Can I....

So we've been pugless, dogless for a short time now. We are however, starting to discuss the possibility of a little puppy in the house. He is affectionately being termed as "pup-pup" until he actually exists and has chosen us to be his human parents.

But here is the HUGE question...I mean HUGE question...Can I love anything other than a pug? I don't know? I have been so pug obsessed for so long. Our home has many "pug" features in it, from magnets on the fridge to a small statue on the hearth of the fireplace. Plus it's slightly unbelieveable how many pug ornaments we will unpack this December to put on our Christmas tree, I have a ton of those I've collected over the years! My world has been pugs! Happily my world has been filled with two pugs! I was always so super proud to be a pug owner too. Whenever I was standing in the checkout line at a Petsmart and was asked what kind of dog I have with immense pride and affection and always with a huge bright smile I'd say, "2 handsome pugs". Am I wrong folks, isn't "pug" a fun little short word to say?  No doubt about it the word "pug" brings a massive smile to my face every time.

So yes indeed, I'm stuck on this question, can I really love anything other than a pug?  My pug obsession started just a few months before Cody appeared in my world.  I saw a random pug one day being walked in the apartment complex I lived in. That pug was a head turner, as are most in my opinion! I was instantly head over heels for that irresistible pushed-in face and tater tot round body! He was too exceptionally cute and it wasn't long before I had to have one, then of course I had to have another one.

So reasons why I can't imagine anything but a pug...

- I love the antics! They are silly. Don't get me started on that breed trait side tilt of the head, it's simply too cute for words.

- I love the fact that pugs are sturdy little beings! They aren't little pushovers. Pugs have sometimes been described as having "big dog" personalities in a compact size. That description fits perfectly! Bonus for Brad with the pug size, he doesn't feel like a wimpy dude being seen with a pug at the end of a leash. Trust me, that's important to Brad, no frilly silly teacup dog for him.

- I love the attitude and demeanors. Super comfortable in their fur, they aren't a needy breed.

- I also love the activity level of a pug. Pugs in my opinion, have just the right amount of activity.  They are not overly hyper but they are not wallflowers either. Pugs seems to feed off the energy of their humans.

- Easy to train, little people pleasers! A stern tone was all I ever needed to discipline the boys. A stern tone and a serious look makes any pug snap to attention.

- The last big plus for a pug in my mind right now, they get along well with cats. Piper would consider that the biggest selling point! Pugs are in the top 5 of all dog breeds for their friendly ways when it comes to cats. Some breeds have an innate hatred for cats(like lhasa apsos and many terrier breeds).

And now for reasons to go with a different breed...

- Shedding, pugs are little shedders. However, I know more now about pug shedding. Simon shed, but about half as much as Cody. Simon had the "double S" gene in him. A "double S" gene means only 1 coat layer. Many types of pugs have a double coat, which means more shedding. So we would definitely search for a "double S" gene pug.

- Something different. Perhaps, it would be good to truly start over again, a brand new chapter with a new breed! Perhaps the biggest reason in my opinion to go with a different breed....so that the only pugs, the only precious little pugs in my life ever will be Cody and Simon. They would remain in a league of their own, solidly enshrined in my hall of fame! Maybe there isn't room in my heart to love any other pug as much as I loved them? Plus, would the new pug be like a rookie QB being put in a football game that has 47 point deficit? 

So what will we do? Either way there's some big paws to fill for this next little guy. Yes, it will be a boy! That's the part we know for sure! Boy or girl is not up for debate. What's the difference, you ask, well it's been said, girl dogs love their family with a sense of ownership of the household, meaning girl dogs secretly own you. As for boy dogs, they are often described as being IN LOVE with their family. They are head over heels with stars in their eyes for their owners. It's just a slightly different type of love boy dogs have for their human parents. Plus I'm still rebelling against my upbringing so it has to be a boy(sorry Mom). Let me explain that part, when I was growing up my mom was extremely against little boy dogs. I wasn't allowed to think about having a boy dog. I grew up with two little girl dogs in the household at different times. But when I got out on my own, I very purposefully got two boys, never once considered a girl dog. And now after all these years and experiencing both, my preference is for little boys! I'm not even willing to discuss little girl dogs. The love and admiration boy dogs demonstrate compared to girl dogs wins me over. Like I told Brad, "I need a dog that walks around here with little stars in his eyes for me, a girl dog won't do that." His response was "Oh brother". To which I responded..."yes, a little brother for Piper!" LOL!