Benny
Benny rescued me 12 years ago. I had recently lost my brother, my aunt and, then my very beloved pug in a tragic accident. My heart was very dark inside and I did not know how to feel love again. I am a musician and I was planning a tour in Brazil hoping that music would help. In the meantime, I would check the Michigan Pug Luv Rescue site; seeing the pugs somehow touched my heart. I very bravely filled out the form to adopt a pug. It was very difficult to write about my previous pet experience, but I did. Larry from Michigan Pug Luv came to my home, and made an inspection. There were a few changes to be made in my home, after the changes were made it was time to wait. Every day I checked the site and played music preparing for my tour. The call came 2 days before the tour which I oddly enough happily cancelled and went to meet my new pug. Who knows what Benny went through to find me and rescue me, but he did. He had one eye almost closed, he walked on his forearms close to the ground, he was pretty thin, and he had difficulty sitting. He had been returned 4 times so he had behavior issues like humping, peeing, food aggression, and anxiety. When I would lift my hand to pet him, he would cower. He stayed basically in between my feet. I felt my heart begin change. Everyday we would try new things together. I would tell myself and Benny a little bit of love goes a long way. After a few months together, Benny and I found another family member who became my husband. Together we took walks, we learned to communicate in English and Italian given that my husband is from Rome. Benny learned to respond to commands to sit, stay, lay down, and come here in both languages… or maybe it was his passion for apples and treats. It took 2 years for Benny to let us pet his belly. He became very fit. His eye found a beautiful balance and he regained his strength and energy. He looked amazing in all of the sweaters my mother knit for him. Benny traveled with us wherever we went. He had an Italian passport and Italian and American veterinarians. He had friends all over the world. He was mentioned in a French book about music. He rescued and lifted hearts wherever he went. He had a very special love for children; he was always very sweet and very patient with them. Even if he stole a few cookies, he never hurt a finger. We have 4 nieces and 1 nephew. Benny helped all of them to grow. He was always there for a hug or a pet and sometimes kisses - all very important responsibilities of a rescue dog. Benny was a great support for my entire family, especially when we learned that my father had terminal cancer. Benny and I visited my father almost daily. Benny would sit in the same chair with my father as soon as we would arrive. My father had Mesothelioma which definitely affects your breathing, something Benny understood quite well. They were a symphony of sounds and a fountain of love. Benny and I stayed with my Dad until he took his last breath. At this time Benny rescued all of us. Even though we believe he was 11 years old or more and was starting to have health issues of his own, he remained a steady and constant source of love and support. My doctor had written me a letter saying Benny could remain with me at all times as a service dog knowing his love was the only medicine I needed. Benny went to the rainbow bridge 1 year and two weeks after my Dad’s passing. It was as if he wanted to make sure I was okay. Benny lives now forever in my heart. I am truly fortunate and grateful for this little guy who rescued my heart and the hearts of all those who touched my life. A very special thank you to Michigan Pug Luv Rescue and all of its supporters who, with their love and support, make rescuing each other possible.

Annie
Annie came to Pug Luv from a local shelter. She was found as a stray by a local shelter who contacted Pug Luv after her hold time was completed. She was diagnosed with bladder crystals, severe dry eye. She was seen by the Neurologist and diagnosed with Encephylitis. She began treatment to curtail her seizures. She was a happy girl always wagging her tail. On Saturday, December 9th she had 2 seizures and was rushed to the Neurologist's office where her temperature was 107. She was immediately placed on IV's and meds to bring down the temp and stop the seizure. They finally had to sedate her and advised us that there could be organ and brain damage and that she had regressed in her treatment for the Encephlitis. After consulting with the Neurologist and the ER doctor it was decided that her quality of life, if she survived the episode would not be good and we were advised that the best for her would be to let her cross the bridge. She was such a sweet girl and we did not want her to suffer.

Jake
I adopted my pug Jake from your organization 12 years ago. He recently passed at the age of 15. He was sweet and loving and gentle. I would like to thank you all for the chance to adopt from you. He brought much joy, loyalty, and companionship into my families life.

Duchess
Are hearts are broken. We had to say goodbye to our sweet girl Duchess. She will be missed. Carol and Bill

Odie
Oh, Odie... While Odie was indeed a rescue, he and I found one another independently of Michigan Pug Rescue. But it is because of him that I am so very grateful to not only know of, but have worked with this amazing organization. Odie and I's story is a funny one... I didn't want him, at first!! I had never owned a pet—let alone a dog—in all my life. So, when at the ripe age of 30 a friend of mine suggested that I take in a pug whom a co-worker of her's had mentioned needed a new home, my initial, automatic response was, “No way!” Also consider the fact that until the age of 24 or 25, I had been deathly afraid of dogs, for reasons that we don't need to get in to here and now. I just didn't think that it would work out or be a good fit. And then she sent me pictures of Odie... I called her back immediately, and said, “He's mine! When can we go and pick him up?!” That day would turn out to be December 23rd, 2010, and after a grueling, snowy car ride to-and-from Grand Rapids, Odie arrived in my home, and in my life on Christmas Eve. He would prove to be the greatest Christmas gift I have or will ever receive in my life from the very moment I met him. For six wonderful years, Odie was an absolute blessing to me, my family, and to any and all who had the good fortune of meeting the little goof ball. And he loved each and every one of us in return. It's all he knew how to do. Our time together was so brief in the great scheme of things, but in that short time, Odie had such an amazing and profound impact on my well-being, seeing me through some very difficult times with only the most unconditional of loves. And I have no doubt that he knew how much I loved him in return. He was a happy dog, and I take great pride and comfort in that fact. He was taken very suddenly and unexpectedly early Saturday morning, January 7th, 2017. He did not suffer, and he passed in comfortable surroundings and the company of people who loved him dearly. And we all miss you, Odie. More than you could ever possibly imagine. All the cuddling, the playing, and the silly noises... And the sloppy licking, the bad breath, and the flatulence too! But I know that our paths will cross again someday over that Rainbow Bridge in the sky! And when they do, you had best be prepared for some serious belly scratching. Until then, sleep well, my sweet Rubes (his nickname... We all have them, right?!), and know that you will be with me always. Arrf!!