2 Year old Male / Available at the Rescue
Hopkins is 2 years old, weighs 30 pounds, and has enough enthusiasm to require a reasonably organized household. He will supply the energy. You will need to supply the plan.
His story is a difficult one. Hopkins was discovered during a wellness during which it was unfortunately found that his owner had passed away. Nobody knows how long he had been alone and the circumstances in which he was found were deeply distressing. He was taken into animal control, and when we learned he needed immediate rescue, we brought him to Pug Nation.
Once here we discovered that Hopkins was compulsively chasing and biting his own tail, causing serious injuries. This was not the occasional silly spin. He was hurting himself and could not seem to stop. We tried several anxiety medications and other approaches but ultimately amputating his tail was necessary to relieve his distress.
Hopkins is doing much better now. His tail is gone. His enthusiasm for absolutely everything else remains fully operational.
He is a sweet, very high-energy boy who needs an experienced person with time, patience, and a willingness to help him build confidence and settle into home life. He is not a “quick walk before work and we’re good” kind of guy. He needs appropriate outlets for his energy, consistent guidance, and someone who can help him practice the fine art of taking a breather.
Hopkins does well with other dogs, but he can be a little more take-charge than some of his fellow pugs. If you already have a dog, a trial adoption would be the best way to make sure their personalities work together. He could also happily be the only dog, with nobody else competing for the position of Household Enthusiasm Coordinator.
An adult home or one with children over 12 would be ideal. A securely fenced yard would be a bonus, but an active adopter committed to regular outings, enrichment, and training could be a great match too.
There is also an important medical disclosure: Hopkins’ previous owner had tuberculosis. The medical guidance provided to us assesses the risk of transmission from his owner to Hopkins as low, and onward transmission to another person as even lower. His owner’s test results also indicated lower contagiousness than in some other TB cases. This is an exposure history, not a confirmed TB diagnosis in Hopkins. His adopter should share it with their veterinarian so that, if respiratory symptoms ever develop, TB can be considered rather than overlooked.
Hopkins has been through something no dog should experience. But he is also a young, sweet boy with a whole life ahead of him, and we want that life to include more than being managed or feeling misunderstood.
He needs someone who will take his needs seriously, appreciate his slightly unconventional self, and make room for all 30 pounds of him. Preferably somewhere he can finally unpack and stay. Interested in this special boy? Please inquire today!
