This page is dedicated to the pugs that come into rescue, but are too old or too sick to be adopted. These pugs are in "permanent foster care," and we try to give them as much love and comfort as we can for as much time as they have left.

Blossom
UPDATE FROM THE FOSTER FAMILY, OCTOBER 21, 2009: The vision in Blossom's one eye is now very minimal and she sometimesgets upset if there is fast motion
in front of her..our chocolate lab and my daughters hyper little yorkie often set her off! But, we calm
her down by scratching her neck, which she loves!! Her appetite is great..she doesn't let us forget her pill with cheese in the morning and 8 pm. We still hand feed her with a baby spoon because she has such a hard time with her 4 teeth..she is a very special girl.


Blossom is a sweet female Pug who is estimated to be around 12 years of age. Blossom was taken to a shelter after being thrown from a car (luckily, she sustained no injuries). The kind folks at the shelter knew that Blossom would need some extra TLC due to her limited vision, limited hearing, badly infected teeth, and a large tumor on her chest. One of the shelter's employees, also an avid Pug lover, contacted MAPR to ask if we would take her in. Blossom is now safe and sound with one of MAPR's loving hospice homes where she happily spends her days snoozing underneath her foster dad's desk, following her foster Mom from room to room, and just enjoying life to the fullest. Like her namesake suggests, Blossom continues to flourish and show more confidence and personality with each passing day. A member of the elite, "One-eyed-Pug Club", Blossom mostly sees with her heart, however, her foster Mom has ensured us that this in no way impedes her ability to quickly seek out food! While the vets do feel confident that the mass on her chest is malignant (cancerous), they are hopeful that removing the tumor may very well give her a new lease on life. Blood work done this week revealed that she is well enough to undergo surgery, which has been scheduled. The vet will also perform a dental to remove her numerous infected teeth, which will improve her overall health and comfort. Though life has clearly been rough for this gentle soul, her misfortunes have in no way dampened her spirit. Prayers, positive thoughts, and love are needed to help ensure that Blossom's surgery, and subsequent recovery, are as smooth and successful as possible. Donations to help offset her care, and the care of the numerous other Pugs that MAPR is currently caring for, are always much needed and greatly appreciated.

**********UPDATE 7-16-09 FROM HOME:
Blossom from Dec 08 -the lab reported no cancer in the tumor or surrounding tissue. We will always be on the lookout for any new tumors. They did a soft palate repair on her...all bad teeth were removed, she has only 4 left. Our vet considers that she is 12-14 yrs old. She can now move as fast as the other pugs and her respiration is much improved. We grind her food in the blender and hand feed her with a baby spoon. She gets arthritis meds with a bite of cheese which she loves. The vision in her remaining eye seems to be lessening but she knows her way around fine. She sometimes gets in a zoned-out mode and we give her a light tap to turn on her "go" button. The highlight of her day is sitting in her foster Dad's lap if he is reading or watching TV...she adores him and cries if she sees him going out a door. He can clean her wrinkles, clean ears, clip nails or do anything for her with no resistance at all from her. She makes us laugh everyday when she does her "gimmie food" dance. She has shown us the joys of living with a senior puggie---and we just love her!

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Casey
Casey is being fostered in the Northern VA area. She is estimated to be between 10 and 12 years young. Approximately three weeks ago Casey lost the use of her back legs. This happened as a result from a progressive condition for which there is no cure. The good news is that Casey is not in pain and, she is too busy scooting around in her fancy new cart to worry about her back legs not working. As with any paralyzed dog, Casey is a joy to be around. You can learn a lot from these differently-abled dogs as they never feel sorry for themselves. They just 'roll' with it and continue to live each day with that true, larger than life, doggie spirit. If you think you might have room in your heart and your home for this sweet angel, please complete an adoption application. There are several of us in the MAPR family who have shared our lives with these amazing dogs and we will happily provide you with the guidance and support you need to help you provide Casey with the best life possible. Applicants should have a member of the family home during the day to allow Casey enough opportunities to potty - this is a must. Lastly, if you are looking at Casey's picture and are feeling sorry for her -- please don't! Casey is a happy gal who is loving her premium dog food, her snuggly beds, the tremendous amount of attention she receives, and just being alive and loved.

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Maxwell
Whew! That was a close one...only 2 more days before I was going to be put down. A very nice lady took me from the shelter in South Carolina and asked rescue groups if someone could take me. When you are 14yrs old, blind and deaf, you are not considered too adoptable. I was one of the lucky ones, and after a long day in a van with a dozen other lucky dogs, I ended up at my forever retirement home on Fat Dog Farm in Virginia. My foster mom makes sure that my eyes and ears are taken care of and that I get my arthritis medicine every day. She gives me lots of kisses when she puts my eye drops in, so I don't mind a bit. I needed to gain a few pounds and get some regular exercise to put some muscle on my skinny back legs too...oh, and what great spa baths I get, with regular massages for my aching old muscles! Really though, my very favorite thing to do is go out the front door every time I feel it open (I lay right by it), and trot right out to my blanket under the big Maple tree where I snooze and dream while my foster mom works in the yard. I love my short walks out to the mail box too, and I have most of our paths memorized now, so I am not so afraid to take a step. Thanks to so many caring volunteers, I am living the good life for the rest of my days!

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Mugsy
Fostered in Roanoke, VA

Hi, my name is Mugsy. I'm 14 years young - I live life on the positive side. I was rescued from Monroe Co., Tennessee, along with many other dogs, when my former owner became unable to care for self. I now reside in Roanoke, VA, with my foster mommie (but I call her mommie), 4 resident poochies and 1 foster and a cat. I was never neutered. I also have a cyst on my left upper eyelid, a larger one on my belly and a couple others on my body and they will not be removed. My eye sight is limited and I also get cyclosporine drops in my eyes twice a day which I will receive indefinitely. I have bad teeth and was on antibiotics for a while but have since finished them. I also have severe arthritis in my back legs but I'm now getting daily joint supplements and have no problem walking, going up/down stairs. I'm also a bit hard of hearing and get disoriented sometimes when mommie calls me. When mommie took me to my initial vet visit they expressed extra concern about my health issues putting me at greater risk with anesthesia. It was ultimately decided that because of my age and multiple medical issues that I would live out my natural life in hospice care. I will not have any invasive procedures and will live out the remainder of my life as is. However, if I ever experience pain I will get the best comfort care possible. Now, don't go gettin' all weepy on me! I get around really good with a real pep in my step! I have a healthy appetite and at first would get food all over my face as my tongue hangs out all the time. I have been doing much better with getting more of the food in my belly and less on my handsome face! Mommie always wipes my face off with a baby washcloth after each meal. I get to eat in a private room as it takes me longer to eat and the others may try to get my food. Don't worry though, I'm no wimp. I'll teach those lil' youngins' to get my food! I am a friendly, gentle soul and I love to take naps, especially after breakfast. I have a certain bed that I really like. Mommie says she's going to get another like it as my lil' sis Willow likes the same bed. But we never fight over it, we take turns. I also love belly rubs and will roll over on my back so mommie can rub my belly. I've gotten pretty good at the potty thing too. Oh, once in a while I'll still have a little accident and mommie will find my little puddle in the hallway or dining room but most of the time I go outside. Everyone here has accepted me and I'm happy as a pig in mud! Sometimes, hehe, I even chase and bark at the cat! I enjoy going outside and Mommie lets me off the retractable leash in the fenced in backyard a little bit more as we go along but have it handy as sometimes I'll walk into things and the first time I walked right off the steps! Glad mommie was there to grab me - whew! I still do things for myself, just need a little help sometimes. Mommie said she was proud of me and will let me do for myself as long as I can. I even have two shirts all my own so far! Don't think I've ever had clothes before. Mommie is going to get me one of those car seats that will buckle me in so I can go fun places! I get really scared and stressed out in the crate. I like to follow mommie, when I'm not sleeping, and keep her company. I get to sleep in the big bed with the rest of the family too. Yes, life is good for me and I am a happy fellow. I'll send more pics soon!

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