Lucy's (aka Lea) Happy Tail

I'm sure that everyone will be anxious to hear how Lea has been doing with her toileting. Let's just say, "Do you know anyone who would be interested in a dog diaper?" When we arrived home from picking up Lea, Sandy took the dogs into the back yard where she did as we would like. When Lea came back in, she ran through the house and immediately back to the door where we had a towel for drying feet, and piddled on the towel. No big deal, but back on with the diaper. A couple of hours later, we took the diaper off to take her out again, and that is the last time she has worn it. We have been accident-free for two weeks. All we need to do is let her out about as often as we would Ethel, and take the dogs for walks four or five times a day.

We were at Lea's vet's this past Friday and he has agreed to keep her on the antibiotic for a full six weeks. That worked for Ethel, and we fully expect that it will work for Lea. If not, we have talked about an alternative antibiotic that she could stay on forever and we will consider that as the next step should a next step be called for. Really, things could not be better!

We should let you know that we have succumbed to peer pressure - I hope no one minds. Our family and friends are of an age that cannot help but remember the connection of Ethel Mertz and Lucy Ricardo. To keep the story short, we asked Lea how she felt about it and she graciously accepted the change of name to Lucy. Seriously, she responds to "Lucy" as well she did "Lea" and it seems to suit her happy, energetic and mischievous nature. So, Lea has found her "forever family" consisting of Bob and Sandy, Lucy and Ethel, and oh yes, our aging siamese, Junior.

Our thanks to all the wonderful people involved with Pugalug Pug Rescue, and particularly the many who have cared so much to help Lea/Lucy to date. We owe it to you all to keep you in her life.

Thank you,

Bob and Sandy (and Lea)

Lea - adopted February 26th

They will continue Lea's antibiotic treatment and even keep on with our vet. We are so happy that Lea has found such a perfect home. That said, adoption days are so hard, lots of tears.
Karen and David

Lea needs a kind and patient friend

Adoption fee: $400

Lea's intelligent nature is a gift to anyone thinking of adopting her and she is highly trainable and obedient. Lea would do well in a family able to provide her with a fair amount of exercise as she is very athletic and enjoys running. Anyone interested in doing agility training may find Lea to be an excellent agility dog.

Lea would do well in a home with other dogs who would be tolerant of her desire to play. She could also be adopted by someone without other dogs but she should not be left alone for long periods as she needs companionship.

Lea is pure pug in her need for loving attention and returns it many times over.

Vet Update - Feb. 6

After reviewing the test results. Dr. Martin seems to have an idea about what's going on. She is going to put Lea on a drug that controls the urethra, so that peeing will have to be an act of will for Lea. If this stops the urinary frequency, then Dr. Martin will know what the problem is, which she seemed to indicate was likely a kind of faulty wiring.

Rescue Update - January 27

"I also had Lea back to our vet and he took a urine sample from her bladder for testing - it came back clean. Nevertheless, he says that it doesn't mean there still isn't an underlying problem. In fact, due the her frequency of urination, he believes there probably is an underlying physical issue. But Lea has been seen by one of the best internal medicine vets in the country, an ultrasound, xray, bloodwork and urine culture have been done, to no avail. Yet our Dr. Birch says there are several other tests that could be run on her, including a bladder biopsy."

Foster Update - December 12

Lea is an extremely energetic and somewhat highly strung little girl. She has the energy of a Jack Russell Terrier in the body of a pug. Her foster family are still trying to figure out if some of her conflicts with the resident pugs are the result of this highly strung, busy bee nature or if she has some dominance issues. While she has calmed down in foster care, her energy is high and her need for sleep low.

Lea continues to struggle with house training issues and doesn't seem to get the whole concept of going outside to do her business. This may be related to her anxiety. Her previous owner had extensive vet testing done to rule out any physiological cause for her house training issues. Her foster family continues to work with her on this and are in the process of looking at both anxiety control and behavioral methods for helping this little girl calm down and focus.

She is an extremely bright girl and learns very quickly. She often learns things just from watching you. She is also quite affectionate and loves to be with her people. Once the house training issues are better understood, she should progress well.

Foster Introduction - November 8

"Hello everybody, Lea has arrived and is adjusting well, in large part because everyone has done everything possible to make her transition so smooth and pleasant. She is a happy pug and is currently racing around the house chasing and being chased by, our three crazies. She is confident and doesn't seem to be having any issues at all. Thanks to everyone for your dedication and work in helping Lea get settled! I know she's going to find a wonderful forever home very soon."