Pugpalooza’s September Pug of the Month: “Tia Marie!”

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This charming pug with a fancy for Chik-Fil-A chicken nuggets and dressed in her Bama dress is an adored co-mate and service dog for Jamie Garner of West Point, Georgia.

Tia Marie was a rescue pug. Now at 10 years old, Tia Marie’s favorite place is Chik-Fil-A. Her and her mom, Jamie, have matching “Bama” outfits and they have fun teasing the Auburn fans when they go in the store. Tia Marie knows the box the nuggets come in and gives her mom a “look” when she eats from Tia Marie’s box.

Tia Marie makes Jamie laugh when she carries her favorite toy (a beanie baby squirrel called “baby”) to her when she’s in the bathroom and sits in front of her on the toilet. Jamie says she tries to have some private time, but Tia Marie just isn’t having it. Tia Marie sleeps with Jamie because she has been trained and certified to alert for her mom’s low/high blood sugars and seizures. Jamie says she snores like crazy and is a bed hog and her favorite place to sleep is between her legs.

Tia Maria has been on vacation to Orlando and got to fly on the plane as a service dog. Jamie says she was very good on the trip.

Tia Marie likes to have her photo taken when she’s dressed up, but Jamie has never had professional photos taken of her.

Not crate trained but loves her walks

Jamie says Tia Marie was very easy to potty train. She would take her out first thing in the morning, before she ate, 30 minutes after eating, every two hours throughout the day and right before they went to bed. Jamie did not kennel train; she does not like them. Tia Marie loves people, especially children, but Jamie says she tries to boss around other dogs.

Tia Marie barks at the wind, the Sprint Robot, crows and the door, and also when her mom’s blood sugar is out of whack. Jamie does talk to Tia Marie. Some of her favorite phrase are: “night-night,” “outside,” “go potty,” “Grandma,” “Grandpa,” “Uncle Keithies,” “Mommy,” “baby,” and “Angry blue.” Her least favorite phrases are: “Goodbye,” and “We are going to have fun.”

Jamie walks Tia Marie at least twice a day, more when it cools off. Tia Marie loves to walk so much that Jamie says it’s a fight in the summer when it’s hot. A favorite spot for the duo is the lake. Tia Marie does stay home some by herself. Jamie leaves the TV on and Christian music for her to listen too and she lays on the bed or on Jamie’s recliner.

Older Now But Absolutely Perfect

Tia Marie eats Hill Science liver care food twice a day. Jamie feeds her a half cup per feeding. Her favorite treats are Denta Stix that she gets from the commissary. Tia Marie is a little overweight at 30 pounds. Jamie tries to control her weight with exercise and diet. Jamie says she doesn’t brush Tia Marie’s teeth, but she probably should. Jamie uses a harness on Tia Marie for better movement.

She says she’s prejudiced, but thinks Tia Marie is absolutely perfect.

Still Going Strong

Tia Marie does have some liver problems that she takes medication for, but she’s pretty healthy and still going strong. They both love the vet that they use. Jamie says Dr. Teague is compassionate and gentle. Jamie tries to prolong Tia Marie’s life with monthly vet visits for nail clips, ear cleanings, anal glands, heart worm pills and her flea and tick medications.

Jamie’s Advice for people considering a pug as a pet: Jamie says people considering a pug should know about the breed and know how to care for a pug before getting one.

According to Jamie, the best thing about having a pug is “everything.”

“I did not want her, but could not let her suffer,” she says. “God knew I needed her and that a pug was perfect for my life and personality.”

A huge “Thank You” to Jamie and her beloved pug, “Tia Marie” 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 Jamie Garner.

Until next time,

Hugs and Pug Kisses,

Candy