Writer Susan Lipkus marvels at her pug’s capacity for joy and affection despite having a disability with only three legs. His left back leg is missing and he hops like a bunny while walking down the street.
Desiring to share her pug’s story of finding a forever home, the St. Albert resident wrote a 24-page early reader for young children titled Jim the Pug, My Best Day Ever.
Lipkus first heard of Jim while scrolling Kijiji ads. She had previously lost an older rescue and was searching for another companion that needed shelter, safety and love. Born into a litter of seven purebred pugs, the fawn-coloured puppy was only a few weeks old when she first spotted him.
“He had the most incredible lines, and his face was so special. I really wanted to take him home. The breeder asked me to send a $100 deposit, and she sent me videos of him running with a leg hanging on the side like a chicken wing,” said Lipkus.
When questioned about the leg, the breeder stated Jim’s mother bit his leg. Lipkus asked the breeder to take the young puppy to a veterinarian and she’d pick up the bills. Despite the offer, the breeder refused the request.
As soon as Jim was old enough to leave his mother, Lipkus’ first thought was to seek immediate treatment, never imagining the adventure would take so many turns.
“There were no bite marks on his leg. I’m sure somebody stepped on it. When I took him to the vet, the vet said the bones were broken and never set. Jim never used his leg. Because he never used his leg, it atrophied, and the vet suggested an operation.”
After a year and four operations at Mission Ridge Animal Hospital followed by a great deal of time spent in home rest and crate care, the 7.1-kilogram pug is living his best life.
“He loves his life and is happy every day. He’s a very goofy dog and it’s difficult to get mad at him. He’s a jokester, and he’s so smart. I never taught him to get his collar, but one day he went and got it because he wanted to go out for a walk. And he would go into the cupboard and get me my shoes.”
However, the four operations, which cost $15,000, put a dent in Lipkus’s savings. A retired special education teacher and job placement counsellor for people with disabilities, the St. Albert resident sold her classic 2002 Chrysler Sebring convertible to pay the bills.
“It was the first car I bought spinning on a showcase. At that time, I was a real estate agent and was very successful and able to provide for my daughter, Rebecca. But I have no regrets.”
Ultimately, Lipkus would like to see her book in all elementary schools.
“I want this book in schools to teach children to not be afraid of somebody with a disability. And if a child with a disability reads this book, I hope they find a way of loving themselves and growing into the person they’re meant to be.”
St. Albert artists, illustrator Lizette Duvenage and book designer Mary Noden, both contributed to the success of Jim the Pug, My Best Day Ever.
Both Lipkus and Jim will attend a book signing at the Bookstore on Perron on Saturday, Oct. 19 from 1-3 p.m.
