Hi Everyone...Annie here, Mama to The Pug Circus. This is going to serve as the first Foster Friday Blog.
It is going to be a very emotional
day tomorrow so I am writing this
tonight and am hopeful I can do so
without crying!!! Fostering is
such an amazing thing to do.
When Penelope and Petunia first came to us on Feb 28, they were so very ill, in fact Petunia
was completely listless and apathetic. We were worried about both of them on all levels...their physical and emotional well being were so compromised.

Coming out of a Hoarding Home with 174 other animals, they did not understand the love and affection a Human could show them. Consumed with Demodex, a topical yeast infection , and a Severe Upper Respiratory Infection, they could hardly interact with each other or with us.

Obviously..the first order of business was to get to the Dr. They were scraped to determine the extent of Demodex...typically to diagnose this illness, they Vet needs to see 5 Demodex Mites per field thru a microscope...they stopped counting at 8!!! Poor Petunia was very nearly hairless and Penelope had what I referred to as a Pug Mowhawk! she had a wide strip of fur down her back ..and that was all!! Over the first few days with meds in them, their personalities began to emerge, and one thing was very certain. These two little girls could NOT be separated!!! KPR has a policy of keeping Bonded Pairs together...thank GOODNESS!! These two are so in sync with each other that when they run , if you see them from a side view...it looks like ONE pug running!!! their leg spans match up perfectly!!!!!

Within just a few short weeks an amazing thing started to happen....kisses and cuddling became part of every day...and they loved this!!! However, I thought on many occasions I needed to be an Octopus to have a lot of arms to reach ALOT of PUGS all at one time!!! With P and P, you have to play with, love on or hold them both at the same time!! Otherwise the one left on the floor will let you know in NO uncertain terms how unhappy she is that her Sister is getting the attention!!! Even at the Vet it would be hilarious...one up on the exam table...the other on the floor barking away as if she was saying" She is MY Sister...PUT HER BACK DOWN HERE WITH ME!!!!!". Learning how to play with toys and other Pugs became a huge part of each day for the girls. They really enjoy the company of other Pugs...they like to chase and be chased!!!! They adore PORK CHOMPS!!! and no matter how many are on the floor...they are more then willing to request, politely of course!!!...that you open a new pack for them. They are not particular about the flavor...they just love their Chomps as we call them!!

It was pretty astounding to watch not only there emotional trust build with us, but the change in their appearance as well. Once the Demodex was starting to resolve, overnight bursts of hair would show up all over them! Such pretty girls already...they just turned from the proverbial ducklings into swans!!! Unfortunately it was not to last for 'Tunia...she has recently had a flare up of the Demodex. Truly, this is not a surprise considering she had been more profoundly affected initially. And in truth, once a dog has suffered a bout of Demodex, the odds of it recurring are strong. On a newer treatment protocol, 'Tunia will certainly have a less difficult time of battling the Demodex this time!

And now, the hard part. The Farewell. This is tough to write, and yet such a good thing too. For over 4 mos now, we have been so lucky to be a part of helping "Tunia and "Nelope evolve from frightened, sick little Pugglets to the two vivacious and happy go lucky little girls they are today!

At PugPalooza, a lovely young lady fell in love with the girls and as of tomorrow....Fri July 3rd, they will be in her home, starting their new life. I have no doubt they will live like the Princesses they are...and will be loved, cared for, and treated incredibly well. Their New Mom has emailed me several times over the last few weeks for tips, schedules, type of food, favorite treats etc etc etc. She wants to make their transfer to a new home as seamless as possible. That alone tells me she will provide quality care and love!!! She has purchased harnesses for them, with their names embroidered on them to start their new wardrobe!!! How cool is that??!!! Only twice before have I allowed myself to get sooooooo attached to a Foster (s)...those of you who know me know this was Princess Sophia Maria the Princess Pug, and Peyton .....those are other Friday Foster Stories for other Fridays!!! Everyone always tells me they can't foster..they would get too attached. I won't lie, you do...But I can ALSO tell you...there is an amazing feeling inside when you hand over the Pug(s) to their new Family. And when you get updates....you feel like you had a small part in making that Pug or Pugs life better. You made a difference...so give me the Bittersweet...give me the tears as I drive away...and send me my next Foster. Because no matter what, I would not do a thing differently. Not one single thing. So Farewell my Beauties!!! this Mommy and Daddy love you very much and will look forward to seeing emails from your New Mommy with how well you are doing...and we will count down the months between events when we get to see those beautiful, happy little faces again. Don't forget us....because we will NEVER forget you!!! We love you 'Tunia and 'Nelope and we will miss you!