A Tribute to Frito

Frito, shortly after she was rescued.

Portrait of Frito, June 2008

Yesterday our rescue family said goodbye to a beloved little pug. Every rescue is special, but Frito tugged at all of our hearts so much. She was taken in by our Houston coordinator, Mary Fran, and Mary Fran gave her a loving home. Although Frito's little ears were leathery and her tail bare, it always waggled with joy, even yesterday morning, when she felt so ill, knowing her mama was near. Frito loved to dress up, and she wore her outfits with such style. Her battle with cancer is over now and she is not suffering. How lucky and how blessed we were to know her.

The Transformation of Frito

Frito's first picture when she arrived at Dallas-Fort Worth

Pug Rescue's Houston branch. Frito has

type 2 cancer and other health issues.

The transformation of Frito under the loving care

of Mary Fran Burke, Houston pug rescue coordinator.

Frito Portrait - Step 1


Frito Portrait - Step 2


Frito Portrait - Fini

You may be wondering how a puggy gal with such class and distinction ever ended up out on the streets. Frito battled more than neglect when she was brought into Houston pug rescue by Mary Fran Burke -- her health issues were substantial. She had surgery this week to have two small cancers removed, and is doing well for a senior puggy gal. She insisted on greeting everyone in the waiting room when she returned to the vet for her re-check yesterday. Frito's before and after photographs were featured in Dallas-Fort Worth Pug Rescue's anniversary video celebrating 10 years and 3200 pugs rescued.

Mary Fran has taken Frito under her wing, as she has so many other pugs in the Houston area where she heads up pug rescue efforts. This portrait of Frito was completed last night in my studio, thanks to the tireless assistance of my own three wrinklesnorts, Howie, Java and Annie, who have never missed a meal in their entire lives.

Mary Fran is hoping Frito will be ready for the summer social season soon, so Frito can wear her new Hawaiian ensemble - a pug-sized grass skirt and a tiny coconut bra. Mary Fran you are an angel on earth. We can hardly wait to see pictures of Frito in her grass skirt.