Fun

Pug Told He Had Weeks To Live Just Celebrated His 15th Birthday At Hooters

Written by: Katie Kirnan

January 19, 2016

This is Scrappie.

Scrappie is not your average 15-year-old pug. He has an incredible story to tell. We had the pleasure of speaking with his mom, Florida resident Carlie Anderson, who shared the amazing tale of how they met, saved each other, and became family. (Oh, and how a pug got to celebrate his birthday at a Hooters. More on that later.)

Scrappie and his mom, Carlie Anderson, this story's other hero.

Scrappie and his mom, Carlie Anderson, the two heroes of this story.

Carlie has been a dog lover and owner for years. In addition to being a pet parent to six other dogs and one cat, she also volunteers as the medical coordinator for Central Florida Pug Rescue. Two-and-a-half years ago, Carlie was at the vet with her pugs for an otherwise ordinary visit. A fellow vet visitor approached Carlie and began telling her about an elderly, ill pug he had at home. Carlie offered to help however she could, so the man ran back to his house and returned with Scrappie.

In addition to several other health problems, Scrappie was significantly underweight.

In addition to several other health problems, Scrappie was clearly underweight.

After seeing Scrappie – and realizing he needed help – Carlie offered to adopt him, right there on the spot. She even covered Scrappie’s vet bill that day when the man struggled to make the payment.

In the days that followed, multiple vets examined Scrappie. They each reached the same unfortunate conclusion: Scrappie only had a couple of weeks to live. In addition to being underweight and older – at 12 or 13 years old – he was suffering from a variety of issues: fungal skin infections, fleas, hookworms, rectal prolapse, oral hygiene, damage to his back legs, and an injured right shoulder. The vets encouraged Carlie to consider euthanasia. When we asked Carlie about this pivotal moment, she said:

My response was ‘No, we’ll get through this.’ It’s not like I knew he’d make it. But I could just see in his eyes that he wanted to. I felt like he was looking at me, asking for help.

Undeterred, Carlie helped Scrappie fight for his life: He received dental work. He was neutered. And over the next several months, with help from Carlie, Central Florida Pug Rescue, the folks at the Privileged Critters Animal Hospital in Lakeland, Florida, multiple vet visits, and lots of love from his new siblings at home, Scrappie began to show significant signs of improvement.

On the left, Scrappie suffering from fungal infections. On the right, Scrappie looks as good as new!

On the left, Scrappie is suffering from fungal infections. On the right, he looks good as new!

During the first few months in his new home, Scrappie put on some much-needed poundage.

During the first few months in his new home, Scrappie put on some much-needed poundage.

Scrappie's new sibling Champ, on the right, cuddles his brother back ot health.

One of Scrappie’s new siblings Champ, on the right, cuddles his brother back to health.

Scrappie and Ginger.

Scrappie and another sibling, an American Bulldog named Ginger. Although Ginger has since passed, Carlie says that she and Scrappie were BFFs.

Carlie notes that Scrappie’s siblings were particularly pivotal in his recovery. Although dogs can sense when another is sick, their attention to Scrappie surprised Carlie – her pug, Champ, often didn’t like other dogs, and another, Ozzie, was not fond of cuddling. But that all changed when Scrappie arrived. All of the dogs took it upon themselves to lick him, lie with him, and care for him. Now, Carlie says, they love to cuddle and she often finds them lying together “like Tootsie Rolls.”

As snug as three pugs in a rug.

As snug as three pugs in a rug.

Since their fateful meeting on August 13, 2013 (which is now his birthday), Scrappie has proven to be one strong pug, defying the odds and finding a new leash on life with his new family. Scrappie appreciates simple things: being outside, feeling the sun on his face, sticking his head out the car window, and joining Carlie on errands. And now that he is healthy and strong, Carlie is committed to helping him live a full life.

Scrappie loves, loves, LOVES riding in the car.

Scrappie loves, loves, LOVES riding in the car.

Since recovering from his injuries, Scrappie has discovered that he loves doing one thing above all else: going to his favorite local pizza place every Friday night. Carlie, her fiancé, and Scrappie have been going there once a week for the past two years. For the hoomans, it’s a fun atmosphere to grab a great slice. But for Scrappie, it’s all business – checking up on everyone, making sure things run smoothly, and occasionally indulging in a small bite (a little reward for eating healthy all week).

Scrappie, keeping an eye on things.

Scrappie, keeping an eye on things at his favorite pizza joint. Carlie tells us that patrons recognize Scrappie, but not necessarily her!

In August, Scrappie celebrated his 15th birthday – a remarkable milestone given the state he was in just two years ago. To celebrate, Carlie helped organize a big day full of adventures. First, Scrappie helped Carlie do a little shopping for the day.

Shopping with a smile.

Shopping with a smile.

Then, Scrappie brought a thank-you card to his friends at Privileged Critters Animal Hospital, who were essential to his rehabilitation.

Scrappie thanked some of the hoomans that helped him get back on his paws.

Scrappie wanted to thank some of the hoomans that helped him get back on his paws.

The self-appointed pizza mascot then stopped by his favorite restaurant to check on things…and was surprised with a birthday pizza pie baked personally by the owner!

He's smiling on the inside. Right now, he's still in joyous shock.

He’s smiling on the inside. Right now, he’s still in joyous shock.

And then, Scrappie took a trip to Hooters to meet the girls there. Although Carlie admits that this was technically her idea, she knew that Scrappie would appreciate it – apparently, he’s a big ol’ flirt. And the ladies loved him.

Scrappie living the dream.

Scrappie living the dream.

Scrappie’s not stopping there though. He and Carlie wrote up a bucket list, and while he’s completed nearly 75% of it, there are a few more things he’d like to cross off, including visiting a hospital and getting his portrait done.

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Today, Scrappie continues to enjoy his very full life with his very big family – which has since expanded to include two English bulldogs.

Scrappie and his siblings sleep here every night!

Scrappie and his family cuddle together here every night!

Scrappie and Carlie’s inspiring story is a reminder that love and family have incredible healing powers, and we should strive to make every moment count. So, here’s to Scrappie, and to many more wonderful days with the dogs we love!

scrappie meme use

Many thanks to Carlie Anderson for sharing her and Scrappie’s incredible story.

Featured image via Carlie Anderson

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Written by: Katie Kirnan

January 19, 2016

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