Otis

The owner of "Mingus" (as he was called then) contacted Pug Rescue about a year ago saying she was thinking about turning Mingus over to us because he needed surgery that she couldn't afford. We suggested getting a second opinion from one of our vets and that we would pay for the visit. Never heard a word from her until about 4 months ago and this time she was willing to relinquish him to us. We paid for the elongated palate surgery which appeared to be successful but were warned by the surgeon that he might have to have more extensive surgery in the future. We had a good home lined up for him, but when the prospective adopters heard how hard and noisily he breathed, they backed out. We found a great family in Northern California, whose daughter was visiting Santa Barbara, and planning to head home 2 days later. So off went Mingus for a new life. We got a call that night that Mingus was in an emergency hospital with more breathing problems! By the time it was all over, we had incurred over $7000 in vet bills!! The previous owner had simply waited too long for the first surgery to correct his problems. Wait! Here comes the bright light in an otherwise dismal story. This new family hung on, racing back and forth to the hospital, consulting with the vets etc. ( Also "Otis" as he is now called, was neither neutered nor housebroken!!) So we now know that all the angels are not just in heaven, as evidenced by their loving care and patience. The last update was very positive and we are keeping our fingers crossed.