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This lovable service pug, who loves to be kissed, is a cherished companion of Jeri and Alan Opland of Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
Tater Tot was purchased from a back yard breeder when he was eight weeks old. Now 10, Tater Tot loves to snuggle on his snuffle mat with his favorite toy, Tigger. Tigger was purchased at Wal-Mart for Tater Tot when Jeri and Alan brought him home. Jeri says Tater Tot sleeps in the middle of their king sized bed and they sleep on the edge. He snores very lightly because he had nose surgery when he was younger. Tater Tot loves to ride in the car and he has been to Arkansas twice.
Tater Tot has had professional photos of him taken four different times. As you can tell, he’s very photogenic. Jeri says she chose the pug breed because she believes pugs are part human. Tater Tot can sense when Jeri is having an off day so he’ll lay at Jeri’s feet so she has to get up slowly.
Loves to walk, but diagonsed with a bad hip
Tater Tot was crate trained and went potty every two hours after Jeri brought him home. He was fully potty trained by three and a half months old. Jeri says they no longer use the kennel. Tater Tot loves to walk, but was recently diagnosed with a bad hip. Jeri says they just got the OK to walk 1 block. Jeri does not like to take Tater Tot to dog parks.
Jeri says Tater Tot loves everyone and likes all dogs. He likes to bark at squirrels, rabbits, birds and sometimes imaginary things. Jeri says of course they talk to Tater Tot and he understands them. Jeri tells him things to do and Tater Tot will do what he is told. Jeri knows he understands because of the way he tilts his head and listens. Tater Tot understands about 150 words.
Jeri says Tater Tot has really short legs, but he can swim. He wears a life vest. Jeri’s brother-in-law takes Tater Tot to a landing (a place where people get in and out of the water) and as girls come out of the water, Tater Tot crawls in their tubes. Tater Tot stays home sometimes by himself. Jeri says they leave the television on, give him a treat and tell Tater Tot to be a good boy and watch the house.
Older Now, But Still Going Strong
Tater Tot eats Hill’s prescription diet and is fed twice a day. Tater Tot is a little overweight at 30 pounds. According to Jeri, they are trying to get his thyroid under control and they are trying to get him to be a little more active, even with a bad hip. Tater Tots favorite treats are Happy Howie’s from Pet Food Plus.
Jeri keeps Tater Tots teeth clean by giving him Verbac dental chews. When Tater Tot was young, he wore a prong collar, but Jeri says he now wears a harness. His harness is a service dog harness because Tater Tot is a service dog. He has his Canine Good Citizen Medallion (CGC). The GCG is offered by The American Kennel Club. Tater Tot loves to visit people and make them happy. Jeri says he went to the Chippewa Falls Veterans Home in Chippewa Falls WI for 5 years (her in-laws lived there and have now both passed away). Jeri did his training for the CGC test. Tater Tot passed the first time. Jeri says she didn’t pressure him and they worked on the things for the test for about a week. Jeri said her and Alan agreed that Tater Tot was a family dog first, but if he passed the test, they would be happy because he just loves people. Tater Tot has been to other nursing homes and hospitals and people light up when they see him.
Allergic to Grass, but one Happy Pug
Tater Tot is allergic to grass so his pads swell and get tender. Jeri says they have his pads shaved to help with the allergy. Tater Tot also takes allergy and thyroid medications. Tater Tot makes Jeri laugh with his little snore and with the cute way he sleeps.
Jeri says she tries to extend Tater Tot’s life with routine vet check-ups, by staying up to date on Tater Tot’s shots, by giving him heart worm every month, by feeding him quality food and lots of fresh water and by giving him lots of love. Tater Tot is treated at Eau Claire Animal hospital and Jeri says the people at the hospital are wonderful because they all love Tater Tot and they don’t treat him like a number.
Jeri’s Advice for Those Considering a Pug as a Pet: Jeri’s advice for those considering a pug is to research this breed. Find out all about it and then talk to other people who have pugs as a pet.
A huge “thank you” to Jeri and her beloved pug, “Tator Tot” 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 Jeri Opland.
Until next time,
Hugs and Pug Kisses,
Candy
