Since our pug African bead bracelets have been so popular, PugSpeak has added two more variations.
The African wood beads are antiques - dated at 250 years old. The colors or rich, sharp, and vibrant. We’ve added genuine gemstone beads including carnelian, blue, white, and yellow agate, aventurine, onyx, turquoise jasper, and white howlite! And of course, each pug bracelet features either a gold or silver pewter pug charm!

To view details for each pug bracelet, click on Pug Bracelet 16b and Pug Bracelet 16c.

Enjoy and have a great week!

As many of our readers know, PugSpeak occasionally recommends or suggests a movie, music, or a good book we find exciting or insightful. It may not always be related to the subject of pugs, but part of the fun of a blog is sharing information - especially when that information entertains, teaches, or enlightens us.

In this case, we are praising a book, published last year (Island Press) and titled More: Population, Nature, and What Women Want By Robert Engelman. (Click on the title to connect with Amazon.com)

More addresses the topic of population growth and Engelman proposes the feasibility and opportunity of sequentially changing the world in terms of environment, health, and economics if we begin with and listen to our child bearers. Any control, such as it is, should begin and end with the individual decisions of women.

More accomplishes many tasks: First, it gives us a fascinating perspective of historical, scientific, sociological, cultural, and statistical data which illustrate how population and subsequent attitudes evolved. But don’t let that put you off - it does not read with the pontification of a dry textbook. Engelman presents the information in an easy-going, conversational manner that’s often punctuated with piquant humor.

Much of Engelman’s statistical data and research was gathered over a 20-some-year period while serving as vice president for research at Population Action International. Engelman is currently the vice president for programs at the Worldwatch Institute.

One of the things we are reminded is that the topic of population and population growth with impact on economics, natural resources, and health care is not a new issue that popped up 10 minutes ago. Economists, writers, and philosophers have debated and analyzed population growth for centuries and Engelman gives us insightful overviews and predictions from such individuals including Hale, Graunt, Malthus, and Wollstonecraft.

Secondly, Engelman tells us, based on years of travel and interviews what women around the world think. And to quote the author, “Mothers aren’t seeking more children, but more for their children.”

Cities and towns in developing countries (such as Accra, the capital of Ghana) are listening to women as well by offering reproductive health care. Clinics are made available to both men and women and inspire women to take charge of their lives and future. To quote the author, “The pervasive message is that staying healthy and making life plans are good - and not hard to do.” Women are encouraged to decide for themselves when to start a family as well as the size of said family. Who better to know what’s best than the child bearer and her partner.

More does not have to be taken as a political or religious indictment and the point is not to attack the reader’s belief system. More is designed to propose ideas and possible outcomes based on the past as well as the present and give the reader something to ponder. More is meant to enlighten. And as with any issue, change cannot begin until the issue is questioned and acknowledged.

As many of you know, I am a pug lover and I am also a professional pet sitter. I am amazed at the number of dogs I encounter - pugs and all breeds - that are not neutered or spayed. What’s up with this?? The three biggest reasons I hear for not neutering or spaying is:

1. I can’t afford it
2. If I neuter my male dog, he won’t be manly anymore.
3. I didn’t think anything could happen.

Okay, where to begin:

Neutering and spaying does not have to be expensive, folks! Many Humane Society branches and other shelters will spay and neuter at a lower cost. Not all veterinarians charge a huge fee to spay and neuter. In the final analysis, you can shop around and prevent an unwanted litter of puppies or kitties.

Regarding reason number 2, may I just say - a bigger load of rubbish I have never heard! This is purely a myth and one of huge proportions. Whether this is some leftover stereotypical propaganda of the 50s or what, I don’t know. Trust me, your male dog will be happier and there is nothing manly about a male dog running upstreet and down alley impregnating every female within a 5 mile radius. Think about how many of those puppies will wind up in shelters and possibly be put down. How cruel is that??

Reason number 3 - all it takes is one time. If your female is not spayed and there’s even one unneutered male in the area, he’ll find a way to make a date and she will find a way to rendezvous. You can’t fight Mother Nature - and unless you are a responsible and professional breeder, you are actually being cruel to your pet. Even if you keep close watch on your dog or cat, you allow them to go through the heat cycle. It’s akin to being all dressed up and no place to go. I urge every dog and cat owner out there to please, please neuter and spay your pets. If you need help finding a facility to do this at low cost, please email or call (913) 403-8009) me and I will be glad to help research your area.
Mary

PugSpeak kicks off the Summer in the City campaign with new pug jewelry!

Check out our pug bracelets:

And there much, much more. Click on out Pug Bracelet page to view all!
Have a great week!

From time to time, PugSpeak will comment or review subjects not necessarily related to pugs, but important nonetheless.

In this instance, we feel it’s very important to tell you about a business we admire, appreciate, and fully endorse! If you live in the greater Kansas City area and own a Honda (or just purchased a Honda) you need to know about The Import Shop.

Located at 6900 Antioch in Overland Park, KS, The Import Shop has serviced old and new Honda vehicles for the past 15 years. Owners Harriet and Neal Dittemore understand the Honda owners’ needs - to get your Honda repaired or serviced in a timely manner and without breaking the bank!

We would not consider letting anyone else service our Hondas. Thanks to The Import Shop, my 18 year old Honda runs like a brand new car! If you’re considering a new repair shop for your Honda, give The Import Shop a call at (913) 677-2176. For a Google map and more information, click here.

Hello from the Crissman family and PugSpeak!
We are ready to kick off a new year with good news and new pug merchandise. First off, we are awaiting the birth of our grandchild! Our daughter, Claire and her husband, Steve, are awaiting the arrival of little Jackie - which should be any time now. We will keep you posted.

On the PugSpeak front, we first want to thank everyone for a phenomenal 2008! We hope to make 2009 even more spectacular.

PugSpeak kicks off 2009 with couple new Fluff items: The Fluff Mod Pug Coin Purse and the Fluff Hula Honey Makeup bag! Check out these and many other Fluff brand Pug and Poochy Accessories today! And be sure to drop by PugSpeak’s Clearance Page - we’ve got great deals and need to move these out to make room for more exciting PugSpeak Pug Gifts!

And we are in the process of updating PugSpeak Pug Cards and Gifts and PugSpeak Pug and Pet Gifts. Hopefully, we will be finished shortly and everyone can enjoy our our new, updated look!

Our dear friend, Silvie D’Elicio of Pugs ‘n’ Roses Kennel recently sent us this beautiful handpainted denim jacket created by her friend, Liane Jesse at Deli Dog. Liane handpaints from photos onto denim or leather. This particular denim jacket features PugSpeak’s own C.K. Dexter Haven (Dexter). We are thrilled with this wonderful gift and encourage everyone to drop by Deli Dog!

As many of you know, PugSpeak offers a wide variety of greeting and occasion pug cards. We’ve also developed a Vintage Ad Series and this is our latest addition!
Check out all our pug cards here And don’t forget: PugSpeak will custom design pug and pet cards using your photo(s)! Simply email us or call at (913) 403-8009 and tell us your ideas. We will be happy to customize your cards, address labels, or Christmas gift tags!

Just in at PugSpeak for fall - PugSpeak is happy to announce another new pug purse model!

This olive green quilted pug purse features a needlepoint pug on the front and tons of interior compartments inside! Check them out today when you drop by PugSpeak. Have questions? Give us a call at (913) 403-8009.

PugSpeak kicks off the fall season with a new pug handbag/tote that’s sure to please most every pug lover! This bag is made of sturdy microfiber which wipes clean and looks great.

Measuring 12″X14″, this pug tote is from “The Dog” series and features an adorable black pug! Click here for more detail.

And 2009 Pug Calendars are out and available for sale. PugSpeak offers two choices: a Wall Pug Puppies Calendar and a desktop/travel pug calendar.

Stop by PugSpeak today and if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email or call at (913) 403-8009.