PugSpeak's 4th of July Sale!

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

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

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!

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

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

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!

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