While we were at the vet Saturday, we heard the receptionist announce that someone had abandoned a box of eight puppies outside the back of the building. It was about 27 degrees outside (-3 degrees C). If there was never a better example or more pointed reason for neutering and spaying, then this is it. I can sit here and write till the cows come home and I believe you, the reader, have heard the message before. But this example is proof positive why neutering and spaying is vital! If this post will convince even one reader to neuter or spay, then we may have prevented the next box of eight puppies from being dumped.

I am amazed at the number of dogs I encounter that are not neutered or spayed. What’s up with this? The three main reasons I hear for not neutering or spaying are:

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. If you want to bring a pet into the family, this has to be part of the package! It is a one-time fee and you never have to worry about an unwanted pregnancy again.

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. Have we all just jumped into our DeLoreans and raced back in time? Trust me, your male dog will be happier and less aggressive. 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. Or dumped on the side of the road or behind a building. How cruel is that? According to the Humane Society, more than three million unwanted dogs and cats in shelters are put to sleep each year.

Reason number 3 - all it takes is one time. If your female is not spayed and there’s even one un-neutered 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 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 analogous 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 and I will be glad to help research your area.

Mary

Save time and get a jump on the holiday rush by dropping by PugSpeak! PugSpeak has the biggest selection of pug gifts for the pug lover and the customer service can’t be beat! Simply tell us if your order is a gift and we will gift wrap it for no extra charge! And PugSpeak is happy to customize your pug card order - just email your photo and we’ll create your personalized pug greeting cards! PugSpeak also customized address labels and jewelry including pug earrings and bracelets. All you have to do is email or call at (913) 403-8009.

Let’s check out a few PugSpeak Pug Gift ideas:

Drop by www.pugspeak.com today and if you have any questions, email or give us a call at (913) 403-8009.

The kids will be going back to school soon and before we know it, the holidays will be around the corner. Be sure to stop by PugSpeak Pug Cards and Gifts and check out our pug gift selection:

Be sure to visit www.pugspeak.com today! Questions? Call us at (913) 403-8009. Don’t forget to ask about our custom pug jewelry too!

C.K. Dexter Haven
May 17, 1999 - July 17, 2009
We remember the day well. It was over a Fourth-of-July weekend in 1999 when we drove to Liberty, MO to bring home our new pug baby. The minute we met him, we knew his name. At 6 weeks old, he came trotting out to us with a distinct élan and a smile that could only be described as handsome and dashing. He was C.K. Dexter Haven, the wonderful character portrayed by Cary Grant in the 1940 movie, The Philadelphia Story. We soon dubbed Dexter the Cary Grant of Pugs and amazingly it stuck! Since his photos were posted everywhere on the internet, I would get emails from folks saying…”he does look like Cary Grant!” I’m sure somewhere Cary Grant may be laughing himself silly!

It isn’t easy to describe Dexter in a few words - he had so many facets to his huge personality. Even as a puppy, Dexter was meticulous and em>fastidious - especially when it came to potty training. The first time we took him outside, he did his business. And that was that. There was never an accident (as you would, of course, expect) in the house. We remember the first time he was about to be ill - he went to the door to be let out. Dexter kept a tidy kennel as well as himself, though we discovered early on the two things he really hated: baths and nail clippings. We had to start spelling B-A-T-H and needless to say, he figured that one pretty quickly. We had to think of new ways of communicating (using other languages to describe bathing) that message and somehow he always knew and made himself instantly glued to the chair! Dexter was fluent in multiple languages.

Two months after Dexter’s arrival, we brought home Trevor MacCauley Connor (yes, named partly after the Jimmy Stewart character from The Philadelphia Story. Trevor immediately became the Beta or care-taker to Dexter and the two were joined at the hip, so to speak.

Dexter loved life. He embraced it. He woke up each morning at 6 am raring to get on with the day. Carpe Diem! Each day was full and at 10 pm every evening, he was ready for his 40 pug winks.

We learned through Dexter and Trevor it was easy to give them a prescribed medication - if given with a tiny swipe of peanut butter. Naturally, all the Boys are eager to take a pill because they know it’s synonymous with peanut butter. The pill is the peanut butter. And speaking of food, Dexter and his brothers always knew when Chinese carryout came into the house. Dexter, especially, had a yen for rice!

Dexter loved to pose for the camera and out of these photos, PugSpeak was born. We have always regarded the Boys - and especially Dexter, as co-founders and cornerstone of PugSpeak, LLC. Dexter was always ready for a photo shoot!

Dexter seemed to grow up quickly - after we brought Ian and Mackie into the fold - he would join in the play, but would eventually let everyone know when hijinks were over and it was time to settle down. And Trevor, ever the Beta, would herd everyone inside. Dexter always carried himself as a true Alpha - with maturity and dignity. He would occasionally do little things to goad Trevor into chasing him. And Trevor always complied!

We believe Dexter loved music and movies. When I played Perez Prado, Gipsy Kings, Ottmar Liebert, Pink Martini, or Bond, his head always came up and he listened intently. He loved anything by Stephen King - especially The Shawshank Redemption and The Shining. He thought Snakes on a Plane was great fun and was patient enough to let me do a photo shoot called Pugs on a Snake. He sat for an hour draped with rubber snakes and never stopped smiling. He also loved the Rocky and Star Trek movies.

If Dexter could have had three or more people to dinner, he would have chosen: Carl Sagan, Samuel L. Jackson, Dean Martin, Mary Shelley, Gene Roddenberry, Fareed Zakaria, and Cesar Millan.
Dexter had a particularly close bond with his human pop, Lowell, his human brother, Hunter and sister, Claire. And it’s important to note that even though his vet, Dr. Shelley Lake, clipped his nails, Dexter adored her! And speaking of loves, without a doubt, Dexter’s favorite time of year was Spring! He was the original Boy of Spring! Dexter also adored Kong toys, Nyla Bones, and plush toys.

From the first day to the last day of Dexter’s life, he exhibited three special qualities - he was brave, loving, and steadfast. He never wavered when he developed kidney stones and was in obvious pain. And at the age of 6 1/2, when Dexter was diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma (very rare, almost unheard of in pugs) and was given one month to live, he never once let on that he felt sick. His oncologists had prescribed a medication called Piroxicam - non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug to relieve symptoms and make him more comfortable. A month came and went. Then two and before we knew it, we were celebrating Dexter’s 7th birthday. We learned that in some rare cases, the Piroxicam can create a remission (for a time). And we were given the gift of 3 1/2 years more with Dexter!

Dexter, I suspect, somehow knew or sensed this and he made the most of those 3 1/2 years. He sometimes was almost puppy-like again. He had fun with his compadres and at our annual Pug Parliament events. Dexter loved to romp with the pugs. We will always remember his 10th birthday - there was cake and new puggy toys and all the trimmings. It was a glorious and most likely his last very best day.

Dexter taught us so much about courage. Dexter came into this world with a pasión for life, embraced the hell out of it, then went to the bridge with dignity and valiance. In his own words: How are the mighty have fallen. Dexter would have at least thought that in his own satirical fashion.

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!