Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Greta Pug Munchskin - Truly One of a Kind


Greta Pug Munchskin
02/22/2012 - 09/09/2014



Stan and I have been loved by pugs for more than 20 years. 
Of course they all have been different with different personalities and quirks 
but there had never been a pug quite like Greta.

A personality so much larger than her little body. 

Everyone who met Greta loved her, 
she was so full of fun and naughtiness.
What ?    Naughty?   Me?

Greta did everything with an intensity hard to match, 

whether it was having fun, eating, obsessing over her ball,





and of course her love for us.


As a puppy, almost everything with Greta was a challenge. Sometimes I would get so frustrated but I was determined to meet the challenge. Imagine a little 6 lb pug puppy so full of fight, I could hardly get a collar on her to go to puppy class. Finally the day came when she would stand excitedly for me to put her halter or collar on. 

She did not want to be held! OH NO! 
So it became a daily ritual for me to pick her up and hold her till she quit struggling. 
And after time it turned into our daily ritual for me to pick her up and hold her like a baby and we gave each other love and kisses, every day.

To describe her as naughty would be an understatement. 

 Always into something I could not let her out of my sight.


Modifications were made throughout the house and yard just for Greta. 
Sections of x-pen blocked room corners so she couldn't take the rocks out of the plant pots. Stan made panels to block her from getting behind the couches.
 Fences were put up around flower beds
 to keep her from stripping branches off the bushes 
and eating the bark and the decorations.



She was way too smart. When still potty training we would leave up the x-pen panels to block her from the living room. It did not take her long to figure out - a little push here with her nose and a pull there with her teeth and she could move it out of her way. So a more permanent gate was mounted on the wall.

I would give her a chew bone in the morning to keep her busy so I could get ready for work, and again in the late evening to help her (and me) relax before bed and it was still her routine, giving me her "time for my bone, Mom" look.





We started training classes when she was just 4 months old 

She loved learning new things and going to class.



 I wanted her to do well but most of all I wanted her to have fun. 


I never could get her to sit straight at my side, 



she would always rock back on her little pug butt so she could look up at me.


 But her recalls were pawsome!
 I would call her and she would run to me as fast as she could.


 At our last show the judge said "hard to beat a recall like that!" 

At home she always ran to her crate when we would be leaving for work or shopping, 
but if I was around she wanted nothing to separate us. 



That even included riding in the car. She would have none of riding in her crate in the back seat, crying and ripping up the crate pads. 


Finally she was happy to ride in the front with her harness hooked to the seat belt 
where she could be by my side

As much as she loved me, she also loved her Dad.

 I found it funny that she would lay near me on the couch but would not snuggle, 
but she was always willing to be on her Dad's lap to "help" him take a nap. 


But when we went to bed at night it was usually my side she was glued to 
or she would be on the pillow above my head 

Some of my favorite memories are of her
running so fast through the big yard she would almost fly.


 She ran with such joy and abandon

On the day she got sick, 
she was having a wonderful time playing with friends
Murphy & Stanley


 and I am so thankful that we have these last pictures of her


running - smiling with ears flying

What precious memories to have




So we are trying to adjust to life without Greta,
whose energy and passion for life
 filled every aspect of our lives


I can sleep in on the weekends if I want to now, I don't get smothered with kisses at 6 am telling me I need to get up and feed her breakfast. At some point the hair pulling to wake me up stopped, but I could not tell you when.

I don't have to sneak dishes into the dishwasher anymore to keep Greta from climbing in with the dishes and riding the basket right into the dishwasher.

 Greta is no longer pulling at the couch cushion -  her way of telling me, get off the computer Mom and play with me!.  The velcro underneath made it sound like she was ripping the cushion to  shreds and she knew I would come running.  

I don't have to worry about disturbing the little pug wrapped around my feet
 while I am getting ready in the morning

And I am no longer late for work because after 10 minutes outside 
Greta has yet to find that perfect spot to pee



You would think that life would be easier now
but all of this was so much easier than losing her
and I would do it all over ten times and more
for Greta

Going through all the pictures,
 I came across one that was taken last summer
and I envision a scene just like this one day

Greta by my side as we walk together 
to greet the rest of the PugRanch Kids waiting at the Bridge





My Dear Sweet Naughty Greta

there will never be another quite like you
I still can't believe your gone

I love you Baby

Mom




45 comments:

  1. That was beautiful. What a little character. Your post made us smile....

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  2. such a beautiful and hear breaking tribute. I know your bond with Gretta is truly special
    retro rover

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  3. Lovely tribute to your wonderful Greta. We know how much she will be missed by you both. They come into our lives and everything changes but when they leave the love remains forever. Loved the photo of Greta flying across the garden and OMD LOL at the dishwasher. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
    We too will miss the little bundle of mischief.
    Best wishes Molly
    Hugs to you.

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  4. Very nice tribute to Greta. Mommy smiled so big at the one with Greta by your feet in the kitchen. So cute. Big hugs to you.

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  5. that is the most wonderful way to celebrate your little girls life - as much as it hurts she bought so much joy and kept you on your toes and that is the bet way to remember her

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  6. You have such great memories of Greta. What a great little dog she was.

    Sending hugs.

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  7. What a lovely tribute to a very special girl, Greta
    Loves and licky kisses
    Princess Leah xxx

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  8. Thank you so much Linda for sharing those pictures with us. We love to see Greta's ears a flying when she is running, and mom's most favorite in the whole world was her hiding in that cabinet from you, we will never forget that post. Thank you also for being so kind to little gussie and his letter, that meant a lot to mom and him. Hugs and love
    stella rose and momma

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  9. What a wonderful tribute to a very special little girl. I know you'll miss her every day, but eventually the pain will turn into an ache with a little smile attached. Love to you and the rest of the Pug Ranch Kids!

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  10. Dear Linda and Stan,
    I had been having a difficult time understanding WHY Greta had to go to the bridge at such a YOUNG Age, until I read this. Now having read all about her... at one time... I can see clearly that she lived each and every second of her days... packing in MORE than most dogs can in a MONTH. Our sweet girl surely knew how to LIVE and ENJOY every moment... She must have known that she would receive the call and wanted to have left YOU and US with the most important lesson of all... Live Life to the FULLEST and leave DELIGHTFUL memories for those we love to savor.
    WHAT A GIRL. What a Beautiful TEACHER she was... and continues to be.

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  11. An absolutely beautiful tribute to your beautiful girl but also one that needs a tissue alert. Greta will always be remembered and loved by all who knew her both in the furs and also virtually in Blogville.

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  12. What a nice tribute. It's so hard losing a furry kid
    Lily & Edward

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  13. Dear Linda, Stan, Hazel and Bailey.
    Often you hear...things happen for a reason...good and bad....I will never understand the bad
    happening...but I guess I have learned to accept it for we all know it is out of our hands. One thing I have learned from Greta's passing is live each day to the fullest. We are only promised the moment we are in. Greta was smart she learned this early. If Greta had a motto it was act now before the moment passes. She knew she could apologize later. ...with that beautiful smile and loving eyes. What a precious post full of the best of Greta. I too chose to remember her running with the big Doods and keeping up.
    Your love for her is in every letter of every word on this post.
    Hugs madi and cecilia

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  14. What a lovely post for Greta. She knows you were meant to be a part of each other's lives. And, as painful as losing her is, only Greta could give you so many wonderful memories to cherish. Just remember, only special people get such special pugs like Greta. God bless you and Stan and, of course, Hazel and Bailey!

    Love, Gampy and Gammy

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  15. I agree she was THE ONE and all things we love on pugs were bundled inside of this fabulous girl. I will miss her smile and I will miss this beautiful girl.... Many thanks for this wonderful post for a wonderful pug, even with leaky eyes I had to smile as I saw her photos...

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  16. What a lovely tribute to your Greta. It's sad she had to leave so young.

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  17. What a beautiful, heartfelt tribute to a wonderful, vibrant, baby girl.....

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  18. What a lovely tribute. Such a lovely girl with a zest for life.

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  19. What a beautiful tribute that is to your sweet girl. We were glad to have had the chance to meet her in the furs and run with ears flying!

    Your Pals,

    Murphy, Stanley, Mom & Dad

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  20. Such a lovely, lovely tribute to Sweet Greta!! Because she looked like she was always gettin' into 'trouble' I always had a soft spot in my heart for her...kindred spirits I guess!! BOL
    Ma says that she's glad I'm not a smaller doggie, cause she would have to put up more barricades around the house! (whatevers...)
    This is a post that should be posted every year, it really shows what a FABulous life she had, and the love she gave, and the love she was given.
    Kisses,
    Ruby ♥

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  21. Such a beautiful post! So full of life that little rascal girl. xoxo Punchy

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  22. We are sorry we have to learn so much about Greta now that she is gone, wish we had known her longer. But your post is so loving - really lets us get to know what a very special girl Greta was - and continues to be as Angel Greta.

    Woos - Phantom, Ciara, and Lightning

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  23. What a huge personality little Greta had, it just shines out from those photos. My heart goes out to you, I know how much you loved your little girl. She was very lucky to have a great life with a wonderful family and it is obvious she loved every minute of it.
    Hugs, Lynne xxx
    ps, naughty little dogs are the best dogs ;)

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  24. Hari OM
    This was a wonderful read for those of us who missed meeting Greta properly; she truly embraced her inner Labrador it seems.... with maybe a touch of the feline in there too, Blessings to you and remaining pugs; YAM xx

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  25. A beautiful post. There is no sound louder than a dog's heartbeat, but you only notice how loud it was once it's gone

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  26. Your tribute to Greta is painted across the skys tonight. Every star is twinkling with her loving spirit. And more than that- our hearts will never forget her. The universe will never forget her.
    There was something very different and special about little Greta,,, she knew how to make fun out of making mischief and being naughty. It all made her happier and happier.
    Our favorite photo,,, we can never choose,, but our hearts will always remember her racing as fast as her little legs could carry her- running to you.
    Thank you for sharing Greta with blogville,,, because of Greta- we have all seen how we should live every second,,,,to the fullest- that is what her life shows,,,, and to be happy!
    Greta was one of a kind,,, and she was chosen especially to touch your life with love.
    love
    tweedles

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  27. Thank you for sharing your girl with us.

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  28. Loved, loved, your tribute to Greta it made my heart smile.

    Aroo to you,
    Sully

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  29. What a lovely tribute to Greta and her larger than life personality. The pictures of her "flying" are too adorable. Our angel Abby was such a mischevious girl as well, and it's tough to get used to the absence of that mischief. She may be gone, but not forgotten. Love never dies. I hope she's sent you a little message to let you know she got "there" okay. Hugs.

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  30. What a nice post for such a special dog. Greta was truly loved and couldn't have had a better life and better companions to share it with. Hugs to you. xo

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  31. Thank you for sharing such special memories and photos of Greta. The pic where she is partially hidden by your legs and looking up at you got to me, so precious. I will miss reading about her naughtiness and many adventures. But I'm so glad you both shared an incredible love that will last a lifetime.
    Love and prayers,
    Christy

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  32. Greta had the personality of all the things we love.
    Excitement and energy love and mischievous antics.
    Thank you for sharing her with blogville.
    XO Cinnamon and Linda

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  33. Mom Kim here - somehow I missed this yesterday. Even though there are tears in my eyes, when I read your words and look at those pictures of dear Greta flying over the fields, I can't help but smile. Like Madi and Mom said - "things happen for a reason...good and bad....I will never understand the bad happening" And yes, one does accept that bad happens and this kind of bad I never will understand. There is another saying that once you do reach heaven then all things are understood - whether it is people or our pets, when one dies at such a young age - I don't know if that will ever be understood no matter when you, yourself reach the Rainbow Bridge. All we can do now is think about all those happy memories and even shed a tear or two now and then - even when we smile - I like to think of those as happy tears.
    Big hugs to you all-
    Mom Kim, Shiloh-Lord of the Manor an' Diva Shasta

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  34. What a beautiful tribute! <3
    Love, Ellen & The Fab Five
    Zoe, Peyton, Webster, Liberty & Whitney

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  35. Lovely post. She is truly missed but was so so loved.

    Hugs
    Emma Sequoia and Jenn

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  36. It's so true the saying "AHHHHH Memories", glad you have those to help. We didn't know Greta was such a fun loving krazy pug, bet she knows how much happiness she gave you!

    The Mad Scots

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  37. Greta was the epitome of Multum in Parvo, a lot of dog in a little package. She packed so much life into a few years. Thank you for sharing these wonderful memories.

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  38. What a lovely, sweet, and heartbreaking story of a wonderful little girl. Thank you so much for the adorable memories of Greta. She was certainly very happy and very loved. ♥

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  39. Thank you for this beautiful tribute for beautiful Angel Greta. She lived a very happy life with you and now she watches over all of you.

    Love Sasha

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  40. Blogger ate my comment. I didn't know you before Greta crossed the Bridge but you made me love her with your beautiful words about her life. She sounds like she was a super special and precious one with a wonderful combination of cute naughtiness and deep love for you and your husband. I wish that I'd known you sooner (but I'm going back to read some posts about Greta). I send you my deepest sympathy.

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  41. Dear Angel Greta
    Today
    I looked at the sky and saw the fluffy clouds.
    I sat and searched as the clouds floated by
    I turned this way- then that way--
    And all of a sudden
    there you were-
    everywhere I looked,,
    you were every where
    and I knew it was you.
    You were heading to the clouds in Idaho
    I hope your family can see you too
    love
    tweedles

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  42. Thank you so much for sharing this fantastic tribute to Greta. She was a larger than life dog like my Oskar and one that makes your heart burst with joy! You were blessed with her and blessed us by sharing her with us.
    Marty's Mom

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  43. What an amazing tribute! Thank you so much for sharing her/your story with us.

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  44. Thank you for sharing all these wonderful memories of Greta. We will all miss her very much. Her sense of adventure and mischief made her such a special pug, and she also knew how to show you how much she loved you. She will never be forgotten.

    -Love,
    Sid and Brian

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  45. What a beautiful tribute to a truly special little girl. Mommy cried the whole time she was reading it. The pictures are all so sweet and we giggled when we saw Greta in the dishwasher.

    She will always have a special place in our hearts.

    ♥♥Mona, Prissy and Mommy

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