Got Pug? One word, one syllable, one great dog. The term "pugged" is used whenever a first time Pug owner falls in love with this lively little creature. And the love part happens the moment you set eyes on their cute, scrunchy face and the curly piglet tail that follows them. I know it happened to me and I've been in love ever since.
It 's been said when it comes to the Pug, it isn't about an owner finding the dog, it's the dog finding its owner. A Pug is known to bewitch the most hardened dog person, which goes to show their natural ability to make friends. Loyalty is their best quality. Part of their charm is the playful antics they provide for entertainment. They'll jump for joy when they see you after being gone all day. They will scramble over your feet and run in circles just to get your attention. And if that doesn't work, why not chase their own tail for amusement? There's nothing sillier than watching a Pug go round and round after the curly-q with which he can't seem to grab hold of. It's been documented that the Pug was once used to entertain the Chinese Emperor's children. Great guard dogs as they are, they were kept to watch over them as well.
I remember the very first time I ever laid eyes on a Pug. I was working at a car dealership in Idaho and one of the salesmen's wives was a Pug breeder. She came in the showroom one afternoon carrying a cardboard box. What happened next was beyond my control. Always a lover of animals, I couldn't resist taking a peek at the small, furry creatures whining within ear range. As I walked closer to the box, one tiny head popped over the side, paws resting on the edge, and looked right at me. It was a fawn colored mini with velvety black ears and a snout to match. I picked him up and held him close to my face. In an instant he licked my nose and cheeks. When I placed him over my shoulder like a baby he nuzzled under my long hair and I could feel his breath on my neck. My heart melted right there on the spot and I simply had to have one.
I didn't waste a minute scouring the newspapers for a fawn colored Pug. Over all, it took me four months to find one. My lucky day arrived when I spotted a new ad in the paper: Pug puppies for sale. I went over that evening to see the puppies. I was also lucky enough to see the puppies' father and mother at the same time. Because this was my first experience purchasing a pure bred dog I was reassured by that. What I learned through my research was seeing both parents would say a lot about the puppies. Both looked healthy and alert.
In a playpen nestled in the corner of their den were the cutest little pups imaginable. The breeder placed the puppies one by one on the floor in front of me. I watched carefully as each of them displayed their own distinct personality. I had already decided on a male Pug, so with that the breeder put the females back into the playpen. That left two bundles of joy at my feet. One decided to start exploring his surroundings. The other pounced on my shoe lace and started to nibble at the end of it. This was the one!
It took all the discipline I could muster to keep the little guy in his box on the drive home. The mothering instincts within me wanted nothing more than to pick him up and cradle him in my arms. His whimpering cries were tearing at the strings of my heart. Because I already loved him and knew it was safer for him in the box, I resisted the urge to take him out. We'd just have to suffer through this one together.
My son, Anthony, came up with the name Rudy, which was taken from his favorite movie about the Notre Dame football player Rudy Ruetigger. Small but spunky, the name fit perfectly. Although my idea of purchasing a Pug was meant for my enjoyment, Anthony and Rudy became inseparable. Their loyalties to each other would bond them for life. In the beginning, I had to plead just to get my turn to snuggle and play with him. After a while, it didn't seem to matter much anymore. Rudy had won the hearts of everyone he encountered. I can't count the many times my Rudy made me laugh when I really wasn't in the mood. Somehow he could sense when I was upset or not feeling up to par. He'd wiggle himself between me and the blankets, just to get as close as possible. With those huge, pleading eyes he'd look up at me, head tilted to one side, as if to say, "Here I am! I'll make it all better." If there is ever a question as to whether you should rescue a Pug from the pound, you'll soon find out that the Pug has actually rescued you.
Nothing has pleased me more than to have Rudy a part of our family. His loving spirit, sweet disposition, and feisty personality has brought years of joy for all of us. He's now eight years old and acts like a little old man. Once the playfully spirited youngster, he enjoys sunbathing by the front door and lounging in my recliner. But, don't let him fool you. Give Rudy a reason and he's back to his mischievous, joyful frolics of younger years.