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This loveable pug with a penchant for Nyla Bones is a cherished companion of Julia Caraway Newsome of Chester, Va.
Julie purchased Buster from a pet shop named Pauley’s Pups. Now 13, Buster has a playful side. He makes Julie laugh by peeking at her. She says he follows her everywhere and peeks at her around a corner – he never just goes straight into a room. Buster always has to peek first. Buster sleeps right next to Julia with his head on her pillow and under the blanket in the winter. Julia says there is a 50-50 chance that she will wake up without a pillow because Buster has taken it. She says Buster does snore, but not as bad following his nose and palate surgery. Buster has been on vacation to the beach and camping. She says he seemed to enjoy his vacations and goes wherever Julia goes. He loves car rides.
Buster loves to have his photo taken. Julia says he is very photogenic and he will stop, smile and even pose sometimes. She says she also can tell when he doesn’t want his photo taken. Julia says she has never had professional pictures taken, but she has thought about doing it. It was the pug’s iconic “smushed face” that led Julia to choose the breed.
Well-Behaved – But Not Big on Walking
Julia crate-trained Buster when she got him. She says it wasn’t too difficult and the key to it was to constantly take him outside until he got the hang of going potty. Buster did have some accidents, she says, even a few in his crate. Julia kennel-trained Buster for the first two years, but once he was potty trained and he was out of the puppy stage, he had the run of the house. Julia says she did crate him when she was not at home, but Buster never was a fan of being in his crate. Buster would run and hide when he knew Julia was leaving to avoid being put in his kennel- and she said one time he won that battle.
Buster is very friendly with both people and other dogs. He isn’t really isn’t a barker, but he does bark sometimes when he is out of food or when he needs to go outside. Julia talks to Buster all the time and she’s pretty sure he understands her, but sometimes he gets stubborn and listens only when he wants too. She thinks Buster understands what she says by his reaction or expression. She’s not sure how many words he knows, but she says he seems to know a lot of them.
Buster has never been big on walking. Julia says they used to do a little walking but it was never a steady thing with Buster’s breathing issues. Now that he is older, they walk maybe once a month and just 5 houses down the street and back is enough to wear him out. Buster does stay at home some by himself, but Julia says he always behaves. She leaves the TV on for him.
Older Now, but Still Going Strong
Buster eats Nature’s Recipe Grain Free Salmon and Pumpkin dry food daily and once a month he gets boiled chicken with carrots, green beans and peas for a special treat. Julia feeds him just two meals a day and no more than two cups per day, but she says sometimes Buster demands more so she gives in and gives him another ¼ of a cup or less, which disappoints him. Buster’s favorite treats are Natural Balance L.I.T. grain free mini jumpin’ sticks- venison and sweet potato flavor. Julia orders them from Amazon.
Buster is slightly overweight. Julia says he fluctuates between 25-28 pounds and has weighed as much as 30 pounds. She watches his weight by trying to limit his food but says it’s hard because he loves his food. Julia does brush Buster’s teeth, but he is not a fan of having his teeth brushed. She does it when Buster is in the tub getting a bath because it makes it easier when he knows he is trapped. Buster wears a harness. Julia thinks that is the best option because he doesn’t choke himself with a harness. Buster wears a “Top Paw” harness.
Buster Has Fought Through Some Health Issues
Buster has had a few health issues. He has had his nose operated on twice, his palate once and he has a collapsing trachea. His left eye almost ruptured from a really severe ulcer, which led to eye surgery. Also, he has dry eye among other eye issues. Buster has back and hip issues since getting older, liver issues and a respiratory disease. He has battled allergy issues and has yeast problems in his coat, which is why he eats a grain free diet. If he has outbreaks, Julia washes him twice week with Miconahex triz shampoo for ten minutes each time. For Buster’s dry nose, Julia uses The Blissful Dog’s nose butter. She says it is the best product she has found for pugs and Buster’s nose is moist and crack free since she’s been using it. Buster takes Methocarbamol and Gabapentin for his back and hip issues, Theophylline for his respiratory disease, Denamarin for a liver problem and tacrolimus drops for his dry eyes.
Julia tries to prolong Buster’s life with regular vet visits, medication, surgeries and giving him the best products that she can find that work for him. She says she loves Buster’s vet because she stays on top of everything concerning him and keeps him as healthy as possible. She says even though he is 13 years old, he is still going strong, even with the health problems he has faced.
Julia’s Advice for Those Considering a Pug as Pet: Make sure you are prepared for all the problems a pug can have. “If you are prepared for potential problems, a pug is the sweetest, most laid-back dog you can have and they are so worth it,” she says. Julia says a pug’s personality is the best thing about having a pug and they will keep you smiling.
A huge “thank you” to Julia and her beloved pug, “Buster” for letting us feature you on our blog. If you are interested in us featuring you and your pug in the future, please send me (Candy Johansen) a message on messenger or email me at: www.candysphotos@gmail.com.
Photos provided by Julia Caraway Newsome.
Until next time,
Love and pug kisses,
Candy
The article is perfect!!! I love it!!! Thank you so much for doing this, Candy