Wheezer & Her Very Special Family

Wheezer came into rescue from a typically sad situation. At 12 years of age, totally blind, her owners had decided to euthanize her, along with Willie, a 10 y/o blind pug. The owners had called a senior dog rescue to see if they could take the pair, but they were full to the brim. One of the members emailed me, and we were more than happy to take these special seniors. My partner met the owner, who brought Wheezer and Willie in a crate. He brought no toys, no beds, or other familiar items - just the two little blind dogs themselves.

"We got three litters outta her," he told Kevin, who remembered our Number One Rule: Keep Your Mouth Shut And Get The Dogs. They had stopped giving the dogs eye medicine due to the cost. "It wasn't working anyway," he said.  Kevin loaded the pugs into the car and left quickly.

On examination, I quickly discovered that both dogs were badly in need of dentals. Willie was underweight, and unable to eat hard food due to dental pain. Wheezer had some bad teeth, too, but it would have taken a herd of elephants to keep her from her food bowl! Willie was a friendly, easygoing guy who adjusted immediately. Little Wheezer was another story. She was lost and confused, disoriented in a strange, new situation. My heart went out to her, but there was little we could do other than hold her, talk to her and reassure her that she was safe and cared for. Slowly, she began to come around. She found her bearings in the house and fell into a routine. She started coming to my room at bedtime waiting for me to lift her up. Every morning around 5:00am, Wheezer rose and I carried her outside. If she didn't need to potty, I pointed her toward the water bowl. If she wasn't thirsty, a few treats usually quieted her tummy and she was ready to dose a bit longer. We called this game, "What Does Wheezer Want?" Wheezer and Willie lost five teeth each at their dental and, after a brief recovery period, Willie began to put weight on. Willie was adopted by a terrific young college student. Wheezer stayed behind.

Then one day I received an email inquiry from Judy Johnson. Her daughter had sent her Wheezer's photo. "As soon as I saw her," said Judy, "I felt she was meant to come to me." When we spoke on the telephone, I knew I had found a kindred spirit. I told Judy everything I knew about Wheezer. I was especially concerned about Wheezer early morning wake-ups. "Oh, that's not a problem, "said Judy. "I get up shortly after 5:00 anyway." Thank You, God!, I thought. Judy and her husband, Ken, had two pugs named Dolly and Blossom. They were ready to make Wheezer a part of their amazing family. I could hardly believe Wheezer's good fortune!

Ken drove all the way from Indiana to pick Wheezer up and take her home. As he carried Wheezer into the house, his first words to Judy were, "She's a little sweetheart!" Wheezer was home, and what a home it was! Two wonderful, caring parents and two fabulous pug sisters!

I have and will continue to keep in touch with the Johnson family. Meeting such special people is a rare and precious gift. Shortly after her adoption, Wheezer had a health scare and was briefly hospitalized. During the crisis, I was in touch with Judy or her son, Kurt, every day. Kurt emailed, "I went to visit Wheezer today. My girlfriend had been there at lunchtime, and my Dad was leaving just as I got there." That statement illustrates a level of compassion and devotion that few people have for their pets. When Wheezer came home, we were all relieved and happy. Dolly and Blossom were overjoyed to have her back.

If Wheezer could talk, she tell you it's never too late for an old puggie to have the life she deserves. It just takes a few special people to make it happen.

ADDENDUM: Wheezer passed away at home on September 26th, just a couple of days after her release from the hospital. Sadly, her time with the Johnsons was short. "I'd take her all over again, even if I had known", said Judy Johnson. "She was meant to be here."

Adopting senior dogs is always a risk of the heart. The joy is in making a neglected old dog's life comfortable and happy, for whatever time they have left, be it long or short. The pain is in the brevity of that joy. Thank God for those special people who find that brief happiness sufficient.

Now For The Best News of All!

Wheezer's wonderful family adopted two more "special needs" pugs from IL-MO Rescue: Cuddles, an 11 y/o senior with severe spinal arthritis, and Homer, a blind pug. Both pugs are adjusting well and getting all the love they deserve in their new home. Photo: From left to right are Blossom, Judy, Dolly, Cuddles & Homer. 

Thank you, on behalf of pug lovers everywhere, for extending your heart and home to these most deserving fellow beings!