Today is a very difficult day for us. Our beloved Alfie passed away one year ago today.

It actually happened in the evening, so one year ago today we had no idea it was the last day we would have our sweet angel. It was actually a very good day. Ironically, we had a vet visit that afternoon. Alfie had put on weight and his coat was back to feeling like a plush toy's fur. Though he was still quite ill, he was alert and happy. We settled in that evening in front of the telly and Alfie fell asleep and quietly slipped away. His poor little heart just gave out.

It still hurts so badly I cannot describe. Right now I am sitting here with tears streaming down my face thinking of how my beautiful boy was stolen from me. We loved him so much and cannot imagine our how our lives would have been without him having been a part of it. He was perfect and we were so blessed to have had him with us for the short time he was.

He taught us so much and changed our lives so significantly. If not for Alfie we would not be involved with rescue. We are part of PugHearts because of him. Richard & I cannot look at a senior the same way now. And we cannot look at the sickest of our rescues without thinking of him and his brave fight. Because of him, Richard & I volunteered to take Lilly, knowing what the ultimate outcome would be but wanting to give her every chance. Because of him, we took in Samson. We knew he was gravely ill but we also knew we could give him the medical care he would get in a vet hospital plus the TLC and warmth he could only get in a home. We knew we could handle the sleepless nights and give the intensive medical care he needed. Alfie taught us that. He taught us to never give up on as long as the spark is still in that dog's eyes. Alfie never lost that spark - his body let him down but his spirit remained intact.

But I choose to remember Alfie's good days. We had a lot of those and for that I am thankful. The photo above is one of those days. It was Christmas. We had a house full of family and pugs. Denny, Charlie & Alfie were happy. Alfie was happiest lying next to someone on the sofa with a rawhide in his mouth. For Christmas he received this braided rawhide in his stocking. He was the happiest pug alive that day. And I am thankful that this is one of the memories I have of him.

I am so sorry that we didn't have more time with you Alfie. But thank you for sharing yourself with us for the time you did. We love you so much and look forward to seeing you again someday. We will look for you at the Bridge.

Posted by Robbi at 01:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

We're thrilled to report that the little guy is doing well. He is such a joy and has such a happy, upbeat personality. I cannot help but smile when I see him perk his head up and start wagging his little tail whenever he greets me. As you can see, he is gaining weight and filling out nicely!

He has also really started to bond with the crew. It's amazing, they tolerate him bumping into them as he stumbles around. It's as if they understand that he can't help it and he's trying his best. They seem to have accepted him and he no longer sleeps alone. We caught this photo of Phoebe, JJ and Samson napping in the foyer the other day while Richard & I were upstairs cleaning:

By the time we came downstairs with the camera, they were all awake. But we were able to catch Samson, Denny and Charlie waiting by the front door:

I'm glad they're getting on so well. Health-wise Samson is doing better. I was so happy with his progress a week or so ago - he was hardly wheezing at all and his stamina seemed so much better. But once he went off of his antibiotics I'm afraid he started sounding raspy again. He still has a lot of congestion he's trying to clear. So far we've been keeping it in check with his homeopathic meds and daily nebulizer treatments, but we know he needs back on the antibiotics. So we've called Dr Hendrix to get a new prescription. Hopefully he can get started on that this weekend.

As for his right eye, well sadly it looks like it is no longer functioning. It doesn't seem to bother him so we keep drops and antibiotic ointment in it to keep it moist and prevent infection. If we can get him well enough to go under anesthesia we will have the eye removed to prevent complications. Thank goodness he's not in any pain or showing any signs of discomfort. We can wait until he's ready to have the surgery.

Meanwhile we have mysterious itching going on with all the other guys. Cindy's husband James sprayed the yard for us to get rid of the ants and mosquitos, but they still seem to be scratching a lot. Oh well, it's been a whole week since we've been to the vet for someone (Munch had her rabies jab last week) so I guess it's time to head back again and see if we can get some answers.

In the interim, at least Benadryl has one great side effect: SLEEPY PUGGIES!

Phebes (who has to sleep with her favorite stuffed toy Monkey Boy in her mouth):

Denny (who always looks so dignified - even in his sleep):

Charlie (who still looks like a puppy to me and looks especially sweet and innocent when sleeping):

And of course my squishy-faced boy JJ!!!!

I love my sleepy babies!

Posted by Robbi at 07:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)