Today’s Update on Carina

I just received this latest news about Carina’s condition from a NYC meetup member. Here it is in full:

Dear NYC Pug Meetup Members,

Thanks once again to everyone who has been moved to send money to California to help Carina. Her predicament is dire, and your help is appreciated.

I phoned Pugs ?n? Pals yesterday and heard back last night with an update on the situation. Carina is hanging in there, but it?s a major fight for life. The worst and most obvious of her problems is her skin. A horrible case of mange has ravaged her, and left her skin scabbed and bleeding all over her body. No one can even hold her, but the PnP folks are giving her all the love in the world. They bathe her daily, feed her homemade food, sing to her, and of course, have her under the care of some very skilled vets. With continued support, they have high hopes she will be saved and, in the end, adopted. But that?s not the end of this story.

Sadly, they?ve discovered a possible sister, definitely related to Carina. They found her at a shelter close by the one where they found Carina. Apparently, the criminals who dumped Carina know they can be charged money to heal these dogs if they admit they are not strays. So they dump them at shelters saying they are strays. Obviously, they could not dump two dogs looking in the same horrendous condition at the same shelter and claim to have found them in the street, so they went from one to the next with these two girls. Let?s pray there are no more little pugs they dumped that PnP hasn?t heard about yet.

The second pug they named Carissa. She?s in a little better shape than Carina, as the shelter she found at least gave her medical care over the four days they had her. Pnp picked her up yesterday, so the girls are reunited and in wonderful hands.

But that means the medical bills are double.

The PnP people are the most wonderful, loving people. They spend their time, love and money healing some very severe cases of abuse, like Carina and Carissa.

My only involvement in all of this is the same as yours. I just want to make sure Carina and Carissa get the best care possible to survive their horrible ordeal. I?ve sent money twice, and will send money again every payday until I hear they?ve been adopted. I?m just a pug lover, like you. I have four pugs, one of which my husband found lying in the streets of Manila, Philippines. He was in similar condition to Carina and Carissa. Nearly completely bald, he was just lucky not to have all the painful scabs cracking and bleeding all over his body. But the advanced mange had taken his sight, affected his hearing, taken almost all of his hair (which five years later has not grown back completely). He was starving to death and barely recognizable as a pug. My husband wasn?t sure when he saw him in the road if he was a dog or a rock, until he saw him move. When Joe brought him home, he smelled awful (as do Carina and Carissa), he was severely depressed, and he had a slew of other medical problems, including chronic ear infections that persist to this day. It took a year and a half and a dog dermatologist to get rid of the mange.

But every penny and every snuggle has been worth it. Johnny Rotten is the most loving, snuggly, sweetest pug ever.

Carina has been wagging her tail and eating four times a day: both great signs. I have hope for these two pugs.

So I ask again, please give what you can and ask all of your friends and family to send a little money, too.

Below is a link to photos taken of Carina, so you can see just how dire her condition is. Also below is all the information you need to help.

http://www.photoshow.com/watch/HQ6Mk3Pr

Pugs ‘N Pals
P.O. Box 9343
Newport Beach, CA 92658
Tel: 949-262-PUGD(7843)
Email: Pugs ‘N Pals
Web Address www.pugdogrescue.com

Thanks for taking a moment to read this.

Sincerely,

Melinda Mele

Latest News From Carina

I just received this letter from Carina’s caregiver….

Hi guys!

Sorry that I haven’t sent an update for a few days.  Was handling the preparation for the fair and functioning on 2 hr. sleep a night.

In my opinion Carina is doing better. She had a check up on Friday, and clinically I am told she is about the same.  Her skin is about 40% better after the baths and getting the scabs pulled off a little bit at a time. She still has the UPI (upper respiratory infection) but it hasn’t turned into bronchitis or pneumonia, so we are hoping it will hold up.  We did discover a hernia on her belly, but that is nothing we will worry about now. Her eye ulcers are improving a lot, and we are pretty sure we won’t have to remove the eye at this point.

I have been cooking her a balance fresh food diet and she is now eating very well 3-4 meals a day. She actually looks forward to it now where before she didn’t look at the dog food that much. I know the cooked food will help her build her immune system faster. It is the same food my own dogs get.
Today after I bathed her, which is the most painful part of this process, she was in her bed and I was getting her e-collar ready (I have to tape gauze all the was around the neck so the plastic doesn’t hurt her sores) I actually saw her trying to pick up the nylabone I had for her.  Due to the paralysis on her face it make it difficult for her to pick up things, but I was so encourage that she tried to do that.

I think she is much more alert. I have been weaning her off  the pain meds and bought some VERY expensive powder some one told me about that helps heal faster, I started that today, so we will see how that goes.

Since I can’t hold her because she hurts every where and movement makes her skin bleed, I just sit next to her and talk to her.  As I always do to my sick babies I sing to them ‘you are my Sunshine’ on Saturday night, I was cleaning her area and started signing it to her, she started wagging her body and wanting to get to me and gave me tons of kisses!!! I cried with joy.

My gut feeling tells me she will make it, though the Drs. told me she is not out of the woods.  I rather listen to my gut feelings

Continue to pray for her PLEASE!!……………Tina

Update

I just received the following update from Misty. This is the letter she received from the woman caring for Carina.

“Thank you! She is hanging in there. As soon as I get a minute I will update our blog via our WEB site. People can follow her progress there as I am limited in time caring for her around the clock.

We just heard her sister got dumped at another shelter, not as bad as Carina, but not good either.

We got lots of donations, but not enough. The economy is bad, and people are sending $5 $10 $ 20, which is GREAT! But we need a lot more as if she makes it her journey will be long.”

Tina Seri

Pugs n’ Pals

www.pugdogrescue.com

Urgent

Dear Readers,

I am posting in its entirety a letter I just received. I urge all of you pug lovers to take a look and help out this poor unfortunate baby pug. Her condition is deplorable and unacceptable by any standards. Thank you for helping out.

“Hello Mason, Im sorry to bother you like this but I know that you have a lot of pug friends and Im trying to help a fellow pug in need. If you could possibly pass along the word to your other pugs, It would be greatly appreciated. Your loyal fan Misty

I just wanted to send a note regarding this little Pug rescued by Pugs N Pals today from the Carson Shelter.

Her picture is on http://pugdogrescue.com/ if you want to see her

The rescue is in desperate need of donations in order to give her the needed treatment to save her life.

Here’s Carinas story from Tina Seri, Pugs N Pals President..Just a quick note on the Carson Pug. I named her Carina. She probably has the worse case of Mange I have seen. She is only 6 months old,and has infection everywhere. There is pus coming out of every part of her body.She is loaded with fleas and ticks. She is in pain from all the sores that are bleeding. It looks like she might lose her left eye as she has an ulcer and the infection went into the eye as well, the right eye doesn’t look great either,hard to tell if she lost her vision. She is a MESS!! She is on tons of meds and we gave her a pain killer and now I am going to bathe her and try to get as much of the crust and pus off as possible. She is making herself raw from constant scratching. So lots to do.If you can help, send your donation to:

Pugs N Pals, Carinas Fund, P.O. Box 9343, Newport Beach, CA 92658

or through Pay Pal at

http://pugdogrescue.com Thanks everyone.

If your able to donate, anything will help. Poor puppy, makes me so upset when these things happen to such great animals..

Thanks Misty”

Taste For Taste, or Lame Lollipop Licking Lizzie

I’ve said it before but it bears repeating…Lizzie is probably the lamest pug on the planet. Now, of course, I am coming from a somewhat biased point of view, but nonetheless, she does sometimes astound me with her incredible idiocy. She is not alone, however, in this particular instance. My father was a willing and active participant in the event I am about to describe.

Mom was away the week before last, and during her absence Dad bonded closely with the little twit. She, each and every evening after work and walkies, would snuggle on the couch in a nook Dad made with his body, and there they would lie, close and content as two proverbial peas in a pod. I, having no interest in this sort of physical commingling, was content to rest, in dignified manner, on the rug.

When Mom returned from her week of travel there was an immediate shifting of couch positions in the evening. Lizzie, reverting to some atavistic or primal urge, quickly returned to Mom, seeking her spot in the crook of Mom’s legs where she curled up like the plump little partridge she is. Dad, who has a penchant for Blow Pops and is wont to suck two at a time, began sucking furiously as he viewed Lizzie’s treachery. Unfazed, Lizzie slept blissfully while the drama unfolded. From either side of Dad’s mouth protruded two walrus-like lollipop sticks, which he sucked on furiously as he pondered her betrayal and his hurt. I watched as, in final desperation, he lured Lizzie to his lap by pulling one of the pops out of his mouth and offering it to the object of his affection. Lizzie, being the weak-willed and sweet seeking pug that she is, succumbed without hesitation, taking the proffered pop into her mouth. Dad then removed it from her mouth and placed it back into his. This nauseating relay continued without interruption, until Mom, still jetlagged and drowsy, looked up in horror.

Well, dear reader, Dad got his silly pug back, but at what a price! I am still reeling from that visual. Mind you, it doesn’t disturb my sensibilities (I am a pug after all) but I cannot imagine my fastidious Dad, were he in his right mind, ever sharing ANY food item with a pug that cleans herself thoroughly on a daily basis. Truth is definitely stranger than fiction.

There you have it…is it true love or jealousy, or perhaps a combination of both? You be the judge.

Respectfully submitted,

Mason

The quality of this shot is poor (Mom's iphone) but at least you can get a sense of the drama.

The Continuing Saga of Mason Man Pants, or Catch of the Day

Gauging by the recent responses to my somewhat humiliating and revelatory writings, I am compelled to complete this journey with you, dear readers. Maybe it is the preternatural arrival of spring or the perfect confluence of a planetary alignment…whatever the case may be; these denim bad boys saved me today. I will spare you the gruesome details of my little mishap, but suffice it to say that like a well-seasoned catcher’s mitt, they caught the ball, so to speak.

Due to their cunning design, it was an easy transfer from the drawers to the commode. I was relieved, Dad was smiling, Mom was dancing, and Lizzie…well, you must use your imagination there. What a great day for everyone.

I must admit my reluctance and mild revulsion when I was first introduced to them, but now they are my most trusted friend and bedtime companion. It is not as if I am wearing them outdoors where people can easily assess my situation. Knowing that I will not be the source of my parent’s frustration, disappointment, or even anger is a great relief to yours truly. It is part of my nighttime ritual…going for a walk, getting a treat, putting on the man pants, and getting into bed with Mom and Dad. See how easy it has become?

For all of you older pugs or those of you suffering from any continence issues, I cannot recommend these enough. The only down side is that I believe Lizzie finds me even more attractive when I’m wearing them. She looks at me in a way I find alarming and always says something about my trim waist. She is a fool and I don’t suffer fools gladly.

Respectfully submitted,

Mason

How can you not love this face? You've seen the pants already so now let's focus on the face.

The Brotherhood of the Traveling Pants

Sometimes, dear reader, it is just good to be bad and yours truly is not above flouting the law. Mom has been out of town all week, and not to sound like a broken record, I miss her sorely.  I would like to think that I am a reasonably accommodating pug, without serious obedience issues but sometimes I just have to act up and out.

Last night I was not feeling quite comfortable or myself in the denim drawers, and while Dad and Lizzie were sleeping I managed to extricate my trunk from their confines. Let me assure you that it was quite a feat. The little waistband on the pants was constricting me, and I felt sure that being free of them would offer relief. Dad awakened, discovered my nude state, and proceeded to stuff me back into them. In the process, without any warning whatsoever, a fecal missile shot out. I don’t know who was more surprised…Dad or I. This is really almost too embarrassing to share, folks, but since you’ve all been so vocal about my “darling pants” I thought you should know the consequences of my thoughtless actions.

It goes without saying, I hope, that my reckless abandon was innocent and something that I will not repeat since I know the consequences. Dad, I am truly sorry, and even though it pains me to say this, you and Mom were right about the necessity of wearing these pants. Lizzie…not one word from you, do you understand?

Mom flies home tonight and I hope she understands my sincere contrition.

And so, the saga of pug pants continues.

Respectfully submitted,

Mason

P.S. There  definitely will be no photo today!

“Old Age Ain’t No Place for Sissies” Bette Davis

“Though I look old, yet I am strong and lusty;

for in my youth I never did apply hot and rebellious

liquors in my blood; and did not, with unbashful

forehead, woo the means of weakness and debility:

therefore my age is as a lusty winter, frosty but kindly.”

William Shakespeare, As You Like It

We laugh about it, reference it in our jokes, and point out those who suffer from it. We feel secure from its progressive and relentless approach. Old age, if we live long enough, afflicts all living creatures, both great and small. Yours truly has officially entered that dreaded and much maligned realm.

It should have come as no surprise that, with my various physical limitations, I would eventually be forced into wearing “the cloth,” i.e. diaper. I know many of you are gasping and reeling in shock, but let me assure each and every one of you that there truly are  worse symbols and afflictions of senior status. I, for one, am willing to embrace the employment of any prophylactic aid that will enable me to continue living a “strong and lusty” life.

You’ve all seen the ads, giggled at the names – Depends, Poise, Dignity –  and assured yourself that life wouldn’t be worth living if any of these became part of your wardrobe. Well, this man-pug can say, without embarrassment, that the donning of nighttime diapers is not the direst fate awaiting you. Frankly, I appreciate the comfort and security these little denim drawers afford me. Knowing I won’t be shooting off a missile(s) onto the bed or floor makes me sleep a lot easier (and my parents too).

So, dear reader, embrace your senior status when you achieve it. We should rejoice in our venerable stature and laugh at the foolishness of youth, knowing that most of us eventually travel the same path.

I know who I am and I’m more than a diaper!

Respectfully submitted,

Mason

You know, of course, that I do have limits. There will be no photo of yours truly in his nighttime accoutrements.

You asked for it so here it is. My dad captured me on his iphone so the quality isn't great, but you get the idea. I actually do look pretty good!

Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder

My Facebook contest for the most captivating pug photo has led me to a more contemplative area of thinking than usual this past week. I have thoroughly indulged myself in viewing the pugs in these photos, some of whom are whimsical, some in costume, some enchantingly posed, and some just as themselves. I find myself thinking about the very concept of beauty and what it means. Shakespeare says it best, I believe…

“To me, fair friend, you never can be old
For as you were when first your eye I eyed,
Such seems your beauty still.”

Our standards of beauty vary dramatically from one viewer to the next, hence the old adage I adopted for my title today. My great grandmother was fond of this expression and also employed “Pretty is as pretty does” when chastising my grandma as a young self-absorbed girl. So then, what is beauty? Is there a universal standard? And why are there so many hundreds of thousands of pug owners who find their own pug children so appealingly beautiful?  Is beauty really only skin deep? I don’t think so. The longer I live the more I believe that, and I know you will all reel in shock when reading this, beauty does lie within the eye of the beholder. We see what we wish to see. Time and age cannot tarnish what one first perceives as beauty in another.

When I look upon my fellow pugs, dear reader, I see all of the flaws, blemishes, signs of age and decay, but I also see evidence of love, hope, devotion, spirit, and beauty. I cannot believe I am uttering these words (living with Lizzie has definitely weakened my mind and spirit), but there you have it…deep thoughts from a pug named Mason.

Thank you one and all for sharing your photos and captions. Again, not to sound maudlin and overly sentimental like a pug we know well, I am proud to count all of you as my fans.

Respectfully submitted,

Mason

Yours truly as a young pup...am I less handsome now? I think not.