Faith

In over a decade of rescue, Alabama Pug Rescue and Adoption, Inc. has helped with the rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming of other breeds when resources are available. Of all of those we have agreed to help, none have touched us as Faith has.  Now the search has started for her forever home, which though it may take time, we know eventually our story will have a happy ending.

The call came from my veterinarian and I could tell by her voice something was wrong.  I breathed a sigh of relief when I realized that none of the Pugs were there for the day, and she began to ask me if I knew of a boxer rescue.  Of course I did, and was personal friends with the President, and one of our own volunteers shared her passion with this breed and helped when she could.  It was only a matter of an hour before I had to reply they were full.  Knowing the passion behind this vet when she wanted to save a life, I asked if we needed to help.  I had not even begun to hear the whole story when I knew we would be getting a new rescue.

Soon to be named “Faith”, she was dropped at a local humane society by her owner.  In horrific shape with obvious injuries, the staff inquired as to what had happened to her.  Noticing she was lactating, further conversation revealed that the last puppy had been sold that morning, and that the injuries to the dog were the result of being hit by a car weeks before.  Medical care had not been sought, the puppies had to be readied for sale and she was still their meal ticket.

The worst and obvious injury was her jaw.  It literally was hanging from her mouth, and when she went to drink water, the drainage from the infection filled the bowl.  Not wanting to stress her more the first day, she was started on antibiotics and pain medication, and was given a clean quilt to lie on.  I wasn’t there but I was told that when she lay on the clean bed, after a full meal, she sighed and we are sure that was a sigh of contentment. For the first time in her life she felt comfortable and secure.

The road to recovery was long for Faith and not only had her jaw been broken, her pelvis had also been crushed.  The skin abrasions would heal in time but the emotional scars were going to take forever.  She loved women but was terrified of men.  She hated to go outdoors and spent most of her days asleep on her bed. 

Repeated surgeries were done on her jaw, and the end result has been nothing short of a miracle.  While she is missing the left lower part of her jaw, the only hint that this has been done is the hanging of her tongue from that side.  While initially hip surgery was planned, Faith has healed so well that this is not a priority now.  As she ages, this may become necessary but over the last six months she has transformed into the picture of health.

When it was time for Faith to be moved from a clinic environment into a home setting, we were the obvious choice based on our frequent trips to the clinic, and because we have dealt with so many of the special needs rescues.   All she needed at the time was rest and rehabilitation, and that was what she would receive.

As Faith has strengthened and her self-esteem has returned, she has blossomed into a joy, and has provided us with hours of amusement and awe in just how far she has come, but as stated earlier, there are emotional scars from a history unknown that are left to recover from.

While Faith is not an anxious dog, she becomes excited and wary at times with the smaller dogs in our home.  Certain ones seem to almost scare her and her reaction is to overreact and she has made attempts to defend herself on more than one occasion.  It is because of this that we have determined that Faith’s forever home needs to be one where she is allowed to be the center of someone’s world, and never again have to be stressed by fears we have uncovered.  She will be placed as an only dog.   If her adoptive family chooses to add another large dog to their family down the road, they will have the history of Faith’s past, and her current behavior,  and should act responsibly.

Faith recently visited a renowned veterinary neurologist/behaviorist, and he concurred that part of Faith’s reaction to the smaller dogs in our home could be a form of post-traumatic stress disorder – shadows of a past we will never know.  While she has been put on a sedative to help her overcome some of these fears we do not feel this will be necessary for the rest of her life.  The correct environment for her has not yet been found.

Faith’s fear of men has now subsided and she has developed the famous boxer “butt-wiggle” to perfection.  She adores stuffed animals, and showing off just which one is her choice of the day.  She is now crate-trained and she does beautifully on a leash, though still apprehensive about new surroundings.  Squirrels and cats entice her and given the opportunity she would jump at the chance to chase them.  While she loves to play and be silly, she also loves to cuddle on our bed. 

Food is not a problem for Faith anymore.  We soak her kibble and she eats it moist.  Canned food has the tendency to be too gummy for her, and while she will eat dry, her mouth soon becomes sore from doing so.

Faith has mastered the “sit” command proudly, though it took a while given her former injuries.   Training has to be creative as food is not an easy reward for her.  She is very willing she just needs the proper motivation and reward.

Several months ago, our vet asked if she could borrow Faith for a “show and tell” session at a local grade school.  The focus was to be on responsible ownership and Faith was a example of the cruelty of our society, and what a difference love can make.  She amazed everyone lying at the vet’s feet as she lectured, and then made the rounds to each and every child upon completion.  She is finding the world she needs to live in, and whomever is fortunate enough to become part of that world will be blessed for life.

Alabama Pug Rescue and Adoption, Inc. will oversee and approve Faith’s adoption.  All requirements must be met and as with all of the Pugs we represent, a thorough investigation will be done for the suitability of a home for her.  We can guarantee you the end result will be worth the effort.

Beginning requirement for Faith will be:

No other dogs or cats in the home.
No small children
Fenced yard or leash walking mandatory, this girl should never be allowed to be off leash outside of a fence.
Commitment to a “soft-food” diet.  We soak her kibble and she does beautifully.

If you would like more information about Faith, please contact pugsrescued@aol.com.