GPS: Grumpy Pug Syndrome

Greetings Mousekateers!

Tonight I'm going to go a little OT (off topic) to ask a question to my dog owning friends.

I'm starting to notice a little trend in my beloved Mr. Pig. We've had Jake since February of 2007. He was a rescue from the Northern IL Pug Rescue (which is absolutely amazing. Please consider adopting one of their fantastic pugs or making a donation- they really are just a fabulous rescue.) He was 8 years old when we adopted him and was already owned by 2 different families. While we don't know a ton about his first home, we do know that he was abused. He is blind in one eye due to a wood object (stick, pencil) going through his eye. In his second home, he was dearly loved, but since he had marking issues, they had to give him up. Apparently people don't like having their baby twins peed on for some reason.

I say all of this because I think it may have something to do with this new little streak I'm seeing in him. When we first got him, he was incredibly social. He loved everyone and would happily play with our nieces and nephew with no hesitation. He's let them pull on his ears and tail with no problem at all. However, in the past few months he's become even MORE of a Mama's boy. Now, this isn't too big of a deal for me- I love cuddling with my sweet puggy. The downside is that I've noticed that he has virtually no interest in anyone who isn't Chad or myself. He's become a lot more protective of us and barks at everyone (including the other animals) who dares come near us while on his turf. He's becoming what I never thought he would: a crotchety old man.

Has anyone else experienced this with their dog? He's now roughly 12 years old, so he is an older dog. He would love nothing more than to cuddle up to Chad or I all day and not move a muscle, when he used to love to play and chase his tail. Summer had even stopped trying to play with him- she probably figured out that she's barking up the wrong tree (get it?).

So, is this to be expected? Should I be concerned? Any advice is appreciated!

Our Pigs.

As many of you know- I'm a proud mother. My kids just happen to be of a different species.

Meet Jake and Summer. They're our babies in practically every sense of the word. They're spoiled rotten and both are just plain dumb, but they're sweet and they can make any bad day better just be being themselves. I just wanted to share some adorable piggy pictures.

We're STILL battling the house training issues with Summer. She's had such a problem with it. The rescue we got her at said this would likely be a problem since the had been trapped in a cage for over 4 years of her life. Jake on the other hand is just a marker. There is almost no greater stress when you're a pet owner than having a dog who is perfectly capable of being fully house trained but is choosing not to be. We got him a belly band, and it certainly keeps him from peeing but it also hasn't quite caught on yet. Summer seems to be doing better with her diaper, but while it's absolutely hilarious to see her in it, I wonder if we have to keep one of her forever.

Does anyone have any advice? We were thinking about crating, but the vet told us it would likely do no good since Summer is used to using the restroom in her own cage. I'm about 5 minutes short of calling Cesar Millan!