Pugsley
Fun loving
Pugsley was left at a shelter and deemed unadoptable due to his health issues. He was taken in by Old Dog Haven and placed in a Final Refuge home as a hospice dog expected not to live long. He had a horrible constant cough and had trouble breathing. He was also morbidly obese, and when his ODH mom took one look at him, she decided perhaps a diet would help his condition. Within a few weeks of placement, he had lost 25% of his weight and no longer had the cough. His breathing improved and after completing his weight loss of 1/3 of his body weight, he’s going strong.
As his name suggests, Pugsley is a Chihuahua/pug cross. He has the small stature and face of a Chihuahua, but the body shape and fur is all pug – as is the personality. Pugs is fun-loving, easygoing and gets along with everyone. He bonded closely to his ODH mom, and is her shadow. He welcomes all dogs into his home and even loves the cats. His best buddy, though, is fellow ODH foster Jerry, and the two boys can often be found curled up together napping.
One day Pugsley’s ODH Mom came home and found that he could not walk. They rushed to an emergency clinic and an x-ray revealed a couple of slipped discs in his neck. Things did not look hopeful. But thanks to the Maranda Fund Pugsley received an MRI to determine the damage and see what treatment, if any, could be provided. The MRI results pointed towards medication, crate rest, then a reevaluation for possible surgery. After 4 weeks of crate rest the prognosis was still guarded – Pugsley was not a good candidate for surgery because of his chronic cough and collapsing trachea, so crate rest and medication continued.
Miraculously, after a few months Pugsley is almost back to his old self! His ODH Mom says “He continues to be my best friend and I am looking forward to spending more time with him. I am so grateful to Old Dog Haven’s Maranda Fund and to all the people who have supported the fund.”
Pugsley is truly a poster “boy” for how good vet care and love can have such amazing results.
Update:
“The thing about Pugs is that he is one of those dogs that all the other dogs love. He is such an easygoing guy, which is what I love about him the most. Pugsley has a bad heart and his cough has gotten a bit worse since I have had him. Our best guess is that he is about 14 or 15 years old, so I guess it’s to be expected. He also has a pinched nerve in his neck and recently had to start thyroid medication.
“Because of our generous supporters Pugsley has been able to be placed on a Flovent inhaler, which helps his cough immensely. He is also takes a cough suppressant, thyroid meds and pain meds. Sounds like a lot, but he’s doing really well. He still wags his tail and smiles whenever you say his name. He’s such a happy boy and always up for a car ride or a short walk. I’m happy to have as much time as I can with him. He is a very special little dog.”
Update: After a wonderfully long time, dear Pugsley’s health finally failed him. He had lot of health issues but was an amazingly resilient and loving little fellow. We will really miss this boy.
