Are You Worthy?
I hope by now that you are starting to see the importance the grumble has had in my new attitude towards life. If you think you might be interested in letting a Pup or six into your life, read below just to make sure you are worthy. It is with the highest recommendation that I suggest you rescue one of these flat-faced, snoozley, snorkely little creatures.
There are plenty of reasons that I chose a pug above all other breeds, and not just because they are one of the most adored dogs in the world. The bottom line is my daughter heard about Pugs from a friend and she wanted one. Before I gave in, she did the research, proved to me that she could be responsible and then I gave the go-ahead. BTW it took 2 years for her to convince me…
I remember reading a post on Facebook about 12 Facts that Prove Pugs are Awesome. Well, after having Pugs for the last 10 years I certainly don’t need an article to tell me that they are an amazing breed.
Many Pug lovers already know that a group of 3 or more Pugs is called a grumble. I don’t need to be told that they are a social breed or that they have been adored throughout royal history. And I really didn't need to be told that they have as diverse personalities as the people they choose to bond with. How about all the famous people that own them. Yes, I actually Googled it and was surprised that my name, Kellen Ann of @therealpugsthatwow on IG, wasn’t on the list. Oh well, maybe next year.
I think a more appropriate story here would be 12 Guidelines that make you worthy of a Pug. You always hear about people just blindly getting a pet that they know nothing about. They don’t do the research and end up bringing it back to the store or worse, take it to the pound. I know for a fact that this happens because of the hundreds of thousands of animal rescue operations around the world.
I feel it fitting now to give my opinion of the 12 Guidelines that would, indeed, make you worthy to be owned by a Pug.
Do the research! Make sure you have space for the pug you pick. They come in different sizes as you can see from the five I have had over the years. Today there is plenty of readily available information to find out if your Pug will fit in your home.
Make sure you have enough income for medical expenses. It is good to have pet insurance or savings that you can rely on for unexpected emergencies.
Don’t forget the social factor. If you are a runner, do you want them to run with you or do you just want to snuggle on a couch? My three current Pugs are all different. One can chug along with me, one is a sprinter, and one is a couch Pug-tato. It is very important to make sure your Pug matches your activity level.
It is extremely important to feed them the correct food and treats. Lots and lots of research went into what my Pugs put in their mugs. Most Pugs have very sensitive tummies and you wouldn't want your fur babies throwing up all over the place, would you? As far as treats, It took over 12 different types of treats till we found one that Rocco would eat. Honestly, his favorites are the ones that I make from scratch! (check out the bottom of this story and I will post the recipe)
Patience is not only a virtue, it is a must with a Pug. Pugs are almost NEVER in a hurry for anything. Well, except for getting their food, eating their food, and letting me know that they immediately want more food. Always remember, what goes in comes out and patience in potty training or any kind of training is important too.
Can you accept the fact that you will become a Pugdependent? (the pug version of becoming a codependent) You will indeed enable them, put up with their dysfunctional and eclectic behaviors, and tolerate their lack of motivation to do anything. Don’t worry, you will get used to it.
Shedding. I don't think I need to say anything here? We all know that Pugs are the absolute worst shedding dogs around and I have a black sweatshirt, a couch and, yes I am going to admit this publicly, home-baked goods with fur baked in to prove it.
I never would have thought babysitting was a necessity when I got the Pugs? Yes, the Pugs become very attached to their humans and it is important to find a place or person that they feel comfortable with just in case you need to go away. The last thing you want to come home to is a Pug that hasn’t eaten since you left or a stressed pup who has been publicly chastising you on their social media accounts telling the world that you abandoned them and left them to starve.
Pugs have sat on the laps of emperors. Are you lap-worthy? Really they don’t have a preference for the lap that they will rest their royal body upon, they just want one to be available at their whim. So, it doesn’t matter if yours is lumpy, soft, skinny, big, or small, just make sure it is available.
If you get a grumble don’t plan on taking them for a walk by yourself. I tried walking my three and it was a circus. I spent more time untangling leashes than actually walking. So, I now plan ahead and make sure I have someone to go with me.
Regarding Costumes and dressing up. I swore I wouldn’t be one of those Pug moms that would dress up the grumble. Well, I’m not too bad…I have put them in costumes and did buy them sweaters for the winter. Oh yeah, the boys occasionally wear a bow tie for a fancy occasion and Loretta and Daisy did own Tierras. I’ll leave this up to your own discretion and the amount of embarrassment you Pug can endure.
Finally, are you ready to give the same amount of unconditional love that you are going to receive? I love that when I leave the house, whether it be for 5 min to go check the mail or 2 days, I get the same reaction when I walk back through the door. Pugs that are so excited to see me!!!
If you follow these guidelines and take heed as to what you are getting yourself into you will be ready to be owned by a Pug. You will be the luckiest human around and your Pug will make sure that you know it every day!