Linus & Lucy's Playground

WelcomeAbout Linus & Lucy Food & Nutrition Choices Dog Treat Recipes
Doggie Health & Safety Tips Small Breed Information Adopting a New Pet Fun With Furkids
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~About My Dogs~
Linus and Lucy came home with me on January 6th 2002. They were just around 5 pounds each and fit in my hands. Lucy, was born on November 20, 2001 and Linus on October 4, 2001. They were so tiny. Every day since they came into my home has been one filled with more laughter, love and happiness than I ever imagined. They aren't "just dogs", they are family, they are little people whose lives are in my hands and have changed mine tremendously. I have learned about patience and unconditional love from them among other things.

Safe & Smart Toys
Linus and Lucy's Favorites Linus' favorite toys are his chew toys. We have a laundry basket full of toys that he jumps into and picks out his choice. Lucy's favorites are the snuggly stuffed animal toys. She never forgets to bring one to a guest when they arrive and often has one in her mouth half as big as she is while wagging her tail about. We make sure to keep only safe toys for our furbabies, no rawhide or chew toys that can be broken apart and swallowed are allowed in this house. They love cookies and respond to the word with joy. Their favorites are Blue Dog Bakery cookies, Pawprint Cookies in peanutbutter flavor and gingerbread flavor and Exclusively Dog Peanut Butter, Carob Chip and Animal Shaped Cookies. They used to love Greenies, but because of health warnings we've read about them, we can no longer give them or even say the word around the house!

Some dogs benefit from what I call "busy toys". When you leave them home alone, when they need to be kept busy while you are busy and can't supervise, especially young dogs, consider a Kong or a sterilized bone stuffed with something the dog likes. Peanut butter or cheese are popular choices and because there's a deep hollow to fill, it takes the dog a long time to get out all the stuffing :).

About Pugs

Linus and Lucy are pugs. Pugs are a breed that have special needs that are important for any pug guardian or caretaker to know about. Below are some of the most important things to know about pugs, and for more information on small breeds like pugs, check out our Small Breed Information page.

Pugs need routine grooming
Pugs are brachycephalic breeds. They have flat faces and wrinkles which require lots of care. It is important to clean their wrinkles daily to be sure that bacteria don't breed and cause infection.

Pugs also shed year round. There is no seasonal shedding for pugs, they shed 365 days a year. Proper nutrition, supplements and frequent grooming can help keep it more under control, but a pug will NEVER stop shedding. If you decide on a pug, be sure you are ready for the shedding.

Pugs nails can get long and most pugs aren't too keen on getting their nails clipped. Nails can be clipped safely and professionally by your vet or a groomer, but can be done at home as well with the right tools, patience and caution. Be very careful not to cut the vein or what is known as the quick. If you are unsure, opt to have a professional cut your pugs nails.

Pugs are prone to various health problems

The best place on the internet for pug health information is Pugs.com While this is not a veterinary resource, the site has great informations on pug information. Conditions frequently seen in pugs are related to the eyes, respiratory system, skin and ears. There are also more serious conditions seen occassionally and specifically in pugs. It is important to recognize and understand all the conditions your pug is suceptible so that you can be educated and knowledgable about how to recocnize them and seek immediate and proper treatment for them.

Pugs need a lot of attention

Pugs are without a doubt one of the most attention craving dogs. For pug lovers, this is not a problem! Pugs crave and need lots of love, playing, attention and want constantly to be by their guardian's side. Pugs were bred to be lap dogs, and you can bet, if there's a lap, they want to be on it or as close to it as possible. If you do not have the time and cannot dedicate serious attention to a pug, the breed is not for you. Pugs who lack the proper attention and love become depressed and are unhappy dogs.

Pugs can be stubborn and difficult to train especially when it comes to housebreaking

Those who share their life with a pug have often found that housebreaking is a long and winding road with pugs. Many of us even find that our pugs refuse to go out in rain or snow! Pugs can be stubborn creatures, and with many, it can be difficult to train them. Housebreaking is no exception. Even pugs who have been housebroken may occasionally have accidents in the house. This is not consistent with ALL pugs, but is a common occurance in the pug breed. Training and living with pugs requires a lot of patience, tolerance and love.

If you are thinking of getting a pug, please consider these things and whether the breed is right for you. Too often pugs and many other animals are neglected, abandoned and mistreated when those that adopt them don't do their research and are ill prepared for the responsibilities and challenges that come with living with a dog. Adopting an animal is not about what we want, it's about what you can give to an animal who needs us and whose life deserves as much enrichment as they put into ours.