Summary

The author shares how their pug, Aggie, helped reduce their anxiety through laughter and companionship.

Abstract

The author's family decided to get a dog, and after some research, they chose a black pug named Aggie, inspired by the character Agador Spartacus from the movie The Birdcage. Aggie brought joy and laughter to the family with his adorable looks and unique personality, such as spinning around and barking at the TV while watching SpongeBob SquarePants. The author also shares that Pugs were historically bred as royal dogs in China and were later popularized in Europe by the House of Orange. Aggie's cute appearance, love for everyone, and ability to rock costumes added to his charm. The author fondly remembers Aggie's love for stuffed animals, particularly a chicken he would carry to bed. Aggie's presence helped the author forget their anxiety, and they cherish the memories and photos of their beloved pet.

Bullet points

The author's family got a black pug named Aggie, inspired by the character Agador Spartacus from The Birdcage.
Aggie had a unique personality, such as spinning around and barking at the TV while watching SpongeBob SquarePants.
Pugs were historically bred as royal dogs in China and were later popularized in Europe by the House of Orange.
Aggie was cute, loved everyone, and could rock costumes.
Aggie loved stuffed animals, especially a chicken he would carry to bed.
Aggie helped the author forget their anxiety, and they cherish the memories and photos of their beloved pet.

Aggie — Photo courtesy of Danell Black (author)

How My Pug Reduced My Anxiety

Laughter is a big reason.

When my children were young, we discussed getting them a dog. I knew they would love it. My husband, Patrick, was reluctant. He finally agreed on two conditions: 1) We had to get a ‘really cool’ dog. 2) He got to pick the name. Patrick researched dogs and decided Pugs were the coolest dogs he could find. He thought black pugs were incredibly cool looking.

Patrick found a name both strange and awesome. The Birdcage is one of my favorite movies ever. Robin Williams and Nathan Lane are hilarious as the stars. One of my favorite supporting characters is the gay male maid, Agador Spartacus, played by Hank Azaria. Patrick chose this name for our puppy. Agador Spartacus was a big name for a small pug, so we shortened it to Aggie.

We lost Patrick in 2016 and Aggie almost precisely one year later. We like to imagine they are in heaven together. Aggie was Patrick’s dog, and we have fond memories of the two of them together. Let me tell you the reasons Aggie reduced anxiety and enriched our lives as I tell you his story.

Pugs are adorable puppies.

Just look at the picture below. Is Aggie not THE most adorable puppy? Those eyes! Patrick found a local breeder and went to visit. While there, he picked out Aggie.

When Aggie was old enough, we brought him home. The girls were probably 5 and 8 at the time, and we decided to surprise them. When they got home from school, Aggie was waiting for them. We waited for them to notice the cute puppy running around. I wish I had a video of them loving on him. They were so excited!

Patrick & Aggie — Courtesy of the author

Pugs have loads of personality!

We loved to watch Spongebob Squarepants around Aggie. When it came on, he would get up and run in circles and then bark at the TV. His reaction was similar to the reaction dogs have when they hear a doorbell. He could be sound asleep, but he would wake up and run to the TV. The spinning was hilarious to watch! Patrick noticed him doing it when he was trying to start the lawnmower, and he had me record him doing it.

Chinese Emperors bred Pugs as royal dogs!

I’m not sure if Patrick studied the history of Pugs, but it wouldn’t surprise me. According to the American Kennel Club, the Pug breed was started by Chinese Emperors and was only available to royalty and court members. The Emperors liked them for their small size and flattened face. In the sixteenth century, Pugs were exported to Europe by Dutch traders.

Patrick’s father, Andre, immigrated to the United States from the Netherlands as a teenager. My girls are 1/4 Dutch, and I’m sure they will be excited to learn Pugs were popularized in the Netherlands by the House of Orange, the Netherlands' current reigning house (Wikipedia). The American Kennel Club notes a legend about how a Pug saved the life of a Prince of Orange by barking to warn him of an enemy attack!

Did I mention how cute Pugs are?

Pugs are known for their flattened snouts, and they are often subject to health problems as a result. Luckily Aggie never had any conditions related to this, but he did make adorable sounds. One of my favorite videos is the one below, which is a short video of Aggie sleeping and making the sweetest sounds. The video is notable because, although it is not a high-quality video, you can see Patrick laughing in the background.

Aggie Sleeping — TikTok video — courtesy of the author

Pugs love everybody, especially people who will let them lick their faces!

I’m not sure why Aggie liked faces specifically, but he would happily share his love if someone offered a face. My brother, Denny, and nephew, Desmond, are not germaphobes and were happy to participate! You can hear Patrick singing in the background of the second video!

Aggie & Desmond — TikTok video — courtesy of the author

Pugs can rock just about any costume!

I’m not saying Aggie loved costumes. He did his little spinning routine to try and get them off. Usually, he wore the outfit just long enough to take a picture. The girls loved to put costumes on him, but they weren’t cruel!

The many costumes of Aggie — courtesy of the author

Pugs love stuffed animals.

One of my favorite memories of Aggie was his bedtime routine. He liked to snuggle up with the chicken (seen in the picture on the left) when he was getting ready for bed. He slept upstairs in Camille’s room, and I guess Aggie exclusively reserved the chicken for bedtime because he didn’t bring him downstairs in the morning. In the evening, when it started to get late, Aggie would run upstairs and then come back with the chicken in his mouth. We would all say, “Oh, it’s ‘chicken time’” in our goofy, talking to Aggie voices! He entertained us every day!

Aggie & his stuffed animals — photos courtesy of the author

And by the way, Pugs are super-cute!

I know I’m repeating myself. But look at this picture and tell me Aggie wasn’t adorable! He brought us so much joy over the years, and I don’t think I will ever have another pet like him. I’m glad we have a lot of memories and great pictures! If I ever feel anxious all I have to do is think of Aggie and my anxiety is forgotten!

Aggie being cute — photo courtesy of the author.