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These three lovable pugs, all from the same litter, are cherished companions of Don and Heather E. Kelly of southern Arizona.
Meet Molly D., Gracie and Betty Boop (Boop).
Heather said they had a neighbor who owned a boy pug and before they could get him fixed, he mated with another pug. They got two of their three pugs then (Gracie and Betty Boop). Molly D. came later when her human passed away. Now, at 4 years old, the pugs mostly like to play with socks and small towels. They shake them and chase each other all over. Molly D’s favorite toy is a Millennium Falcon toy.
The pugs sleep with Don and Heather and she said they are bed hogs. Boop puts her head on the pillow or burrows under the sheets with the others. Molly D., Gracie and Betty Boop love photos. Heather said they pose every time she pulls the camera out.
“Our pugs entertain us every day,” Heather said. “I laugh at their little clown-like antics. They actually scream at me when I get home and when they get excited while playing. I just love them so much. The breed chose me and I couldn’t be happier.”
Easy to Potty Train and Love to Go Camping
Don and Heather didn’t technically use a kennel to train their pugs, but the pugs were confined to a specific area. Heather said the pugs learned potty training very quickly and they used a PetLoo to help. They also had two older dogs that helped with the training. Molly D., Gracie and Betty Boop bark when it thunders, when the doorbell rings, when they hear other dogs barking, when they see themselves in a mirror and at each other when they are playing. Heather said they love people and other dogs.
The pugs go on occasional walks when the weather permits. Heather said they love to go on walks when they go camping. Don and Heather call these walks “scream and tug.” She says it’s just a cute term that they use. Gracie gets so excited when they leave to walk that she actually screams and pulls on the leash. Then she settles down. Heather said sometimes the other pugs join in.
Slightly Overweight but No Major Health Problems
The pugs eat True Instinct by Purina Pro Plan (Tuna and Salmon). They are fed twice a day with minimal treats. Heather said the pugs might be slightly overweight – Molly is 22 lbs, Gracie is 19 lbs, and Boop weighs 23 lbs. They eat milk bones and appropriate fruits and vegetables for a snack, and sometimes ice cubes.
Heather said the pugs are very well-behaved. They stay home in a safe area while the couple is working and sleep until they get home. They sleep at night from about 8:00 p.m. until 4 a.m. Molly D., has seizures and in on Zonisamide. Boop is mostly blind from a congenital eye defect that she was born with. Other than that, no major health problems.
Heather said she always talks to her pugs. She said Gracie tilts her head at her when she talks. Heather feels like they understand when she is sad. The pugs wear harnesses when camping or walking but go without them around the house. Heather said they love their vet. The couple has used the same vet for more than 20 years and they are very caring with reasonable prices. She said they are accessible in case of an emergency.
Heather’s Advice for People Wanting a Pug
A pug is a special creature,” Heather said. “You have to be ready to give lots of attention and it’s a dog who has to always be with its human. Shedding is a thing. They are truly members of the family.”
A huge “Thank You” to Don and Heather and their beloved pugs: Molly D., Gracie and Boop for letting us feature you on our blog. If you are interested in Pugpalooza featuring you and your pug(s) in the future, please send me (Candy Johansen) a message on messenger or email me at www.pugpalooza@gmail.com.
The photos were provided by Heather E. Kelly.
Until next time,
Hugs and Pug Kisses,
Candy
