MAPR needs your help. Hamlet was rescued from a severely neglectful home. He was covered in mange, had several infections, and was extremely malnourished.

Hamlet had a preliminary vet visit with Dr. Monce on 08/18/2005 that showed hyper-reflexes, which means whatever is happening with his spine is happening pretty high up (not good news). Friday (08/19/2005) he will have x-rays done under anesthesia, and hopefully that will show us what exactly is wrong, although he will probably need a CAT scan or MRI for something more definitive. We are not sure what sort of prognosis we are looking at just yet. He is a bundle of love though, and uses his powerful front arms to cling to you! And loves to be held and snuggled!

Hamlets Medical Bills are going to extremely expensive. Please consider becoming one of Hamlet's Angels. Any helps is will be GREATLY APPRECIATED. Donations can be made on-line through Paypal or checks can be sent to:

Mid-Atlantic Pug Rescue
2640 Avent Ferry Rd.
Holly Springs, NC 27540
Please note Hamlet's Angel in the comment section of your check

08/19/2005 From the Foster Mom:
Well, I've just come back from several hours at the vets with Hamlet. The good news is that he does not need an MRI or CAT scan. The bad news is Hamlet has a 90-degree curvature at the T3-T8 levels! Just at his neck past his scruff, the spine turns to the ground! You can't feel it on physical exam because his neck muscles are so built up that it covers it. Where the T8 turns the sharpest, the spinal cord is literally pinched off!

Dr. Monce is going to run the x-rays by some other surgeon friends to see what sort of success they have had with laminectomies (removing the top portion of the vertebrae) in that area in order to release pressure on the spinal cord and perhaps give him his movement back. The reasons he isn't jumping to do this is that:

1) You are working at the spinal cord at the neck, which is delicate and very risky. That portion also controls little things like the heart and breathing.

2)The possibility that fibrous tissue will grow up around it (like a scar) causing a return of compression of the cord. The very same problem we are starting with.

Dr. Monce is going to take a week and discuss this with his comrades, and then we will make the decision about go/no-go on the surgery.

Dr. Monce also sent off a complete blood panel, as this little boy drinks tons, urinates constantly, and his urine stinks to high heavens! Since he just finished antibiotics for a urinary tract infection, a culture would be useless. These results should be back tomorrow, Monday at the latest.

08/24/2005 From the Foster Mom:
I'm am glad to say Hamlet's urinary tract infection is clearing up with antibiotics, and he is starting to put on a little weight! The jury is still out on his surgery, but we should have a decision by the first of next week.

Today, Hamlet did pass a milestone! He learned what toys are! I had him on my bed with one of my other pugs, and they started playing, (the mouthy wrestling that pugs love), and then Tink picked up a toy. Hamlet grabbed the other end and started a game of tug-o-war! He spent the afternoon throwing toys in the air, and enjoying chewing on them :) Honestly, he has started looking so happy and relaxed! You can actually see him smiling, and I know I am!!!

09/20/2005 From the Foster Mom: Today was yet another milestone for Hammie! He started giving pug kisses! He has been snuggling and hugging, but hadn't yet let himself give into kisses, but all that changed today! He is curled up on my bed helping me answer emails, and is being as sweet and helpful as can be.

We discussed his surgery with the vet repeatedly, and after lots of consultations we have decided against it. The curve of his spine is too high, meaning it is right where the spine controls the heart and lungs. There is such a great risk in working on that area, with only a modest hope of improvement, that we all feel it is best to hold off. We realize he may worsen with age but there is no guarantee either way, and right now he has an excellent quality of life. He eats, plays, and loves every day, and doesn't seem to realize his back end doesn't work right; you can't miss what you've never had! He scoots around the kitchen and back yard at breakneck speed, plays with the other pugs, and loves on everyone who walks by, so we'll feel like that's a pretty darn good life for a little guy who came from such a wretched place. We are working on his bowel and bladder routine, and while he still wears a bellyband for accidents, he makes it outside most of the time. You can actually see on his sweet little face how proud he is every time he does his 'business' outside!

Hamlet is still gaining weight, but will always be a tiny fellow. He's about 13 pounds now and has filled out nicely. He adores toys, especially the soft squeaky kind, so we will have to make a trip to Petsmart soon to get him some new ones! I know the vet guessed he was around two years old, but he is chewing things like he is cutting teeth, just like a puppy. It could be he is younger than we thought, or that he is finally living out his puppy hood! Either way, this is a very special little boy, and we totally adore him. We hope someday the perfect forever family will appear, but in the meantime, he is so loved and doted on! We just can't imagine life without him.

10/09/2005 From Hamlet:
I just wanted to send a note say thank you for all your help and prayers. I am still looking for a forever home. All though I'm happy as a clam at my foster home. MAPR just brought in another handicapable pug this week; Jasper. We are getting along great, and playing like best buds. Its nice having another handicapable friend around to play with. Below are some new pictures my foster mom took of me and of Jasper.

If you have a place in your heart and in your home for a cute little handicapable pug like me, Please submit an application.

10/18/2005 From the Foster Mom:
Hamlet has had to start wearing baby clothes to keep his diapers on. His muscles are so atrophied that he slips out of his bellyband and since he can't control his potty all the time, I am constantly mopping 'snail trails'. So today I went to Target and bought some size small onsies and 3month boy shorts and cut holes for the tails. It seems to be holding the diaper in place, but since he scoots everywhere, they are getting dirty quickly.... heÕd love donations from anyone outgrowing their baby clothes!

He also 'permanently borrowed" Lilly's favorite ball! She might need a new one! You should see him throwing it around and chasing it. She might need a new one.

If you have extra baby clothes lying around Hamlet would love to have them. Or you can send gift cards to Wal-Mart, Target or any store that sells baby clothes. Please Email Hamlet's Foster Mom to arrange pick up or for shipping information.

Hamlets Angel's Are
Beth Collier
Kimberly Thompson
Nick & Lisa Pokoluk
Lisa & the pugs at Midwest Pug Rescue
Ronald Guyton
Janet Jennings
Laura Chichester
Pamela Shores
Corrie Dees
Beth Anistranski