Paco, being a Pug, is a brachycephalic breed, meaning he has a flat face. As a result, he's prone to heat and breathing issues dogs like Nellie don't have. In order to take him on walks he must wear a harness as anything around his throat can cause problems. Now, mind you, Paco clearly has never been walked on leash and has the manners, curiosity, and craziness of a velociraptor newly brought back from extinction. While we can only go around the block because of the heat (and yes, we wait for it to seriously cool down in the evening), it's an adventure from beginning to end. The good news: he's starting to get the hang of the walk. The less good news: we have an interesting wrestling match to get his harness on. Mind you, the harness is a bit awkward and he's not used to sartorial splendor, but harness him up we must. First of all, he wants to put EVERYTHING in his mouth. It took four days and 8 walks to get him to allow the harness to go over his head without a fuss. The tricky part now is getting his leg through one side so he can get buckled up on the other side. Let's just say it's a work in progress. He's an expert wiggler.
Another issue we discovered he had was a very serious case of itchy skin and dandruff, the likes of which you never want to see. He spent so much time doubled over trying to chew in his hind end, it was painful to watch. His little hind end also had pink areas and he was so clearly uncomfortable. Bath time. The first bath he received was with soothing shampoo -- quick and easy in the outdoor sink we have. A bit of aloe vera gel on his pink patches, and a day later, the chewing was down by two thirds. A quick trip to the vet for medicated shampoo and another bath, and he hasn't shown any signs of discomfort since. Whew! He is very good in the bath, seeming almost to relish it. At least that's what I thought until I took a look at his face. Poor baby. He didn't mind it, but you have to leave the medicated shampoo on for 10 minutes. That was the part he wasn't so keen on.
After the bath, a walk to dry off, and a good dinner, he formed a pug puddle on the floor, and took a long nap.
He is just so darn cute and he is so LUCKY to have come into your hands and loving care. Thank you SO MUCH for your compassion; I know it lives deeply within you.
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