Just a girl and her pug

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This snorty little shadow of a creature came into my life last May, and has completely stolen my heart. I know it's not the same as having a child, so I won't even try to compare it to that. But if the love you feel for a child is much more intense than what I feel for Mozzie, my heart just may explode. Don't get me wrong, there are days where Mozzie drives me crazy, but it's hard to be angry about anything when you come home to a snorty little fur ball that is so freaking happy to see you he can't stand it.

 
I was talking to a co-worker earlier this week and she said something I had never heard before. "Dogs make you a better person. They bring out the best in you." That comment was really interesting to me, not only because I had never thought about that before, but because I think she's onto something.

Will and I have become more patient people since Mozzie came into our lives. We've had to practice patience with him as he's gone through his varying stages of puppy-hood. Dogs also have a way of reminding you about what's more important in life -- it's really quite beautiful. Sometimes those wordless, simple gestures from them communicate more effectively than the most eloquent humans. Something as simple as a "dog hug" -- the way they lean up against you -- can communicate love. 

There have also been studies that link dogs to lowering a person's blood pressure. I can't speak for Will, but mine is definitely more under control now. Granted, that can also be attributed to lifestyle changes such as altering salt and caffeine intake, but still. Sometimes when I start to get stressed out about various things, Mozzie cuddling up beside me on the couch is the best remedy to make me calm down. Or going on a walk when it's windy, and I'm thinking through everything I need to get done that day, but the sight of Mozzie chasing the leaves that are blowing by is so freaking cute and funny that my stress just melts away.

Everyone has their own bias, but personally I think pugs are one of the best breeds out there. Now, you have to be prepared to care for them properly, because they can (and often do) have special needs. Mozzie had to have a nose job when he was younger just so he could breathe better. Yes. A nose job. Apparently his nasal passages -- which pugs already have small and squished ones to begin with -- were even smaller than normal. They have delicate eyes because of how they tend to bug out a bit, so they can get dried out and need treated. And they shed constantly -- I mean CONSTANTLY. There is no off season. My swiffer duster thingy gets a serious workout.

BUT.......here is why I think they're the best:
5) They are the "clowns of the canine world." They have the funniest little personalities and are seriously goofy dogs. They are often referred to as "a lot of dog in a little space." They are constant entertainment.

4) They are super loyal, to a fault. They will even insist on accompanying you to the bathroom. You are not allowed to pee without a pug. They are furry little shadows that will follow you wherever you go -- especially if you have food.

3) Ever considered getting one of those cute little teacup pigs for a pet? Well a pug is a pig and dog in one. We often refer to Mozzie as pig-pug. I cannot tell you the amount of times where he has trotted through the house with his own little soundtrack -- a snort with every step. It's freakin' adorable. 

2) I know I said I wouldn't compare him to a child, but pugs really are like little kids, at least in the way they behave. So if you're looking for a child, but not in the traditional sense, a pug is a good way to go. He wants everyone to be in the same room at all times. If you aren't, he will position himself in the middle of wherever you both may be, and pout until you "remedy the situation." He demands attention. If he's decided that I'm paying more attention to my computer or my phone, he'll wiggle his little body in between me and whatever I'm "distracted by." Sometimes he will even bark at me until I put my phone down. Demanding little fur baby...........

1) They have an enormous amount of love to give. Their little bodies can hardly contain the amount of love they will give to you -- it's impressive. If we've been gone for several hours, Mozzie can't control his little body when we come through the door. He loses his ever-loving mind. Then once he's settled a bit he has to be on you, wherever that may be. Sometimes after he eats his food, he comes over and starts licking me -- it's almost as if he's thanking me for the food.

• We tried to do the crate training thing and have him sleep there, but that went out the window pretty early on. He sleeps in our bed, and has to be under the covers with his head sticking out. He also needs to have contact with at least one person, if not both. He likes to be the little spoon. He thinks he's people.

​So maybe that goofy little dog has made us better people. Regardless, we love him with all our hearts. And right around Will's birthday we will officially be adopting a 2-year-old female pug from Houston -- Phoebe. Mozzie will finally have a buddy. Having two pugs is going to be ridiculous, funny as hell, and so much cuteness and love that my heart just may explode. We can't wait.