| Weight: 25 lbs |
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Medical condition: Poor hearing but otherwise healthy! |
| Other: AKA Big Papa! |
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Special needs: Needs a special diet to control bladder crystals, dry eye |
Description: Meet Biggie Biggs, known affectionately in his foster home as "Big Papa". He came to Pug Rescue from a shelter in LA a couple years ago. Here is Biggie's story, written by his loving foster mom. He is a perfect example of why we do this important work of rescuing Pugs.
"Suzi contacted me and kindly asked that I go to the West La city shelter to pick up a senior who was going to be euthanized that same day if we didn't move and get there quickly.
I got in my SUV and hauled a*! to save this old man. When I got here and they brought him out the smell almost knocked me over, he smelled like he was rotting and I was immediately concerned. The kennel attendant said he had been transferred from the South Central LA shelter " the hood " where he shared a kennel with mostly pit bulls. He had already been there for almost two weeks, he was transferred to West LA by the kennel attendants because they fell in love with his fighter personality and sweet disposition. Big Papa unfortunately sat at the West La shelter for a month and the staff there had also hoped against hope that he would get adopted he had enamored them too. But no such luck for this and so many other seniors, no one adopted him The shelter had contacted local LA pug rescue groups and no one stepped forward. Suzi was contacted as a last effort to save this old man.
After the initial shock of his putrid odor I noticed he had a large mass hanging off the back of his leg, it was so bad it was literally dragging on the floor. He was flea infested, I could actually see the fleas crawling on him. Despite his horrid condition when I bent down and went to pet him and spoke gently to him, he just smiled, made allot of happy squeaky noises and he was full of spunk, he wobbled over to me, he was so stiff due to terrible arthritis, he walked like a little wind up toy. I then proceeded to walk him to the car and when I did he stopped to pipi and bright red blood came out and then I was really worried. I also noticed that his sight was extremely impaired. I was suppose to drive him to SD that day but due to his condition I seriously thought some thing might be really wrong besides the obvious so I contacted Suzi and I suggested he go to our local authorized vet in Malibu.
I took him from the shelter right over to the vet and he determined he might be any where between 12-14 years of age. The vet immediately bathed, de-fleaed and dewormed him; did a dental and pulled 10 teeth, removed the mass and did additional testing to inquire about the bloody urine. His labs were normal and he was diagnosed as having struvite bladder stones which could be easily managed with diet. Big Papa also had horribly infected ears, they suspected some one had poured some type of oily substance in them and he had a really bad case of kennel cough too. It took almost a year to get his ears back to health, the poor guy developed a resistant ear bacteria infection so we crossed our fingers and prayed that the ear cultures we had done would be able to indicate an antibiotic that would cure his ear infections and stop his ear pain and problems. I had to clean Big Papas ears every other day and the poor guy would scream his little head off it was so painful but as soon as it was done he was back to his happy go lucky self.
Big Papa is now 100% healthy for gentleman of his stature and age, he just got lab tested about 4 months ago and his blood results were all good. He is the bravest little pug I have ever met, during his ordeals he never showed fear, sadness nor did he get depressed. He is a happy go lucky pug who loves life and lives it to the fullest. He plays with my dogs at his senior ripe age, he hustles down the hall to greet us when we get home, he actually taught himself how to use the doggy bed steps !!! ( incredible ) considering he is blind. Due to Big Papa's ear infection he has lost some hearing but he does hear because when I say who wants a cookie he comes in tearing it up, his arthritis has dramatically improved now that he is on arthritis supplement vitamins. Big Papa recently developed severe dry eye in both eyes, we are taking him to a specialist in Beverly Hills to confirm the diagnosis and to have it properly treated. Big Papa will require most likely require a series of drops and ointments in his eyes for his remaining years in order to keep his beautiful little eyes moist and healthy.
I have never met a living creature who wanted to live so badly, this little guy is a fighter and he has been through his ordeals with great strength, dignity and conviction. I am so happy I decided to foster this old man he has taught me and my family the true meaning of being a trooper and a fighter and most important he has brought us so much love and laughter.
Thank you Pug Rescue of San Diego for saving this old man and bringing him into my life.
Analisa" (Big Papa's devoted foster mom)
As you can see, Big Papa is a well loved member of his foster family. He will likely live out his years there and be quite happy about it. Supporting Pug Rescue means helping Pugs like Biggie, dogs that would have been euthanized in the shelter if not for us stepping in to save them. Consider donating in Biggie's name.
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