When it comes to little animals, I couldn’t be more smitten. I adore cats, rabbits, and more. But doggies are my favorite.
For some reason, pugs especially melt my heart. I have two. Nikkos has more traditional markings. He’s fawn with a black face. And Nigel is all black. They are my babies and I think they’re perfect. Right down to their little smashed faces and curly tails. What’s not to love?
High Maintenance:
However, I’m the first to admit, pugs are a mess. They easily overheat in the summer, snore when they sleep, they’ve both had health problems requiring surgery and Nigel suffers allergies each year. In other words, they can be a high-maintenance breed. Ah…just like their mommy. 
Importance of Research:
In all seriousness though, pugs can be very expensive. And unfortunately this can lead to devastating situations. When people don’t research the breed and just buy a pug because they are cute or popular – they are not prepared for investing in necessary medical procedures and/or medications and sometimes choose to euthanize instead. Or they dump their pug on the side of the road. Beyond that, there are also pugs rescued from puppy mills that need help as well. It’s heartbreaking!
To the Rescue:
So when I heard about one company’s effort to help pugs – I had to share. The company is theBalm. And net proceeds from the sale of their product, theBalm to the Rescue, are donated to Pug Rescue to save pugs, care for them and eventually place them in loving homes.
theBalm to the Rescue is a lip balm that’s aimed at being both moisturizing and exfoliating. It’s formulated with jojoba and shea butter and contains no animal products. Until yesterday, I’d not heard of this product, so I can’t give you my personal opinion on it. However I can tell you, reviews on Sephora.com are very good…48 reviews with an average 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Such a simple way to help:
I personally ordered a couple of these last night and really encourage any pug lovers or dog lovers to think about ordering as well. And if you’re more inclined to support another breed in some other way…by all means, please do. I know pugs aren’t the only little creatures in need.
Now wouldn’t it be great if more companies offered this kind of thing? Have a happy day!
theBalm to the Rescue is available at both Sephora.com and theBalm.com.
Pug photo source via weheartit.
theBalm to the Rescue photo courtesy of theBalm via Sephora.com.
Video by theBalm via YouTube.com.
Hi Piper, thank you for the nice and sweet comment that you gave me at my blog, i love dogs too, and pugs are the cutest indeed, have to check out on the balms, this is a very good post, love it, xoxo
jemina´s last blog ..uniform of choice
♥ Jemina – Thank you! I wish more manufacturers offered simple ways to give back like this.
XO Piper
This is such a wonderful idea! I’m a crazy dog lover who cries every time I see those ASPCA or Humane Society commercials on tv. It’s so nice when you have the opportunity to help out some cute helpless pups!
Jen´s last blog ..Amber Pollard Sample Sale
♥ Jen – I agree. I’ve gotten so that I have to mute the tv or change the channel…because I’m exactly the same. So I was just thrilled when I discovered this program.
XO Piper
Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving a lovely comment.
I heart puppies in a big way. xo Mish
♥ Mish Dish – You’re welcome. And me too –>puppies are just so easy to heart.
XO Piper
Pugs are one of the most beautiful animals on earth. They make you happy just to look at them. I learned something new from this post about their plight–thanks!
Laura Connell´s last blog ..Seasonless Style
♥ Laura – It’s so nice to meet fellow pug-fans. And I couldn’t agree with you more about them being a source of happiness. I just smile every time I look at Nikkos or Nigel…or any pug!
XO Piper
Love your piece on pugs! I had no idea what it took to “maintain” them!
♥ Melissa – Although it’s what makes them so darn cute, I think their smashed face, among other things, creates some challenges for them.
XO Piper
I couldn’t agree more! I’m a huge sucker for those ugly cutie bullies.
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♥ Hannah – lol! They may just fall into that “so ugly – they’re cute” category.
XO Piper
They are so cute! I am so glad I read this because I had no idea that they were so high maintenance / expensive compared to other pets. I think it’s a fantastic idea with the lip balm.
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♥ Café Bellini – They are darlings…but both of ours had to have surgery to shorten their soft palates and Nigel also required additional surgery to open up his nose more – so he could breathe better. (Yes, my doggy had a nose job!)
And that was just within the first month of bringing them home. There have been additional issues since then. I love pugs so much – but they can be expensive. Thanks so much for your comment!
XO Piper
Oh my goodness! Your pug is soooo adorable and that video is waaaay too cute! Thanks for letting me know about these balms. I just saw them at Sephora but didn’t realize they benefited a good cause. I totally agree with you and wish companies put more of their profits toward charitable causes.
Sonja´s last blog ..Benefit Confessions of a Concealaholic feeds your need for flawless skin
♥ Sonja – Maybe this kind of philanthropy will catch on among other brands…we can always hope.
XO Piper
Awwww! I’m a dog lover too. Great post…it’s nice to hear about companies who support animal welfare and rights. And Nikkos and Nigel? Love it.
♥ V
http://www.gritandglamour.com
Grit and Glamour´s last blog ..WVW: Blue Blazes*
♥ V- I love meeting fellow dog lovers – always good people! The funny thing about their names is that I have about a million nicknames for both…so when they actually hear the names Nikkos or Nigel, I think they probably know they’re in trouble. lol!
XO Piper