I am absolutely fuming and have a pet peeve to discuss: pet owners who judge me because my pugs are a little… different. Sure, the pug crew cannot sit & stay (with the exception of Harley), or do any special tricks, or listen not to beg, or ride in a car in a crate, or just be content in a crate altogether, or sleep anywhere but in bed with us. I think these things make my pugs unique. I truly know that Brian and I saved them. Specialized rescues like Pug rescue, BT rescue, Airedale rescue-you all know what I’m talking about- they find homes for dogs that need not just a home but special attentions to their specific needs.
Brian and I have made some MAJOR adjustments in our lives for our dogs. Now, I think that despite their “shortcomings” (as listed above), I am a very good dog owner. I’m responsible and above all LOVE THEM more than anything. However, if I have to hear ONE MORE PERSON say “wow” with disgust when hearing some of the stories like the ones I share here, or saying “well MY dog doesn’t do blah blah blah” or “wow, that makes me grateful for my dog,” I will go postal on whoever that lucky person is. At one point recently, someone was saying what their dog could and couldn’t do, and I chimed in- of course a lot more “couldn’t do’s” for my puggies. They responded, “well, that’s why you have to train your pug.” REALLY? What do they think I’m going to say? “Training!?!? I had not thought of that!!! I thought they were born knowing how to sit, stay, and shake on command. Crazy!!! Thanks so much for the fantastic advice, I’m forever grateful.”
It takes a special person to rescue a dog with special, sometimes neurotic needs. Sophie is so Velcro-pug, insecure, neurotic, and broken from her past that she HAS to be on a lap or licking another pug. Dixie eats her own poop, but only because where she came from, she didn’t know where her next meal was coming from, if at all- for more than three years. And Harles was given away, probably because of his slight knee problems, that if anyone researched pugs before getting one, they’d know about. I would give someone one freaking thousand dollars if they could come into my house and teach Sophie and Dixie to sit or stay on command. It’s not like we haven’t tried. Duh! They just are stuck in their ways. And I am absolutely done with hearing that sort of thing. I understand that it’s gross that Dixie ate Sophie’s vomit. But ask me more about them and you’ll understand why. Or, be like one of my nicer co-workers, who acted interested and gave some suggestions. (She said that giving them pineapple as a treat makes their poop taste bad. Which is much more effective in the conversation than “eww.”) I may not be able to get them to run an obstacle course, or sleep in a crate, but I am able to keep them happy and healthy. Shouldn’t that count more than anything? Ugh. Any advice as how to handle this? Or similar experiences? I’m just sort of blunt and rude now since I’m so sick of it. When will people learn to respect others!?
We were lucky enough to be given an award by our good friends The Churchills aka Winston and Clemmie!!! Thanks guys!
This award is passed to bloggers for showing great Attitude and/or Gratitude. We are passing it on to Pearl, aka Sophie’s bff (best friend forever!), Murphy, Dixie’s bad@SS boyfriend, and Salinger, Sophie’s metro-sexual man. Thanks for being our friends! If you guys got them already, sorry! We just like you!
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26 comments:
Hmmmmm, maybe next time someone starts saying something about their dog versus yours, just look them in the eye and say "Yes, well, that's what you get when you rescue a dog from certain death in a 3x3 crate in a puppy mill whose entire life was dedicated to producing more dogs to be sold at ridiculous prices in pet stores, probably like the one YOU BOUGHT who is so easy to train."
Ok, so that's not actually a less-rude way to put it, maybe....but I bet it would get the point across!!
Maybe the best idea is just to avoid talking about the dogs around those people - just discuss them with the helpful co-workers who give you advice like the pineapple (I have heard that also, incidentally, so you might try it - who knows, right?).
The thing is that, just like your dogs, those people can't change. You can't train some people to be nicer or more understanding, so you just have to accept them like they are and modify your life around it (ie- ignoring them and avoiding them whenever possible).
We're glad you liked the award - great nominees!
Oh, Kelly!! I am FUMING for you! I have been scouring your blog looking for your email address... Halp!
PS Thanks for the award. :)
Don't you just Looooove unsolicited advice? ugh! Once I posted to a dog training board asking for advice on Ickis' marking and ended up being told I was a bad pug Mom and I should give them away to someone who could spend more time and money on them.
I LOST my mind on that person.
*hugs* Hang in there! We know you love your babies!
My mom has writed you a message on my bloggie. We's sad that you's upset.
Oh Kelly, people can be really terrible! I'm sorry that people have been being really rude to you. I can see why you are tired of responding to them; I am not sure what you could say in response.
You are one of the most wonderful pug mommies I know (not to mention a wonderful person!) so I don't want you to listen to a thing that rude people are saying to you.
Clover wants to send some big hugs and kisses your way.
Jess
I totally get you. I had a coworker tell me the other day that the reason why Napoleon was chewing up one of our lazyboy chairs is because we weren't the "pack leader" and that I should read Ceaser's book and then I'll be able to train Napoleon how not to do this.
Yes, that would solve everything.
I totally get you, darling.
I think All the Mommy & Daddy here on blogger are wonderful especially the ones that get rescue dogs. I don't know if I have upset you, but I am sad that you are upset, I really don't like it when a blogger I care about is upset. Was it me? I know I say wow, I know I give advice, but I don't say "well my dog doesn't" as I am the dog. Congrats on your awards. I'm sorry you are upset I hope you feel better.
Hugs & Snugs
Eduardo the Snuggle Puggle
Hi Kelly,
I don't think it is right to put negative comments on someone else's blog, just because one does not agree or one's dog is different. I used to comment about what Coco does, just to give some feedback on the post and I am not sure if sometime that may have sound rude or bad. I apologize if so. I also understand your point. I have had similar situations with people around me. I am a very laid back person and I just don't care what other people think, even my own husband. It is MY dog and I pay all his bills. He is a DOG and obviously he is not expected to have human manners (and no matter how hard I try to avoid it, he eats poop everyday. And toilet paper). I guess some people just can't understand the great job you are doing as Sophie's, Dixie's and Harley's mom. They are just perfect the way they are, and so are you and Brian.
Sandra
Kelly, I'm so sorry so many people have upset you. You know we are right in there with you...we have the 5, 3 of them rescues, they eat each other's vomit, Pippin used to eat poo (he might still but we haven't SEEN him do it in a long time), they all sleep in our bed, I don't believe in crating our dogs, at least one rides on my lap in the car...I could go on and on. Besides yours being rescues, pugs just have neurotic tendencies...they are each unique and full of personality, that's why we love them so much. I know other people look at us like we're insane, even when we go to Meetup, but I know that I love each of my pugs and they are better off with us than they would be anywhere else. Just like I know that your Three Amigos are in a wonderful home where they get the love that they need. You and Brian are such great pug parents! I can see how happy the pugs are with you and how much you love them. Don't listen to those other people.
Several years ago I found a website that had to do with family issues and I used to read all the messages on the board about in-law issues. I had a lot of issues with my mother-in-law. I once was fed up enough to post on the board and instead of getting sympathy or friendly advice, I was blasted and belittled for my "menial" issues and why don't I just suck it up. I was so pissed off. I never went back to that site and I don't pay attention to "advice" sites any more. I joined this community because that's what it feels like, a community. I love my pug blogger friends!
Pug hugs and kisses!
Vikki and the Pug Posse
We're very sorry that your mommy is so upset. We see that she loves the three of you to death and does the best she can. Our hats are off to her! It's not everyone that can rescue a dog or dogs plural!
We've heard that Fig Newtons can help with poop eating too. We've never had this problem so we can't say that we've tried this firsthand but we've heard that it does work for some. How tough is it to eat cookies to find out?! hehehe
Love ya lots,
Maggie and Mitch
FIRST off ((((((((HUGS)))))))).
SECOND: We LOVE all three of your "special" little darlings and never thought of them as anything but adorable and hilarious.
THIRD: People are @$$holes. I firmly believe that tact and grace are completely lost concepts on most people these days. Sad, really...but you have to figure it's THEIR issue if they have one with your situation. Screw 'em.
FOURTH: I feel like I need to apologize for making "ew" comments about Dixie eating her poop (well...because yeah, it's gross and that's how most people are just wired to react). I totally get WHY and I hope I never offended you. I guess I fall into the @$$hole category above and just associate poop with "ew" and never thought that it may hurt your feelings. I really am sorry! Give Dixie Bugg a nice BuggRubb from me and tell her I'm sorry ok?
FIFTH: I wish I was as brave as you to adopt 3 "special" dogs. I'll admit right now that I don't think I could do it, so you definitely should be commended and my hat will be forever off to you for it.
Now go hug those three sweeties and tell them that they are the luckiest pugs/bug on the planet to have such a great family! I'll tell them myself when we see them in a few weeks at Meetup!
Love,
Laura (S-Dog's Mom)
PS. Thank you for the Lemmy-aid (as Holden used to call it) award! You made our day!
By the way, we love the new picture on your blog!
The Pug Posse
P.S. Pippin still loves Sophie ;-)
Ditto to all the rest! One thing I have learned loving dogs and doing rescues....some people JUST DON'T GET IT! Rest easy knowing YOU are making a difference!!!!
Oh Kelly! First off your blog was one of the ones that inspired me to blog. I loved hearing the stores and etc. I also wanted to share my experience with others as well as document my life with Brutus. Your girls are from puppy mills not 5th avenue but they still deserve love and a safe, happy home. who cares if they eat poo? Brutus loves cat poop. You can't reason with them, they are doggies. That kinda stuff makes life interesting!
Love the new pic! I can't tell you how great it is to hear about Harles and the gang. I wish we could say something that would make it all better.
You and Brian are wonderful people for taking in the gang and providing them with love and a home. That is what matters.
Murphy's Mama here:
Screw those people! They're pompous pricks.
You're a great doggie mom. And your puggies sound great too. Murphy is a HUGE a-hole, probably from his abusive past (When we adopted him, he had all his front teeth knocked out).
He's a crazy spaz. We can't take him out in public, he just can't settle himself. We can't get him to stop jumping all over people when they visit. He's knocked over numerous small children trying to kiss them in the face. He's a jackass to most other dogs. He's destroyed more couch cushions than I can count. He can't be left loose in the house when no one is home. He will sit, but that's about all. He barks like a mo-fo at any vehicle that passes our house, goes ballistic when he sees the trash truck outside, and I can't get him to shut up for anything. And he still occasionally pees in the bathroom.
His former owners probably abused him and then dumped him because of that stuff, but goddammit I love him!
vent all you want, you know we will agree. you must remember I am named for shitting on the carpet :)
oops, HBO words :)
Anyone who thinks it's easy or at times even possible to train a Pug has never owned a Pug. The People have had me since I was a puppy, and I am still a mess. Sure, I can do my tricks, but I don't listen, I poop in the house, I'm a maniac in the car, I lunge off Woman's belly and give her bruises, I bark at every noise, I hate the phone, etc. I could go on all day. Those people can suck turds in my opinion, and we all know my opinion counts - LOL! Go Pugs!! You're doing a great job with your crew. Anyone who says otherwise hasn't spent a day in your shoes, so they can step off.
Oh, and by the way, I was never abused or traumatized and I eat poop too. I just like it! Anyone has a problem with that can kiss my curly tail, and the pie hole below it...
Kelly, I'm mostly a lurker but I had to comment here. I have a pug and a Boston, not rescue but definitely a handful. Sometimes people just don't get it. First of all, pugs are LAP DOGS so most of them are velcro even if they don't have special needs. If you don't want a dog that follows you around, DON'T get a pug. I haven't gone to the bathroom alone since we got Rufus. If you close the door on him he cries pitifully. He eats cat poop and steals his brother's food. He has learned about 12 commands and tricks and he will learn no more. He's done. He just can't be bothered. Sometimes pugs just don't wanna! He cries at everything, barks at the slightest movement outside, sheds like a BEAST and is generally a needy pain in the arse. Did I mention he weighs 39 lbs? I had someone stop me one day and lecture me on the fact that he is too fat. Do they think I can't see????? In spite of all of these things he's really the SWEETEST dog I've ever known. As for the Boston, don't even get me started. He (along with his brother) still periodically destroys things in the house (dog beds, wood furniture) and sometimes pees inside....on the dog bed! Demanding, needy, rude, totally obnoxious and totally lovable.
And they both eat their own, as well as each other's, barf. Most dogs will do that if they are allowed to. They're just being dogs! People are so ridiculous sometimes! You keep doing what you're doing and give those little puggies a good home. Poo on everyone who doesn't get it!
Hi,
I just came over from Harry Pugalicious' blog and had to comment. I am the mom to three lovable, crazy, and often misbehaved dogs. My boxer eats her own poop if in the house and all three go nuts for cat poop. they have eaten their own vomit before. And only the BT actually knows more commands than sit, and even then, she only listens to her daddy and not to me! I take the boxer on walks and she barks like crazy at any dog or any other person walking by!! My crew can be overwhelming for people who aren't used to them, but i would have taken offense like you did to other co-workers (or people) commenting in that manner. Althoug maybe not well-trained, they are loved and they are my children. If you didn't say something really rude and possibly with a curse word, you probably did better than i would have done! Good luck with them and definitely try to ignore them if you can! Cheers to puppies who are loved, because isn't that the most important thing?
The Puppies' Mom, Amy
First, oh dear, I hope none of that was anything we said. (Lucky has eaten her food vomited it up and then re-ate it). Muffie, the pug that came before, used to eat poop. Except it was the neighbor's cat poop. (The vet said it was like a poop-sicle. Yummy. People are just dense. We think you are wonderful, and have done wonderful things for your pugs. I, personally, can't imagine Lucky or Roxy sleeping anywhere but IN our bed. Why would I want them in a crate? They give off so much love and affection, sleeping next to you, making you feel loved.
Lucky and Roxy both sit, Lucky will lie down, but that's it. Roxy is smart but she doesn't want to be trained. Trust me, I tried as well. Roxy still goes outside, pees, and then poops in the house. Lucky sometimes can't hold the pee and pees in the house. You know what? I clean it up. She was in a pen for the first 4-1/2 months of her life. She peep there and pooped there. She doesn't get the "outside" and can hardly do stairs. She is food aggressive because that is the only time they ever paid attention to her. Roxy just got two brand new loaves of English muffin bread off the counter and she and Lucky destroyed it. That is the fourth loaf of bread that my husband received that he didn't get one slice of! People who want perfect dogs should get stuffed animals.
Roxy's mom
Congrats on the award.
Oh yeah, when my nephen was born, her was really blond. My sister has very dark hair. People would walk up to her and say, "Well I certainly hope your husband is blond!" My sister answered, "My husband is African American. My boyfriend, he's blond." Shut them up every time.
I totally feel for you! There is no such thing as a perfect dog, that would be boring. And I agree there are soooo many people out there who don't have a friggin clue.
My family likes to tell me that Gus is big and stupid and awful for some of the things he has done yet they have a dog that lives on the kitchen table, he is that food motivated. Gus spent the first 7 months of his life being treated in such a way that if he is wary of strangers, scared of garbage bags and shaking out the laundry. Who knows what they did to him?
Sigh.. But I know how you feel, all 4 of my animals have issues and it doesn't mean we don't love them any less.
I personally happen to like Rachel's comment! I find that just saying they were abused seems to cover it. Well until I started getting advice on how to deal with an abused animal. :p
And I am pretty sure eating vomit is just a dog thing..
Feel better, have some wine and snuggle with your babies.
I just found your blog and I love your pugs! I have three myself (two rescues) and I can't get enough of them. Two of mine are poop eaters and one of those is terrible about it. I tried every product out there plus all the home remedies. Nothing helped a bit. Finally while I was searching for the best food for my gang I tried a high protein, fish based kibble called Barking at the Moon. And the poop eating stopped totally within days. Apartently to my gang, fish based poop isn't as tasty as other poop. :-) So you might want to mess around with your foods. You might find one that works for you.
I won't offer any advice on how to handle the situation. All of my advice comes in the unsolicited form and is directed to parents of misbehaving children. I figure that I am in the perfect position to dole out unwanted advice about that subject seeing as how I am not a parent and have very little one on one experience with them.... >:)
Gosh I know how awful it feels to get a negative comment on your blog. Its happened to me too. You spend all this time to do something positive and share with others and then to get something negative back is so disheartening. I'm sorry that you had to go through that.
I have learned a lot from your blog. For example I am way more careful to check Pumpkin for bumps after your posts on the "butt bump". I hope you keep sharing and Pumpkin & I wish the best to you and your family.
Pish posh. We're pugs! Easily trained is not in our breed description and that's just the way our humans like us: SASSY.
I like that you are a trio of sass ... and um, class, Harles.
-Sukes
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