PICCO
Male
DOB: MAY 10, 2014
STATUS: IN THE PUG ABODE
FOSTER UPDATE - JUNE 25, 2026
Picco was a very good boy at the vet this past Monday, where he went in for a full round of tests. 🩺
The results showed some encouraging news: his current medication is working great and is successfully slowing the protein loss that comes with his condition. His triglycerides did come back high, and without further testing his medical team isn't yet sure of the cause, so that's something we'll continue to keep an eye on.
Picco has also had a few episodes this past month where he suddenly falls over onto his right side. His doctor still believes these are ischemic in nature. Interestingly, his foster family has noticed a pattern — the last two times he played his favourite game of being chased around the yard, an episode followed shortly after. So for now, zoomies have been swapped for a gentler favourite: "blanket monster," where foster mom hides her hand under a thick blanket and pretends to attack him. Picco absolutely loves it (though he does have quite the bite, so foster mom has to be careful)! 🐾
In sweeter news, Picco has officially won the battle of the bed. After whining, barking, and clawing at the side of his own bed every night, he finally got his way and now sleeps soundly on the big bed. 🛏️💤
Picco still has a few medical mysteries we haven't fully gotten to the bottom of, but what is clear is how much love and care he needs and deserves. Because of this, we've made the decision to move Picco into the Pugabode, where he'll continue to receive that love and care for the rest of his days. 💙
This gentle, funny, blanket-monster-loving boy has been on quite a journey with us, and we are so grateful for the wonderful foster family who has stood by him every step of the way. Picco, the Pugabode is lucky to have you. ❤️
FOSTER UPDATE - MAY 15, 2026
Sweet little Picco has really come out of his shell ❤️ This month he started giving kisses, his special way of saying thank you after a good scratching session. Neck and ear scratches are definitely his favourite!
Picco continues to be such a good boy. He loves his walks, spending time with people, and of course relaxing on the couch (while generously allowing his foster mom a little space too 😆).
This month Picco also had a little adventure when he stayed at a boarding facility while his foster mom was away. After a bit of confusion at first, he quickly won over the staff with his sweet personality. In fact, he was chosen several times to hang out in the office with the staff while they worked — a special honour reserved for the extra lovable pups! 🥰
Unfortunately, Picco picked up a cough near the end of his stay and is currently on antibiotics and a cough suppressant while he recovers. We’re hoping he’ll be back to feeling his best very soon.
Picco also celebrated his 12th birthday this month with a special treat 🎉 (and enjoyed a little Easter treat too 🐣). Don’t worry, he’s still staying committed to his diet and working hard toward his goal weight!
We absolutely adore this sweet, gentle boy and know his perfect forever home is out there waiting for him ❤️
FOSTER UPDATE - MARCH 26, 2026
Picco continues to make wonderful progress, and we’re so happy to share some encouraging updates. 💙
Since starting his medication, Picco is doing much better. He is no longer losing as much protein through his urine, and even more importantly, the episodes where he would fall over have completely stopped. This is a huge step forward for him, and we are very hopeful that his condition is becoming more stable. 🙏
On a lighter (and very cute!) note, Picco has developed a bit of a quirky habit…he’s taken to chewing on blankets like a teething puppy 🐾 His foster mom plans to have his teeth checked soon, but for now, it’s just one of the many little things that make him so endearing.
As he continues to settle in, Picco’s personality is really starting to shine. He’s coming out of his shell more each day and showing off his funny, clown-like side 🤡 He can be a little vocal when he wants something, but otherwise he’s a quiet, easygoing companion who just enjoys being close to his people.
Most of all, Picco continues to completely capture hearts. ❤️ His foster mom shares that he is an absolute joy to have in her home and that she feels lucky to care for such a special boy…and we couldn’t agree more.
FOSTER UPDATE - FEBRUARY 19, 2026
Picco continues to show us what a resilient little guy he is.
His recent splenectomy surgery went very well and we’re happy to share that his incision healed beautifully and quickly. He handled the procedure like a champ. 💪
Unfortunately, since surgery Picco has experienced a few brief episodes where he suddenly falls over onto his left side and is unable to move for a short period of time. His medical team has been working closely to determine the cause. After consultation with his internist, these episodes are believed to be small seizures or what are called “mini-strokes” (Transient Ischemic Attacks).
Dogs with protein-losing nephropathy (PLN) can be prone to blood clotting issues, and splenectomy patients also carry an increased risk of clot formation. Because of this, Picco has been started on a low-dose blood thinner (Clopidogrel/Plavix) to help prevent clots and improve blood flow. He recently had follow-up bloodwork to monitor how the medication is affecting his blood thickness, and a urine sample was taken to reassess his protein levels. We are cautiously optimistic and will continue to monitor him very closely.
Through it all, Picco has truly settled into his foster home. ❤️ His foster mom shares that he now feels completely comfortable and will come lay right beside her. He loves his rubs and scratches, enjoys chewing on a bone, and has even started playing with toys, something that always feels like such a wonderful milestone.
He is the sweetest boy, and despite everything he’s been through, his gentle spirit shines. We are hopeful that with medication and careful management, his episodes will become controlled and his medical picture will become clearer soon.
Please continue to keep Picco in your thoughts as we navigate this next chapter with him.
FOSTER UPDATE - JANUARY 12, 2026
Picco continues to be his gentle, sweet self in foster care and has truly settled in. He’s clearly feeling comfortable and safe. He is enjoying slow mornings, sleeping in his own cozy bed in his foster mom’s bedroom (with the occasional invitation to the big bed!), and happily asking to go out when he needs a bathroom break. He loves his routine, adores affection, and soaks up all the love he’s given. At Christmas, he was spoiled with a special cookie and didn’t leave a single crumb behind.
Medically, Picco is currently feeling well and is outwardly symptom-free. His initial intake bloodwork did flag proteinuria (protein in the urine), which led to further diagnostics. Additional testing revealed a couple of masses on his spleen. After consultation with an internal medicine specialist, the decision was made to proceed with a splenectomy, which is scheduled for later this week. Once his spleen is removed, we’ll have a much clearer picture of whether the surgery resolves the proteinuria or if any ongoing management will be needed.
Picco does have a collapsing trachea, which explains the coughing episodes he experiences from time to time. This is something we’re managing medically, and like most things with Picco, he handles it with quiet dignity…even if administering liquid medication sometimes ends with more on his foster mom than in his mouth.
Overall, Picco is doing very well, is deeply loved in foster care, and has a solid medical plan in place. For now, we’re focused on getting him through surgery and showering him with all the love he deserves.
INTRODUCTION - NOVEMBER 3, 2025
Introducing Picco!
Please join us in welcoming Picco, an 11-year-old fawn gentleman who recently joined the Pugalug family. This sweet boy came into rescue through no fault of his own when his previous family had to move and could no longer keep him.
Picco is settling into his foster home and slowly finding his footing. His first night was a little restless as he figured out his new surroundings, but he’s already showing what a kind, gentle soul he is. His foster mom describes him as very sweet, a little guarded right now, but curious.
He’ll be heading to the vet soon for a check-up and will also be enjoying a little “spaw day” with a much-needed nail trim. ✂️🛁
We’re looking forward to watching this lovely senior pug settle in and shine as he learns he’s safe and loved. 💕 Welcome, Picco!