Rick

Rick - 2 year old Pug/Chihuahua mix

Ricky has been adopted - January 10

Rick is now happily ensconced in his forever home with new owners Betty and Bruce. Rick is settling in and, despite some issues with cold paws (which most puggies can sympathize with right now!), is happily curled on the couch sucking his blanket and making friends with the cats.

Rick is getting lots of walks and lots of attention and we are all very grateful that he's found such a good home.

Foster Mom Karen

After observing Rick for some time and boning up on Chihuahua behaviours, we've come to the conclusion that there's a lot of Chihuahua in this boy!

The higher (than pug) activity level, the burrowing in blankets, the separation sadness and the strong bonding with one person, are very Chihuahua traits and Rick has each one.

When Rick is excited or anxious he occasionally has accidents in the house.

Because Rick does not have the typical brachiocephalic face of the pug, but rather has a long snout, he is able to tolerate much more exercise and will not likely be as vulnerable to the breathing problems experienced by many pugs.

Rick has been given a clean bill of health, although he has some mild PK and corneal dystrophy. He is not a barker but he's big on snorts of contentment!

Rick is very loving, devoted and affection. He is very eager to please and is very trainable.

Foster Update - Oct 9

Ricky is a healthy, neutered, nearly two-year-old male who has been with us for more than a month now. Within days of arriving, Ricky settled down comfortably with our resident pack of four Pugs. His best buddy and constant sparring partner is little Fee (who offsets his smaller size with much greater play ferocity).

We were told Ricky is the offspring of a purebred Pug and a previous Pug-Chihuahua cross, and his overwhelmingly Pug-like physical characteristics and behaviour support this. His large size, stocky build, facial folds, and glossy smooth coat are decidedly Pug. His slightly longer muzzle and teeth, head shape, ear shape, white toes, and longer curved tail are his Chihuahua legacy.

Ricky is very fit, agile, strong, and tireless on longer walks. He is more active than most Pugs, and can be a bit of a nervous pacer at times. He has a good appetite, but he is not very food-motivated. He will do his business outside, but sometimes will just as gladly do it inside (we are working on this). Socially, Ricky is friendly and tolerant with children, and non-aggressive with other dogs. He was raised as the only dog in a household full of cats, so we think Ricky would do well in a home with another dog or cat.

Though friendly with everyone in the household, Ricky is clearly a “one-man dog.” He quickly bonds to a single person becomes completely devoted, and wants to be with them at all times. He is a not a barker, or a face-licker. He whines softly when he wants something, and shows his affection by rubbing his muzzle on your face. He pleasure-snorts when getting a tummy-rub, and he likes looking at himself in the hallway mirror. He is a real snuggle-bunny at night, and easy to sleep with.

Ricky is a good Pug. He is graceful, lively, alert, loyal, and affectionate—and will truly brighten his forever home.

Foster Update - September 29

I had Rick seen by the vet today; we'll have heartworm and fecal tests results back shortly. Otherwise, Rick is very healthy, no issues except what was already known - that he has a bi-lateral congenital corneal dystrophy and some PK in his left eye. Vet suggested a low fat diet to address the possibility of cholesterol/lipids being an underlying cause of the dystropy. Our vet suggested annual monitoring unless a redness develops, indicating that the eye is becoming ulcerated. At this time there is no indication of an ulcer. Rick was also micro-chipped.

Although anxious, Rick tolerated the visit to the vet extremely well and was incredibly docile and cooperative for the blood drawing and micro-chipping. Rick continues to do very well generally.

Introduction - September 22

Rick is an absolute sweetheart and is settling in very well after a few initial days of anxiety. He just loves to cuddle and gently rub his muzzle on your face and he greatly appreciates being able to be with his people. He stays close and is not a wanderer.

He is also very solicitous and wants to please; as he's understanding the routines of going outside to do his business, he is very willing to make the effort. Rick is happy to go to bed at night and sleeps quietly until it's time to get up. Rick is not a barker.

He's fitting in nicely with his foster brothers and sister and loves to play and go for walks. Rick is being seen by the vet next week for a general checkup, though he seems quite healthy.