Happy 3rd Birthday Scarlett!!!

Today is my 3rd birthday. I can't remember if it's my real birthday or not, but this was the day last year that I was taken into shelter. They thought I was 2 years old then so I am 3 years old this year. For my birthday I got a cupcake, some new toys, a new sweater vest and pig ear chews. I also got in plenty of naps. It's turning out to be an awesome day.

Ella's New Tag and Collar

Of course Mama had to order me a new custom collar and tag. After all, I am her princess. Look at the prettiness I got on Monday!

First, the tag. Flower shaped to match the flowers on the print of my new collar.

Close up of the gorgeous removable flower accessory on the flower print collar.

Isn't it stylish?

Of course, Mama couldn't stop taking pictures. There are a ton, but I'll share just 2 more of my favorite shots. I love being me!

Love,
Ella

Bunnicula turns 4!

Tomorrow is Bunnicula's birthday! Or as close to an educated guess as Mama can make. He'll be turning 4. In honor of his birthday, the hoomans surprised him and Cleo with a weekend getaway. They will be staying at the luxurious Georgia House Rabbit Society for 6 glorious days and nights. There will be plenty of room for binkying, lots of new toys to play with, and perhaps a guests or two to befriend. They are going to have a marvelous time. Meanwhile, Dr. Dooley will be visiting a former foster home and the girls are going to stay with their friend, Prim (the pomeranian). We will miss our hoomans, but we will have lots of adventures to share when we get back.

Bunnicula, Cleo and their dog, Fluffy, are all packed and ready to go.

The buns arrived safely and check out their suite to be sure it is satisfactory.

Fluffy found a comfy spot to lounge while Bunnicula commences grooming himself in the hay box, and Cleo checks to see if there are guests next door.

Much love,
Bunnicula, Cleo, Dr. Dooley, Ella & Scarlett

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms of furbabies!

We spent a quiet day at home. In the afternoon, Daddy took the whole family to the park to fly kites and enjoy the beautiful weather. We sat with Mama on the picnic blanket watching other hoomans and other dogs. Then we visited the playground where all the hoomans fawned over us. They all said we were sweet and cute. It was a great time. Hope all of our pet mom friends have a great Mother's Day!

Much love,

Bunnicula, Cleo, Dr. Dooley, Ella, and Scarlett

Basic Training Graduates

Scarlett has been taking basic obedience training to get ready for the Canine Good Citizen test. She and Mama just finished the first 5 week course on Monday. On Tuesday they started the next level up. Scarlett has come along with her training and pays attention well. The command "Stay" is Scarlett's nemesis. She loves to be with Mama. Although on Tuesday she actually managed to complete a "Stay" in the "Down" position 4 times for a few minutes each time while Mama moved around her. They still have a lot of work ahead of them, but Mama feels that Scarlett may be ready for her Canine Good Citizen test at the end of June. Fingers crossed! First Canine Good Citizen, then training to become a therapy dog. Go Scarlett!

Three Weeks!

Tomorrow, it will be officially 3 weeks since Ella arrived. Ella and Scarlett are getting along like best buds. It is so wonderful to witness. It feels as though Ella has always been with us. She has such a fun, spunky, friendly, snuggly personality. Anyone would fall in love with her at first meeting. She loves to be near Mama or Scarlett much of the day and can often been seen snuggling with Scarlett for naps. The two girls play together all day. Ella loves to play. Her favorite games are chase, wrestle, catch, tug, and fetch. Yes, she actually fetches which is rare for a pug. She will bring a toy to Mama or Daddy and when they throw it, she goes after it and brings it back to drop in their laps to do it again. The whole family adores her. She is even nice to Bunnicula and Cleo. She has been very interested in meeting the bunnies close up, but Mama was afraid she might be too rambunctious so meetings are very carefully supervised. Mama will hold onto Ella as she sniffs the bunnies and gives them licks on their heads. Bunnicula and Cleo do not seem to mind this attention at all. They probably think she is being submissive to them by grooming them. Here are some recent sweet pictures of our new princess.

It's Official!

It's official! Ella is now a true member of the family. Mama and Daddy finalized her adoption this morning. Sweet girl is healing well so far from her surgery. She is back to being her spunky, playful self, but Mama says she needs to have some more rest and not be too active. Poor Ella has to stay in the crate because she gets too excited and wants to play when she's out of it. Look at those sad eyes!

Ella's Getting Spayed Today

Mama dropped Ella (Snooki) off this morning for her vet checkup and spay surgery. We are all eagerly waiting to hear that she came out of surgery okay. Scarlett is really missing her best friend.

The great news is that Mama and Daddy have proceeded with the adoption process. Since they are already an approved home, the process is much easier than they were thinking so Ella may officially be one of the family real soon. We will be sure to keep you posted on how Ella does after surgery and on the adoption.

Sisterly Love

Snooki-Ella and I are hitting it off. We have so much fun together. Snooki-Ella loves to snuggle with me. Here are some pictures from the last couple of days.

Lots of crazy chasing and wrestling going on.

Love,
Scarlett

It's SNOOKI!

Look who has come to stay with us!

It's Snooki! Snooki is a 2 year old fawn female that was just surrendered to the SouthEast Pug Rescue & Adoption (SEPRA) a couple of days ago. Her owner was no longer able to provide her with the time and attention she needs so he decided it was best to give her up to pug rescue. Dr. Dooley and Mama met her today at the SEPRA adoption event at Second Life Atlanta consignment shop. Ms. Jacqui, who was the one to pick up Snooki and was temporarily fostering her, told Mama that Snooki could come home to us after the adoption event. Mama was really excited as she knew immediately that Snooki and I would be BFFs. Turns out she was right. We were instant friends the moment that Snooki jumped out of the van. All evening we played chase, wrestled, and snuggled near each other. Snooki loves to play, which is great because so do I! Snooki had a blast rooting through the toy box. It turns out she likes squeaky toys as much as I do. We both love my caterpillar that Mama bought for me when I first got adopted. I think having Snooki around is going to be so much fun. I heard Mama tell Daddy that they should adopt Snooki. They already started calling her Snooki-Ella because if they adopt her, they want to name her Ella. I hope she ends up being my furever sister. Keep your fingers and paws crossed for me.

Love,
Scarlett

Scarlett's Story

After 2 months with our family, Scarlett thinks it is time to share her story.

Hi friends! My name is Scarlett. I'm a 2.5 year old apricot pug. They say my birthday is May 23, 2010, but I don't remember much about my life before last September. You see, I was abandoned. No one wanted me. Can you believe that at one point, no one wanted sweet little me? The trauma has caused me to block out the early part of my life. I was rescued by the North Florida Animal Rescue on September 17, 2012. When they took me in I was in a sad sate. I was a bit overweight. I had yeast infections all over my body especially in the folds of my face which left the area hairless, inflamed, and scaly. I also had a history of bad urinary tract infections. The rescue got me up to date on vaccinations and started treating the urinary tract infection and yeast. Thankfully I was heartworm negative. Although in October, it was found I had tape worms. Yuck. The rescue quickly took care of that. They treated me really well there, and I got into good shape. My skin improved and I lost a bit of weight. The rescue finally deemed me fit for adoption in early January 2013. Mama and Daddy were searching for a young pug to add to their family around that time and they saw my listing. Mama applied right away. She received a call back from the shelter requesting more information about her and the family. She was told that I had a lot of local interest and that the shelter usually did not adopt out of state since they prefer to do a proper home visit. Our family lives in the Atlanta area 5 hours away. Mama informed the rescue representative that she is a foster home for a humane society and the Southeast Pug Rescue and Adoption (SEPRA) and could provide references. The rescue representative told her that in that case they may be able to consider her application. A couple of weeks later, Mama received another call from the rescue saying that the first family they had selected for me ended up not working out. Mama was really excited. Then the rescue informed her that I had a luxating patella in my both my hind legs and would need surgery sooner rather than later. They estimated the surgery to cost around $3500 at the rescue rate and it was something the rescue couldn't afford to do for me. Mama had to talk it over with Daddy who said that he wasn't comfortable with having to spend that much money right after adopting a dog. Mama called around for surgery quotes just in case and read up on Care Credit which provides payment options for expensive medical and vet bills. Mama then called the shelter back just to confirm what they said about me needing surgery. The shelter representative who answered that day was more knowledgeable about my condition. She assured Mama that my condition was very mild and that surgery was something that may or may not be needed in the future, but it wouldn't be now. Mama was relieved and Daddy gave her the green light to pursue adopting me. That wasn't the end of the drama however. Mama and Daddy had previously planned a family trip north the week they received the call about me. The shelter informed them that they do not place holds on animals. It would be unfair in case my family changed their minds while I waited. A couple of days later, Mama received another call informing her that another family was coming to look at me and probably adopt me. Mama's heart sank. Two hours later, she received a call letting her know that the shelter did not approve of the family who came to visit me. Their children were too young and inexperienced with dogs. They nearly dropped me on my head! The shelter staff did not think it would be a safe environment for me and felt that Mama's family would be a better fit. They said that although they do not place holds on animals, it would be VERY unlikely someone better would qualify to adopt me while my family was on vacation. Mama felt better. While my family was on their vacation, Mama checked on my listings every day. Then halfway through their vacation, my listing disappeared. Mama cried. I was the 10th application she had put in for a young pug that she felt she had lost out on. Daddy was sad too and asked her to call the shelter to confirm. In the meantime Mama received an email from a SEPRA representative who told her they might have a young black male pug for her. Mama and Daddy were very excited. That situation ended up falling through as well. The current owners found an acquaintance that could take their pug. Mama called North Florida Animal Rescue back the next day. She didn't identify herself on the phone when she inquired about my status. The receptionist told her that I was already adopted by a nice family in Atlanta, GA who would be coming to get me soon. Mama put two and two together and realized that maybe the shelter had put me on hold after all. She then gave the receptionist her name and it was confirmed that I was being held for my family afterall! The lady who had last talked to Mama on the phone was so impressed by my family's application that they felt putting me on hold was the right thing to do. Thank goodness that the black pug found another home or Mama may not have called back assuming I was adopted. When my family got back home, they immediately began making preparations for me. On Tuesday, February 19th, I was brought out of my kennel and to a meet and greet room where I saw my family, including Dr. Dooley, for the first time. I was beyond excited to meet these new people and dog. I gave everyone kisses and they immediately fell in love with me. I was still unsure about what was happening and kept wanting to go back out into the hallway to finish my walk. After about an hour, my family finished filling out all the paperwork and started walking me out. I happily hopped into their car and off we went. The 5 hours home was spent on my Mama's lap. I've loved her ever since with a devotion you can only imagine. I love my Daddy and siblings too. I make sure everyone gets plenty of Scarlett loving since I have so much to give. My Mama, she's quite special though. I follow her everywhere. I am finally home. I don't remember ever being so happy in all my life.

Ollie's Visit

Our pug friend, Ollie, came to visit us yesterday. Dr. Dooley and I never had so much fun. There was much chasing, tagging, panting and crashing. I even had enough energy left over to attend a dog training class later that evening. Mama and the trainer said I really well in class. I worked on "Sit" and "Come" which I already knew, but I enjoyed getting treats all the same. Mama said I need to learn to not bark at the dog next to me when he barks and not to worry over him getting my treats because he has his own. It's like she doesn't know me at all. I love food. I will always worry about someone else getting it before I do. Mama said the trainer gave her a tip about something called Bitter Apple for changing unwanted behavior. I'm not sure I like the sound of that. Mama mentioned using it on me when I get too greedy for the food. Ugh. Anyway, here are some pictures and videos from the wild rumpus yesterday. Hope you enjoy! Love, Scarlett

Ollie. All ready to play.

Scarlett initiating a game of chase.

Scarlett taking a break

I accept kisses only on the cheek for the first date.

Ollie taking a break.

Let's play again Ollie!

Dr. Dooley enjoying some love.

Dr. Dooley loves getting attention from little hoomans

Scarlett taking another much needed break.

Dr. Dooley laughing at one of Ollie's hilarious jokes.

Ollie and Scarlett loved playing chase all afternoon. Even Dr. Dooley joined in on the fun once in awhile.

Bye Bye Ziggy

Mama took Ziggy back to the Humane Society this past Monday. We wish we could say Ziggy was leaving because he is getting adopted. Unfortunately, he bit our Daddy a few times last Sunday night. He had been trying to boss Dr. Dooley and Scarlett around from the start and was getting possessive of Mama, but he showed no aggression toward the hoomans until that night. Ziggy kind of went "Tasmanian Devil" on Daddy. All because he didn't want to be removed from Mama's side. We were all in shock. The bites did not inflict too much injury, but Mama and Daddy felt that it was too much of a risk to keep Ziggy around since we have little hoomans. Mama said she felt sad when she dropped Ziggy off. She imagined he would miss his naps on the comfy sofa. We hope that Ziggy finds a new foster or furever home soon that will be a better match for him. He would probably make a great only dog for a childless home and would likely respond very well to professional training.

Some News

Hello friends! It's been awhile. We have been very busy, and we have some news to share. First off, we got a new foster brother. His name is Ziggy, and he appears to be some sort of Chihuahua mix. We are thinking maybe Corgi because his legs are so short. He's really tiny. Almost half the size of Scarlett. He seems to be laid back for the most part and does not bother Bunnicula and Cleo which is good. They get the deciding vote on fosters. So far he does not seem interested in Scarlett or Dr. Dooley, but he is fine with them if they leave him alone and are not in his face. He loves all hoomans including the little ones. He is very tolerant of being handled by little hoomans.

He does have a couple of quirks. He is a little food aggressive with other dogs so he needs his own space for eating. He's fine with hoomans touching his food though. He also doesn't seem to care much for dog food and prefers hooman food. Mama hopes to cure him of this soon since he's not going to get much hooman food here. You see that tongue? It hangs out the side of his mouth almost constantly. The hoomans find this to be extremely cute. We hope that means he will be adopted quickly. Hehehe. His other quirk is that he likes to sleep on his back, paws in the air. The hoomans find this irresistibly cute as well.

In other news, Mama signed Scarlett up for training classes. She says it will be fun and Scarlett will become an expert at following commands. Maybe Scarlett will get her Canine Good Citizen certificate too. Mama has plans to have Scarlett become a therapy dog one day. Scarlett is very outgoing and loves all people. She would be good at being a therapy dog. She makes people happy. Just because she's cute, here are some pictures of Scarlett.

The last couple of weeks, Dr. Dooley set up an Amazon wishlist. He put down his heart's desire and some really generous hoomans actually granted his wishes. He got a ton of cool stuff in the mail and was so excited. He got a new bed, a carseat, some sweet potato chews, antlers, new squeaky balls, and some other things he didn't care too much for but Mama loved - shampoo, ear cleanser, Frontline.

Last bit of news is that this Thursday, we're dog sitting. We are going to have Chloe over for the weekend. We hope she likes us. Scarlett wants someone to play with. We'll let you know how it works out.

Talk to you all later!

Love,
Bunnicula, Cleo, Dr. Dooley, Scarlett & Ziggy