Murphy The Pug

I've moved!

2006-03-14T09:40:00.000-05:00

Come see my new blog at: www.murphythepug.com.

Mom... careful of that tree...

2006-02-23T10:35:00.000-05:00

Mom is always making sure my little eyes aren't in harm's way. When we walk, she says to me, "No, no honey, I don't want you to go there, you may get hurt." She is always scanning things at my eye level so I don't get in trouble. I appreciate her vigilence, but maybe I need to start looking out for her.

The other day we were walking at Grandma's house for a quick potty break. I love to go by the trees inbetween Grandma's house and the neighbors. There are a lot of cool trees there. Poor Mommy was so concerned about me, she walked right into a branch. "Darn it!" she said and nearly missed poking her own eye out. (Ok, she didn't say darn, she said the f-word, but I'm not allowed to swear in my blog or ever.)

I think while Mommy's looking out for me, I need to start looking out for her.

Busy weekend...

2006-02-20T08:38:00.000-05:00

I had a busy weekend. Friday night Mom and I hung out and watched last season's LOST so we could catch up on some of the finer details. Saturday I hung out with Grandma and Grandpa while Mom went out with the friends. I got some scrunchies in the mail from one of Mom's PV friends. They are really cool. I can't wait to wear them to the next pug meet.

On Sunday, we stayed home for part of the day while Mom did housework. Then we went to Grandma's so she could make her scrunchies. We also got a visit from Papa, Uncle Bill, Aunt Annie, Erin, Lauren and David. I sat with Erin because she's my pal. Aunt Susie and Amanda came by, too and Amanda gave me a good back rub. She loves me.

Next weekend Mom said she's having surgery, so we'll "lay low." The weekend after that she has a hockey tournament so I'll be at Grandma's. I have to miss my pug meet and a birthday party for my friend. I think I'm going to hitch hike to the party. Mom told me that we'd go up on another weekend to see my friend. She said I could go shopping and pick him out a nice present and some treats. I may even get something for myself. That sounds fair. I'm still miffed about missing the party.

Belated Valentine's Day Gift

2006-02-17T08:41:00.000-05:00

I'm such a lucky boy. My girlfriend, Petunia, sent me a Valentine's Day gift! I got a few new toys, including this awesome Loofah dog. I love my dog. He's my new best friend! I also got a new flossie. Mom calls it my "love flossie." I chewed on it all last night. I'm in love.

Thank you Petunia!!

Please note my brother, Max, in the background. He's mad because he doesn't have a special lady in his life.

No more greenies

2006-02-15T10:12:00.000-05:00

Mom saw this article on her pug board. She says that I can't have them any more. I don't really care for them anyway. I'm weird like that. All I do is take them an bury them in the couch, in my toy box (right next to Mom's cell phone, hee hee) or in the basket of clean laundry.

I LOVE flossies and my Grandma buys we JUMBO flossies. I'm so spoiled. But it's my birthright as a pug.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2006-02-14T11:11:00.000-05:00

I'm one lucky pug. Grandma got me a new harness and leash for Valentine's day. I also got a new hoodie and some special cookies. Mom let me have one this morning! I got mom some Valentine's Day socks and a card. She said my handwriting is improving. And since I love Mom, I peed and pooped outside in the snow. She was so proud of me. She kissed me and said Happy Valentine's Day my little smooshie! She's a nut, but I love her.

Nor'Easter of 2006

2006-02-13T10:44:00.000-05:00

While I hate the snow, I decided I was too old to poop in the house. So I insisted on going out. Mom spent a great deal of time shoveling for me. Then we went out. I veered off the shoveled path, into the knee-deep snow (Mom's knee, not mine) and pursued a perfect spot. Mom thought I just had to pee. Nope, I squatted in the middle of our parking lot and pooped. Mom was horrified because she didn't think to bring a bag. Oh well! She carefully covered it up and we went on our way. I explored for a bit and then we headed in.

She was so proud of me, she gave me my kong with peanut butter and liver. She enjoyed a nice kong of her own - filled with beer. She deserved it for shoveling all that snow for me. (Even though it's her job.)

This morning she was not happy with me. I was on a pee strike. I peed at about 4 p.m. on Sunday and waited until 9:30 a.m. today to go again. She pleaded with me to go potty but I just pooped. Grandma shoveled out some trees for me and I finally went.

How would you feel if you had to pee in snow that was over your head? Think about that one.

I have a Valentine

2006-02-10T14:53:00.000-05:00

Her name in Petunia. Mom said I can send her a Valentine's Day card.
Isn't she a looker?

Moochie got a new home.

2006-02-06T12:49:00.000-05:00

Her new name is Gracie and she has a new pug sister named Sophia. I'm sad that I won't have her to harass anymore, but I'm happy to have Mommy's lap all to myself. It's hard work being a foster brother, but Mommy said I'm a trooper, and I ought to be proud of myself for being such a good host. Here are some pictures of Gracie and me, as well as her new family.

Garnishment on the kibble....

2006-02-03T09:07:00.000-05:00

Today I looked at my kibble this morning walked away. Mom thought maybe I wanted to eat next to Moochie, so she moved my bowl, but I still put my nose up. So mom put a tiny sprinkling of low fat cheese on my kibble. I was so excited! Mom is the best, even if the garnishment was minimal. I gave her a big dog-food-breath kiss when I was done. I know her loves those kisses the best.

Mom said Moochie is going to her forever home on Sunday. I'm not sure how I feel about this. She's a pest, but a good playmate, too. Grandma wishes we could keep her, but Mom said if we did, her fostering days would be over, and I'd never get to meet new friends. I guess that's a good arguement. I'm gonna ask her new family if I can go and visit. Mom said Danbury is only an hour away.

I better go nap and ponder this. First I need to go and steal Moochie's kong from her. And then bite her in the butt. A pug's work is never done.

A pug's welcome home...

2006-01-31T09:50:00.000-05:00

Yup.. this about sums up how I welcome Mom home everyday. Moochie climbs on top of her shoulder and perches like a parrot but I do a full on pugtona and act like I haven't seen her in years. It makes even the worst days at work worth it.

Reason # 1,001 why pugs are great to have around.

2006-01-27T11:13:00.000-05:00

Mom had a migraine last night. She was on the computer chatting with friends (she is such a nerd) and she had to get off because she couldn't see. She ushered us out for a quick walk and we did our business quickly so she could get back inside.

Mom laid on the couch and pulled the covers over her head. She told us to behave because she had a headache. So I laid right next to her and Moochie kept her feet warm. Poor Mommy! We went to bed early and we settled in like good pugs.

She didn't move a muscle all night, and we let her snooze this morning.

Then when she decided to finally get up, we pounced on her and gave her tons of kisses. Moochie bit her nose and I jumped all over her chest. We're good alarm clocks. How can you sleep through all that?

See how useful pugs can be? Nurses, alarm clocks and fitness instructors (we had her running all over the yard!!)

Another Sheldon cartoon....

2006-01-25T12:35:00.000-05:00

Day Four With Moochie

2006-01-25T09:43:00.000-05:00

She's still here. I tried to take her out but she thinks it's just play. And she's got super powers. She can leap in Mommy's lap in a single bound and can bring humans to their knees with her whining. I also suspect she's part rabbit because she hops around instead of walking. She ought to join the circus - she's be a hit with all her arcobatics.

My bags are packed. Anyone want to take in a Murphy for a week? I don't eat much - cause I'm still on a damn diet! (And I got in trouble for trying to eat Moochie's puppy food.) I'm outta here. No pug should suffer this abuse.

My foster sister. . . .

2006-01-24T13:47:00.000-05:00

. . . a.k.a., the whiner. She needs to be near Mommy all of the time. She didn't leave Mommy's side all evening so I sulked on the couch. Then Mommy took me to bed, kissed my head and told me I was her boy. She said I was an awfully good pug for letting Moochie stay because she didn't have a nice home like me. I licked her nose and cuddled in close. Then I sighed in her ear and we fell asleep. Moochie slept on her bed on our bed, next to us. She didn't try to snuggle with my Mommy all night. I guess she's ok.

Moochie and me

Life is good...almost

2006-01-23T18:02:00.000-05:00

Mom used her new crock pot today and made chicken. And the best part (besides how good it smelled) she let Moochie and me have the liver! We got it right in our kibble! I was so excited. But ya know what? If Moochie (or Mary Lou as Mom and Auntie call her because she's agile and looks like she's doing a split when she pees - weirdo) weren't here, I could have had the entire thing to myself!! Scandel!

Also, this afternoon Mom and Auntie took us to PetSmart because Moochie needed a new harness. She put me in my blue hoodie and Moochie in her pink one. Then Grandma took our picture because Mommy had me in her arms and Auntie had Moochie. How embarassing!

I have to go now and steal my kong back now that Moochie is pooping in our bedroom. Hee hee... I hope Mom really let's her have it!

P.S. Anyone want a pain in the butt foster sister? She's really (gag me) cute!

Show off...

2006-01-23T10:54:00.000-05:00

It's snowing here in Connecticut. Mom took Moochie and I out to do our business. I tried to convince Mom that I could hold it a while longer but she insisted I go out. I sulked along in the snow while Miss Show off bounded around like a rabbit. Mommy said, "Oh Moochie, you're such a good girl in the snow!" Suck up! Then Moochie tried to get me to roll around in the snow with her. Uh, NO! What am I, a puppy? I told her to get peeing, I had a date with my hedgehog. (I can't call it my baby in front of Moochie, she'll think I'm a puppy.)

I hope this one goes quickly. She's messing up all my stuff. I have to go, she's got my Snoopy in her cootie-girl-infested mouth! ACK!

Our big adventure

2006-01-22T22:25:00.000-05:00

Mom and I went to Boston today to help with a scrapbook. I was very excited about going. I thought maybe I'd see Big Papi, but he didn't come to help us scrapbook. I met Reggie, Pugsley and Ozzy. We had a blast running around the house. Uncle Mike, Reggie's dad, brought us all sorts of fun treats, including bully sticks. Mom never buys for those for me because she said they're stinky, but I got to eat it in Boston! (I'm looking into real estate there now.) Check out the pictures in the PV post: http://www.pugvillage.com/forum/showthread.php?t=29569

Reggie climbed on Mommy's lap - he should be in the puggy Olympics, he's so agile! Ozzy ignored us for most of the day - he was more interested in the bully sticks. Pugsley is the oldest, so he spent the day supervising us.

Now I'm home and get this, there's a GIRL pug here, named Moochie. I was paling around with the boys and now we have a stink girl here. I think I need to go back up to Reggie's house. This girl is going through all my toys. Oh bother, I'm just too tired to think about this now. I'll have to have a talk with Mommy about it tomorrow. (That means, I'll get Moochie in trouble and Mommy will want to get rid of her. I know her penny loafers are around here somewhere. I'll make it look like Moochie chewed them! She'll be hitting the road in no time.)

I'll keep you all posted.

The humiliation...

2006-01-12T10:43:00.000-05:00

So this morning Mommy told me to hurry and pee and poop because we had somewhere to go. I was all excited. I know it was a workday, but maybe there was a special mid-week pug meet. She said we had to go to the v-e-t. I wasn't sure what that was, but I'm always up for an adventure.

What a rude awakening - v-e-t means the VET! First I got weighed and the vet tech said I gained a pound and I needed to get it off. Hello! It's the dead of winter. They don't make indoor doggie gyms. What's a guy supposed to do when the snow is up to my belly! And then I met Dr. Learn. I usually have Dr. Hexter. Dr. Learn didn't mention my weight - Dr. Hexter would have gone to town about that one pound (has he looked in the mirror lately? Hi Pot, meet Kettle). So Dr. Learn proceeds to squeeze my hiney! On our first meeting! RUDE! And then I groaned at the vet tech laughed at me.

And to make the visit a complete disaster, I didn't get a liver treat for being a good boy!! RUDE!

I'm at home now, nursing my hurt pride and chewing on a new flossie. And Mommy couldn't even stay home with me because she had to go to work. sniff sniff Oh woah is me.

The many positions of a pug

2006-01-10T12:00:00.000-05:00

(Click on the image to make it bigger.)

Is he doing surveillance in my house?

2006-01-09T11:57:00.000-05:00

How did he know I did this stuff? I bet Mom told him. Of course, I prefer cell phone to video games. And leather does taste pretty good. You should try it sometime. (Note: Try and gnaw on it BEFORE your mom sprays bitter apple on it though. Blech!!)

Pug in comic

2006-01-09T10:51:00.000-05:00

With David Kellett's approval (mom e-mailed him), I've gotten permission to post his comic on my blog! How cool is that?

Here's the one of the pug arriving on Christmas Day. Check out the strip - it's great! (Ok, I'm biased because I am a pug, but it really is good!)

Pug featured in cartoon

2006-01-05T12:00:00.000-05:00

Mom said that there's a pug named Oso featured in the Sheldon comic strip (by Dave Kellet). Mom loves it! He arrived on Chritmas day. Check out his adventures:
http://www.sheldoncomics.com/comics/sheldon/index.html

I'm a grown up now.

2006-01-04T08:02:00.000-05:00

I'm going to be two in May. Mom says she can't believe now fast I've grown. I have certainly come a long way since I was a puppy. Now mom doesn't have to watch me all the time, but she does check in on me with I'm being quiet. She says when I'm quiet, that means I'm usually up to something. Not true! Ok, sometimes... maybe a lot of the times... ok, usually I am up to no good, but not always!

And now I have the run of the house when Mom's not home. I usually snooze on her bed or eat my kong on the couch. I'm the master of the house! Life as an adult is good.

2006-01-04T08:01:00.000-05:00

Me when I was little... I'm such a big boy now!

2005-12-23T10:33:00.000-05:00

My friend Taz and his kitty sibling, Rocky. (That's his dad, dressed as Santa!)

Christmas from my pooch friends

2005-12-23T10:26:00.000-05:00

Mom brought home a present from my friend Taz. They are all sorts of cookies, including my favorite - PEANUT BUTTER! They are so good, I bet even Mommy would eat them. She said that I can't eat them all at once. RUDE! They are MY present! Oh well. Mom said we're gonna go shopping next week for something for Taz, since my forgot about him.

Taz and I did the breast cancer walk together. He's a husky. His little sister, Katelyn came with us. He said she's nice, but sometimes she tugs at his ears. She also steals his cookies. But she makes up for it by dropping her food on the floor so he can eat it. He loves when she drops French fries. I don't know if I want a little human sister or brother. I like being an only child. Ok, so I do have two kitty siblings, but I can chase them. I hear kids chase pugs! I'm good with being kid free for now.

I can't wait to see what other presents I get! Mom got some already from her friends Dayna and Amanda. She was jumping around the house like a lunatic when her packages came. She's a nut, but I love her.

I gotta go, Grandma's making cookies and I have to go beg. She hasn't succumbed to my beggings yet, but there's always hope.

2005-12-19T13:41:00.000-05:00

Me and my foster brother, Pugsley saw Santa.

Pugsley

2005-12-19T13:33:00.000-05:00

So we have new new guy living with us. Mom said it's only for a little while and that I need to behave myself because Pugsley is homeless and needs lots of love. Mom said his daddy died and his mommy couldn't care for hi. He's a little out of sorts and peed at Grandma's and at our house. Mom just cleaned it up. But then she told Pugsley that he had to sleep in the crate because she was afraid he'd "mark" in the night. Pugsley was not happy, but eventually he fell asleep.

I guess it's hard to lose your parents and be in a new place. I don't know what I'd do if Mommy had to give me up. I'm sure Grandma would take me in, but it's still a scary thought. I love living with Mommy. She's so good to me. When she has toast she saves the last corner for me and when we snuggle at night she doesn't care that I snore in her ear. She just kisses me on top of the head and pulls me closer. And she's always so happy to see me. The harder I wag my tail the happier she is. When she comes to get me at Grandma's she calls from the bottom of the stairs, "It's Mommy!" and I run to greet her. I kiss her face and she tells me how much she missed me, all day.

I'm a lucky pug to have such a great family. I can be a stinker sometimes, but Mommy knows that I love her. I even love the cats, even though Max doesn't care for me.

I have to go, Grandma and I are sharing some Chex mix. Don't tell Mommy.

T'was the night before dog-mas

2005-12-16T14:51:00.000-05:00

The Night Before Dog-mas
By Claudine Gandolti

"Twas the night before Dog-mas when all through the pound
Not a puppy was yelping or playing around;

Our leashes were hung, by our kennels with care,
In hopes that St. Bernard would soon find us there;

Chihuahuas were curled up, all snug in their beds,
While visions of doggie treats danced in their heads;

Max in his collar, on somebody's lap,
Had tucked in his tail for a midwinter's nap,

When outside the room there arose such a clatter,
My ears perked right up to hear what was the matter.

Away to the window I jumped up with glee,
And barked at the shadows that were cast by a tree.

The glow from the moon changed night into day,
And started me thinking,"woof woof time to play!"

When, what with my puppy-dog eyes did I see,
But a splendid dog sled, led by doggies like me.

With a regal furred driver commanding, not stern.
I yelped to the others,"That must be St. Bern!"

More rapid than greyhounds our saviors they came,
And we barked and we howled, and called them by name:

"There's Duchess! There's King! Fat Chance, and bare Buffy!
On Fido! On Scooter! On Rover and Scruffy!

Go by the red fire hydrant and run pass those trees!
Nothing can stop you, not even some fleas!"

As puppies at play chase after a stick,
and race to their masters So lively and quick,

so out in the field his canines all flew,
Catching the frisbees, that St. Bernard threw.

And then in an instant I heard at the door
the Scratching and clawing of each little paw.

As I pulled in my nose, and was turning around,
Through he door St. Bernard came in with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his tail
His wood cask adorned with an icing of hail;

A bag of chew toys he had brought in with him,
And his mouth was turned up into what looked like grin.

His eyes how they twinkled! His ears flopped, how merry!
His coat shone like crystal, his nose like a cherry!

His big floppy mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the fur on his chin was as white as the snow;

The stump of a bone was held tight in his teeth,
And his collar encircled his neck like a wreath.

He had a large face and a furry, round belly
That bounced when he barked, like a bowl full of jelly.

He was fluffy and plump, a big cuddly, old pooch
and I laughed when I saw him and gave him a smooch.

A wink of his eye and a wag of his tail;
we knew right away We'd have homes without fail.

He howled not a howl, But went straight to his deed,
and took down our leashes That soon we would need.

He opened the door, And families stood there,
with children, all smiling, And much love to spare.

He lept to his sled, to his team gave a call
and away they all flew as if chasing a ball.

But I heard him exclaim as he chewed on a bone;
"Happy Dog-mas to all and to all a good home!"

2005-12-13T14:58:00.000-05:00

Oh the humanity... will this woman ever end the torture?

2005-12-13T14:57:00.000-05:00

Mom's loot...

2005-12-13T14:54:00.000-05:00

I made a mess... it was fun. See my new sheep on my back? I was playing horsey.

Christmas comes early

2005-12-13T14:50:00.000-05:00

Mommy has these friends on this pug board on the computer and she did a secret Santa swap. Our Santa lives in England and Mommy went all the way there to get our stuff. I got a new stuffed lamb and Mom got a bunch of girly things. She says they aren't for me and out they away after she took pictures. I wanted to protest but I know Santa is watching and I have to be good.

I also got a new Christmas shirt that she let me wear when I opened my gift. It's pretty near. I can't wait to show the family on Christmas day!

2005-12-05T13:44:00.000-05:00

Christmas time...

Choose your presents carefully....

2005-12-05T13:39:00.000-05:00

Twas the night before Christmas,
when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring,
not even a mouse;

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
With no thought of the dog filling their head.
And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,
Knew he was cold, but didn't care about that.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Figuring the dog was free and into the trash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the luster of midday to objects below,

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But Santa Claus - his eyes full of tears.

He unchained the dog, once so lively and quick,
Last years Christmas present, now thin and sick.
More rapid than eagles he called the dog's name.
And the dog ran to him, despite all his pain;

"Now, DASHER! Now, DANCER! Now, PRANCER and VIXEN!
On, COMET! On CUPID! On, DONNER and BLITZEN!
To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall!
Let's find this dog a home where he'll be loved by all

"I knew in an instant there would be no gifts this year,
For Santa Claus had made one thing quite clear,
The gift of a dog is not just for the season,
We had gotten the pup for all the wrong reasons.

In our haste to think of giving the kids a gift
There was one important thing that we missed.
A dog should be family, and cared for the same
You don't give a gift, then put it on a chain.

And I heard him exclaim as he rode out of sight,
"You weren't given a gift! You were given a life!"

~Author Unknown

Brusha Brusha Brusha

2005-12-04T19:42:00.000-05:00

Murph-man here. Mom said my breath was stinky, so she pulled out this stuff called tooth paste. (I do eat poop on occassion, but since it snowed, I couldn't find any to eat.)

Anyway, Mom said this tooth paste stuff was chicken flavored so I thought I'd try it. I loved it! I wanted to eat the whole thing, but Mom said I had to save some for the cats. Then she stuck her finger in my mouth with this brush thing on it. It was so weird. But I was a good boy, cause I liked the taste of it so much. Then she did Max and Hippie's teeth. I was so jealous! I wanted that tooth paste stuff all for me! She said we have to wait till Tuesday for it again, because I only need it three times a week.

I can't wait to see Lola again, so I can give her a kiss with my chicken-breath. I hear chicks dig that.

2005-11-30T12:41:00.000-05:00

Playing dress up!

2005-11-30T12:40:00.000-05:00

Lola (on the left) and me.

What a great vacation.

2005-11-30T12:34:00.000-05:00

While mom went to some place called Paris with Auntie, Grandma and Grandpa, I got to go see Lola, Kerrie and Walker. I had a blast. They sure know how to treat a pug. I got to take nice walks and I got lots of belly rubs. On Thanksgiving, I got a turkey for supper! I hung out a lot with Lola, who I have to admit I'm a little sweet on. She and I played and cuddled. I brought her a whole bunch of treats and a toy rat! I got a new toys and some yummy treats. Mom said that I was spoiled while I was there, but I'd like to think of it as just being treated as a pug should be.

But even though I had a great time, I was so happy to see Mommy. I jumped in her arms and kissed her face. On the way home in the limo (see, I know how to live) I cuddled with her. I've been such a good boy, and I haven't bitten her once. I'm waiting till s he's over her jet lag before I become a beast again!

Getting ready for my vacation

2005-11-19T18:18:00.000-05:00

Mom and I have been busy getting ready for vacation. I got to pick out some new treats to bring to New Jersey. Mom said we had to get two of everything. I thought that would mean double the fun for me, but apparently I have to share these treats. I'm an only pug, what's all this sharing business about? I don't even share with the cats. I claimed all their toys as mine and I try to scam their treats all the time. I hate sharing. But mom said I have to behave myself while I'm with Lola and her mommy and daddy.

I got to help pick out a present for Lola. Even though it's pink, a girl color, I wanted it for myself. But Mom said no, it was a present for Lola, for letting me come to stay. I think it's Lola who should be thanking me. Don't you think it's a privilage to have me as a house guest.

Mom is also putting together a goodie bag of things for her Secret Santa giftie on PV. She had put some awesome things in that box. My mouth is watering. I can't wait what she's putting in there, in case her giftie reads tihs blog (Mom is so excited about the surprise) but I can tell you, I want it all for me! Sigh.....

I have to sign off - I have to pack my toys. I wonder if I have to share my own toys?

2005-11-14T12:01:00.000-05:00

Murphy and Grandpa....

2005-11-14T11:57:00.000-05:00

Grandpa is so mean. He never shares his cookie with me!

Pug rescue helper

2005-11-14T11:48:00.000-05:00

Yesterday mom and I went on a home visit for the pug rescue. It was a lot of fun. The family had no pugs, but they did have a nice cat named Florence. She's a rescue from the humane society like Max and Hippie. He didn't rub up against me like Hippie does, but she did watch me closely. She didn't hiss, so mom said that was a good sign.

The family loved me- of course. The guy laid down on the floor so he wasn't towering over me so we could play. And they let me jump on the couch. I tried to bite their fancy pillow but Mom took it away and said she was sorry. They just laughed and said I was ok. They want a young pug like me. I had to look over their home and make sure that it was ok for a pug. I didn't care for the wood floors. I made Mom carry me in. There were plenty of carpet islands for me to sit on. The backyard was very nice. I peed in the leaves so they knew I was there.

Mom said they'd make great pug parents and they got two paws up from me.

Afterwards, we hung out at Grandma and Grandpas and then Mom and I went home to do laundry. Mom made some stirfry and I got a piece of chicken and a carrot. I guess I like Chinese food. Maybe because I'm Chinese.

Pug Village Calendar

2005-11-11T09:03:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone! I'm in a new calendar. I'm quite a star. Lucy is in it, too! In fact, all of my puggy friends, from across the world are in it. I think everyone needs a copy. If you order one, tell my mom and she'll let the powers that be know the funds to go PPRA. We need to help those pugs in needs and this is a great way.

My mom's friend Amanda and Gretchen worked hard on this. They are great people!

Buy a copy today! http://www.cafepress.com/pugvillage

I'm growing up....

2005-11-09T12:34:00.000-05:00

Did you know if you lift your leg when you pee, you have better aim. I am learning this new trick. Mom seems to be impressed and so was Grandpa. Sometimes I'm too lazy to lift my left, but other times it's a good way to get the stink out of other dog's marks. I saw the terriers next door doing it and I hear my buddies Pugweiser, Junior and Frito do it. I have to be one of the guys - all the cool pugs and dogs are doing it.

Not that I like to give into peer pressure. Lucy told me if you whine and bark you get dinner faster. I'm not buying that. I have mom wrapped around my little paw so there's no need to degrate myself by begging, unless of course there's spaghetti involved. Or pizza. Ok, and ice cream. Heck, if Mom's eating it, it must be good and therefore I must tell her that I NEED SOME, too. She's not happy with my assertiveness sometimes, but I usually get my way.

A sad look with a well placed paw is something I've got down to a science. How else would I have persuaded her to give me breakfast in bed every morning. Caution, it's not for amateurs. You have to be an experienced pug to try this at home. I can't wait to show Lola.

2005-11-09T12:33:00.000-05:00

This one is for you Justin.

A poem about older dogs...

2005-11-08T09:05:00.000-05:00

Even though I'm young and cute, there are some senior pugs that are just as cute. I think all dogs deserve a chance at a great forever home........

Why you should consider an older pet-

One by one they pass by my cage-
Too old, too worn, too broken, no way.
Way past his time, can't run and play,
Then they shake their heads and go on their way.

A little old man, arthritic and sore,
Seems I'm not wanted anymore.
I once had a home, I once had a bed,
A place that was warm and where I was fed.

Now my muzzle is grey, and my ears slowly fail.
Who wants a dog so old and so frail?
My family decided I didnt belong,
I got in their way, I was just wrong.
Whatever excuse they made in their head
Can't justify how they left me for dead.

Now I sit in this cage, where day after day
The younger dogs get adopted away.
When I had almost come to the end of my rope,
You saw my face and I finally had hope.
You saw through the grey and the legs bent with age,
And said I still had life beyond this cage.

You took me home, gave me food and a bed,
And shared your own pillow with my poor old head.
We snuggle and play and you talk to me low,
You love me so dearly, you want me to know.

I may have lived most of my life with another,
But you outshine them with a love that is stronger.
And I promise to return the love that you give
To you, my dear person, as long as I live.
I may be with you for a week or for years.
We will share smiles and maybe some tears.
And when the time comes that God deems I must leave,
I know you will cry and, your heart, it will grieve.

And when I arrive at the bridge all brand new,
My thoughts and my heart will still be with you.
And I will brag to all who will hear
Of the person who made my last days so dear.

-Author Unknown

2005-11-03T13:00:00.000-05:00

Flossie time!

Cold, frosty paws

2005-11-03T12:52:00.000-05:00

Mom and I went to the park for our morning walk. It was chilly out this morning. I went to jump in a pile of leaves to pee and it was COLD! I can't put my putinki near frost! I was not amused. Mom told me to suck it up, because it was only going to get worse. RUDE! First she dragged me out of the warm covers and now she wants me to freeze my business off! NOT!

I tried to teach her a lesson by hiding her cell phone but she's clever. It called to her and she found it. I hate that phone.

I have to close this post so I can crawl back under the covers and warm my poor toes. My life is so rough.

Sleepover

2005-10-31T15:50:00.000-05:00

Mom dropped me off at my Uncle Pierre and Aunt Simone's house on Friday night for a sleepover. I guess I have to stay there when she goes on vacation for Thanksgiving. It was a fun night.

First I barked at all the new noises at their house. I am an expert guard dog. Then I scratched Aunt Simone's couch - she was not happy. When we went to bed, I couldn't decide whether to sleep in or out of the covers. And boy their bed was hard. Aunt Simone said I was antsy. What the heck does that mean.

They didn't know how to fix a good breakfast, like Mom does, so I put my nose up at it. Finally Grandma came to get me and she brought me to Mom's job to see her. I jumped into her arms. She said she didn't sleep all night without me and I barked the same to her. I tried to tell her I wanted to go on vacation with her. She doesn't speak pug.

I love my mom - I wish she didn't have to leave me.

2005-10-26T14:01:00.000-05:00

Halloween Pugs

2005-10-25T11:52:00.000-05:00

cute boy

Rain Hiaku

2005-10-25T11:49:00.000-05:00

Why is the rain here?
My fur gets damp and soggy.
Mom drags me outside.

I'm a walking fool...

2005-10-18T12:09:00.000-05:00

Sunday Mom took me to Bushnell Park in Hartford for this "walk" for cancer. I met a new friend, Taz, who is a husky. Taz was really nice, but not too playful. He was more interested in walking than playing.And his bark was a dialec I have never heard before. He yowled more than barked. His accent was so thick, but I think he was demanding to go faster. These little pug legs might be pumped, but they are only so long. I tried to go as fast as I could, but I kept getting distracted by all the great things to smell on the ground.

We had to keep stopping so the kids could get settled again -Mom's friends brought their kids. They were so cute, but they wouldn't let me lick the powdered sugar off their faces. It was ripe for the licking, but those kids were stubborn. And they had munchkins, but not one kids fed me! Greedy! Although, I probably wouldn't share a munchkin with them if it were up to me.

It was a great day. This athletic pug walked like 20 miles! (Mom said it was only 2 and a half, but she's fibbing, I walked a lot farther than that.)

I was so tired after that. And Mom said I'm dirty now. She says I need a B-A-T-H. What's that? I bet it's a new treat. Yeah! I deserve one for all that mileage!

2005-10-14T15:46:00.000-05:00

My kitty brother, Max.

That darn cat!

2005-10-14T15:37:00.000-05:00

My brother Max is a cat. He's kind of snooty and never lets me kiss him. He's also a night owl. Last night he wouldn't settle down. When I don't settle down, Mom puts me in the crate. She didn't crate Max. She just kept getting out of bed and taking things away from him. He was playing with the shade last night and making all sorts of noise. He wanted to eat his breakfast at 3 a.m.!

I barely got any pug-beauty sleep last night and now I have dark circles under my eyes. Ok, I know, I'm a pug and I'm supposed to hard dark circles, but I still need my beauty rest. I'm gonna have to chase Max outta the bedroom tonight. Hippie and I are making plans now.

My take on rain....

2005-10-12T14:36:00.000-05:00

No, I'm not made of sugar, but would you want to go "do your business" if it was raining in your bathroom?

I tried so hard to get back in the house this morning, but Mom forced me to go further. I was about to try to head back again, but then we say my best friend Max on the way to the park. I had to be a big boy and suck it up. Max loves the rain - he's more of an "outdoorsy" dog - he's part lab. But I had to make like I was a tough little dog since I have a reputation to uphold. So I sucked it up and went for a long walk in the park with Mom and Max and Max's mom. It was chilly, and afterwards, I tried to snuggle with Mom while she did her make-up and got ready for work. She pulled me close and gave me a kiss on my forehead and told me she loved me.

Ok, so braving the rain was worth it.

2005-10-10T08:49:00.000-05:00

Mmm....treats.

A day with Grandma...

2005-10-10T08:38:00.000-05:00

Grandma has the day off of work today so Mom brought me over bright and early. I really wanted to go to work with Mommy, but she said her office doesn't allow dogs. I think that's just wrong. I think I'd have fun at her office. I could run around from office to office, begging for treats and nap under her desk. I'm sure Mom would love it. But instead I get to spend time wtih Grandma, which is awesome!

I tried to wake Auntie up when we got there, but Mom said that wasn't a good idea. Auntie is NOT a morning person. Who can resist a pug, at any time of the day? Oh well, her loss!

So far I've tried to eat the cat food, run around like a lunatic and napped. What a big morning! I have to go beg for a soy pig ear now. My work at Grandma's is never done!

Murphy's thoughts on pug rescue

2005-10-09T09:07:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was an awful rainy day, but Mom and I made the best of it. We had to go and do these "home visits." Mom says we are checking out homes for people that want to adopt pugs and she needs my help. I don't understand why there are so many pugs that needs homes. I think most of us are pretty cool. I've met a few weird ones, but all in all, they are great. Like Lucy, Mom's last foster Lucy. She was a little mangey, but she was a great girl. Ok, I didn't like that she stole my toys and took off with my pug toy to Balimore, but Mom says we are going to visit her in the spring and I'll get her back.

Anyway, we visited two great homes. The first had a big dog, that Mom says was a rottie. She was huge, but really nice. She and her pug, Amy (who told me that she ran the house) shared their cookies with me. Amy said she had a lot of puppies before she came to that house and wasn't allowed to live inside. Is that anyway to treat a mother? She was nice, but a little shy. She liked me though and said she can't wait to have a pug pal to bully the rottie with.

The next house had a ferret. It was in a cage. The home also had three kids, but they were so nice. They sat on the floor and let me come to them. (Some children I have met are so obnoxious!) They were so excited to have me visit. I told Mom they'd make great pug people. They let me explore the house and I got to meet their cat, Thumder, who looked like our cat, Max. Thunder didn't hiss at all, he just looked at me, turned around and went back to bed. While I was playing with the cat toys, I heard Mom telling the family all about pugs and how to care for them. They said they may even consider a pair. Wouldn't two pugs be lucky to have a home with those nice children?

What I still don't understand why pugs need homes. Why do people abuse them and give them up? After our visits, Mom said she would never give me up and she gave me a big kiss and a hug. I love my Mom and I'll put up with our fosters if I have to. They need a break. (I'll just learn to keep a better eye on my toys.)

2005-10-07T10:48:00.000-05:00

Mischief Murphy

Foiled again!

2005-10-07T09:02:00.000-05:00

My attempts at keeping my mother on her toes is failing - she's getting smart! The cell phone was put on the dresser, far from my puggy reach. Also, I heard her tell someone that the video store took the chewed DVD back. Darn! I guess I'll have to resort to eating the couch after my morning nap - unless Grandma comes and gets me.

It looks like rain outside today. I must prepare for the ultimate pee-strike. Sigh, a pug's work is never done.

2005-10-06T09:19:00.000-05:00

Murphy keeps Mom on her toes

A great new game...

2005-10-06T09:06:00.000-05:00

Since Mom likes a challenge in the morning, I have made getting ready for work into a fun game. First, the cats and I work together to get in her way. She's really good at hurdling us as she darts from room to room - it really gives her a quick workout and gets her heart rate up. I'd like to think of it as interval training. She really kicks it up by murmuring, "Crap! There's a traffic jam on 84 - I'm gonna be late!" She's like bat outta hell.

To keep her senses sharp, I have added to her morning workout. Each morning I have taken to hiding her cell phone when she's in the shower. I think she likes this game, otherwise she'd put the phone on the dresser, out of my reach. Lately I've just been putting in under the bed or in my toy box. This morning I made is harder by burying it in the clothes basket. She used the house phone to call it. After two calls, she found it buried deep under her dirty laundry in the basket. She retrieved it, gave me a look and darted off to hurdle Max and Hippie while running to get my kong ready. She's really agile. (I think I'm gonna bite her on the ankle next time it rings to let her know I hate "Thriller" as a ringtone and preferred she'd switch it back to "Dancing Queen".)

I'll have to make tomorrow's game more challenging. I bet she'll have a harder time finding the phone if I hide it behind the couch - she'll have to use her muscles to pull it away from the wall! Who needs a person trainer when you have the Murph-Man. I'll pump YOU up!

So much to eat, so little time...

2005-10-05T14:36:00.000-05:00

So besides eating the couch, I love to eat other things that my mom has decided aren't for chewing. My favorite things to chew are Mom's favorite penny loafers, her underwear and lately I've gone high-tech. I love to hide her cell phone in my tox box (she keeps finding it, she's so clever) and I'm got a taste for Blockbuster movies. Mom liked Finding Neverland so much, I decided to put my mark on it so she'd have to buy it. I thought the movie was pretty good - at least it made her sit still with me for two hours. Mom is just so busy these days with working to support me and the cats, she is always bringing me to Grandma and Grandpa's. Don't get me wrong, I love their house since they have lots of treats for me, but there is nothing like being home with Mom. (I think Max the cat should get a job to contribute to the house money. He's eating good food now, he should pitch in.)

Maybe if I chew Mom's car keys, she'll have to stay home. I'll have to put that on my to do list for tomorrow. I hope I can fit it in between naps and bugging the cats. Max is so fast so I must run after him. Then I get tired and need more naps. My life is just so hectic lately!

2005-10-05T12:22:00.000-05:00

Murphy the Pug

Murphy, the blogger

2005-10-05T11:33:00.000-05:00

Murph-Man here, first pug in blogging space, or so I'd like to believe, since I do have an ego the size of an Newfoundland. Mom says it's a Nepoleon complex but really, it's just me exuding the upmost confidence.

I'm posting in between naps now. Wednesdays are hard here in the condo. I nap, chase the cat and if I can fit it in before the next nap, I have to make time to eat the couch. It's a new hobby and requires lots of practice.

Ok, I have to go. Nap #3 is calling and the cat needs to be put in his place before I slumber.
-the Murph-Man