Why I spent a small fortune on an old dog.

My pug, Cactus Jack, will turn 15 in May (God willing). Sadly, He recently had a bout of eye problems that necessitated the removal of the eye (the mal ojo as I like to call it). I was heartbroken it came to this and, although it makes me sad to look at him, he and I slowly seem to be getting used to it.  I'm currently looking for an eye patch for him which I think will make him look a lot cooler.

When I told my dad the cost to have the eye removed (after I had already spent money trying to medicate it and save the eye) he said:  "I think you need to put the dog down."  My immediate response was: Why?  He's fine otherwise.  My dad said:  "He's not fine.  He's old."  Miffed, I responded that my dad was old as well but no one was talking about putting him down.  Why would he even suggest such a thing?

So I made the choice to spend the money on this dog (despite our current need for a termite treatment and foundation repair, not to mention the impending arrival of our second child - all which need significant funds).  Why?  Does it make the dog love me more?  Does he know or understand the choice?  Will he be a better dog and stop marking his territory in the house or not growl at the other dogs when they come near his food?   No.  No, he'll continue to be the same dog he has been, minus an eye.  

He'll continue to drive my husband crazy with his whining to be let inside not 5 minutes after we've let him out.  He'll continue to spend most of the day sleeping and snoring.  He'll continue to snub his food unless we put wet food in the bowl, after which, he'll gobble it down.  He'll continue to sleep in bed with us, on my husband's side.  He'll continue to wag his tail when we come home and get excited when I put a leash on him (even though he can't make it very far for a walk.) In other words, he will continue his life as usual. 

The consideration for his quality of life was foremost in my mind but ultimately, that's not why I did it.  I did it because he is family. He has been my family for close to 15 years.  He has been with me through heartbreaks and celebrations.  We have cuddled together during freak cold front during a camping trip and splashed in the river during the summer heat.  We've moved from many apartments and traveled the roads of I-35 on several long hauls.  We have buried his sister/litter mate together.  We've dealt with a lot, he and I.  He deserves, at the very least, to be taken care of to the best of my abilities.  That's the promise I made to him when I became his owner.  

Believe me, I haven't always held up my end of the bargain.  There are many times I worked longer hours or spent time out when he could have used my attention.   He wasn't ever mad at me about my failings.  I forever had another chance to do better.  He was just happy to be with me which says a lot.  Not even my husband is happy to be with me all the time.  

I love this old dog - this old dog I still consider to be my baby.  Given the choice over and over again, I would never choose differently.  Its only money.  Its not like I'll stop working and I certainly can't take it with me when I go.  

I would have 1000 regrets about ending his life too soon.  He will go one day, sooner rather than later, and I hope God sees it fit to be a quick, painless passing for both of us.  But (to quote Gladiator), not yet...not yet. 

Cactus Jack, the one-eyed pug.

Valentine's Day

 If you really love your significant other you'll go to DFW PUG RESCUE
 and order a PUG-A-GRAM STAT.  Seriously.  What better way to say, Happy V-Day than a bunch of beautiful pugs showing up to give you some pug love?  I'm not kidding.  If you don't have a Valentine, feel free to send me a pug-a-gram because pugs always brighten my day. 

Also, its for a good cause so you can feel good about yourself instead of wasting money on a bunch of chocolates and feeling bad because you and your significant other ate the whole box.

FOR THE PUGS!

Animal Rescue Site Shelter Challenge of 2013

An organization dear to my heart, DFW Pug Rescue, is trying to win $10,000 to put towards their vet bills from the Animal Rescue Site Shelter Challenge 2013.  I have two pugs, Beans and Cactus Jack, which is why I champion this cause.  Pugs are wonderful, loving, highly entertaining dogs. 

Learn more about the contest and how to cast your vote HERE.  

About DFW Pug Rescue (from their blog):

 

We rescue ALL Texas pugs regardless of age or medical condition. Since we rescue ALL Texas pugs, our veterinary care is our biggest on-going expense and we average approximately $250,000 a year in veterinary expenses. This amount is after our veterinary care clinics provide deep discounts. 100% of all funds donated to DFW Pug Rescue are used to pay for Veterinary care.

I can't tell you how many stories I've read on their website about the great work this group has done.  The pugs they get come from a variety of places.  Some pugs come from puppy mills and abusive homes; Others are owner surrenders due to a medical condition the owner is unable to afford.  This group works hard to nurse their pugs back to healthy, adoptable condition.  They are passionate about what they do! 

I voted! So please take a minute of your time to vote here and help DFW Pug Rescue continue their mission of saving these awesome dogs.

Yesterday I bought a Wok...

I figured since my garden is taking off so well, I'm going to need it to cook all my delicious veggies. I got a 20% off coupon from Bed, Bath and Beyond to use on one item so this is what I picked:

The Awesome Wok

Of course I had to try it out immediately. I've had Jessica Seinfeld's book, Double Delicious for a while now but I've yet to cook out of it.  I think the book is geared more towards people with kids since a lot of it is about sneaking healthy stuff - like cauliflower puree - into your recipes. I decided to try the Orange Beef.

Orange Beef with Carrots and Broccoli

I have to say, although it didn't look as lovely as the picture above, it was pretty tasty.  The recipe is fairly healthy - it calls for low sodium soy sauce, fresh ginger and fresh OJ.  What really makes it good is the chili paste.  I love spicy food!





And now a picture of Beans, just because I love him so much.

Beans MF

Project Pugway - August 27th, 2011 - 11-2 pm

Time for DFW Pug Rescue's Project Pugway!

I'm very excited to be a part of this event.  We will have a few local celeb's participating as well as a bake sale and silent auction - all benefiting pug rescue.  This organization is committed to taking in every pug - regardless of health issues or age.  Their mission is "No Pug Left Behind."  I have been a fan of this breed since I was a little girl and my parents bought me my first pug, Violet.   They're such fun, comical dogs.  Jacob and I laugh at ours pretty much every day.

This is not a pug exclusive event.  All dogs are welcome (on a leash of course).  I'm thinking Cactus Jack and Beans MF are going to be modeled by Jacob - although he doesn't know it yet.  Come out,  have a good time and support the pugs!  I hope to see you there!

For more info on Pugs and a history of the breed, check out the featured article by City +Country Pets  

http://ccpets.com/magazine/2011/08/C&C_Pets_08_2011.pdf

Goodbye to Iris...

My black pug's name is Iris.  She was born in May 2001.  She likes belly rubs and French fries. She tolerates me putting her in various pink outfits and Halloween costumes.  She likes car rides.  She likes the ramps at the dog park.  She doesn't like big white dogs.  She has a brother.  His name is Jack.





When I get up Iris stays in bed.  She likes to lay on my pillow.  She snores.  She never wants to cuddle unless its bedtime.  When its time to sleep she lays in the crook of my arm.  When I tell her to get up she rolls on her back and shows me her belly.  I fuss at her to go outside.  She makes me pick her up and carry her whenever possible.  She wins every time.




When I leave for work I tell her to be good.  She doesn't move from her spot on the bed - Only her tail wiggles in acknowledgment.  When I come home from work, she and her brother come running, the curly tails wagging.  She is always happy to see me.  When my day is bad, she makes me smile.  I lovingly tell her she's "Mommy's Sweet Girl." 

My black pug's name was Iris.  She died May 2011.  It was fairly unexpected.  We buried her in the back yard.  Her brother sat next to me as I said my tearful goodbyes.  The heartache of owning a dog is in that moment where you have to say goodbye, whether you're ready to or not.  I'm heartbroken.  I miss her.  I wish she were still here. 
 
              
 

Will Rogers said it best: "If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went."  This goes for me too.  There's a little girl named Iris I hope to see again someday.  Until then I would like to think she's playing with her friend, Korey, living on a diet of French fries, happily awaiting the day when her brother and I will be with her again.

 

Thank you Iris, for being this girl's best friend. 

DFW Pug Rescue & Wine! Two of my favorite things!

I recently learned that DFW Pug Rescue has its own wine!  You can check it out here:

http://www.benefitwines.com/dfw_s/211.htm?Click=1424

Who wouldn't want wine with pugs on the labels?  I know I want one of each. A portion of the proceeds goes to benefit pug rescue.
I have been a pug owner since I was in 2nd grade and I love this breed.  They are such sweet dogs and funny to boot.  I currently have 3 - Iris, Cactus Jack and Beans.  They make me smile everyday. 

Info on DFW Pug Rescue:
"Dallas Fort Worth Pug Rescue Club is the largest pug rescue organization in the United States and has rescued and placed over 5,000 huggable, squeezable, absolutely adorable pugs — we rescue approximately 10 pugs a week.


We rescue ALL pugs regardless of age or medical condition. Since we rescue ALL pugs, our veterinary care is our biggest on-going expense and we average approximately $150,000 a year in veterinary expenses. This amount is after our veterinary care clinics provide deep discounts. 100% of all funds donated to DFW Pug Rescue are used to pay for Veterinary care."