 |
| Basking in the sun! |
Since our inception in November 09, I would say it took up until April for things to really get off ground. The longer stays started coming in and of those, one now draws to a close. Puggy (yes, she is a Pug!) came to us early last month for trial run and then returned for a stay which lasted over a month. Today, she leaves us to be united with her true family.
Saying goodbye is the hardest part of this job. We broke a lot of rules with Puggy. She spent almost no time in the enclosure as she got along so well with us and the other dogs, and I learned from her that what they say about Pugs is true: small dog, BIG personality.
 |
| Puggy likes to sleep on top of something |
Puggy had to have one eye removed due to an infection when she was just a little girl. However, being short of an eye has in no way diminished her ability to express herself! She has so many emotions, mostly happy but sometimes angry and jealous. We spent many days having to make it up to her if we had shown too much affection to another boarder, and having to coax her to eat as she turned her little nose up if her meals were served in the enclosure. Caring for a Pug requires some special requirements too, as the folds of skin on her face have to be properly cleaned to prevent from infections of the eye.
If you are thinking of getting a Pug, I urge you to think carefully before doing so. Yes, they make marvelous pets, but they do have a lot of health issues. The genetic manipulations that have resulted in the creation of this breed have rendered it less than perfect. I suppose only Mother Nature knows to create the perfect creature, and the Pug is not the only breed to suffer from complications as a result of our meddlesome ways. Getting a Pug is a decision that requires much thought, just like with most other breeds.
Puggy turned out to be great with cats, puppies and birds. I spent many evenings watching TV with her at my feet. She comes barreling through when I return from work, full steam ahead, much to the irritation of the other dogs who are rather particular about personal space. When they would reprimand her for this she would look at them with her single eye, like a telescope as if to say "What IS your problem?" I often said to her in these situations "Boundaries, Puggy. Boundaries" But of course, she ignored me.
 |
| With her bear |
Puggy has made an impression with me and every member of my staff. We are going to miss her tremendously. Dogs have come and of course, dogs have gone, and yet I am still unused to the feeling of having to finally say goodbye. I don't suppose I will ever truly get used to it. So, tonight when all of us at home, sullen-faced and glum we will have to remind ourselves that this is what makes us truly good at our jobs. Because Haven is the only kennel, where your dogs will be loved as you love them, and missed as you miss them when you leave them with us.
