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This adorable senior pug, Nester, whose favorite treat is ice cream, is a cherished companion of Karen Bordo of Scranton, PA.
Karen found Nester via a newspaper ad for pug puppies 15 years ago. Now an elderly fellow, Nester sleeps most of the day, but used to make Karen laugh when he barked at the animated bladder in the overactive bladder commercials on television. Nester sleeps with Karen, but does not snore. She calls him her “lazy pug man.” Nester and Karen like to sleep late on the weekends. Karen says Nester snuggles up close to her, and he does prefer sleeping in the middle of her bed.
Karen has taken Nester on day trips and he enjoys riding in the car. One time, they travelled to a beach town for the day. Nester could not go onto the beach, but he did get to enjoy the boardwalk.
Nester doesn’t mind having his photo taken. When he was very young, Karen did have professional photos taken of him. In one of the professional photos, Nester was posed in a mailbox. Karen says she fell in love with the pug breed years ago.
Kind and Laid-Back, but Not a Fan of Water
Karen says Nester loves people and other dogs. “He is such a kind, laid back little dude,” she says. He is not a huge fan of water, however. Karen says she does take him in the pool in the summer though, when it is hot to cool him off, but she holds him in her arms. Nester feels refreshed after he gets out and runs around like a puppy.
Karen and Nester do not go for walks often. Nester has a large fenced-in yard and he likes to explore and smell the flowers and grass. When they do go for walks, Karen will sometimes pick Nester up when he gets tired. Nester suffers from some arthritis. Nester is potty-trained and if Karen is not home when he has to relieve himself, he has a designated area in her kitchen where paper is put down for him. Nester is not kennel trained.
Nester used to bark at the television whenever any type of animal was on the screen, even horses or pigs. Karen says he does not do it as much now because he doesn’t see or hear as well as he used to. Karen talks to Nester even though he can’t hear her as well as he used to. She knows Nester understands when it is time to eat though, because he gets excited. Karen’s dogs stay home while she’s at work, but she has a camera set up where she can check on and interact with them during the day. She says the dogs sleep most of the day. Sometimes, she leaves soft music on for them to enjoy.
Older Now, but Still Going Strong
Nester eats dry food, usually IAMS, a half cup for breakfast and one for dinner. He likes any kind of treat, including fruit. Karen makes sure it is small so he does not have problems swallowing it.
Nester currently weighs about 24 pounds. Karen says he probably needs to lose a little bit of weight, but he is a happy guy. She tries to limit the treats that she gives him. However, on birthdays, he gets a cheeseburger and ice cream to celebrate his special day!
Nester will not let Karen brush his teeth, but she says he has kept his teeth good on his own. Nester usually doesn’t wear a harness when he’s in the house, but when they go out, he wears a Puppia harness. Karen really likes this brand of harness not only because they are stylish, they also don’t put pressure on the pug’s neck. Additionally, they are not easy to slip out of. Karen feels like her pugs are more safe and secure wearing harnesses.
A Few Health Issues, But Still A Happy Guy
Nester has lost most of his hearing and is losing some vision and has some arthritis in his back legs. These health problems are due to his age, but he doesn’t let it get him down. Karen gives him glucosamine chondroitin for his arthritis and sometimes, she makes golden paste with turmeric, coconut oil and pepper for him.
Nester’s favorite toys are a stuffed rabbit and a stuffed dog.
Nester is now a big brother to three other recently adopted senior pugs. Karen says that Nester was her first pug, though, and the only pug she has owned since he was a puppy.
Karen tries to prolong Nester’s life by helping him go up and down stairs and by giving him encouragement. She always makes sure he is safe.
Karen’s Advice for Those Considering a Pug as a Pet: “Make sure you have air conditioning in the hot weather. Pugs are not outside dogs. They only go out for short periods of time and to potty. Extreme temperatures are not good for them. Weather that is too hot or too cold is not good for their delicate breathing.”
Karen says the best thing about having a pug is the “love that you see in their eyes. Pugs are adorable little creatures. They are little clowns.”
A huge “thank you” to Karen and her beloved pug, “Nester,” 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.pugpalooza@gmail.com.
Photos provided by Karen Bordo.
Until next time,
Love and Pug Kisses,
Candy
Kindest pug owner ever!
What a sweet story. He is so adorable. Thank you!!