From the Streets of Taiwan to Grand Marshal

In late 2009, Seattle Pug Rescue got a call about a pug in need. An American woman living in Taiwan had found him. When he wasn't being kept up off the ground in a bird cage, he was wandering the streets, eating rocks for lack of food.

She knew his best chance for survival was in the care of Seattle Pug Rescue. A few emails and phone calls later, he had a ticket to the US and was on his way.

In this Dec. 20, 2009 photo, you can see why SPR named him "Bones." He was little more than a shadow when he arrived, malnourished and ravaged with parasites and infections.

First, Bones was put under the medical care of Drs. Keith and Melissa Norton of Norton's Ark Veterinary Clinic (official vets of SPR).

See his story in pictures below to see what came next for Bones.


Jan. 23, 2010 - Bones hanging out at an SPR adopt-a-thon. He's begun to put on a little weight as he's treated for his medical issues.		Feb. 6, 2010 - Bones at another SPR adopt-a-thon. This kind of human contact was a new and different thing for him.

Feb. 14, 2010 - Bones has been cleared medically and has gone to foster care with SPR volunteer Jocelyn and her family.		Feb. 18, 2010 - Bones (right) with his foster sister, Coco (left), foster dad and a cat friend.

Feb. 22, 2010 - Part of Bones' training is socialization with people and animals. Here, Bones (center) is learning the joy of cuddles.		Feb. 28, 2010 - Bones (black harness) and his foster sister, Coco (red harness), enjoy a walk with their foster dad.

March 14, 2010 - After about a month in foster care, Bones has put on weight and learned important lessons about being a pug.		April 3, 2010 - Like most pugs, Bones has chosen a favorite piece of furniture in his foster home.
		On May 8, 2010, BONES served as grand marshal of the Parade of Rescue Pugs at the 15th Annual Pug Gala. (See pictures from the Gala here. And a video of Bones here.) In June 2010, Bones decided he liked his foster family so much, he chose them as his forever home. Congratulations and special thanks to SPR volunteer Jocelyn, Bones's foster mom and now forever mom! Jocelyn worked tirelessly on helping Bones improve his health and manage his on-going health issues, and learn basic skills (e.g., house training, going up stairs) as well as more complex lessons such as socialization. She also provided most of the photos on this page. To support the work of SPR in rescuing pugs like Bones, you can make a tax-deductible contribution.