Howie's Fan Club

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Joshua the Pug - A Miracle Rescue Story

Joshua -- May 2009



Joshua -- June 2009

Dallas Fort Worth Pug Rescue takes in all pugs regardless of age or medical condition. DFW Pug Rescue volunteers work tirelessly to save every little pug we can. Here is the story of Joshua in the words of his foster mom, Joann. Joshua won her heart and Joann eventually adopted Joshua into her own family.
From Joann

In May I received a call to foster a pug in need. He had demodectic mange, hookworms, roundworms, tapeworms ~ the poor little guy. His name was Joshua and he looked awful. He had no hair, he had scabs everywhere, and he smelled really bad.

When I went to Westcreek and they brought him out, he was so sad looking. All I really saw was the most amazing, beautiful amber eyes asking for love! I took Joshua home and started making him welcome there. He was just a little shy at first, I think he knew how bad he looked and smelled. We did not not care, we started him on his meds and then baths.

He was not making a whole lot of improvement at first and then I thought, because he had developed some secondary infections on his skin, maybe I should just scrub him like a burn patient, so I did. After several scrubbings, the yeast and staph were gone. It left his skin really dry, so we started to bathe him with baby shampoo mixed with olive oil scalp treatment. We were amazed that after two shampoos his hair just started sprouting in so fast that in less than a week he was solid black again. He now has the softest skin and the shiniest coat.

Joshua has turned out to be the most beautiful black boy we had ever seen. He never once fussed about any treatment. He was always laid back and I think almost enjoying the baths and being showered with constant love. Of course, during all this treatment, we fell in love with little Joshua and chose to adopt him and make him a huge part of our family. He will be loved and taken care of like he deserves and will never have to go through all that again.

After many trips to the vet he is the best pug ever! We want to thank DFW Pug Rescue for saving Joshua and so many other poor pugs. If it were not for them many, many pugs would not be saved.

Larry & Joann Meriwether

22 comments:

Kelly said...

Naturally, Joshua's story made me cry! It's amazing what a little love and care can do for these poor babies! Bless Joshua and his sweet new family!!!!

Hank said...

How in the world does anyone allow an animal to get in that shape?!

He is absolutely gorgeous. What a happy ending.

Sarah

Unknown said...

Thank you Sarah, Hank and Pearl! When people put pugs outdoors to live in yards, the pugs can get into this shape pretty quickly. Unfortunately, some dog owners don't know or don't care to know that pugs (and some other breeds) are not outdoor pets because of their sensitive skin. Texas is freezing in the winter and it's 100 degrees this week. My heart breaks to think of any dog left outdoors here. Joshua is so happy now, this is what makes rescue worth it.
xxxooo

Pug Posse said...

What a touching story! It really breaks my heart to see pictures like Joshua's before pic. He is really a gorgeous pug now! Although our Gus was not in bad shape when he came to us, I feel the same way as Joann. What a wonderful little pug we got that someone else didn't want to be bothered with. All they need is proper care and, most importantly, love. Thank you for sharing this story!
Pug hugs and kisses!
Vikki and the Pug Posse

Mia said...

Such aheartbreaking beginning, but at least it has a truly happy ending. He is such a beautiful boy. Just the before and after pictures were enought to bring tears to my eyes. I'm so glad Joshua has found his forever home!!!

LydiaAndPugs said...

It hurts my heart to see dogs like that. I am so glad Joshua had someone like you! He looks wonderful! :)

Libby's Library said...

I will never ever understand how anyone could let a dog get into this kind of shape. Thank goodness that there ARE wonderful people on this earth who will love God's creatures...take care of them, and give them the loving homes that they deserve!

Thanks so much for sharing Joshua's story with us.

Libby's Library said...

Nancy - would you please email me?

I've lost your email address, and would like to ask you about something.

libneas[at]aol[dot]com

Becky said...

The rears welled up in my eyes when I saw the before photo. Smiles with the after, didn't think it was the same dog. Love and TLC was what he needed most. Joshua is truly a miracle dog!

Tweedles -- that's me said...

Such an amazing sad story with a happy ending.
That is just awful to think of how some people treat their animals.
Thank heavens he has been rescued and is loved
love
tweedles

Puglette said...

please send our love and appreciation to larry and joann for all of the love and attention they have given sweet joshua. he is just adorable and i am so glad they fell in love with him.
hugs,
puglette and family
:o)

Stanley said...

Hey, guys!

I heard about this story from Pearl and had to come over to read it for myself. That Joshua is a TROOPER and a fabulously gorgeous guy. I'm STINKIN' glad his story has turned out to be so full of love and good fur.

Thanks for sharing. As a rescue pup myself I am very grateful for people like Joane (and my own girl) who gave us homes and new lives!

Goober love,
Stanley

Archie and Melissa said...

ooohhhh!
this story made me cry too! what a sweet puggy! thank you larry and joann for saving joshua and to you nancy sharing his story! all the work that you and dfw do is so amazing!

Nancy at the Farm said...

What a wonderful story! Do you think the Meriwether's will adopt us too? We are so happy for Joshua! Go Larry and Joann!

Love, Dozer, Dottie and Cooper

Unknown said...

How wonderful....that pictures reminds me so much of what Clementine looked like when she showed up at Pug Lover's Rescue...demodex mange, worms, etc - same story. God bless the people who see beyond the scabs and smells and can love the beautiful dog beneath.

Kodak the Eskie said...

That is a great story. I love happy endings. Too bad he had gotten in that condition in the first place. Joann is truly an angel!

Hugs, Kodak

Mr. Puggle® said...

God Bless you and the Pug Rescue!

The Devil Dog said...

OMG, mom can't believe how Joshua changed so quickly. She would never have thought to scrub him. He is such a beautiful boy. We are so happy he has found such a wonderful, loving furever home.

Roxy & Lucky

Moco said...

We are always so thankful for such caring humans.

Unknown said...

Thank you for all the support and the words of encouragement for little Joshua. He has been adopted by his foster mom, Joann. I've been to Joann's house for pug meetups and I can promise you he has found the pawfect home! I am so happy Joann and Larry are his parents, they are lavishing him with love and attention.
xxxooo

Anonymous said...

The poor little boy, what a huge difference in looks aftr that short of time! It sounds like Joshua has found an amazing new home, yay!

Kelley Carey MacDonald said...

OMG what wonderful people... rewarded with a miracle....