ID No.: D.2.26

Age: 7 years

Sex: Male

Breed: Pug

Colour: Fawn with black muzzle

Reason In: Sign over. I cannot be rehomed to the area of Plympton, as this is where I came from.

Can I live with Dogs?

Yes – I like other dogs so would be happy to live with another quiet and calm dog and make friends.

Can I live with Cats?

Yes - I have lived with a cat in my previous home.

Can I live with Children?

Yes - I am suitable to live with any age children.

Hello! I’m Rico — a fun, playful, and very engaging little pug who absolutely adores people. Attention is my favourite thing in the world, and I make it very clear that I need plenty of it at all times! I’m an excitable chap and when I’m enjoying a good fuss I can be a bit gently mouthy, purely because I get so enthusiastic about love and cuddles.

I’m a very good boy for vet checks and treatment, even though I do have some ongoing medical issues that are currently being investigated. Because of my squishy face and special pug needs, I’m looking for adopters who already understand brachycephalic breeds and are confident managing medical care properly.

Toys are fun… but if I’m honest, I’d much rather be playing with your hands! I do enjoy toys in a gentle way, especially silicone ones with something attached that I can grab hold of — picking things up can be tricky with my face shape. I tend to lose interest in toys quite quickly if there’s a human nearby who could be giving me attention instead.

I’ve had baths and lots of brushing since arriving in rescue. I tolerated the bath nicely, but I loved being towel dried, and brushing is something I really enjoy. I can sit when asked and I’d be very keen to learn some new tricks in my forever home.

Walks are enjoyable for me, but I can only go for short gentle strolls. Multiple short walks a day (as long as it’s not too hot) are exactly what I need. I pull gently on the lead and must always wear a harness to protect my delicate throat. I’m polite when I meet other dogs out and about — I’ll say hello and then happily carry on with my day. When mixed off lead with another dog, I was very tolerant, even when the other dog wanted to play and I didn’t. If I were to live with another dog, I’d need a calm, gentle companion who won’t knock me over, especially as my back legs are a little unstable at the moment.

I absolutely adore people and can’t wait to greet everyone I meet. I previously lived with small children, but unfortunately they were scared of me, which is why I was given up for adoption. Despite that, I’m suitable to live with children of any age. I’ve lived with a cat, I’m crate trained, I travel well in the car, and I’ve never been allowed on the furniture — although I might be open to renegotiating that one…

I can be left alone for up to five hours and settle well. I’m looking for a loving home with people who understand and have owned pugs (or similar) in the past, enjoy affection as much as I do, and are ready for a loyal little shadow who just wants to be involved in everything.

If you’re looking for a cheerful, cuddly companion who will adore you endlessly, I might just be your perfect match.