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.