| In order to really understand my connection with Pugsley, we have to go back to the year 1994. We had just lost my beloved Papa on June 19th after a long, battle with cancer. It was the first time anyone I truly loved had passed on. Although I was surrounded by wonderful family and friends, I was very sad and feeling very much alone in the world. I didn't know it at the time, but just one week later on June 26th, Pugsley was being born in McCook, Nebraska. It was about 2 months later, I was at the mall on a random Sunday when purchasing a puppy was the last thing on my mind. That was, until I meandered into the pet store to check out the puppies as I had numerous times before...this time however, would prove to be different. As I my eyes scanned the 20 or so cages encased behind a plexiglass wall, I took note of all the sad, sickly looking dogs who seemed to have not an ounce of hope or spirit left in their little bodies. As I was already in a deeply saddened state, I decided I could take no more of this despair in their sweet little eyes and began making my way out of the pet store. As I started walking out, my eyes scanned one more time on the shiny rows of what seemed like metal jail cells to me. As I made my way out, my eyes happened upon this one regal little soul who seemed to stand out from all the others. The sign on the cage said Male Pug - Apricot/Fawn - 9 weeks old. Back then pugs were not as popular or fashionable a breed as they are today, I had never seen one before and was immediately struck by his cuteness, but there was something more to him than just cuteness. While all the other animals lay sickly, dull, and lifeless, this one little 8 pound dog sat up tall and proud. He was very curious and looking all around. His ears were perked up and he had a look on his face which seemed to say, "I don't belong here." The clerk saw me admiring the male pug and asked if I would like to hold him. Next thing I know, I am in a tiny sitting room with him and we are playing a game where he unties my shoelaces, I tie them back, and he unties them again. He must have done this about 10 times while he continued to lay on all his charms and wiles. He seemed to know that I was puddy in his paws and I seemed to know that we belonged together and could not bare to let him stay in that place one more day. I took Pugsley home that night and we have been best friends eversince. They say when one life ends, another one begins. Some people reading this may not believe that or understand how I could compare the life of a human to the life of an animal. But I see it as a soul-life, when one soul moves on, another one moves in. Maybe it is a Pug-thing, for I have read many stories and spoken to other pug owners who also hold their funny little friends in such high regard as members of their family. Pugs afterall, were bred with the sole purpose of providing companionship and amusement to ancient royal families. I'm not really sure.....I only know the joy that he has brought into my life. Because of the timing of Pugsley coming into my life, I have always thought of him as a guardian angel sent here to protect me and help me heal. Also, Pugsley has turned out to be the perfect dog for me. He sleeps as late as I want to sleep, needs minimal excercise and grooming, and his personality matches mine almost frighteningly. We are both fiercly loyal and disturbingly stubborn. He is a clown that makes me laugh everyday. He sits quietly by my side when I am sick. He licks my tears away when I cry. He has seen me through all the good times, holidays, break-ups, moves, life-changes, and deaths in my family over the last several years. Some people think that I am too obsessed or attached to my dog. To them, I say that Pugsley is one of God's creatures too (and in my opinion one of God's finest creations). He is my best buddy and acts more human than most people who I know. I think of all the therapy dogs out there who work with the handicapped and elderly folks, the positive impacts and healing a dog can bring into a wounded ones life. I think of all the unsung, unlicensed dogs througout the world living with families or looking for families to protect and love unconditionally. That is the medicine of the dog, serve and be totally loyal even to those who would abuse them. Pugsley has helped me heal on many different levels and he continues to help me everyday. For this, I feel that he deserves to have the best life and most love that I can give him. To my critics I say, I feel sorry for those who are unable to open their hearts to understand this kind of love and compassion. They are missing out on the animal / human bond, of which there is no stronger unconditional relationship in our existence. |
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| Ok, I have taken a lot of flack from people who simply do not understand my affections for Pugsley. This is the story of how I came to know him and love him. Now, take a good long look at his little face and big blue eyes, then read the story for yourself. |
| ~ Pugsley's Story ~ |