Pugs Without Borders

Big Toe

When it comes to toys, Barkley is more of a plush toy pug, while Augie prefers the hard, chewy toys. Personally, the more quirky a toy looks, the more likely I am to purchase it. So when I found out that the charmingly odd Uglydolls came in pug-sized versions, I knew Barkley had to have one. His latest acquisition is "Big Toe," which has even joined the ranks of Rammy and Sheepy as a toy he brings to bed with him.

Even though they aren't really (officially) dog toys, I really like them because they're durable, don't have detachable pieces, and perhaps most importantly, don't have squeakers!

I think they're cute. In a puggy sort of way.

Augie Hearts Rita

While Barkley never discriminates, Augie is a bit snobbish when it comes to making new friends. It was to our great relief, when he not only took to our next door neighbor's Miniature Pinscher--Rita--but actually developed a little crush on her. (And who can blame him...she is very pretty.)

When we went to Target the other week, he insisted we pick up a little something for Rita. We selected a little bird squeaky toy, which Augie put in his mouth before giving to Rita. I think she liked it. Ah, puppy love.

Rest Period

Todd and I would love to have rescued a pug. But because our back yard has a pool, rescue groups (rightfully so, in most cases) won't let people with unfenced pools adopt.

Barkley and Augie--aside from NEVER being allowed outside unsupervised--do not care for the pool. To them, it's like a giant bath--something they don't fight, but if given the choice, wouldn't volunteer for it. However, we think that it's important to regularly remind them of this fact. So each summer, we put them in the pool with us, give them a refresher course in where the escape ramp is, and for the rest of the year, they ignore it. Well, Augie ignores it. Barkley walkes along the edge of the deck that surrounds it like a tightrope walker.

Oh, and just for the record, I'm not proud of this photo. But I will say that an excellent way to hide a bathing suit you don't care for is to put a pug in front of you. :)

Oui, Oui, Augie

Let's see...how to begin this...okay...In our spare time, Todd and I own a doggie boutique. Well, we owned a doggie boutique. At the moment we own doggie boutique merchandise looking for a location.

Anyway, every now and then potential vendors will send us samples, along with their product catalogs. A lot of times these samples end up in a pile in my office. Or given to our doggie friends to try out. But when the sample is accompanied by a letter that begins, "Enclosed you will find a sample of our new pleated French Maid costume with hat..."

Well...

Heads and Tails

I'm told our dogs actually do get exercise at daycare. No, really.

Sweet Little Pug Mug

So, about a week ago, Barkley had his checkup at the vet. Everything looked great (okay, so he needs to lose a couple of pounds...who doesn't?), but there was a little problem with one of his molars. The vet showed me his back tooth, and explained that it was fractured, and had begun to decay. It had to come out.

Today was the day. I was dreading taking him to the vet, so Todd volunteered. I knew I'd be a mess. I realize it's only a tooth, but my puggie was being put under, and he didn't even know it yet.

I took Augie to work with me--to keep me company, and to keep him distracted--and thought about Barkley all day long.

Todd picked him up this evening. It turns out he had to have FOUR teeth extracted. Four! I've only had one cavity in my whole life! How did his teeth get so bad?!

He lost the icky molar, a side tooth, and two of his bottom teeth in front. I'm having a really hard time with the fact that my baby's smile is different. The toothy grin that makes me laugh is now just a snaggletooth. I know, it's just a couple of teeth. What's important is that he's healthy, and that the decayed teeth didn't get infected. And in my typical obsessive-compulsive way, we'll now be brushing his teeth every night.

So Mr. Barkley is happy to be home--a little groggy, but resting comfortably. And I'm going online to research dog dental care right now.

Say "Cheese Biscuit!"

I love the picture of Augie that's at the top of this blog. It's one of my all-time favorites. I also love this picture of Barkley in his leisure suit. They were taken by an amazing photographer here in Columbus--Lydia Stewart. She came out to our house on Barkley's first birthday for a photoshoot, and the following year for Augie's first birthday. Each time, we ended up with a cd of over three hundred shots. I go through them every once in awhile, and wish that I could take pictures of the boys like that.

But, I guess that's why I'm a writer, not a photographer.

Portrait of Augie

One of the many perks of working in a creative department is that occasionally you benefit from the talents of others. Like people who actually know how to use their cameras for selective focus.

Today Augie and I will be having lunch with our friend Sarah, and I'm sure he'll think he should get to order something tasty at the North Market.

Photo by Dylan Menges.

Man of the House

When I'm not barking my head off at the neighbors, I like to kick back and relax. You know...glass of ice water...nylabone. Maybe a little music.

That's how I roll.

Catching the Pug Bug

As a reader recently commented, having a pug is contagious! And after a coworker mentioned that she was thinking of adopting, you can imagine how excited I was to meet the lucky pup. This is Mr. Pugglesworth Nelson Carter. (I love it when kids name dogs!)

Augie got to meet "Nelson" the other week at work, and while Augie is slow to make friends, I immediately fell in love. Nelson is five months old, and like most rescues, just wants attention and cuddling. The folks at Ohio Pug Rescue told Nicole he was probably from a puppy mill. I think the best part is that he's met his forever people, and can put his past behind him. Lucky Puggy!