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This lovable pug, with a penchant for a rubber pacifier, is a cherished companion of Amy Evans of Kansas City, Missouri.
Amy says she got Iggy from her daughter after losing a pug that she had for 15 years. Iggy does not sleep with Amy, but he does take naps with her. She said he doesn’t hog the bed, but he does have to be right beside her. Amy is not sure whether Iggy snores or not because his big brother snores loud enough for both of them. Iggy has never been on vacation with them but Amy does plan on taking him on trips in the future.
Iggy is now 8 months old. Amy said Iggy likes his photo taken if she can get him to sit still long enough to take it. She has not tried professional photos yet.
“I first wanted a pug because they are so ugly that they are cute,” said Amy. “I had to have a dog that looked like he ran 100 miles an hour straight into a brick wall.”
Lover of People and Dogs- and even cats
Amy finds it easier to crate train her dogs when she is potty training them. She said when they are fully trained, her dogs are free to come and go as they please and she leaves their crates open so they can have a place to go that is all their own, if they want.
She used a crate to train Iggy for when they are gone or asleep. According to Amy, Iggy’s big brother showed him how to use the doggy door and they make sure Iggy goes outside about every two hours.
“It is not hard to train a pug,” she said. “Pugs are very smart and easy to train as long as you show them praise and be consistent.”
Iggy is definitely a lover of people, dogs, cats, etc… according to Amy. She even said that he likes cats, even if they don’t like him. Iggy only barks at night or if he hears a noise, like someone trying to come in the house. Amy said if he hears a noise, he thinks he needs to check it out.
“I talk to Iggy all the time,” said Amy. “I think he understands some of it. He shows he is listening because he will be looking at me and turn his head side to side and sometimes he will sneeze after I ask him a question.”
Amy takes Iggy on a mile walk every other day, weather permitting. She said they always stop about mid-way for a water break.
“He loves it because he likes to go wherever me or his big brother goes,” she said. “It helps wear off some of his energy before bedtime.”
Amy said Iggy is very comfortable at home by himself in his kennel, as long as he has his cow huff, a blanket and his rubber pacifier.
Bark Box Treats a favorite
Amy said they started Iggy on Purina Pro plan food for all ages, but that food left him with soft stools so they switched to Pure Balance small breed grain free food. Thus far, Iggy has no known health issues. Iggy’s favorites treats are the treats that he gets in his Bark Box every month, but Amy said he is a puppy that likes almost everything.
Iggy is not overweight. Amy makes sure he does not overeat and gets plenty of exercise. Iggy does get his teeth brushed once a week by his mom, but is not a fan.
“Once a week, we brush his teeth with a little doggy toothpaste on my finger and wash his wrinkles so he will get used to it,” she said. “In between cleanings, we use dental bones.”
Iggy does have collar just for his tags, but he wears a gooby dog harness with an x frame. Amy said the x frame will not cut into his neck and it is light, comfortable and padded so he does not get hot.
According to Amy, Iggy sleeps about 13-14 hours a day, but when he’s awake, he likes to play keep away and tack toy with his brother.
Amy loves her vet and makes sure that Iggy gets yearly check-ups, a lot of love and exercise. She said they pay attention if he is acting different than he normally acts. They take Iggy to see Dr. Rouch.
“He really takes extra time with my pets and you can tell he really cares about what is best for the animals,” said Amy. “I have used him for 20 years and he even remembers all my animal’s names. He does not try to charge me for things my animals do not need.”
Amy’s Advice for those considering a pug for a pet
Amy’s advice for those considering a pug is to make sure you have time for them. She said a pug will always want to be with you and they do better if there is another dog with them that is close to their age. She also warned that pugs can be very expensive medically so she says to make sure you can take care of them if the unfortunate happens.
“Try to rescue first and if you can’t, make sure you really look into the price in your area and don’t get overcharged,” said Amy. “I personally think the best thing about a pug is the love they give and their personality.”
A huge “thank you” to Amy and her beloved pug “Iggy” 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 e-mail me at pugpalooza@gmail.com.
Photos provided by Amy Evans.
Until next time,
Hugs and Pug Kisses,
Candy
Great story