My family recently adopted Kiwi. Because I travel for business and my husband and I commute between BC and Ontario, my parents provide backup. We are all very experienced pug people and well equipped to deal with the health and behaviours issues that come with Kiwi.

Right from the home visit, Kiwi made herself at home. She bounded around the house like she owned the place. Upstairs, downstairs, back deck, up on the couch, over to Blanche, back to foster mom, over to me. Honestly, this girl does not stop. Her energy is unbelievable. Kiwi has been going for long walks by the lake and running around the huge fenced-in back yard at my Mom & Dad's. She will have those final pounds off very quickly!

We've got her all set up on her special diet, with Kongs stuffed with frozen sweet potato as treats. She also loves green beans. Kiwi is really a good girl. Very food motivated. She sits, she lies down - she gets a green bean.

Kiwi had her first vet visit yesterday. She now weighs 24lbs and the Vet has set a target of 18lbs, which will gradually be walked off her in the coming months. He commented on how well Kiwi has been taken care of by Pugalug Pug Rescue in terms of specialists and surgeries, estimating as much as $10K in costs. We'll get the results of her blood work today. She is going to do a day trip back to the Vet's in the coming weeks so that they can collect enough urine to do the tests they need. [editorial note: all her tests came back fine].

I told my husband and my parents at the beginning that if we go down this road with her, we keep her and look after her in a way that is best for her and her health. She will never be returned. Kiwi is our Family now.

Kiwi is a loving, energetic, and engaging pug. She's a very smart and sassy little lady who loves spending time with her people.

Despite her deep affection for humans, Kiwi will never be able to safely socialize with other dogs. Her dog-aggression is unpredictable, so she must be leashed and closely monitored in public and around other dogs. Kiwi is indifferent to cats, but would suggest that the cat would also need to be indifferent to Kiwi. Since she can not get the companionship she requires from other canines, Kiwi would do best in a home where she is not often alone.

Kiwi has a history of urinary stones (urate stones), so she eats a strict diet of wet canned food that is low in purines, and must stay well hydrated. Her urine is regularly checked with pH strips to keep tabs on the possibility of stones developing. Although she has lost 10 pounds, while in foster care, her weight will need to be continually managed in the future. She needs at least a few short walks per day, both for the sake of her physical health and her energy level. She will happily jog along side you (with her harness and leash on).

Kiwi has a habit of eating poo (both her own and that of other dogs), but can be deterred using the command "watch me" with some gentle tugs. Kiwi humps pillows and also barks at unknown noises or when someone comes to the door, and sometimes when you leave.

Kiwi is always eager to greet new human friends. However, she has some sensitivity in her front legs, so should be monitored around young children who could accidently be rough with her (she'll get snarky if you aren't gentle).

Kiwi would do best in a house, with a fenced backyard, where she could burn off her extra energy.

Kiwi has had her eye surgery, which she passed with flying colours. At the eye clinic, she was very well behaved and did not fuss. Although not too impressed with having to wear a cone, she is doing great job of lounging about until her stitches heal up.

Although it breaks her foster mom's heart, Kiwi is now ready to be adopted into a very lucky family.

Kiwi has made so much progress with her weight loss since coming into foster care. We are all so proud of her! With her healthier figure she has also gained a lot of energy, and has revealed herself to be quite athletic. Kiwi has developed some serious muscle in her back legs from running!

When Kiwi isn't running around being a bundle of energy, she likes to snooze close by her foster mom. At night, Kiwi is fine to sleep in her doggy bed, but she much prefers to snuggle in the big bed. Her favorite spot is nestled against her people's legs. She often snores right through the night, but occasionally needs to get up to pee. This can sometimes be avoided if she goes to bathroom right before bedtime. However, since Kiwi has a history of urate stones, she must constantly drink large amounts of water and therefore pees often.

Kiwi is currently waiting to have eye surgery. Once that is done, she will be ready to find her forever home.

Kiwi has been having some issues with barking when she hears the neighbours' dogs leash jingle (or any other sign of the dog's presence). We met with one of Pugalug's behaviourists, and now we have a routine to curb this behaviour. If she barks more that a few times she will hear a firm and calm "enough". If that doesn't work and she is really worked up, I give a light spray of water (NEVER directly in the face - usually on her side). Kiwi is a smart girl, and has learned quickly that when the spray bottle comes out it's time to quiet down. She can also go into her crate to calm down. Unlike some dog's, she finds her crate to be a safe and cozy spot.

Despite Kiwi's ability to pick up on new training, she is still as stubborn as a pug can be, and needs to be provided with consistent and on-going structure. In addition to this, it will be key any prospective adopters to understand Kiwi's need to be the only dog.

Kiwi has been enjoying playing in the piles of leaves that have collected in the park and meeting new [humankind] friends. She has become well-known to the little old ladies on our street, who come down from their porches to say hello and receive some Kiwi-kisses. She also likes to accompany me for any social outings - like visiting a friend or running errands.

Fun fact about Kiwi: unlike most pugs, she is an EXTREMELY low shedder. Her fur is very soft, and I don't need to vacuum any more than I usually would.

Kiwi still requires eye surgery, which is pending on funds.

In the meantime, she continues to lose weight, gain energy, and rule the neighborhood. She has even become a great jogging companion - after breakfast we've been taking light 20-minute jogs around the park (usually followed by a game of Kiwi-chasing whoever is willing to run ahead of her - any takers?). Sometimes getting to the park is a challenge if she tries to stop and greet everyone in her path with kisses (unless they have a dog with them - in which case we steer clear to avoid an altercation).

Kiwi is a hugely intelligent dog with a mind of her own. She is filled with affection and sass, and needs her people to return her love and attention, but also keep her diva-antics in line. In the right home and proper conditions, Kiwi is a delightful, adoring and engaging companion.

Kiwi has had a few minor health issues lately, but nothing a tough girl like her can't handle! She is currently recovering from a urinary tract infection, and seems to have responded well to her antibiotics. We will be repeating a urinalysis in another week or so, just to follow up.

Perhaps the biggest change in Kiwi's life is her weight. Kiwi came into rescue weighing 34lbs, and is now a svelte 27lbs. She has a slim neck and a pretty little waist - she looks more feminine every day! Her energy level has increased exponentially, and she is now able to navigate the stairs with ease, tearing around the house like she's competing in a Formula 1 race. She hops onto her chair for eye drops effortlessly, whereas before, her weight prevented her from even trying. People who haven't seen her over the last few weeks are amazed at the difference. I think she could be in the running to win The Biggest Loser - Pug Edition!

Kiwi has moved from her original foster home to a new one without any resident dogs and has made the transition easily. She is much happier without having to share anything with another dog and the foster moms dogs are much more relaxed without a Cranky Kiwi in residence.

Although Kiwi spends much of her time at home napping, she's a bundle of excited energy when awake and loves going for walks. She has even brought me her leash at one point.

Kiwi tends to bark when someone is at the door, however she calms down quickly after a few firm words. She's also prone to bark when another dog is in her perceived territory (such as our shared backyard). She rarely takes interest in other dogs when we're out, although occasional a pooch will irk her for unknown reasons and insight a "tough guy" show.

For her lack of social graces with other dogs, Kiwi makes up in her relationships with humans. She is a sweet and adoring girl, and often follows me from room to room (and then falls asleep close by if I stay in one place too long). When in her element, she's friendly, playful and relaxed. For a pug, her shedding is extremely mild and she's completely house-trained. She absolutely loves to meet new people - and is eager to say hello. Kiwi melts hearts everywhere she goes.

A recent trip to the vet revealed that her urinary stones are manageable with diet and medication. This is great news! Kiwi continues to lose weight, although she is naturally broadly built and will therefore always be a large pug. Before Kiwi is ready for adoption she still has to have eye surgery.

Kiwi has settled into her foster home, and is a pleasure to be with. She enjoys squeaking her soft toys, making herself comfortable on the couch to watch a little TV and generally just spending time with her people. She listens intently whenever spoken to, as if she is genuinely interested in what's being said, and has a curious habit of kicking a back leg out every time she barks. When barking really enthusiastically, she will kick out both her back legs, resulting in a peculiar little hop!

Despite being a full-figured gal, Kiwi has a spry nature, and is very a busy girl - she can barely contain her excitement when she sees a leash and harness in my hand! She loves being outside - but only when her people are with her; the outdoors just aren't the same when she's solo. During the last two months, Kiwi has developed a long list of things that she enjoys, but what makes her happiest is just being with people.

However, Kiwi has let it be known that she does not enjoy the company of the resident pugs! Kiwi is clearly happiest when it's just her and her people - or any person who may be willing to dole out affection. She was accessed by a behaviorist to determine if she could learn to enjoy canine companionship, but the conclusion was Kiwi is best suited to a home without any other dogs. She really is a wonderful little character - and will be an awesome companion for the forever-home that is lucky enough to have her.

Although she still has more to lose, Kiwi has been making strides in her weight loss endeavours. Her weight is down to 32lbs, her neck noticeably slimmer, and she has begun to show signs of having a waist! Kiwi will have a follow-up ultrasound at the end of the month, to determine if the treatment for her urate stones has been successful. If it has been (fingers crossed, touch wood!!) we will then pursue treatment for her eyes.

Send positive thoughts Kiwi's way - she's a delightful little diva!!

Meet Kiwi, a 5 year old female pug who was well loved by her owner but had to be surrendered after a change in family circumstances prevented her from continuing to get the attention and health care she deserves. Kiwi has a history of bladder stones, possibly as a result of a congenital liver dysfunction. Fortunately she is being fostered by a vet tech who has considerable first-hand experience in these matters. Kiwi is up to date on vaccinations and will be microchipped during foster care.

Kiwi did very well the first 24 hours, particularly since it was a busy holiday weekend. She slept well her first night, asking to go out with a little woof and quickly settling back down afterward. She seems not to be used to having other dogs around and is taking some time to acclimatize to her pug foster brother and sister. She has very little interest in the two resident pugs and needs to learn to share. The boy is desperate to play with her and is doing everything short of backflips to entice her, but to no avail. The girl is in awe and terrified all at the same time. She had been following Kiwi around in an effort to sniff her but has now decided to steer clear. Kiwi is a very large girl and her size may be somewhat daunting.

Because of her size, Kiwi has a bit of a problem navigating the stairs and needs a boost to get up on the couch. Foster mom will be doing some testing to see if her size is related to her health issues or if more exercise and portion control will get some of the weight off.

Kiwi's first trip to work at the vet clinic where foster mom works was very stressful as she associates clinics with testing and surgery. She thought her foster siblings were out of their minds for wanting to tear around the office and play - don't they realize someone may throw you down and cut you open around here??! Slowly she began to realize that this might not be the case, especially as everyone went out of their way to be nice to her and give her plenty of TLC.