Pugsie the Pug comes to stay

When Pugsie’s owner became seriously ill and was admitted to hospital it was decided that it would be best for this little dog to come into the sanctuary as a permanent resident.   As can be seen from the photo, Pugsie is very overweight so a light diet and a gradual increase in exercise was his new regime.   Like most pugs, he is a super little chap, full of personality and very easy going.    Giving him the exercise he needed proved difficult from the start.   Pugsie’s nails were very overgrown and although we’d clipped them, he was still lame.    Was it the sore patch on the top of his paw?    No, that didn’t seem to hurt him, the problem was still with his nails.   He’d been licking his paw because he had a wound on one of his pads – the nail had actually grown into the flesh.

We took Pugsie to the vet and although the examination hurt, he proved to be a stoical patient.    We were worried that there was a bit of nail still left in but the vet gave his foot a good clean and prescribed antibiotics and a course of pain relief.   Pugsie also had a health check and was pronounced in good order so long as he lost a bit of weight.  He does feel a bit like a cushion when you pick him up!

So Pugsie can’t go out much as yet, apart from a potter round the yard.   As soon as he is better he will be on the ‘keep fit’ list and ready to meet the Rambling Rovers.   Pugsie’s problems have proved the importance of having an Emergency Pet Care Card to hand in case of illness or emergency.   The cards are free to all Pet Samaritan members and you can pick one up from ‘In the Dog House’ shop or from our Reception.