A sport I'd like to see

Compliments of my friend, Susan ...

The Pugweiser Fund for PDE Research

Donations for the Pugweiser Fund should be mailed as follows:

Make check out TO: Texas A&M VTPB
In the Memo section write: Fund For PDE Research -Pugweiser

Address to mail check:

Texas A&M University
ATTN: Dr. K Greer
College of Veterinary Medicine
VMA Building RM. 119 MS 4467
College Station, TX 77843-4467

Another way you can make a difference is to buy the T-shirt that is being sold to raise money for this cause. The T-Shirt is currently available in a biege/natural color in the following sizes: Small 34-36, Medium 38-40, Large 42-44, XL 46-48 and XXL 48-50. They are Jersey Heavyweight shirts (but they are very stretchy and actually very lightweight. T-Shirts are 18.00 each. Shipping is $3.00 for each one. If you are buying multiples, each additional shirt is only $1.00.

All profits from the sale of this shirt will go to The Pugweiser Fund For PDE, but the shirts are being sold through Eev Rodriguez-Knapp not through Texas A&M. Please email Eev at ThePugHotel@aol.com to order t-shirts.

Dr. Greer is going strong on research. She is very friendly and is also a pug mommy of 4, has served on Pug Rescue committees and also lost one of her pugs at a very young age, so she understands how devastating it is to lose a beloved pug. I encourage you to contact her should you lose your dog to PDE or suspect that your pug may have PDE. Dr. Greer also suggests that everyone look at The Pug Dog Club of America's website for information that is updated more frequently on PDE

Compliments of The Pug Hotel

Pug Dog Encephalitis: Facts Not Fiction

from PugVillage.com...

Pug Dog Encephalitis (PDE) is probably a Pug owners greatest concern and worst fear. Unfortunately, very little is known about this disease, however what is known, for certain, is presented here for the benefit of Pug owners and those considering Pugs as their breed of choice. Please note that this article serves only as an introduction to, and general description of PDE. For information on PDE in greater detail, consult veterinary sources found in your local library or on reputable internet sites.

What we do know about PDE is that it is an inflammation of the brain that strikes adolescent Pugs usually between the ages of 2 and 3. What causes this inflammation, in Pugs, and at this age range in particular is all unknown to this date.

Symptoms:

Seizures are the primary symptom of PDE, however it is vitally important to understand and remember that seizure activity in Pugs does not necessarily indicate PDE is the cause. Pugs may also suffer seizures from Epilepsy, exposure to toxic chemicals or gasses and for unknown and unexplained reasons.

Lethargy and loss of muscle coordination are two symptoms that do, but don’t always precede seizure activity caused by PDE. Similar to the presence of seizure activity, neither of these two symptoms together or apart definitively indicates PDE is the cause. Lethargy is a symptom to nearly all illnesses that can strike a dog ranging from a common infection to something more serious. A loss of muscle coordination likewise can indicate other problems such as neurological issues and a side effective to convulsive activity brought out by inner ear disturbances such as Vestibular Disease or ruptured ear drums.

Pacing in circles before or between seizures is a fairly common symptom of PDE. The Pug will pace in a circular motion over and over again for a prolonged period. Head pressing against objects such as walls or furniture is another symptom seen with PDE. This pressing activity normally occurs frequently and for a prolonged period of time. Pugs suffering from PDE may also exhibit signs of agitation and/or aggression whereby the Pug appears disturbed for no apparent reason or aggression that is uncharacteristic of our Pugs and comes on suddenly also for no apparent reason.

Two Classifications of PDE:

Slow Progressive: This classification of PDE features seizure activity and sometimes the additional symptoms preceding the seizure activity. The seizures will strike, last anywhere from just a few seconds to a few minutes and then recur in a matter of days or weeks. In between these seizures, the Pug will return to normal and demonstrate no symptomatic characteristics associated with PDE.

Rapid Progression: This classification of PDE features seizure activity that is often more frequent, but not always. In between the seizure activity however, the Pug does not return to normal but instead does demonstrate symptomatic characteristics associated with PDE. These characteristics between seizures are commonly depression, bewilderment, disorientation and signs of lacking muscular coordination such as having difficulty walking.

The end result of either classification of PDE unfortunately is the same. Whether it strikes in the slow progressive or the rapid progressive form, PDE will eventually kill the Pug. Those Pugs that have been diagnosed with PDE and said to have survived are widely believed to have been misdiagnosed, or not diagnosed conclusively.

Difficulty of Learning More About PDE:

Broad Symptoms: Understanding the way seizure activity, lethargy and a lack of muscular coordination can indicate any number of health issues explains the difficulty veterinarians often have diagnosing PDE. While a favoring of one leg while running is a tell tale sign of Luxating Patella, or a crater in the cornea a sure sign of a corneal ulcer, the symptoms of PDE can span a wide range of possible causes making this disease difficult to diagnose.

Sudden Death: PDE normally strikes quickly, and frequently either kills the Pug or results in the owner agreeing to put his/her dog to sleep. This leaves little or no time to run tests such as CAT scans or MRI’s that might possibly help veterinary research learn more about this disease. Autopsies and tissue donation to veterinary research helps to provide some means of examination into PDE, however the speed at which PDE strikes and results in death surely makes researching the disease all the more difficult.

Pug Specific: Were this a disease to strike dogs of all or many breeds, more urgency would exist to research PDE so that a cause and cure could be found. But this is, after all, Pug Dog Encephalitis, not Pug/Poodle/Pomeranian/Pit Bull Dog Encephalitis and thus the urgency simply does not exist.

For better or worse however, with the increasing popularity of Pugs has come an increase in the veterinary research activity into PDE. This is though a bittersweet situation as this increase in the Pugs’ popularity has also resulted in an increase in the frequency of PDE, something that has led to support the already present belief that there is a genetic component to the disease.

Please help protect our home from Global Warming!

So, I work really hard at making my mommy work really hard to improve my canine community not only here in my hometown of New York City, but everywhere in the world! However, this is not going to do us animals any good if you humans continue to poison the planet!

Yes, yes, I am on my soapbox again today, but I am not going to apologize! I pledge to give up one treat for every step you take towards making your life more green. From small things like recycling to medium things like taking public transportation (or walking/bicycling) to large things like powering your home with the sun or wind, we can all do something within our means. I've even given you a link below to a website with great ideas!

Manhattan, New York City: With high concentrations of population living just above sea level, New York and Los Angeles were listed in a recent report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change as being at risk of potentially catastrophic "megafloods" resulting from rising oceans and stronger storms in the next century.

Tips for going green!

from www.liveearth.msn.com

Best in Show Bowl

Dinner service for one in a style sure to set tails wagging and judges purring. From the durable handcrafted resin frame holding your choice of seeded clear or frosted glass bowls, to the detailed pedigreed medallions available in a variety of breeds, you and your pet will find yourselves in the winners circle with a piece both of you can use.

Both durable and strong, it has at the same time an elegant beauty that will attract even the most persnickety pet. Select the Sunburst Medallion if you don't see your special friend. The finely detailed, pedigreed accents shown below, allow you to match your Jo Sherwood Best in Show Bowl with your pet's breed. These medallions personalize your bowl, and proudly display your pet preference.

Small Bowl Dimensions:
7" Diameter
4" High
Holds: 2 1/2 Cups

Large Bowl Dimensions:
9 3/4" Diameter
5 1/4" High
Holds: 8 Cups

Scumbag of the Year!

Ask NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to suspend Michael Vick from the NFL immediately. Anything less would be an outrage.

and...

Please sign this petition to stop NIKE from keeping this scum Vick as their spokesperson.

Lolita Party Dress in Crinkle Taffeta

* Fully lined in moire taffeta
* Balloon style skirt, ruffle sleeves and black velvet sash
* Skirt is accented with black lace
* Bodice and neck are adorned with iridescent jet beading
* Leash attachment ring at center back
* Machine washable
* Available in your choice of ruby, jade, amethyst or sapphire

"Go Wild" blanket

"Go Wild" blanket made of super soft deluxe raised faux fur fabric on one side and I'm Dottie black mink dot fabric on the other side. Dimensions are 20" x 24". Proudly made by hand in NYC.

Tootsie Roll Plush Toy

"The Girls Next Door"

Lil' Bit of Country Toy Box

Our toy box is just right for holding your pets toys. The Lil' Bit of Country collection is available in 6 terrific colors.

The toy box measures 8"H x 15"L x 12"W.

This item can be personalized.

Photoscribe pendants & jewelry

Every PhotoScribe pendant is made using only the highest quality materials, comprised of a sterling silver or gold disc bonded between two watch crystals. This process, using an optical bonding agent, ensures the durability of the pendants. PhotoScribe high definition laser engraving assures you that your image is permanent.

Laser engraving creates a black and white image on the gold. There are no inks or dyes involved in the process. The laser blasts small holes into the silver or gold, creating a permanent image.

All framed pendants have a mineral watch crystal covering the front and back, making them water and scratch resistant. As the mineral watch crystals are bonded to the pendant using a heat and pressure process, if you would like to further personalize your pendant by engraving the back, it MUST be done when you place your order.

PhotoScribe always focuses on the face or faces in the photograph.

The clearer the image, the better the results. In addition, high contrast between the subject of the photograph and the background yields a better reproduction.

With laser engraving, PhotoScribe extends a lifetime warranty on all crystal protected items.

bowWOWnies

BowWOWnies all natural liver brownies are made with high quality ingredients and a superior taste and texture you and your dogs will appreciate. They are available ready to eat in 16 oz resealable tubs.

Ingredients- Wheat flour, beef liver (USDA inspected), eggs, oil, garlic, guar gum (natural stabilizer), potassium sorbate (natural preservative), ginger and baking powder.

Guaranteed Analysis
Crude protein (min) 14%
Crude Fat (min) 9%
Crude Fiber (max) 2%
Moisture (min) 25%

Carnivore Kisses

These delicious freeze-dried treats can be given whole as a training reward, or crumbled over food at mealtimes for added flavor and nutrition. Our treats contain no preservatives, no dyes or colorings, and no sugar or salt. Avaiable in three flavors: Kobe Beef, White Meat Chicken, and Bison.

Mr. Barksmith's Cool Treats

Just freeze and serve our Smoothies for Dogs. Simple, easy, and healthy - Wheat & Rice Gluten FREE!

Our treats are...
* 100% All Natural
* Only 33 Calories Per Serving
* Low Fat
* Non-Dairy
* Manufactured in FDA Approved Facility
* Shelf Stable 2 Year Shelf Life
* Proudly Made in the U.S.A.

Ingredients: apples, pear puree, banana puree, natural peppermint extract, ascorbic acid (vitamin C).

Official New York City Pug Meetup Group Postcard!