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The Delicacy Commonly Known as The Pug

Before the days of celebu-tantes sporting toy breed dogs as fashion accessories, the Pug was a sought after breed by royalty in France and the upper class in Holland. While the fatty beast will not tote easily in a high- fashion purse at its 20 plus pounds, it is the most expressive, strangely attractive animal to have by your side.

I have owned two pugs in my lifetime and highly recommend adoption as an option. My current wrinkly companion is a five-year-old male named "Pai-Gow", or "Pug" that I rescued from death row at a local shelter.
He was sitting in the back of a dog run severely underweight and lacking confidence. Not only did his gibbon-like face and sad disposition immediately get my attention, but I couldn't help but wonder what type of experience would have caused such a sweet natured, expressive breed to be one of the only dogs that didn't frantically run up to the edge of the cage to greet me.
I already knew he was going home with me, but I had a pound worker take him to the larger, grassier cages to officially meet him.

Upon the employee's attempt to walk the pug, he quickly learned the animal is not capable of such a task. He scooped up the nervous pug and carried him to the viewing area. I sat with him about five minutes and mastered a few uneasy petting attempts. Any slight lift of my hand and he ducked furiously. The only reason he wasn't running quickly to the next town was the fact that he was on a leash. Five minutes of this game and I said, "I'll take him."

At this point the worst-case scenario was this: Pug doesn't turn around and isn't a good fit for my family, I can take him to a Pug rescue. At least he isn't one more example of a euthanized pound case that couldn't find a home in time.

Pugs are a funny breed that are like personal court jesters, which is why it was strange for him to be so forlorn.
My Pug is bred well. His conformation is good according to AKC standards. He is more of a "silver fawn" and has more black in his coat than the usual "fawn" color. He has large expressive eyes and nicely filled out wrinkles.

To give an animal a second chance is a wonderful thing. I taught my Pug how to walk on a leash and maintain a regular walking schedule for his mental and physical health. It is important to provide what dogs need for their existence: exercise and discipline. Through this, I was able to earn his trust and respect.
Recently, I took him on a 5k walk for Autism, where he brightened the day of a few Autistic children by allowing them a chance to pet him. I would have never envisioned this the first day I met him at the shelter. He is now a wonderful pet that exudes all of the classic Pug traits.

Learn more about this author, Claire Pelton.
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