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This darling little fawn pug is Howie. Poor Howie was dumped at a relatives house when his owner decided she did not want him anymore. He was not welcome there either so Buffalo Pugs rushed over to get him out of there!

When we arrived it was late and dark, but there came Howie stumbling through the mud puddles up to our truck. He was filthy, underweight, soaking wet, roaming freely near the road and in obvious need of vet care. We had no idea that Howie was in this condition and had no idea that he would in no time melt our hearts like he has.

We rushed Howie in to see the vet. Poor Howie is allergic to fleas and has suffered their wrath for what the vet feels, has been years. He had a horrible tape worm infestation that has been treated and resolved. On the back end of his body, his skin has become elephant-like. Its thick, blackened from pigmentation and was covered with scabs and sores. He was quickly treated for fleas, but the damage had already been done. In an effort to soothe himself the only way he knows how, Howie had chewed and scratched himself until he broke the skin and bled. He has been taking prednisone and his skin has improved dramatically. The wonderful girls at Paw Springs groomed Howie and shaved some of his hair off so we could see and properly treat his boo-boos. He is now doing so much better. There is no more chewing or scratching and he is healing up nicely. His hair is even growing back in areas that were hair-less when he came into rescue!

Howie is also being treated for double ear infections. We found out that Howie had been hit by a car some time ago and has suffered some damage to one of his back legs. He does walk a little funny and lacks all muscle mass in that leg, but we are sure that he feels no pain. He does use his leg to the best of his ability, but after long periods of walking, he will rest this leg and compensate by using the others. When he first came into rescue, he could not walk down stairs or jump from the couch without taking a spill face first. He has been wearing a strong, padded harness so that his foster mom and dad can help him get down off the couch or down the stairs without falling. He can now jump down from the couch safely and handle a few stairs on his own, but will likely always need assistance when going down an entire flight of stairs. Unfortunately, the vet gave us bad news that we did not see coming. The vet felt that Howies eye discharge was not due to infection, but as a result of Dry Eye (Medically known as Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca). Howie was given a tear test and it showed that he is not producing any tears at all. To put it in perspective, without medication, his eyelids feel like sandpaper on his eyes. This condition has already caused some damage to his eyes. He may have lost some vision already. There is a medication in eye drop form called Cyclosporine, that he is currently being treated with. This may help, but we will not know for sure until he goes back to the vet to get his eyes checked again. If it does help, Howie will have to remain on it for life. It is costly, but it will be our only option to save Howies vision. Howie is so worth it! He is a wonderful dog. His foster mom calls him perfect, but you should see for yourself! He is housebroken and will let you know when he has to go outside! He is so incredibly happy and will run to the door to greet you when you get home, with lots of snorts and a curly tail that is wagging at the speed of light! He loves to chew his bones and lounge in his dog bed. Howie never has to be in a crate. He does not chew or get in the garbage or take part in any of those dog-like behaviors! He gets along with other dogs and would likely be fine with cats as well. Howie would do fine in a home with children. He has a healthy appetite, and takes treats nicely. He walks well on his harness and loves to take walks through the neighborhood. He also rides in the car well and although he will need a little assistance getting out of the car, he waits patiently for you to make your way around to his door. He loves people and everyone he meets and likes to give kisses and snuggle on your lap! Howie would be an excellent therapy dog with a little more obedience training.

Medically, Howie will likely need to remain on the Cyclosporine eye drops for life. We also suggest a monthly topical flea treatment so that those little buggers never bother him again! Howie even takes his medication without making a fuss! If you spend just a few minutes with Howie, you will understand why we are so crazy for him. He is just an AWESOME little dude! We are certain that Howies perfect forever home is out there somewhere!

Howie is being fostered in Rochester.

Howie has been ADOPTED!