Look for future updates regarding the Pugnic on our Facebook page.
THANK YOU DONORS
No matter the circumstances of our lives, we at MMPC are always thankful for our pugs who enrich our lives and cheer us. And, we are especially thankful for our donors who support us.
Becky Doran Kendra Anderson Angelina & Kevin Dobiesz
James Doyle Al & Kelly Ferry Pat Fleishans
Luann Kindem Libby & Janice Jean Stacy & Joe Ketchum Diane Olsen Jamie & James Krasnodemski Karen Lawrence Carolyn Williams Paula Neumann Bridget Ondra Erica Poledink Kimberly Resseguie Diane Rismann Rebeka Rosebrugh Gwynne & Roy Turner Deb McGowan Alex & Shelley Vince Ivy & Mike Truitt Jerry & Cathy Wilhm Cecelia Jean Maria Ramon-VanArman Leslie Sullivan Wendy Brown Lewis & Jan Williams and Lulu Laura Brooks Carr
The President's Corner by Libby Jean
There are most welcomed signs of spring popping up. Crocuses and tulips are sprouting in the flower garden out back. The grass is greening up nicely, and we will be mowing before we know it. And, the MMPC board met a few weeks ago to plan the annual PUGNIC. We have some fantastic plans for entertainment, food, games and lots and lots of socialization for June. Yet, at the moment, I’m pensively watching the news and hoping we can still gather in the park in June.
Life has certainly changed since we last talked. We all need something good to hang on to right now. These difficult times are always more manageable when we take time to remember our many blessings.
I’m thankful I’m warm and safe in my home. I’m thankful for my four wonderful dogs (three pugs and one puggle). I’m thankful my friends and family all seem to be safe and healthy at this moment. And I’m thankful for all of you. Your devotion to the pug breed and to Mid-Michigan Pug Club’s mission has made the difference in the lives of hundreds of pugs. I’m deeply moved and grateful.
So, what are your blessings? Take the time now while we are all practicing this social distancing. Make a list, add to it each day, and hold your pugs close. Know that this is but a moment, and we will all be together again very soon. My hope is for all of your days to be filled with safety, good health, and pug kisses.
Maddie’s Adoption Story
I attended the Pugnic back in June 2019 for the first time with my two pug girls, Miley and Hannah, and my teenage son. I had been wanting to attend for years but the date just never worked out for us. At the Pugnic, I signed up to volunteer in whatever way I could possibly help.
Shortly thereafter, I was called to help transport a pug from the Michigan Humane Society to Fowlerville, MI where I would meet up with a gentleman who would then take her closer to the Grand Rapids area. I felt like this was some sort of underground railroad for pugs. Picking her up from the Humane Society was a wonderful feeling. It felt great getting her out of there.
She was very happy to be outside, having my son hold her in the car. We quickly fell in love with this little ball of spunk. A few days after rescuing her from the Humane Society, I reached out to see if anyone had applied to adopt her or if she was available for adoption. Maddie’s journey to health with the rescue was a long one. After a lot of veterinarian visits and treatments, spay, dental and much needed care she was finally able to come home in October 2019. When we got Maddie home, my other dogs were super excited to see her and sniff her out. Maddie seemed completely unphased by them and only wanted to be with her people. She constantly wanted to be wherever my husband or I were. She is quite the snuggler. My other girls were just a bit jealous of her attention. :) (They’re fine, we love them too!)
Maddie has since claimed “her chair” where you can find her most of the time. She can see us wherever we are from this chair as it has the perfect view of the living room, dining room and kitchen. She’s leaving her own little Maddie indent. If you walk up to her on this chair she will gladly show you her belly as she is a lover of belly rubs!
Maddie also loves her walks. Over time, she has become more attached to my other pug girls. I find her snuggling with them often now. There’s just something about pugs that they need to be snuggled on top of each other. We couldn’t be happier with Maddie as an addition to our family. She is a wonderful spunky little girl. She’s the first to greet and love on visitors and steals the hearts of everyone she meets!
Erica (Maddie’s mama)
Dr. Kathleen Smiler, Health Committee Chair for the Pug Dog Club of America is requesting Purebred Pug Blood Samples for the Purdue Study of Pug Myelopathy
Purebred pug owners are being encouraged to donate a blood sample from your dog for a Purdue University genetics project locating genes and biomarkers to improve diagnosis, therapy, and screening to reduce prevalence of spinal disease in pugs. The study has been funded by a grant from the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation. You can obtain a blood sample on your next routine visit to your veterinarian in an EDTA collection tube and mail it to the address provided in the instructions attached. The sample does not need to be handled as for a lab test, just promptly mailed with appropriate packaging. The contact at Purdue is Dr. Dayna Dreger, ddreger@Purdue.edu if you have further questions. Blood samples are being recruited from both normal purebred pugs and those affected by spinal disease. Please include any heritage or pedigree information you may have, and a side view photo of your pug’s body, and a photo of its head. Thank you so very much for this critical contribution to our research.
(We know, most likely,
"When are you gonna feed me?)
This year at the Pugnic in June, you and your pug will have the opportunity to find out what the pug is thinking. Laura Governali, a spiritual medium, who finds doing readings for people and their beloved furbabies especially rewarding, will be available. A typical reading may touch on health, behavior issues and perhaps long held secrets - some poignant and some hilarious. Ms. Governali will charge $15 per session, $5 of which will be given to our club.
From the American Kennel Club
Dogs can contract certain types of coronaviruses, such as the canine respiratory coronavirus, but the specific novel coronavirus, aka COVID-19, is believed to not be a health threat to dogs.
According to theAmerican Veterinary Medical Association, petting a dog’s fur is a low risk.
The AVMA’s Chief Veterinary Officer Gail Golab says, “We’re not overly concerned about people contracting COVID-19 through contact with dogs and cats.” And there’s science behind that: “The virus survives best on smooth surfaces, such as countertops and doorknobs,” Golab says. “Porous materials, such as pet fur, tend to absorb and trap pathogens, making it harder to contract them through touch.”
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