FROM OUR MOM

Dear PugKids:
I was given an assignment to write this week and I have been thinking  about what I was going to say.  Usually I have no problem coming up with words, but sometimes when the subject is very close to your soul the words struggle to come out.

Someone asked me the other day, when they watched the three of you carry on barking and jumping if I would do this all over again.  I assume they meant put up with your rotten behavior when people come to our house, but I know what they really meant was would I bring three pugs from two different puppy mills into our home.  Um?????  (Well you did put me on probation this week...I don't think a Golden Retriever would ever do that.)

All of my pugs have been like a never ending college assignment....I learn new things all the time.  I have always enjoyed going to school so that is GOOD for you ... but.....In hindsight I sure did not know what I was stepping off into to.  I thought all a dog needed was food, water, shelter, and love.  It worked with Zeus (our little minpin), so I believed it.......but then you all came along .

Poop-eating, food aggressive, anxious, fearful, severe eye problems, fighting among yourself---- pugs.  That was just the beginning, .......snoring, crying, ripping our pants when we walked across the floor, screaming when picked up.....oh my....oh my.....BUTT now  we have reached that place in our relationship where most of behaviors are gone, we manage the food aggression more easily, poop eating has disappeared,  we have a better relationship with the vet and that helps with the eye issues and understanding the medications we need, we know what might set off a squabble and we are better at handling it.

You three opened my eyes to the horrible living conditions that some dogs have to exist in and the long lasting effects from it.  From all the negative though, we have also seen the good----  such as what the local sanctuary can do with the survivors of the mills.  With each stumble and bumble we always came out on the other side, ...always.

You gave me blogville, where friends abound for us, through our funny times, and our sad times. A true gift.  You  did that for me.

I love each one of you. 

Stella Rose, oh sweetie you were our first, oh my the things we have experienced, and learned from you.  And I know you have learned many things from us also.  You trust us to take care of you in a kind and loving way, and you know momma will always be there for you. What a joyful heart you have for us.  I felt it only this morning when I awoke and your cheek was resting against mine.    Next month you will be 5 years old, I can't believe we have had you that long already. You are my heart Stella Rose Long, my love.

And Maggie Mae, I admit I wasn't ready when you came walking into my life.  I had to make a decision to let you go back to that terrible world or keep you, and of course you stayed.  You brought so much laughter and joy to us, and still each night I know it is going to be you, that will take off zooming in your pug way, waiting on Gussie and Stella to chase you.  You are the clown.  And then when all is quiet you climb up on the couch, content, and lay beside me.  You understand we are always going to be your home.  You are my heart Margaret Mae Simpson.

Then there is my Angus.  What a sight you were when we brought you home.  One tiny boy with messed up eyes.  Now you are growing up and yet each night when you are sitting with me, and you give me that special kiss you are still my little baby Gussie.  Always.  You are brave and sweet, and you love your sisters.  You are my boy and my heart Angus McConnell Long.

This story cannot end here though because without Sammy J. and Trudie your lives would have been much different.  Their empty space in our house made room for us to love two more (mags and gussie), they made sure they left that lesson behind for us to learn.  I still have troubles thinking a lot about them, and not because I did not love them that much, but because I loved them greatly.  So I think of them in small doses, .......in the quiet.

So in our little house, your home is love....ours to you.....and yours to us.    Your Momma