Cody's Christmas - Jan 4/09

Cody is a very sweet guy. We love him very much. He was quite timid with Axel at first, but he is now talking back and joining in the play. Now we find the boys napping side by side on the sofa or bed. He easily got used to going outdoors to do his business. For the first 10 or 12 days, someone had to go out with him because he was used to going on lead. Now he goes to the door when he wants out and goes by himself or with Abby and Axel. There’s been no ‘accidents’ since the first week he came home with us.

His first visit to his new vet revealed clostridium in his stool sample and he was on antibiotics for that for a few days. Now he has good firm ‘poos’. His left ear, especially, was a bit infected. They are now cleared up, although it probably will be a recurring thing. His ears inside are ‘meaty’ like his cute face which makes his ear canals quite tiny. I took him to a surgeon to see if his PK could be corrected surgically but he is not a candidate for surgery. We tried Cyclosporine for his eyes for a few weeks but a follow-up showed no improvement, so all the pugs are going to an ophthalmologist for an eye exam on the 29th.

We can’t imagine our household without him. He’s just adorable.

Cody leaves for a new life - November 6

Requirements

At Pugoween he walked about on his own, sniffing other pugs and greeting people. He was never too far away from me but was good at socializing.

I have not had a chance to see how he is with cats but he does not have a strong prey instinct so I would think he would ignore them.

He does bark at loud noises – sirens, garbage truck, tea kettle whistle but settles down when I tell him to. I think with a repititive, positive training pattern he will overcome this. Anyone living in a condo or apartment may want to consider this if they apply.

When the larger dogs are play growling in the park, Cody will start barking and hopping to get into the play mood. He is not aggressive with them. He does socialize well with the other dogs in the park. He has been the submissive one with my boys.

Cody is pee pad trained and does okay in a crate. He will need to have a pee pad around for the first couple of weeks until he gets the routine of outdoor walks. Most likely he will not need it if his potty breaks are regular.

He has an allergy to grain so definitely a no grain kibble. He has the medication for his ear infection that will need to be done for the next 15 days. I have been giving him a potato based cookie (Northern Biscuit Bison and Blueberries) as training treats. The adopter can further investigate the exact nature of the allergy if they wish.

He has developed Pigmentary Keratitis so he will need to have the ointment for his eyes administered.

Because of his right leg and the slight limp, he does not do long walks Several shorter walks are best for him. So if there is no one home during the day, a dog walker would be advisable. He has full mobility in his right leg and it does not hinder him from running and going up and down the stairs. Because of this, we decided not to X-ray. The new owner may want to follow up if interested.

Cody has dropped his weight from 23 lbs to 19 which has helped his walking very well and increased his energy level. Continued maintainence of his weight will be required so it will not affect his walking.

He has deep nose folds so a regular cleaning will be required.

Foster Update - Oct 10

He had a little trouble adjusting to the outdoor walks and when to do his husiness. However I would leave a pee pad in the bathroom and he would always use it. Now that he knows the walk scheduele and rhythm, we've had no more use for the pee pads.

Cody loves to cuddle into my lap, pushing his round head into my hips and his curly tail travels up ot the knee. Then he rests his chin on my arm and promptly begins to snore. When he wants to play, he will grab a toy and push it into my calves (hint, hint). And he is beginning to join in the play of my other dogs, and is socializing well with the new dogs in the dog park.

His vet records show that he has had a history of ear infections and unexplained intermittent vomitting. Since being in foster care Cody has been on a grain free Kibble - Orijen - and there has not been any vomitting incidents. Also, I've been using a natural cleaner in his ears to clean up the infection and we have not had any itching this week. Cody also had a corneal ulcer that was cleared up, a cyst on the eyelid that was removed during castration and a lacerated, interdigital space on his paw. Finally his records show he has been overweight but, since being on Orijen and getting regular excercise, he has trimmed down.

Cody will be going into see the vet on October 16 for a checkup, blood and fecal test and a weigh in. Then he will be ready shortly after that.

Introduction - September 25

He is very easy going with no agression displayed with the other dogs when he was first integrated. He is very affectionate, wanting to sleep by my side while I'm at the computer (he will ask from time to time to cuddle on my lap).He gets along with the other dogs in the dog park - a little shy of the larger dogs.

He was anxious for the first 36 hours, but has since settled down and is now comfortable with the routine. He is housetrained but needs to have a pee paid in a designated area if he is going to be alone longer than 5 or 6 hours.

He is up to date on his vaccinations. He does have a slight limp but there is no pain. He does love his walks and will spin in a circle when I get his leash and harness.

Cody did come with his CKC Pure Bred papers and we are currently in contact with his breeder for the possibility of him going back there.