Not just a dog

Well, it took me many weeks, but I finally worked up the courage to read Michelle and Melissa's final blog tributes to our friends, Stubby and Emmitt.

Though I knew about both of them going to the bridge, I had been avoiding reading about it, because I knew it would make me sad and cry . . . which it did, BUT, their touching tributes did something else - something that Emmitt and Stubby have been doing for a long time - they inspired me!

Stubby and Emmitt are probably two of the most inspiring dogs I've ever known. Stubby inspired his mom to start a blog, but not just any blog, one of the smartest, most important , environmentally informative blogs I've ever read. He and his mom helped share their passion for the earth and environment by giving us helpful tips and tricks to saving our mother earth - and that will live on forever.

And Emmitt - wow! Emmitt inspired his mom to change her entire life and focus on her true passion - art! The inspiration Melissa found in Emmitt not only changed her life, but all of our lives as I know all of us in the pug community adore her artwork and her wonderful blog that helps us see art in every aspect of life. And THAT will live on forever.

People often tell us "it's just a dog" or "they're pets, not people," but never underestimate the power of the pug! They are amazing, inspiring little creatures and trust me - they are not oblivious to this. Winston and Clementine inspire me every day, even if it's just the inspiration to smile and laugh and enjoy life. They inspired me to start this blog, which became a major writing outlet for me after I dropped out of my Graduate Program in Creative Writing. They were even a major inspiration for me to quit my job and start working for myself from home - so I could spend more time with them and enjoy them more. And when I sit at my desk in my home office here is a snapshot of what I look at throughout the day that keeps me inspired:

Emmitt and Melissa's art keeps me smiling all day. And Michelle and Stubby's blog kept me informed and entertained.

Yes, I cried. Yes, we will all miss having Emmitt and Stubby here on our plane of existence, but remember that all is not lost - Emmitt, Stubby and all our sweet, loving, funny, pugs will live on forever in the inspiration they give us and others.

Never. Underestimate. A PUG.

See you on the other side of the bridge, sweet boys.