Age: DOB September 2016
Adoption Fees: $575
Adoption Status: Successful Adoption

March 19, 2018 – Thanks To ALL of you who have submitted an adoption application.  It was a tough choice but we could only choose 1.  A home visit is scheduled for little Ray tonite.

March 16, 2018 – Little is now available for adoption.  Come meet him tomorrow at Pet Valu on Bank Street @Strathcona from 1AM to 3PM.

March 5, 2018 – Ray is a solid 16 pounds of muscle and is doing great! He is still going to Rehab Fur Your Pets twice a week. He is now doing level 7 on the incline of the water treadmill and it only goes up until 10! He works hard and enjoys play time with the other dogs. His right leg tracks perfectly but, his left leg still swings out a bit. No doubt he has made huge gainst at Rehab and he has more stamina now. He loves dog parks where he can run off leash and be chased by other dogs- big or small. If there are no other dogs around, that’s ok because he will happily play with any human who wants to chase him or be chased by him. If you are on the floor- you are fair game as a playmate. I often do yoga at home and he thinks the Yoga mat is laid out just for him. He is very well behaved and listens when he is off leash. He often checks in or will come when called. He does love walks but, he can be a bit lazy or his left leg could get a bit tired and he just decides to stop and sit. He occasionally nips and we stop playing when he gets too excited. Because he occasionally nips when he plays, we don’t recommend he is with a family with young kids. He has had no accidents in the house in a long time but, he loves to chew cloth/clothing/his toys/his bed and it doesn’t take long for him to do some damage. He loves his crate and goes straight to it when we are getting ready to leave. Sometimes a treat helps as this boy is very food driven. He loves the challenge of a Kong with frozen food/treats inside. This has been a great activity for him on days when it was too cold or icy outside and he needs to be stimulated or distracted if I am doing yoga.  He has learned to hi-five and it didn’t take very long. He is very clever. He loves to be around you and will often ask to sit on your lap. At night, he still sleeps in the big bed and snores a little. He will chew the blankets and damage zippers or lick the cloth until it’s see-through. Not sure why he does this but, we try to catch him when he does it so he will stop. He sleeps right through the night and gets up when we do. He loves sneakers and slippers and will steal one to bring back to his bed and chew. We know better to leave our shoes around but, sometimes we forget and he’s quick to steal one all proud of himself bringing it back to his bed! We often have play dates or dog sit for our friends dog Lucy. Her and Ray get on well and seem to enjoy each others company. I think a home with another dog would be great for Ray. Right now, he is definitely treated like an only child so another playmate would be good for him. A fenced backyard would also be great. He also just chills for no other reason than it suits him.  He can be wild and crazy one minute and then fast asleep the next. He’s very comfortable with us but, he adapts quickly to newcomers and will seek just as much attention from them! He is super special and we are happy to have gotten to know him!

February 16, 2018 – It’s hard to come up with updates about this little man after watching him make so much progress already and having him for over 3 months now! At Rehab Fur Your Pet, he is still attending twice a week for under water treadmill, balance exercise, & massage therapy. He walks on his hind legs assisted by the therapist on the treadmill. His muscle testing is going well and his hind legs are distributing weight evenly. He will always be dominant in the forelegs but, at least his hindlegs are even and also increasing in weight distribution. At home, we are instructed to “dance” with Ray and hold him while guiding him backward and forward on his hind legs across the floor. I think we enjoy this more than he does. Ray is a very clever boy and in only one day he learned to hi-five! He can also shake both paws. He likes to chew on cloth or edges of carpet, duvets or rip the stuffing from his bed. He cannot be trusted on his own for mischief and is crated when we leave the house. Sometimes, we even have to confine him in the same space as us because he can sneak away and you know that it’s never good when you can’t hear a pug.  Ray loves to play with people and other dogs.  We often take him to friends homes who have dogs and he gets along right away with dogs of all sizes. He doesn’t hesitate to go for toys or a dog bed or a water dish so any dog who is territorial may need some time to adjust. We know it’s important to keep him stimulated in the house if he isn’t going for walks so he is very good at working on toys that hide treats or a kong with some frozen food in it. He likes his Nylabone and any chew toys. So far, Ray is very adaptable to routines, people, environments etc. He is very comfortable with us so we find that, in new situations, he is often checking in with us or needs us in view even if he is enjoying what he is doing. We can see him trusting more and more each day. We are working on limiting his barking at strange noises or new voices by distracting him with a jar of change shaken to make a loud noise. We think he would do well in a home with kids older than 7 because Ray loves to play he would be a good buddy!  An active family who is financially aware of his care long term is also recommended. We love him a lot and we are very lucky to have him in foster with us. He still sleeps on the big bed with us and he enjoys a good cuddle.

January 7, 2018 – Little Ray, like lots of little pugs living in the cold, is spending lots of time indoors napping.  He continues to go to rehab twice a week and he’s really enjoying it.  Come and meet Little Ray on January 21, 2018 at the Winter Paw Thaw at the Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre in Ottawa.

December 19, 2017 – Little Ray is doing very well and his back legs are getting very strong as well as his back itself is looking a lot stronger and aligned. Ray continues to go to the rehab centre two times a week and Natacha, his personal trainer, is doing a great job working with him and progressing him along as he gets stronger. So far, the left leg is still needing the most work to correct the knee tracking forward. He doesn’t guard any of his movements and plays hard with other dogs and runs fast when he wants to be chased by other dogs. Little Ray loves to run and play in the snow but, if it’s too cold- forget it, he barely wants to go outside for a pee and will be super lazy about going out in general if he is cozy warm indoors. When he does go for walks in good weather, he can be out for almost an hour before he gets tired. He is very good off leash in dog parks or off leash areas. He has very good recall and is always checking in with me even if he runs off to play for a bit. Ray doesn’t like rough play with other dogs and will avoid it but, he encourages dogs of all sizes to chase him. He loves to chase balls or toys but, doesn’t always bring them back. With toys at home if there is another dog or just me, he likes to play tug of war.  Ray loves chew toys and Himalayan chews. He is still a puppy so he chews clothing, shoes, slippers and carpets if he is left unattended. He loves to cuddle on the couch or sit on your lap while working on the computer. Sometimes, he is fine to just be in the same room as you and sleep in his bed. Ray sleeps in the big bed at night. He is in his crate during the day when I am out of the house. He is telling me when he needs to go outside for his business and this is a huge step! He will run to the door but, won’t bark or scratch at it so you can sometimes miss out on the signal. If he has to go in the middle of the night, he will low growl and sit at the edge of the bed. Ray has a really loving and trusting personality and makes friends with everyone. He has been good with every dog so far. He has been good in the car. He kicks up a bit and may whine, dig or try to chew the carrier when we first get going but, after 5 minutes he settles and usually falls asleep. After rehab or playing at the park, Ray will nap the rest of the day. The left leg will limp when he is tired and drag a bit when he’s really tired. Ray and I are driving to Barrie for Christmas 24-27th.

November 26, 2017 – Ray is doing very well.  He had his recheck on November 15 and the vet was very satisfied with the improvement he’s made so far.  Ray has to continue working those hind legs to build more muscles and eventually make them straighter.  He will continue the underwater treadmill, laser therapy and massage therapy.  The winter will slow down his daily walks outside so we have decided to keep little Ray in foster care until he’s completely rehabilitated which will most probably be in the Spring of 2018.  We will continue to post updates on his progress and Ray will always be present at our upcoming events.  Come and meet him at the Christmas Pet Portraits on December 9 at the Masters N’ Dogs Doggie Daycare on Madison Avenue in Westboro.

October 30, 2017 – Little Ray is doing very well and has started a Rehab Program last Thursday.  He will be going 3-4 times a week for treatments including: underwater treadmill, laser therapy, massage therapy & stretching.  Little Ray is now in a new foster family to get him used to a new environment; he is doing very well and got quickly attached to his new foster family.  Little Ray is a gem and everyone who meets hi fall in love with this precious little boy.  Little Ray is going to the vet for a recheck on November 15.  In the meantime, we are working in building muscles on his hind legs.

October 17, 2017 – Little Ray is going back to the vet tomorrow to have his left leg looked at and have xrays taken to see if everything is still holding on in place.  He has a super nice disposition and loves life.  Come and meet little Ray this Sunday, October 22 at the Howl.O.Ween Pawty at the Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre in Ottawa from 12 to 330PM.

October 1, 2017 – Ray was at the vet this week for xrays as he was limping.  Xray showed that 1 pin had shifted and Dr. Bacon was able to put it back in place.  Little Ray has 4 stitches to be removed in 10 days and he has to wear a cone and remain relatively calm.  Normal activities will resume once he’s back for a recheck.

September 22, 2017 – Ray went to the vet last week for his post surgery recheck.  The vet was amazed at how well he is recovering.  Ray’s next recheck will be November 1.  In the meantime, he can play, climb hills and continue hydrotherapy 2-3 times a week.  Ray is a joy to have around and we are very proud of his courage and joie de vivre.

August 21, 2017 – Little Ray went to the vet on August 10 and had his staples removed.  Dr. Bacon said that his surgery was a success.  Little will have to remain calm (controlled walks + hydrotherapy) for the next 4 weeks then back to the vet for another recheck to see if everything is healing well and if he is using his “new” legs.  Little Ray is a darling who win the heart of everyone who meets him.  He is going for hydrotherapy 2-3 times a week and he is a pro at swimming……for treats.  Ray is full of puppy energy so it is great for him to get back in the water. His activity level on the land must be monitored & controlled. No running and jumping yet. And no zoomies!

August 9, 2017 – The big day is almost here! Ray gets his staples out tomorrow! He has been a very good boy during his recovery. He has been wearing his cone practically 24/7 to prevent him from licking his incisions.  Although he is still pretty limited in what he is allowed to do, little Ray is walking a little bit more every day. By keeping him at a slow pace, he is using his legs more like he should, one step at a time. Before his surgery, he did a lot of bunny hopping.  His foster mom does exercises with him 3 times a day to make sure his leg muscles don’t tighten up. He will have some new exercises when he comes home from the vet on Thursday. Little Ray still has another few days of antibiotics. He is getting once a week a joint supplement injection for the rest of the month.

August 3, 2017 – Ray had his bilateral luxating patella surgery on July 27.  It went very well and he is now recovering with his foster mom.  She needs to do stretch with both his legs every day and use ice too. Ray has a huge appetite so it makes it very easy to give him his medication (pain killer, antibiotics & anti inflammatory).  Ray is going back to the vet in 1 week to have his staples removed and for a recheck to see how well he is recovering.  He is a very sweet and strong boy.

July 25, 2017 – Little Ray has a grade 4 bilateral luxating patella.  He is born like that.  He has been doing hydrotherapy several times a week for the past weeks to strengthen his hinds legs in preparation of his surgery on July 27 to correct this problem.  Ray is a joy to be around and he is a happy puppy.  Ray will be neutered at the same time of his knee surgery.  Ray will have to stay calm for a few weeks after his surgery and we will assess if the surgery has been a success then.  Stay tuned for an update on this sweet boy after the surgery.

June 26, 2017 – Ray is 10 month old, he has been purchased in a puppy mill with problem on his back/hip/hind legs.  Ray is goin to the vet tomorrow morning for a complete check up – we will have a better idea of what the future holds for this little boy after that.