by R. R. Fritz

Created on: April 23, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

Adopting an Older Pug: The Overlooked Gems of Rescue

About 95% or more of the applications submitted by people looking to adopt a rescue Pug state that they are only willing to adopt a young Pug under 5 years of age. When asked why they are not open to an older dog, the reasons given run the gamut from: "I'm worried the dog won't bond with me", to "I don't want to get attached to a dog who is going to die in a few years." People who are unwilling to consider adopting the more mature Pugs are missing out on one of the greatest blessings life has to offer: being loved by a senior Pug.

Since they are older, will they ever bond to me as their new owner?
I have never heard of any rescue Pug that didn't fall madly in love with their new family, especially the older Pugs. Even Pugs who have spent their entire lives in an outdoor cage as a puppy mill "breeder" very quickly get used to the concept of being loved and cared for and they learn to trust their new families.

Malcolm and Rose, two older Pugs who were found on the streets of Reno, Nevada and whose tattoos told of their puppy mill pasts, received a lot of extra love and attention from their PugSavers foster parents. In a matter of weeks they learned that sitting on a warm, comfy couch is one of life's biggest pleasures. They have bonded with their foster parents and will also bond just as closely to their "forever home" when they are eventually adopted.

Eddie, an oldster who was found sleeping under truck bed liners at a car lot and survived by drinking dew that collected in the liners, was fostered by Rebecca Greeno-Rutledge. He had a mostly-gray face and his coat was as thick as that of a Husky from years of living outdoors. The vets estimated him to be twelve to thirteen years old. Rebecca did not change the name which was given to him by the people who found him because she was certain she was only going to be an interim foster family. Eddie, however, had other ideas. Rebecca immediately became "Mom" in Eddie's eyes and he would constantly gaze at her lovingly. Eddie quickly went from being a "foster" dog to being permanently adopted by Rebecca who remains the love of Eddie's life. When you talk to Rebecca on the phone you will likely hear what sounds like purring or cooing sounds in the background. That isn't a cat or a baby; it's Eddie, contentedly nestled near Rebecca. More than three years later, after having several growths and 10 bad teeth removed, Eddie is doing fine health wise and remains active

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