At home or out and about, it's the best spot...cause you never know what may drop! Hope you all have some nuggets from heaven fall in your lap soon!
Love,
Payton
Welcome to my blog, Pugnacious P...tales of Payton the Pug! My parents say I was a miracle and the toughest creature they’ve ever met. Despite being diagnosed with Pug Dog Encephalitis (PDE), I lived a wonderful life. Read more in the "My PDE Story" page in the green banner just below. I hope you enjoy reading about my adventurous life!
Love, Angel Payton
Monday, October 10, 2011
Under the table...
As you may have guessed from my barking Silly Side Effects post (and the fact that I'm a pug), one of my favorite places to be is around a table of food.
At home or out and about, it's the best spot...cause you never know what may drop! Hope you all have some nuggets from heaven fall in your lap soon!
Love,
Payton
At home or out and about, it's the best spot...cause you never know what may drop! Hope you all have some nuggets from heaven fall in your lap soon!
Love,
Payton
Friday, October 7, 2011
My very own cooling vest
Yep, I know what you all are thinking. Why do I need a cooling vest when the cold weather of winter is just around the corner? The answer, of course, is that I don't, but my slacker of a mom just got around to finishing it!
It was all the way back in August, the 4th to be exact, that my friend Sabrina and her mum posted a tutorial on how to take a Frogg Togg Chilly Pad and turn it into a cooling vest/harness. I was having such a hard summer with the extreme heat this year that my mom had already purchased a Frogg Togg, but left unchanged they can be hard to keep on a wiggly, shakin' pug. So as soon as Sabrina published her mum's instructions my mom rushed out to the stores to buy the supplies. It was easy to find everything...except for the knit binding. Seems all of the stores around us only carry the poly blend kind for quilts and that stuff would be a nightmare stitching on the round corners. That's where Sabrina steps in again and saves the day by sending us some of her stash - all the way from Canada! Thanks again Sabrina and mum!
Ok, so for the most part my mom followed the tutorial exactly, but she had to make a few adjustments as I seem to be a bit larger than most of my fellow girl pugs. But if you have a vest harness that fits well, just use it as your guide if you get a little lost when creating the pattern.
Here I am helping mom by keeping an eye on the scraps of muslin.
Shhh! I'm not supposed to be on the couch (jumping is not good for my back), but I thought those scraps were a pile of warm clothes from the dryer and I love laying on those! Anyway, because my pattern was larger, it was too wide for the Frogg Togg so mom had to cut it into pieces first.
Then she pinned the pattern onto the Frogg Togg and cut it out.
So because there were separate sections, mom first had to connect the neck pieces before the binding could be sewed on. She took a cue from the regular pink harness you guys usually see me in, and she turned the two additional seams around the neck as an opportunity for decoration (girly butterfly ribbon). On the inside, she sewed a softer fleece fabric that wouldn't rub on my skin as the ribbon might.
So after the binding was done (mom says that was the toughest part), the strapping was the next part, and ta-da!
You'll notice that since mom had to cut separate pieces, she took the opportunity to use the section of the Frogg Togg with the logo...wonder if I can get treat money from the company if people comment when I wear this...
Anyway, here's a few more shots of me modeling the finished vest.
I just can't thank Sabrina and her mum enough for the inspiration and help along the way! I know this vest will help me stay nice and cool next summer!! I hope everyone has a great weekend!
Love,
Payton
It was all the way back in August, the 4th to be exact, that my friend Sabrina and her mum posted a tutorial on how to take a Frogg Togg Chilly Pad and turn it into a cooling vest/harness. I was having such a hard summer with the extreme heat this year that my mom had already purchased a Frogg Togg, but left unchanged they can be hard to keep on a wiggly, shakin' pug. So as soon as Sabrina published her mum's instructions my mom rushed out to the stores to buy the supplies. It was easy to find everything...except for the knit binding. Seems all of the stores around us only carry the poly blend kind for quilts and that stuff would be a nightmare stitching on the round corners. That's where Sabrina steps in again and saves the day by sending us some of her stash - all the way from Canada! Thanks again Sabrina and mum!
Ok, so for the most part my mom followed the tutorial exactly, but she had to make a few adjustments as I seem to be a bit larger than most of my fellow girl pugs. But if you have a vest harness that fits well, just use it as your guide if you get a little lost when creating the pattern.
Here I am helping mom by keeping an eye on the scraps of muslin.
Shhh! I'm not supposed to be on the couch (jumping is not good for my back), but I thought those scraps were a pile of warm clothes from the dryer and I love laying on those! Anyway, because my pattern was larger, it was too wide for the Frogg Togg so mom had to cut it into pieces first.
 |
| Mom, won't you stop this project and play with me? Sheesh! |
So because there were separate sections, mom first had to connect the neck pieces before the binding could be sewed on. She took a cue from the regular pink harness you guys usually see me in, and she turned the two additional seams around the neck as an opportunity for decoration (girly butterfly ribbon). On the inside, she sewed a softer fleece fabric that wouldn't rub on my skin as the ribbon might.
So after the binding was done (mom says that was the toughest part), the strapping was the next part, and ta-da!
You'll notice that since mom had to cut separate pieces, she took the opportunity to use the section of the Frogg Togg with the logo...wonder if I can get treat money from the company if people comment when I wear this...
Anyway, here's a few more shots of me modeling the finished vest.
I just can't thank Sabrina and her mum enough for the inspiration and help along the way! I know this vest will help me stay nice and cool next summer!! I hope everyone has a great weekend!
Love,
Payton
Thursday, October 6, 2011
An opportunity to raise awareness
First of all, I must take the time to say thank you to everyone who commented either on my blog or on Wilma’s regarding my Words of Wisdom guest post. Your kindness and support are so much appreciated. And of course, a huge shout-out to Wilma herself for allowing me to share more of my story!
As many of you know, the primary reason my mom and I started my blog was to spread the word about Pug Dog Encephalitis. Just recently, I met a malamute named Rumpy.
 |
| This is Rumpy! |
Ok, isn’t that an awesome name? Anyway, he has a blog aptly titled RumpyDog, and the primary point of his blog is to give animals of all shapes and sizes a place to share their experiences in hope that someone out there will get the information they need. Rumpy’s family was helped in a similar fashion and they just want to pay it forward. How great is that!?! So that’s why I come into the picture. Rumpy asked me if I’d like to write a short post about PDE, and of course, I jumped at the chance! Thanks Rumpy!! In addition to guest posts, there are regular columns, animal interviews, and poetry contests (Noodles and Tweedles, you both would be so good at those!). Check it out sometime…like today, since you’ll get to see me there!
Love,
Payton
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Payton's Guest Post for Wilma's Blog:
Wilma's Friends Wednesday Words of Wisdom
Hi everybody! It's almost Wednesday, and you know what that means? It's time for my friends' words of wisdom!
This week, our dear friend Payton of Pugnacious P has presented a wonderful guest post, full of wisdom. Thanks to Payton, for being so generous, and forthright in sharing her story here with us. There is quite a bit to learn from Payton, so don't stop here. If you haven't already, go on over and check out Payton's blog. Tell her Wilma sent you.
This week, our dear friend Payton of Pugnacious P has presented a wonderful guest post, full of wisdom. Thanks to Payton, for being so generous, and forthright in sharing her story here with us. There is quite a bit to learn from Payton, so don't stop here. If you haven't already, go on over and check out Payton's blog. Tell her Wilma sent you.
**********************
“If life gives you lemons, make lemonade.”
When talking to my friend, Gracie the Agility Pug, she reminded me of the classic expression, “If life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” That got me thinking; I’ve been dealing with lemons since birth! It may just need to become my motto.
I don’t really remember much before my mom and dad, but they have no doubt I was from a puppy mill…talk about lemons! I’ve only told a handful of people this, but my parents saved me from a pet store. Mom and dad totally knew better. Despite only wanting to get a rope toy for my best friend Isabella the giant schnauzer, they shouldn’t have even gone in a store that sells dogs and cats instead of holding adoption fairs. But when they saw me, it was all over. They were already thinking about getting a pug, and they just couldn’t stand the thought of what may happen to me if they didn’t take me home. Mom and dad are somewhat ashamed as they know how it encouraged things they appall; however, on the other hand, especially knowing what we do now about my health, they are confident the right decision was made and it was totally meant to be. It is highly likely that I would not be here today if mom and dad didn’t rescue me. I was blessed with the perfect family, who could take care of me and my, um, issues. And I like to think that I add a certain amount of indescribable specialness to their lives too! My life had a very ill-fated beginning and certainly there are regrettable aspects of how I got a forever home, but the story has a very happy ending. And we drink that lemonade all the time.
The second major bag of lemons was dealt just over 5 years ago. Pug Dog Encephalitis. I’m not going to lie that there aren’t difficult times because of my disease. But Gracie reminded me that we certainly make the most out of every situation. Instead of dwelling on my illness, we use the quarterly check-ups with my neurologist as an opportunity to have fun vacations in a great city (Chicago)! Lucky for me, mom and dad have never put limitations on me (within reason) just because I’m sick, so we go on lots of adventures, even at home. And someone I love is always with me…24 hours a day! I’m not sure it get’s much better than that. Lastly, my mom and I probably wouldn’t have started my blog if I didn’t have this disease. And that means that I would not have had the privilege of meeting all of you, this wonderful blogging community of pugs, dogs, and peeps!
So take it from me, enjoy life to the fullest and make every day count even if you are dealt with some nasty lemons because you can always make some tasty lemonade!
Love,
Payton
**********************
Hi, it's Wilma again. I just wanted to add, that for the record, I am very proud that Payton shared with us, how she found her way to her family. Some folks might get upset that Payton came from a puppy mill originally. In my opinion, this was just how it had to be. Many times, we find our humans, they don't find us. Payton needed her parents. Who knows what would have happened to her if they did not feel that strong connection with her. If they did not go against what they believed in to save Payton. Because save her they did, and made it better that most people are capable of. I for one, am very grateful for that, and clearly, so is she!
Love you girlfriend!
“If life gives you lemons, make lemonade.”
When talking to my friend, Gracie the Agility Pug, she reminded me of the classic expression, “If life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” That got me thinking; I’ve been dealing with lemons since birth! It may just need to become my motto.
I don’t really remember much before my mom and dad, but they have no doubt I was from a puppy mill…talk about lemons! I’ve only told a handful of people this, but my parents saved me from a pet store. Mom and dad totally knew better. Despite only wanting to get a rope toy for my best friend Isabella the giant schnauzer, they shouldn’t have even gone in a store that sells dogs and cats instead of holding adoption fairs. But when they saw me, it was all over. They were already thinking about getting a pug, and they just couldn’t stand the thought of what may happen to me if they didn’t take me home. Mom and dad are somewhat ashamed as they know how it encouraged things they appall; however, on the other hand, especially knowing what we do now about my health, they are confident the right decision was made and it was totally meant to be. It is highly likely that I would not be here today if mom and dad didn’t rescue me. I was blessed with the perfect family, who could take care of me and my, um, issues. And I like to think that I add a certain amount of indescribable specialness to their lives too! My life had a very ill-fated beginning and certainly there are regrettable aspects of how I got a forever home, but the story has a very happy ending. And we drink that lemonade all the time.
The second major bag of lemons was dealt just over 5 years ago. Pug Dog Encephalitis. I’m not going to lie that there aren’t difficult times because of my disease. But Gracie reminded me that we certainly make the most out of every situation. Instead of dwelling on my illness, we use the quarterly check-ups with my neurologist as an opportunity to have fun vacations in a great city (Chicago)! Lucky for me, mom and dad have never put limitations on me (within reason) just because I’m sick, so we go on lots of adventures, even at home. And someone I love is always with me…24 hours a day! I’m not sure it get’s much better than that. Lastly, my mom and I probably wouldn’t have started my blog if I didn’t have this disease. And that means that I would not have had the privilege of meeting all of you, this wonderful blogging community of pugs, dogs, and peeps!
So take it from me, enjoy life to the fullest and make every day count even if you are dealt with some nasty lemons because you can always make some tasty lemonade!
Love,
Payton
**********************
Hi, it's Wilma again. I just wanted to add, that for the record, I am very proud that Payton shared with us, how she found her way to her family. Some folks might get upset that Payton came from a puppy mill originally. In my opinion, this was just how it had to be. Many times, we find our humans, they don't find us. Payton needed her parents. Who knows what would have happened to her if they did not feel that strong connection with her. If they did not go against what they believed in to save Payton. Because save her they did, and made it better that most people are capable of. I for one, am very grateful for that, and clearly, so is she!
Love you girlfriend!
**********************
I'm a guest blogger today
Since mom has been so busy cleaning the house from the garage construction over the weekend, I have had to increase my time spent awake supervising things. (Yes, she has been paranoid, seeing dry wall powder and fiberglass everywhere. Yes, she needs help.) And she has also been working on a project that I'll tell you all about on Friday.
So anyway, we are tired. As such, this is a very lazy post. I'm just writing to tell you that I am a guest blogger over at Wilma's today for her regular column Wednesday Words of Wisdom.
So if you haven't already stopped by her blog, please do and let me know what you think about my "Words of Wisdom".
Love,
Payton
So anyway, we are tired. As such, this is a very lazy post. I'm just writing to tell you that I am a guest blogger over at Wilma's today for her regular column Wednesday Words of Wisdom.
 |
| me and Wilma as wise pug yogis |
Love,
Payton
Monday, October 3, 2011
My new bathroom (aka the garage)
Hi everyone! Many of you were curious about my Porch Potty and wanted to see some pictures. (Minnie, there's a puggle on the website using the potty!) Sorry the shots of me are a bit blurry, but mom didn't have the camera set for an action shot and I was busy finding the best spot to...well, you know.
My parents were worried that the porch potty wouldn't work for me because sometimes I scout the entire yard to find the best spot. They got the big dog size so I'd have a bit more room to smell around, and at first, used the real grass option to train me on it. After a few days I had the hang of it so they switched to the synthetic grass. Although I don't like it as much as the yard, I'll take care of business on there any day it's raining or too cold. So if you decide to give it a try, just buy extra "grass" to change out when one gets, um, dirty. And I should probably warn you that it can get very stinky too. Dad washes the grass in the tub with a diluted bleach solution to help it stay fresh and we usually keep a watering can close by to rinse the pee after I go to help it stay clean longer.
While I'm talking about the garage, I want to brag about some men in my life that helped me with some handy work. My dad, mom's dad (Gampy), dad's dad (Grandpa B), and dad's sister's husband (Uncle Jeff) worked very hard on Saturday to insulate and finish the walls. We don't have any in-progress shots because mom and I stayed over at Gammy's for the day to make sure I was no where near the mess. Here's some before and after shots.
Didn't they do such a great job for a bunch of amateurs? Already we can tell it's a lot warmer in there, so I'm going to be nice and toasty this winter!
Love,
Payton
PS. Maybe you noticed the new green bar at the top of the blog (right under the header picture)? I added a new page consolidating my PDE related posts that tell of my story so it's much easier to find. If you run into a pug that may have PDE, feel free to send them to that page, "My PDE Story".
PPS. Thanks to everyone for the great birthday wishes for my Gampy! I followed your advice and gave him tons of extra kisses yesterday. We had a blast! In fact, he wrote all of you a short note (in the comments of my last post) to say thanks...check it out.
My parents were worried that the porch potty wouldn't work for me because sometimes I scout the entire yard to find the best spot. They got the big dog size so I'd have a bit more room to smell around, and at first, used the real grass option to train me on it. After a few days I had the hang of it so they switched to the synthetic grass. Although I don't like it as much as the yard, I'll take care of business on there any day it's raining or too cold. So if you decide to give it a try, just buy extra "grass" to change out when one gets, um, dirty. And I should probably warn you that it can get very stinky too. Dad washes the grass in the tub with a diluted bleach solution to help it stay fresh and we usually keep a watering can close by to rinse the pee after I go to help it stay clean longer.
While I'm talking about the garage, I want to brag about some men in my life that helped me with some handy work. My dad, mom's dad (Gampy), dad's dad (Grandpa B), and dad's sister's husband (Uncle Jeff) worked very hard on Saturday to insulate and finish the walls. We don't have any in-progress shots because mom and I stayed over at Gammy's for the day to make sure I was no where near the mess. Here's some before and after shots.
 |
| before |
 |
| after |
 |
| before |
 |
| after |
Love,
Payton
PS. Maybe you noticed the new green bar at the top of the blog (right under the header picture)? I added a new page consolidating my PDE related posts that tell of my story so it's much easier to find. If you run into a pug that may have PDE, feel free to send them to that page, "My PDE Story".
PPS. Thanks to everyone for the great birthday wishes for my Gampy! I followed your advice and gave him tons of extra kisses yesterday. We had a blast! In fact, he wrote all of you a short note (in the comments of my last post) to say thanks...check it out.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
To Gampy, with Love, from Payton
Today is my Gampy's birthday, so I am dedicating this post to him! Please join me in wishing him a great day!
This tribute is long over due. You see, I have a very special bond with Gampy. After only a week in my new home, mom and dad had to take a trip to Hawaii. I know, the nerve! Gampy stepped up to take care of tiny, 10 week old me by working from home all week. Needless to say I will always love him for it.
Gampy loves me tons too, and we like to hang out together.
But probably my most favorite thing to do when I'm with Gampy is to kiss and lick his face...all over...non-stop!
Here's a video so you can really see how happy it makes me!
Gampy, thanks for being the best Gampy a pug could ask for! I love you so very much! And I'm not just saying that so you'll slip me some more treats under the table or wear more aftershave for me to lick off!
Happy Birthday, Gampy!
Love,
Payton
This tribute is long over due. You see, I have a very special bond with Gampy. After only a week in my new home, mom and dad had to take a trip to Hawaii. I know, the nerve! Gampy stepped up to take care of tiny, 10 week old me by working from home all week. Needless to say I will always love him for it.
Gampy loves me tons too, and we like to hang out together.
But probably my most favorite thing to do when I'm with Gampy is to kiss and lick his face...all over...non-stop!
Here's a video so you can really see how happy it makes me!
Gampy, thanks for being the best Gampy a pug could ask for! I love you so very much! And I'm not just saying that so you'll slip me some more treats under the table or wear more aftershave for me to lick off!
Happy Birthday, Gampy!
Love,
Payton
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)