Senior Pug Is Deaf, Blind And Overweight — But Still Has So Much Love To Give

Her name is Tugboat — and she has a BIG personality.

When rescuers at Animal Haven first pulled Tugboat from a city shelter, they weren’t at all sure what to expect. The 10-year-old pug mix was overweight, partially deaf, had a tumor removed from her leg, and appeared to be completely blind — all factors that might make it harder to get her adopted. But as soon as they got to know her a little, they began to realize just how unique she really is. 

senior pug is blind and deaf
Sophie Gamand

Tugboat got her name because of her size, of course, and because she sometimes needs a little help getting around. She’s not a huge fan of stairs and insists on being carried up and down them, but only if she’s being held upright — otherwise, she strongly objects. 

She has a LOT of spunk packed into her chubby little body … 

Shannon McLaughlin Kirkman

… and her rescuers are absolutely loving getting to know her as her personality comes out more and more each day. 

Shannon McLaughlin Kirkman

“She is hilarious,” Tiffany Lacey of Animal Haven told The Dodo. “Very loving but just sort of hangs out. Loves food! Shelter life doesn’t seem to faze her at all. She gets a lot of attention.” 

Sophie Gamand

Her rescuers are still trying to determine if Tugboat is completely blind or just mostly blind … 

Sophie Gamand

… but so far, it doesn’t appear that her sight helps her very much at all. 

She doesn’t let her blindness get in her way, though, and she absolutely loves going for walks and exploring the world around her. Her future family will definitely have to help her lose a little weight along the way, but overall she’s an incredibly happy, sweet dog who just wants to find a family to retire with. 

Sophie Gamand

“She needs someone with a sense of humor for sure,” Lacey said. “She really would do well in nearly any home. Kids, other dogs and cats are totally fine.”

If you’re interested in adopting Tugboat, you can contact Animal Haven for more information. 
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