PugSpeak Pug Ponderings

PugSpeak's 4th of July Sale!

2009-07-02T12:12:00.006-05:00

PugSpeak is celebrating the 4th of July by adding more pug merchandise to our Clearance Page! We need to make room for new pug handbags, jewelry, and accessories for the upcoming Fall and Holiday seasons.

As always, if you have any questions, don't hesitate to call at (913) 403-8009 - we'll be open all through the holiday weekend! Or you may email at pugspeak@sbcglobal.net.

Have a wonderful 4th and to the rest of the world - a great, great weekend!

Mary

PugSpeak Pug Card to Benefit Veterinary Cancer Society

2009-06-26T07:58:00.004-05:00

PugSpeak has just introduced a pug card dedicated to all senior and cancer surviving pets. Click on the card for more details.

When you purchase a box of these cards - #105 - a portion of the proceeds will be sent to Veterinary Cancer Society, Spring Hill, CA to benefit their research efforts.

Our card features Dexter - senior and cancer survivor. The photo was taken by Lowell Crissman. If you have any questions, please email me at pugspeak@sbcglobal.net or call at (913) 403-8009.

Have a great weekend!

Mary

New African Bead Pug Jewelry

2009-06-15T06:19:00.010-05:00

Since our Pug African wood bead bracelets have been so popular, PugSpeak has added two new variations - one with a gold pewter pug charm and another with a silver pewter pug charm. The African wood beads are antiques - dated at 250 years old! The colors are sharp and vibrant. And we've added genuine gemstone beads including carnelian, blue, white, and yellow agate, aventurine, onyx, turquoise jasper, lemon jade, and white howlite!

On another topic, PugSpeak is making a special offer! We've added new pug keychains:

These wonderful pug key chains feature PugSpeak's own Dexter and Ian. And we also offer a Christmas version. They may be purchased as a single item or if you order $75.00 or more in PugSpeak merchandise, you may select a keychain free of charge! Click on Pug Keychains to view all models. When you place your order through PayPal, simply add your choice by name and number in the PayPal Special Instructions Box.

Have a great week!

New Pug Bracelets at PugSpeak!

2009-06-08T06:35:00.003-05:00

Pug jewelry has been hugely popular this spring and PugSpeak's happy to add some new pug bracelets to our pug merchandise!

Our pug bracelets are created with Lampwork beads and genuine gemstone beads! For more pug jewelry and gifts, drop by PugSpeak today at www.pugspeak.com!

PugSpeak's Recommended Reading

2009-05-28T13:23:00.065-05:00

As many of our readers know, PugSpeak occasionally recommends or suggests a movie, music, or a good book we find exciting or insightful. It may not always be related to the subject of pugs, but part of the fun of a blog is sharing information - especially when that information entertains, teaches, or enlightens us.

In this case, we are praising a book, published last year (Island Press) and titled More: Population, Nature, and What Women Want By Robert Engelman. (Click on the title to connect with Amazon.com)

More addresses the topic of population growth and Engelman proposes the feasibility and opportunity of sequentially changing the world in terms of environment, health, and economics if we begin with and listen to our child bearers. Any control, such as it is, should begin and end with the individual decisions of women.

More accomplishes many tasks: First, it gives us a fascinating perspective of historical, scientific, sociological, cultural, and statistical data which illustrate how population and subsequent attitudes evolved. But don't let that put you off - it does not read with the pontification of a dry textbook. Engelman presents the information in an easy-going, conversational manner that's often punctuated with piquant humor.

Much of Engelman's statistical data and research was gathered over a 20-some-year period while serving as vice president for research at Population Action International. Engelman is currently the vice president for programs at the Worldwatch Institute.

One of the things we are reminded is that the topic of population and population growth with impact on economics, natural resources, and health care is not a new issue that popped up 10 minutes ago. Economists, writers, and philosophers have debated and analyzed population growth for centuries and Engelman gives us insightful overviews and predictions from such individuals including Hale, Graunt, Malthus, and Wollstonecraft.

Secondly, Engelman tells us, based on years of travel and interviews what women around the world think. And to quote the author, "Mothers aren't seeking more children, but more for their children."

Cities and towns in developing countries (such as Accra, the capital of Ghana) are listening to women as well by offering reproductive health care. Clinics are made available to both men and women and inspire women to take charge of their lives and future. To quote the author, "The pervasive message is that staying healthy and making life plans are good - and not hard to do." Women are encouraged to decide for themselves when to start a family as well as the size of said family. Who better to know what's best than the child bearer and her partner.

More does not have to be taken as a political or religious indictment and the point is not to attack the reader's belief system. More is designed to propose ideas and possible outcomes based on the past as well as the present and give the reader something to ponder. More is meant to enlighten. And as with any issue, change cannot begin until the issue is questioned and acknowledged.

Please Spay or Neuter

2009-05-12T13:02:00.006-05:00

As many of you know, I am a pug lover and pug and pet gift business owner. I am amazed at the number of dogs I encounter - pugs and all breeds - that are not neutered or spayed. What's up with this? The three main reasons I hear for not neutering or spaying are:

1. I can't afford it
2. If I neuter my male dog, he won't be manly anymore.
3. I didn't think anything could happen.

Okay, where to begin:

Neutering and spaying does not have to be expensive, folks! Many Humane Society branches and other shelters will spay and neuter at a lower cost. Not all veterinarians charge a huge fee to spay and neuter. In the final analysis, you can shop around and prevent an unwanted litter of puppies or kitties.

Regarding reason number 2, may I just say - a bigger load of rubbish I have never heard! This is purely a myth and one of huge proportions. Whether this is some leftover stereotypical propaganda of the 50s or what, I don't know. Trust me, your male dog will be happier and there is nothing manly about a male dog running upstreet and down alley impregnating every female within a 5 mile radius. Think about how many of those puppies will wind up in shelters and possibly be put down. How cruel is that?

Reason number 3 - all it takes is one time. If your female is not spayed and there's even one un-neutered male in the area, he'll find a way to make a date and she will find a way to rendezvous. You can't fight nature - and unless you are a responsible and professional breeder, you are actually being cruel to your pet. Even if you keep close watch on your dog or cat, you allow them to go through the heat cycle. It's analogous to being all dressed up and no place to go.

I urge every dog and cat owner out there to please, please neuter and spay your pets. If you need help finding a facility to do this at low cost, please email or call (913) 403-8009 me and I will be glad to help research your area.
Mary

New Jewelry at PugSpeak!

2009-05-11T10:40:00.011-05:00

PugSpeak kicks off the Summer in the City campaign with new pug jewelry! Drop by www.pugspeak.com today!

Vote For Gilles!

2009-04-14T06:56:00.004-05:00

For those of you watching Dancing With the Stars, we encourage everyone to vote for Gilles Marini! By far, he is the best dancer this season.

And be sure to drop by PugSpeak and check out the latest pug bracelets!

PugSpeak To Kick Off Spring and Summer Campaigns!

2009-03-19T12:36:00.012-05:00

PugSpeak is planning two major advertising campaigns - Swing Into Spring and Summer in the City!

Swing Into Spring is being launched by the addition of new pug jewelry items: Our new pug earrings feature fresh spring colors, Murano Lampwork beads and Swarovski crystals. Our bracelets include genuine freshwater pearls, foil Lampwork, Banana Wood, and Raku Ceramic beads!

Summer in the City will feature hot, bold colors and styles - with plenty of Pug influence and attitiude! Drop by PugSpeak today to check out all the latest pug gifts!

PugSpeak Earring Sale!

2009-02-17T11:19:00.004-06:00

It's March Madness time and PugSpeak is making room for new stock!

Our sale begins Sat. Feb. 28 and runs until Sat. March 7. Simply go to PugSpeak's Sale Announcement Page for more details.

Buy any two pair of pug earrings and get a third pair (equal or less value) Free!

If you have questions, don't hesitate to call at (913) 403-8009 or email.

Have a great week!

A Personal Endorsement From PugSpeak

2009-02-12T08:32:00.011-06:00

From time to time, PugSpeak will comment or review subjects not necessarily related to pugs, but important nonetheless.

In this instance, we feel it's very important to tell you about a business we admire, appreciate, and fully endorse! If you live in the greater Kansas City area and own a Honda (or just purchased a Honda) you need to know about The Import Shop.

Located at 6900 Antioch in Overland Park, KS, The Import Shop has serviced old and new Honda vehicles for the past 15 years. Owners Harriet and Neal Dittemore understand the Honda owners' needs - to get your Honda repaired or serviced in a timely manner and without breaking the bank!

We would not consider letting anyone else service our Hondas. Thanks to The Import Shop, my 18 year old Honda runs like a brand new car! If you're considering a new repair shop for your Honda, give The Import Shop a call at (913) 677-2176. For a Google map and more information, click here.

Have a great week!

Big News at PugSpeak

2009-02-04T11:09:00.004-06:00

First up, the PugSpeak Boys have an announcement! They have become uncles! Our daughter, Claire Breckenridge-Jahnke gave birth to Jacqueline Kohler Jahnke Sunday, Feb. 1! Jackie is absolutely perfect and the Jahnke household is doing great!

On the business side, PugSpeak is gearing up for spring. To kick off our spring celebration, we recently got in a new shipment of Pug Paradise Totes! For spring, we chose lime green and hot pink. Check out all of our PugSpeak Totes today!

Ring in 2009 with PugSpeak!

2009-01-15T08:19:00.008-06:00

Hello from the Crissman family and PugSpeak!

We are ready to kick off a new year with good news and new pug merchandise. First off, we are awaiting the birth of our grandchild! Our daughter, Claire and her husband, Steve, are awaiting the arrival of little Jackie - which should be any time now. We will keep you posted.

On the PugSpeak front, we first want to thank everyone for a phenomenal 2008! We hope to make 2009 even more spectacular.

PugSpeak kicks off 2009 with couple new Fluff items: The Fluff Mod Pug Coin Purse and the Fluff Hula Honey Makeup bag! Check out these and many other Fluff brand Pug and Poochy Accessories today! And be sure to drop by PugSpeak's Clearance Page - we've got great deals and need to move these out to make room for more exciting PugSpeak Pug Gifts!

And we are in the process of updating PugSpeak Pug Cards and Gifts and PugSpeak Pug and Pet Gifts. Hopefully, we will be finished shortly and everyone can enjoy our our new, updated look!

PugSpeak's Favorite Things

2008-11-23T13:28:00.000-06:00

Our dear friend, Silvie D'Elicio of Pugs 'n' Roses Kennel recently sent us this beautiful handpainted denim jacket created by her friend, Liane Jesse at Deli Dog. Liane handpaints from photos onto denim or leather. This particular denim jacket features PugSpeak's own C.K. Dexter Haven (Dexter). We are thrilled with this wonderful gift and encourage everyone to drop by Deli Dog!

New Pug Gift Merchandise

2008-11-04T09:47:00.000-06:00

This just in: New Dog-breed tote and pug jewelry!

PugSpeak is please to announce the addition of the Sydney Love line - Dogs Rock! Collection. The pieces are fun and functional! Lipstick-red vinyl displays a multitude of breeds - including pugs - and all done in black, white, and gray. Sydney Love adds detail to design with a black poka dot lining and Dogs Rock! Zipper pulls.

And PugSpeak adds more pug earrings and pug bracelets - just in time for holiday shopping! Check out the latest in Lampwork beads, natural gemstone beads, and African wood!

PugSpeak's November Pugs of the Month!

2008-11-04T09:41:00.000-06:00

We are proud to present Casanova and Rebecca as PugSpeak's November Pugs of the Month!
Julie and Giulio Bonzagni of Treviso, Italy, are proud parents of two beautiful little pugs, Casanova and Rebecca!

Julie tells us their story:
Originally from Brazil, both Casanova and Rebecca are from the Nabuco line. Casanova is the offspring of Nabuco's Victor Hugo and Nabuco's Bete Balancao. Rebecca's father is California Dreamin' and mother is Nabuco's Mary Ann Lynn.

Casanova is my clown and he loves to be dirty! If you bathe him he must be closed in the house or he rubs in anything that smells bad. Once at the Piave River he found a dead bird and rubbed on it!! He also loves to eat rocks and grass. He is my love bug, will sit on your lap for hours on end and has the fuzziest coat I have ever seen!

Rebecca is a lady and scary smart. She can climb a fence faster than you can say pug and will eat Casanova's food when he is not looking. She loves to be held, has the most endearing eyes and is very fond of our Keeshond Winston!
Both pugs have a favorite game called Tigers we play in the backyard. I hide and they find me and then I grab them and then it's tiger time. Only another pug owner would understand my insanity for them!

A note from PugSpeak: We thank Julie and Giulio for sharing these wonderful photos of their pugs - Casanova and Rebecca. And be sure to drop by their site -

Royal Pugs

Another New Pug Purse at PugSpeak

2008-10-13T13:46:00.000-05:00

PugSpeak is happy to announce another new pug purse model - and this bag is perfect for fall!

This olive green quilted pug purse features a needlepoint pug on the front and tons of interior compartments inside! Check them out today when you drop by PugSpeak. Have questions? Give us a call at (913) 403-8009.

Happy Autumn To All!

2008-10-06T08:24:00.000-05:00

PugSpeak kicks off the fall season with a new pug handbag/tote that's sure to please most every pug lover! This bag is made of sturdy microfiber which wipes clean and looks great.

Measuring 12"X14", this pug tote is from "The Dog" series and features an adorable black pug! Click here for more detail.

And 2009 Pug Calendars are out and available for sale. PugSpeak offers two choices: a Wall Pug Puppies Calendar and a desktop/travel pug calendar.

Stop by PugSpeak today and if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email or call at (913) 403-8009.

Pug Parliament Has Moved

2008-09-11T13:26:00.000-05:00

We apologize for any inconvenience, but in light of the weather (much rain due to Hurricane Ike), we are moving Pug Parliament to Sat. September 20. This year's PP will begin at 12 pm in Overland Park, KS and pug owners, pug lovers, and their pugs living in the greater Kansas City area are invited!

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call at (913) 403-8009.
Thanks much and we hope to see you there!

Meet SugarRay - PugSpeak's August Pug of the Month

2008-07-30T14:55:00.002-05:00

We are proud to present SugarRay as PugSpeak's August Pug of the Month! SugarRay's pugdads, Michael and Lee, tell his story:

This little black boy was found roaming the streets of Merced, California in November of 2006 and ended up at the pound where no one claimed him.

PugSavers Pug Rescue was contacted and one of their volunteers, Pugdad Michael, was going to be in Merced for Thanksgiving and agreed to pick the Pug up and foster him.

When Pugdad Michael met the nameless Pug, he was instantly smitten! The Pug was a bit dusty and stinky and seemed a little shy, but he was trusting and calm and adorable with a hint of tongue and a crooked row of little white teeth always showing.

First thing they did together was go to the pet store to buy some treats and shampoo. Then off for a bath! The little Pug practically fell asleep during the soothing shampoo and massage! Now all clean and fresh, the little Pug was off to his foster home in San Francisco!

It didn't take long for Pugdads Michael and Lee to become foster failures. The sweet little Pug boy fit right in with his foster sisters, Penny and Molly, and the Pugdads decided to adopt the nameless Pug. Now he just needed a name!

The Pugdads thought long and hard. No name seemed to fit the little guy. He was sweet as sugar, but Sugar is kind of a girly name. But SugarRay was the name of a famous boxer (not the dog kind!) so it couldn't possible be considered girly! So SugarRay it was, even though he's a lover, not a fighter!

SugarRay is now about 3-1/2 years old. His favorite time of day is mornings when he gets his breakfast and then a bellyrub on Pugdad, Michael's lap during his morning coffee. (That's Pugdad Michael's favorite time of day, too!) SugarRay's favorite toy is whatever Penny is playing with, and he loves to Pugtona around the coffee table and jump over any Pug who may be in his way!
It's hard to imagine how nobody would have claimed him when he was lost, unless he was dropped off on purpose. But that's even harder to imagine. SugarRay has certainly lived up to his name by being the sweetest Pug in San Francisco!

A note from PugSpeak: We thank Michael and Lee for this heartfelt story and the wonderful photos of SugarRay! We are proud to have SugarRay as our August Pug of the Month!

PugSpeak Offers All New Fluff Pug and Pet Items

2008-07-21T16:09:00.006-05:00

PugSpeak is happy to announce the arrival of all new Fluff Pug and Pet items including the Best in Show makeup bag pictured at top. This bag features numerous toy breeds including pugs! It's made of coated canvas with a hot pink zipper!

Next up, we have the Fluff Mod Dog Collection! The Multi-breed tote and cosmetic/coin purse are both made of coated canvas with turquoise trim and lining. And best of all, you'll see both fawn and black pugs in the design!

And finally, the Fluff Pug Tee Shirt featuring Montague, the Pug! This pug tee is made of comfy 100% cotton and is slightly fitted to the body. And the color is hot, hot, hot pink! Perfect for summer and fall!

Check out all of the Fluff Collection featured on PugSpeak today. It doesn't get any better than this for pug fun and pug gift items!

Questions? Email us or call at (913) 403-8009.

Another Designer-Inspired Quilted Pug Bag Variation on PugSpeak

2008-07-11T06:12:00.000-05:00

PugSpeak is pleased to announce yet another variation on a popular theme - the Pug Hobo Bag.

This pug handbag is perfect for those who prefer a smaller purse. It measures 9.5X6 and is perfect to throw in a wallet, cell phone, and your on your way!

Check out this pug handbag and our complete selection of pug handbags at PugSpeak that are sure to please just about everyone! It doesn't get any better than this for pug fun and pug gifts!

All New Variations on a Pug Theme

2008-06-21T14:50:00.003-05:00

In addition to our PugSpeak Designer-Inspired quilted pug purses and totes, we are happy to announce two new styles - the Hipster (Pug Purse #27) and the quilted Duffle Bag (Pug Purse #28).

The Hipster has a generous shoulder strap that slings across the shoulder for security and comfort. And it features a zippered front compartment for keys or cell phone!

The Pug Duffle Bag measures 18X9X9 and is perfect carry gym gear or to take to the

beach or lake. There's plenty of room for a change of clothes, sunscreen, and a paperback book!
And there's more coming in July- PugSpeak is expecting a whole new pug and poochy collection from Fluff brand accessories.

For questions, please email us today or call at (913) 403-8009!

Meet Bozlee - PugSpeak's June Pug of the Month!

2008-05-29T06:17:00.000-05:00

We are proud to present Bozlee as PugSpeak's June Pug of the Month. Mom, Maryjo tells us Bozlee's story:

Bozlee is a California Surfer Dude who moved to Alaska in March of 2007.
Bozlee came into rescue practically hairless and skinny, but (with the right meds and lots of TLC) flourishes in his new forever home.
Nowadays, he loves to hang out with his brothers and sisters, and play with his favorite toy, a sock.

Alaska agrees with him- no fleas, ticks or heartworm-carrying mosquitoes (although plenty of regular ones).

His personality, after years of living in a crate, has burst thru and he is the life of many a pug party!

A note from PugSpeak: When we first joined the international pug community with PugSpeak back in 2002, Maryjo and her pug gang were the first to welcome us to the 'net and exchange links. We think you are a very special lady and we are proud to feature Bozlee! We send our kisses and hugs to you and all your sweet puggy children!

This Just In at PugSpeak

2008-04-11T09:34:00.000-05:00

PugSpeak's newest pug purse - and it's even cuter in person! In addition to the great pug applique' and paw print background, it has a fun doggie lining, many interior pockets, and a real surprise - a rainbow-hued zipper. What fun!

Drop by PugSpeak today for pug gift shopping!