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These two lovable pugs, Harley Malcom and Matilda Faith, are cherished companions of Debbie Ramsey and Shelby Boughman of Coralville, Iowa.
Debbie rescued Harley from an abusive home in southern Missouri in 2013. Matilda was rescued by Pug Partners of Nebraska from an abusive breeder in 2022. Harley is 8 1/2 years old and Matilda is 11 1/2.
Shelby Boughman is Debbie’s best friend and lives with her. Harley loves to play the “I’m gonna getcha game” with Debbie and Shelby where they crouch down and slowly creep toward him. He waits until they get close, then he takes off flying around the house while they chase him. Matilda likes a calmer game. She likes for Debbie or Shelby to lay her on their tummy, then she just slowly falls to the side where they catch her, then they sit her back up and she falls to the other side. Debbie said this game will go on forever and if they stop, she will throw her paw up to get their attention. Both pugs sleep with Debbie and she said they are bed hogs. Debbie gets the corner of the bed while they dogs get the rest and they steal her covers and snore in her ear.
Debbie said she had professional photos taken of her pugs, both previous pugs she’s had and the pugs she has now. She said Harley rather enjoys them as he starts acting goofy and giving her all sorts of funny little poses. Matilda couldn’t care less and Debbie said they usually have to prop her head up to get good photos of her face because she is so dark and small. Debbie fell in love with the pug breed because years ago a friend of hers had one and she was introduced to the pug world. She said now she cannot see herself with any other breed.
Debbie and Shelby take Harley and Matilda for walks as much as they can when the weather permits. Matilda doesn’t walk very far now, so she has a stroller that she rides in. Harley loves to walk at the Iowa River Dam, where they have a dog park close to the walking trail. Debbie said that Harley would walk until his legs fell off if they let him. He pouts when it’s time to go home. Debbie said her pugs are not kennel-trained and she preferred not to kennel train them.
Matilda does not bark, Debbie says. She just lets our these funny little howls when she’s hungry, has to go potty or wants to be held. Harley, however, likes to give happy little screams or small howls to other dogs passing by, cars pulling in and out of the driveway, or people walking by the house. Both pugs get along with other dogs and people. Harley thinks that every person they see is there to pet him, while Tildy doesn’t really care as long as she gets some attention too. Debbie said that Harley loves to see dogs that are bigger than him, and he tries to play with them, which is a funny sight.
Harley and Matilda do stay home by themselves occasionally when Debbie or Shelby have doctors appointments or other errands to run. Debbie said they do great. Matilda sleeps in her playpen while Harley stays on the couch. Debbie and Shelby turn on Paw Patrol for the pugs when they are gone.
Debbie said she makes her pugs homemade food. She has several recipes for dog food and treats to ensure they get all of the proper vitamins and nutrients that are vital to their health. Once in a while, she uses Science Diet low fat dry kibble, but says that is rarely. The pugs food usually consist of some poultry, fish, veggies and 85-15% lean hamburger. Harley is slightly overweight right now, according to Debbie and Shelby, but they are limiting him on the “fattening” treats and giving him veggies instead. They are trying to get him to play and walk more. Matilda is right on target with her weight, and Debbie said the vet would like to see her even gain a few more pounds.
Debbie said that she thinks harnesses are best for pugs because it doesn’t pull on their neck and throat, which is important since pugs are prone to a collapsed tracheae. She said they were buying a Petmolico brand, but have since switched to the Winsee brand harness because it has a more comfortable fit.
Matilda is deaf and blind with only two teeth. She has mobility issues in her legs due to prior breeding abuse. She gets around the house, though, by bumping into things and changing direction and Debbie said they give her an eye drop once a day to keep her eye moist and free of mucus. Harley has an eye injury most likely caused by another small dog in his abusive environment that was never treated properly, but he still sees out of it, just with cloudy vision.
Harley and Matilda both love their treats. However, Matilda can only have soft treats and is not picky at all. Harley is very picky about his treats and is a big fan of peanut butter banana cookies. Debbie and Shelby make sure their pugs stay healthy with their diet, getting them regular exercise and with routine veterinarian care. They keep Harley and Matilda’s vaccinations current, give them monthly preventatives like Heartgard and provide them with a joint supplement once a day mixed with CBD oil, eggshell powder and hempseed oil in their meal. Debbie said they love their vet because she takes the time to listen to their concerns and the cost is reasonable.
Harley’s favorite toy is a squeaky blue elephant. Matilda prefers a stuffed dog that she sleeps with every night. Debbie said she and Shelby talk to their pugs constantly. She said they explain to them where they are going and she believes they understand what they say. Matilda understands the words “eat” and “hungry” because she responds to those words. Harley knows what the words “bye bye,” “car,” and “go,” “eat,” and “hungry” mean.
Both pugs love car rides. Harley likes to ride in his carseat in the front and Debbie and Shelby call him their little “navigator.” Matilda sits in the back with Debbie, while Shelby usually drives. Harley is in training now working on his Canine Good Citizen award so he can become an emotional support dog. Debbie and Shelby are in the process of adopting Nala Louise, a four-month-old pug/boxer mix. They will be bringing Nala home on Aug. 18.
Debbie’s advice to anyone wanting a pug: “My advice is simple: adopt, don’t shop. Research the breed. Know what you are possibly getting yourself into with a pug. If you do decide to go through a breeder, do not purchase just based on the ‘cuteness factor.’ Find our more about their temperaments, their health background, and other necessary components in their lives. Basically, do your homework. Most importantly, once you bring them home with you, they are with you for life. Commit — don’t quit!”
A huge “Thank you” to Debbie, Shelby and their beautiful pugs for letting us feature you on our Pugpalooza blog. If you are interested in us featuring you and your pug(s) in the future, please send me (Candy Johansen) a message on messenger or email me at www.pugpalooza@gmail.com.
Photos provided by Debbie Ramsey and Shelby Boughman.
Until next time,
Hugs and Pug Kisses,
Candy
lmdriggers23@gmail.com
I LOVE to see your monthly pug picks & to read their stories!!
I too, fell in love with the breed when I got my 1st pug Mya! Unfortunately, she went to the rainbow š bridge on 5/21/18, just after her BD on 5/9.
I said after getting her that, Iād own a pug as long as God would allow me to.
In a past relationship I was in I was given my Boy that I currently have a 7-1/2 almost 8 yr old neutered Blk pug! He became so attached to Mya!
We both love & miss her EVERY day!! She sounds just like Harley!!