Pugalug Pug Rescue Rainbow Bridge

Pugalug Pug Rescue's Rainbow Bridge

LIZZIE - February 4th 2003 to April 24th 2008	My beautiful Pug Lizzie joined her companion Winnie at the Rainbow Bridge. She leaves a devastated and grief stricken family. She passed away in spite of many surgeries to repair a collapsed trachea. Everyone at the VEC, especially Dr. Millar, Dr.Swain and Dr. Wong fought for one month at the ICU to keep her alive. Lizzie was a loving and sweet girl who made each day special. Her courage during many health problems in her short life was amazing. We will miss you forever. Christina Quilico I first met little Lizzie at Woofstock in the Distillery District. She was a wee pup that was going into the fashion show. The host was a gruffy Mike Bullard - but Lizzie melted that rough exterior and drew and AHHH from the crowd. Good bye little pug, you made the light shine in your family Larry Donations in memory of Lizzie Christina Quilico Larry St. Aubin

Charlie Bear - A Noble Pug - April 27, 2008	Charlie Bear was abandonded outside a coffee shop in Scarborough. When the shelter sent a picture, my heart was touched by those large, loving eyes - doorways to a deep, gentle soul. He came into the foster care of 2 equally gentle people - Sandy and Debbie who eventually adopted Charlie. They gave him an extra year of life - a year that he lived to the fullest. This past Sunday, it was time for Charlie to leave. His spirit remains within our Pugalug community to remind us that the work we do can touch such a one as Charlie Bear - even briefly - a few more cookies, a piece of chicken and a warm, comfy lap can make all the difference. Goodbye my little friend - keep Mabel company and play a game of tug for me And thank you Sandy and Debbie for giving CB a final resting home Larry Click here to read Charlie's story

Mabel - Running Free At the Bridge - April 28, 2008	Every once in a while, we get a pug into rescue who just stands out from the crowd. A pug of character. A pug of courage. A pug of such personality that you are just drawn to them. Mabel was such a pug. As she zipped around in her cart, people marveled at her joie de vive and her snaggle toothed smile. She did not let her cart slow her down and she had no time for pity. She truly lived in the moment. She was all about what she could do, not what she couldn't do. She showed all of us that you can't keep a good pug down. Anyone who met her (and many who never did) came away with a smile for the "Can Do" pug named Mabel. Good bye, sweet Mabel. Blanche Mabel was a super star in every one’s eyes from being a television star or on the runway at all about pets or just zooming around in her cart. Everyone who met her or heard about her loved her and I will truly miss her company. She had a wonderful personality and some very strange little habits that only she could do and I fell in love with them. Imagine driving in your car and once the turn signal would turn on little Mabel would scream, never knew why nor did the Dunks but this was Mabel. She was my first foster and it broke my heart to let her go however if every little pug has a tenth of her joy and spirit I will say god bless anyone that has them in their lives. It is truly an experience and I will never look back having her in my life though it was a short time she made a huge impact in my heart and soul. You will never be forgotten little Mabelina, she was such a little princes this is what I would call her at times. Sigrid You can read more about Mabel by clicking here. Donations in memory of Mabel: The Normans Lesley Jensen & her husband Theo Caldwell Carol McKenzie Cynthia Costigane Larry St. Aubin Jemma Morrison

Ming Pao - Sept. 23. 1997 - April 21, 2008	Ming Pao set sail to the rainbow bridge today. We are comforted by the fact that he was so well loved. We bought Ming Pao from a breeder in Woodstock and brought him home when he was eight weeks old. At that time, we knew nothing about rescue groups nor puppy mills. Because of Ming Pao and our love of the pug breed, as soon as we heard about Pugalug in October of 2002, Tong, Ming Pao and I joined. Ming Pao was a most unusal pug. He was not socialized as a puppy because of a severe case of demodex mange and as a result, he could not relate to dogs. When we first brought him to a Pugalug event and other pugs tried to play with him, he hid behind our backs. Although he did improve somewhat, he never realized that he was a dog and could really only relate to people. One of the things he enjoyed most was going to Petsmart and sitting in a shopping cart high above the ground so that people could admire him and pet him. Ming Pao, you will be in our hearts forever. Lynne and Tong Lim Donations in memory of Ming Pao: Maureen Lorimer Pug Angels Kim Walkem Blanche Axton Candace McLaren Tiffany Veinot Cathy Radeke

Zoe - gone to the Bridge, April 7, 2008	We welcomed Zoe into our hearts six years ago. We adopted her and her sister Zsu from an all breed rescue...Zsu was 10 and Zoe was 5..Zoe would meet you at the door with a toy in her mouth and the ever present "whooooo whoooo" song that Clumber Spaniels sing...She loved everyone she met..she especially enjoyed her "spa" days and car rides... she loved attending Pugalugs at the park with Deb..Sadly today our beloved Zoe crossed the bridge to meet her sister Zsu. Zoe has been dealing with loss of sight and hearing due to the aging process this past year. A few months ago she started stumbling and appeared confused and cound not manage her way about...the act of letting her go was our final act of love...Zoe will be missed.

Chai Noi - August 4, 2004 to February 15, 2008	Chai Noi came to Canada from Thailand in December of 2004. We were working/volunteering there and brought him home with us. He was born with a bad heart that could not be helped or fixed by modern day medicine. When he was first assessed in Guelph, the cardiologist told us that he would live ten months at the most. She said that it was the worst looking heart she'd ever seen. Needless to say, Chai way outlived the odds and lived a full, happy life. We always said that it would be the biggest gift if he would live long enough to be in our wedding, and sure enough he and his sister Abbee marched happily down the aisle as the ring bearer and flower girl on September 16, 2006. Chai's favourite activities included trudging through the woods, playing in the lake at the cottage, wrestling with his sister and eating clementines on special occasions. He was our "little pug hat" as he would always climb on top of the couch, pillows or chairs and sleep with his head on top of ours and each paw on our shoulders. His Thai name meant "little prince" and he lived up to it every day! He was a sweet, gentle soul and will be missed terribly by John, Laura and Abbee.

Sadie, March 19, 2008	Sadie was among the first fosters I had from Peachy Pugs. She was turned into the Fort Erie SPCA after a good samaritan found her running along a major highway in the Fort Erie area. She was dehydrated, frightened and had only one tooth in her head. She had also clearly been used for breeding. I named her Sadie since she was such a lady and we nursed her back to health. She hit the mother lode with her adoption. She was adopted by a Toronto woman who had had pugs for over 30 years. Sadie lived her last years in elegant comfort and tremendous love in Rosedale. Her mother called me on March 19th to say that Sadie had passed away. We never knew how old she was, but was certainly a senior when she came into my care in August 2005. Her mother, Sandy, misses her very much. Blanche

BEASLEY - To the Bridge, March 12, 2008	Yesterday afternoon (March 12) I got a call at work from my family, that Beasely had passed away in his sleep. He died in my bed while snoozing with Cinder and Boston, at least he wasn't alone. I had noticed him failing during the last week, he kept getting smaller and smaller, and was sleeping most of the time. We just celebrated his gotcha day this past Saturday March 9th. Dagmar from Peachy Pugs Rescue brought him to our home and into our life 5 years ago, it seemed like we had him forever. He came to us as a senior, but we did our best to give him a few golden years. We spoiled him, and loved him to pieces - Rescues and seniors are so very special. Even at the end he crossed the Bridge himself gracefully, I hope he found Zoey, and his Pugalug buddies there waiting for him. He has left another hole in our heart having just lost Zoey three months ago. Beasely (my sweet, smelly old man) we love you and miss you forever.................. Hilary, Wally, Wesley, Ashley, Boston, Cinder, and Tonka

ZOEY - December 12, 1998 - December 7, 2007	We had Zoey as a puppy and she was such a special girl, she was surely the boss in house, and kept the others in line (of course it was always in her opinion) We enjoyed the time she had with us, and it was so sad to see her get ill and keep failing before our eyes. We all tried to do what was best for her, but in the end the kindest thing we could do was help her cross the Bridge. I know she is in good company there. Her eyes still haunt us, and we have a special place for her in the family room where she continues to rule from the mantle. We will always love you & miss you. Love your family Hilary, Wally, Ashley, Wesley, Cinder, Beasely, Boston

Otis, Dec. 5, 1998 - Jan 26, 2008 Otis started saying good-bye a little while ago. We didn't know it at the time. When we first brought Otis home, he loved socks. Loose socks, socks with kid's feet in them. It didn't matter. Otis was an energetic, loving pug puppy. He brought a lot of joy to our young family. He soon discovered a life-long love of food (his prime motivator and raison d'etre). He ate anything and everything. We had to take him to the vet because he had consumed the contents of our green bin. The vet was impressed, she had never seen a pet present neurological symptoms from eating compost.
Otis was unique. He loved the cottage. His job was to prevent drownings and certain, horrific, death as people jumped off the edge of the dock. He would, with all his will, block, tackle, cry, plead, beg to prevent the kids from jumping in the water. He would often jump in and realize it was safe. But that didn't discourage him from repeating his protective ways over and over again. Otis was a loving, gentleman; who lighted our lives with gentle hugs and games of tug-a-pug. Recently, my wife pointed out that Otis was extra loving. Nuzzling close. Jumping up on our laps. Insisting we show him the loving attention he so deserved. Little did we know he was saying good-bye. Otis said good-bye for good on January 26. Donations in memory of Otis: Karen Wright

Percy - now seeing all the wonderful sights at the Bridge	In my eyes Percy wasn't "special needs" he was just special. From the first moment I saw a picture of his face something inside me knew he was meant to be mine. After what seemed like an eternity he finally arrived. I knew it would be a learning experience for us both and it was. Percy taught me that being blind isn't a disability and he could live a normal life. Nothing made that clearer than when on his second day here he jumped up into the chair and ate my lunch when I wasn't looking. As long as he could still smell he would be alright. I taught him that there are people out there that will be kind and love him for him. He learned to trust me and when he finally went down the stairs for the first time by himself I felt like a Mother watching her child take it's first steps. Percy had a rough start to life being a puppymill stud. He was discarded, blind and heartworm positive. One thing he did manage to do was educate people about rescue and puppy mills. He would make his yearly trip to the Erie County Fair and I was surprised at how many people would come back the next year and remember Percy. That shouldn't have been a surprise as that's how Percy was. He made an impression on anyone that met him. He was gentle with small children and elderly people and dispite being dentally challenged he could also put any foster in their place. He was one of a kind and will be sadly missed. Percy 1996 (?) - January 29, 2008 Donations in memory of Percy: Candace McLaren Jennifer Minten Cindy Victor Larry St. Aubin

Pete - January 11, 2008	If you looked in the dictionary under the word "sweet", you would find a picture of a little pug with bulgy eyes and an undershot jaw. Pug snobs disliked him for everything that was "wrong" about him. We loved him all the more for his "wrongness". He was the poster boy for bad pug breeding, but he was also a shining example of pure pug love. He overcame 5 horrible years of neglect leading to blindness to become our Pete and a therapy dog extraordinaire. He survived MCT, only to be finally defeated by malignant melanoma. We loved him with all our heart. His Boy will miss him a great deal. We let him go today to find Bob and Scout at the Bridge. Pete. 1998(?) - January 11, 2008. Donations in memory of Pete: Michael McLaughlin Ruth Frolic Larry St. Aubin Kim Walkem Candace McLaren Jennifer Minten Cindy Victor Robin Flannery

Monty - January 4, 2008	This morning we bid farewell to my beloved friend Monty. He'd been struggling lately, with his back legs completely paralysed, his front legs beginning to show signs of paralysis and his anxiety levels constantly high. He was having fitful sleeps half the time, spending hours on end panting or crying for something. Two days ago he was squinting and seemed to have hurt his eye. Yesterday we took him to the vet who immediately sent us to an ophthalmologist at another clinic. Monty's eye was ruptured, and he was in a lot of pain. He needed immediate surgery to try to save his eye or remove it if that wasn't possible. Given his condition, both physical and emotional, I just couldn't put him through surgery and 4-6 weeks of healing, with an Elizabethan collar on the entire time. It was a sign that his time had come, that I needed to end his suffering. The vet gave Monty a shot of a very strong painkiller, and some eye drops to numb his eye, and sent us home to fast him to prepare for surgery in the morning. Instead we took him in first thing this morning to be euthanized. Of course we didn't fast him, he had chicken breast for breakfast, and jerky for snacks all the way to the vet. He was a good boy till the end, and when it was done he was so amazingly serene and relaxed. He looked happier than I had seen him look in years. Really truly at peace, finally. My little angel got his wings...and he's frolicking in a field of daisies with Zoe right now. Donations in memory of Monty: Cathy Blocki Evelyn Kamiliotis Rebecca Thomas

Barnaby - May 10, 2002 - December 6, 2007, 6:45 pm Donations in memory of Barnaby: Larry St. Aubin Cathy Blocki


Gertie - gone to the Bridge, June 18th Gertie came to us 7 short months ago. She wasn't one to waste one ounce of energy on anything. She loved to just sit and watch the world and eat. The only one she found worthy of getting up to meet at the door was Andrew. She loved her boy. Gertie's idea of a walk was from the house to the car. She was a stubborn old gal and when she decided she'd had enough walking would plant herself and refuse to move. I can't count the number of times I had to carry her home. Her one true love was bread of any kind. She sure found the energy to almost run when she saw it. Sunday was spent sitting in the cool grass in the shade and having some nice freshly baked bread at dinner time. Her last meal was her very favorite, tripe. Gertie left just as she lived, quietly and without fanfare. A few last deep breaths and she lay her head down. Although 7 months wasn't long enough I knew that was a chance I would take with a senior. I don't regret keeping her even for that short time. She was amusing and her loud snoring will be forever missed. Donations in memory of Gertie: Jennifer Minten Cindy Victor Larry St. Aubin

Queen Heidi: April 6th 1993 - June 8, 2007	Heidi was, and still is, my Guardian Angel. She was sent to see me through some of the roughest periods of my life. She managed to keep me sane, sober, and laughing, through about with lung cancer, a marriage breakdown and other family and relationship difficulties that some of us have to go through. Heidi blessed my life for over 14 years, the hole in my heart will have to be filled with the thousands of happy memories she left for me. You are Dearly, Dearly, loved Queen Heidi. Rest In Peace My Angel. Hugh. Donations in memory of Heidi: Hugh Radley Kent Simpson Kim Walkem Hilary Dorricott and Bryan Davies Candace McLaren Larry St. Aubin Cindy Victor

	We adopted Zsu-Zsu 5 years ago. A family illness brought the "girls" as they were known, into all breed rescue. Zoe was 5 and Zsu-Zsu was 10. No one was willing to adopt a senior Clumber. People hesitate to offer themselves to the "seasoned" pets, yet they have so much unconditional LOVE. We welcomed both into our hearts. Zsu-Zsu was the alpha dog. She ate first and slept where and for as long as she chose. Usually this was in the middle of the room. The "girls" loved their monthly "spa" days where they were pampered. Zsu-Zsu loved the dog park, and trips for icecream. When Zsu-Zsu lost her hearing, she quickly learned sign language. As her vision dimmed she relied on our touch to guide her. As arthritis set in, we slept in the downstairs bedroom so our dear lady would not be alone. Sadly Zsu-Zsu passed, with us by her side, loving her as she left this world. She will be missed. Colleen and Lori


LaceyJeanne: March 20th 1994 - March 8th 2007 My name is LaceyJeanne and I'd just like to let you all know that things are really good here in Heaven. I was warmly received at the Rainbow Bridge by my beloved punk brother Oliver, and already I have taught him that I am boss once again! You may remember us...we were the cover pugs on the 2005 calendar...reclining in our cottage muskoka chair! There is tons of good seating here in Heaven by the way!! And great eats! My Mom sometimes used to sing Elton John's "Tiny Dancer" to me when we danced cheek...her and I loved to dance.... even tho' I resisted my "lessons" when she first started teaching me. Anyway, the day I came up here to Heaven, I made an angel trick happen (because I have connections now) and I played that song for her on her radio station. So now she knows...and you all know, that things are good here....that your Puglets, and all other loved beings, are looking down on you and smiling. Wise Humans have said that I embodied Joy....so to remember me....Feel the Joy! LaceyJeanne O'Neill


Daisy-Bo: 1999 (?) to 2006 Daisy was surrendered to Pugalug Rescue by a loving family who took her in after years in a puppymill. When I went to transport her to her foster home, there was an immediate connection and I asked if I could foster her, knowing that I could work with some of her health issues. It turned out she had an elongated soft palate and a narrow trachea which caused her to pass out. Corrective surgery was a success and although Daisy still had the seizure-like spells, she no longer passed out. Daisy was well-named – a delicate but wild flower, strong enough to hold her own in the pack, especially at mealtimes, but small and vulnerable to those awful coughing spells. She wiggled her way into my arms and my heart and when we adopted her, I named her Daisy-Bo since “bo” is the Chinese word for precious. Daisy never left my side, even clambering in between when one of the others was having a cuddle. She slept in the crook of my arm every night. On December 13th she left us suddenly, leaving a huge hole in our lives. I will miss her "runway stomp" caused by a bad leg from living in a cage and the way she looked like a chipmunk washing its face when she tried to clean her own nose fold. She taught me that even though you’ve been through hell, you can still love and live with all your might. Good night, precious Daisy. Run free at the Bridge until I can put your little head under my chin again.


Winnie - Set Sail to the Bridge, December 27th Winnie, 8 1/2 years young, was a pugalug vet, starting with here first one at Trinity - Bellwoods in 2002. She was later joined by a little pug sister, Lizzie, and they became the best of friends. Winnie suffered from liver and kidney failure after an unsuccessful surgery procedure. She is sorely missed but fondly remembered by Christina


Faith, November 23, 1998 - December 19, 2006 Quietly in her sleep on December 19, 2006 we lost our sweet precious Faith. She was such a gift we had for too short a time. Faith came to us as a Solna retiree in October, 2002. From the moment I saw her she had my heart. She was such a little lady who became my shadow. She loved everyone but she was a Momma's girl at heart. When we took in a blind, deaf, crippled rescue pug named Harry, Faith took it upon herself to love him and care for him, she would guide him to his food and let him lean on her when he was unstable and they slept entwined together. When Harry passed away I have never seen an animal grieve the way she did, her little heart was broken but my Thurman became her rock. She was such a special girl, everyone who met her loved her, I called her my 10lb bag of sugar. She spent everyday she was on Earth loving, giving and living. She loved her toys, sunny days and to be cuddled. She was a tiny little creature but she has left a huge hole in our home and hearts. Faith-Solna's For Keeps, Mother to Teddy, Denver and Meggie, Sister to Charlotte, Aunt to Patty, Daughter of Gloria.


Thomas, November 11, 2006 Thomas was our little Pug cross that came to us from the Kitchener Waterloo area. He had been mistreated during his puppyhood until a neighbour intervened and contacted the Humane Society. When they came to pickup the dog in July, he was tied up outside in the heat. He was dehydrated and vomitted on the way to the shelter. However, Society staff had him back to normal after a couple of hours. Pugalug Volunteer Hugh Radley, received the call for the Humane Society, arranged for pickup and transport. Along the drive to Toronto, the music of Elton John was playing on the car stero. The little pug seemed to relax to the sound of the music so Hugh named him Elton. Foster Mom Kim discovered she had quite the little fireball in her house. He soon found his place in the pack 'o pugs at Kim's place - providing boundless energy layered with affection. Kim found the perfect home to provide the guidance and attention that Elton needed. He was adopted September 1st and the family loved the little guy. They gave him a new name - Thomas - to start his new, happy life. Two weeks ago he started showing uncharacteristic behaviour - eliminating on the bed, agressiveness, snapping and everntually biting two of the family members. Pugalug Pug Rescue was set to bring him back for further assessment but in the early hours of Saturday, Nov. 11, Thomas had a seizure. He was rushed to emergency vet where he had two more seizures while on valium. The decision was made to euthanize him but he died before the final administration. The vet reported that their was swelling of the brain. This condition (either brain damage or a tumour) explained the sudden change in behaviour. We don't know all the details of Thomas' background. We do know there was a possiblity that he may have been kicked. this was from a letter that accompanied him into our rescue. However we do know that, for a few months in his short life, he was able to be a happy, playful dog. Larry St. Aubin


Bob (1994? - October 25, 2006 I alwyas called Bob "my old man". He came into rescue and into my house as a foster at the age of 10 and he never left. He was a remarkable dog--bold, opinionated, the alpha, social, and generally a pug of great character. He was my ambassador pug--he LOVED to go places, meet new people and sample their food offerings. I met people in the Pugalug Club because they knew Bob and not the other way around. He made the rounds and was an equal opportunity begger. If you had food, you were okay with Bob. He became my special dog, my guy. We lived a lifetime in the 2.5 years he was with me and my house is very empty without him. Vaya con Dios, Old Man. Bob was the first pug that I put up on this website, long before we were a rescue organization. Peachy Pugs and Foster Blanche were not getting any requests to adopt him so I offered to put his story and picture on the website. However, Destiny had a hand to play (never play poker with Destiny) and Bob new (Blanche didn't) he was already at his forever home. Larry Donations in Bob's name have been coming to us from kind hearted people who honoured the special bond that Blanche and Bob had. Bob would have loved all the attention. As a thank you gesture I am going to post their names and locations here: Kim Walkem, Brampton, ON Roxane Fritz, Roxanne Fritz, Sacramento, CA, USA Tiffany and Susan, Toronto, ON Diane Purser, Aurora, ON Larry St. Aubin, Toronto, ON Cecil, Pip & Ty, Winterly, Cheshire, UK Jodi Morris, London, ON Candace McLaren, Toronto, ON Rona von Stein, Sydney, NSW, AU Kent Simpson, Toronto, ON Lisa Krohn, Vermilion, OH, USA Hilary Dorricot, Bolton, ON Michael Hamlin, San Fransico, CA, USA Deborah Folkes, Foxboro, ON Karl Schlecht, Irvine, CA, USA Maureen Lorimer, Toronto, ON Cass and Craig Wright, Mississauga, ON Frank and Linda Horn, Toronto, ON Janet Patterson, Derek Lea, Toronto, ON Mary Quintieri, York, ON Linda Quigley, Scarborough, ON


Sadie - Set Sail to the Bridge, August 24, 2006 Sadie, the 6 year old female breeding pug that came to us from Waterloo, passed away, August 24th from a heart attack. She was being fostered by a vet tech who rushed her to the vet. The vet believes it was a combination of being very overweight, not spayed and still in a cycle, stress and a possible pre-existing condition. Her foster parents have arranged a private cremation for Sadie and a quiet place in the garden for her remains. All of us at Pugalug Pug Rescue were deeply saddened by this sudden turn of events. I had expected to put up a Rainbow Bridge page at some point, but not so soon. The lesson her that Sadie can teach us is that our little ones are trusting us to take care of them. It is up to us, not them, to keep their weight to a healthy size. Yes, other factors can play a part, but this is something that every pug owner can do directly to ensure a long and healthy life for their pug.