day!

Two of my favorite videos

2007-04-25T09:56:00.000-04:00

You'll need to have your speakers on to fully enjoy both of these!

Once a month on a Wednesday, the 4th floor of my office has "Waffle Wednesday". We make regular and chocolate chip waffles in the morning on a waffle iron that my co-worker Katie brings in. This video was the inspiration. And yes, the other floors are very jealous. Next time we have "Waffle Wednesday", I'll try to take some pics of the action.

http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/waffles

Sorry you'll have to cute and paste the link. I try to use the little blogger insert link tab and it never works.

Just so you don't think the other floors aren't as cool, check this video out - it was filmed by my co-workers on 2. They first wrapped an entire cube in tin foil and then proceeded to film this.

Rest in peace, sweet Alfie

2007-04-04T14:36:00.000-04:00

www.dennyandcharlie.com

Erin Go Braugh

2007-04-02T23:31:00.000-04:00

Here's a pic of me on St. Pat's Day - a little late, but better late than never.

My owner has been very busy at work which leaves little time for blogging, and since I can't type, I have to wait for her to make some more time to blog - which she says she will be doing.

I hope no one out there was affected by the pet food recall - my Uncle Snickers was, but he's going to be OK! Here's a pic of him and me during non-sick times.

2007-02-06T23:41:00.000-05:00

I love skulls/crossbones, and have been looking for a skulls/crossbones leash forever. One of my fav retailers, www.mydoggiescloset.com, just added this pattern to their stock, so of course I picked up a new leash for Napoleon. It's a Lupine leash - this is my second Lupine leash and I love them.

Here's his old harness. I love the print, but it got a little stretched out from my former vet trying to pick him up using the harness.

I love Puppia - the first Puppia harness I got for Napoleon was a Medium - just a little too small, so he's been switched over to a Large. Check him out - my friends think he looks like a crossing guard, but I think he looks pretty cute!

2007-02-04T11:23:00.000-05:00

I just want you to know that my owner and I are still wearing our Stillers paraphernalia today, even though the Stillers aren't playing. We are forced to root for Da Bears because our friend's cousin is one of Da Bears. Here's to next season - Here We Go Stillers!

(For those of you not from the 'Burgh, the true fans spell Steelers just like it's pronounced here.)

Pug Hugs,

Napoleon

2007-01-18T18:33:00.000-05:00

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

2007-01-12T14:17:00.000-05:00

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

2007-01-11T15:59:00.000-05:00

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

2007-01-09T10:47:00.000-05:00

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!

2006-12-06T10:42:00.000-05:00

Well, blogger world, here I am.

I'm Napoleon Luigi, and I'm a four-year old Pug/Boston Terrier mix. I'm mostly puggie-like, but I can jump really high and have skinny legs and a stumpy tail like a Boston.

My mother adopted me on September 20th, 2005 after I had been at a rescue for over a year. I was attacked by another dog as a pup, so I'm a little scrappy and sensitive - but who wouldn't be after something like that?

I love to cuddle. I love squeaky toys. I love going for car rides. I don't like being picked up. I don't like the vet. I don't like anyone messing with my before-mentioned squeaky toys.

I'm big on attending Pug Meetups. My mom and I went to one last Saturday at Animal Friends. I got to wear my red sweater and jingle bell collar. Lots of puggies there were dressed up, too. We had a gift exchange. I got squeaky toys (yah!), treats, and a doggie treat cook book. I think the cook book is more for my mom - I am not a whiz in the kitchen.