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John Mumma - Pug
Collector
 I am a pediatric ophthalmologist edging very
close to retirement. Since I don't relish the idea of sitting around
watching day-time soap operas, my wife of 37 years, Judy, and I have
always talked about the idea of opening an antique and collectible
business after my retirement. The internet has allowed us to get a
little head start.
 Like most men, I don't really enjoy shopping.
My wife, who lives to shop, has to force me to go out with her and buy
some new clothes every couple of years. For some reason she's
embarrassed to go out with me in my polyester pants, sport coats worn
thin and 10 year old shoes. She doesn't understand that's when they
start feeling comfortable!
 Judy has been collecting Mourning, Bakelite
and Native American jewelry for 30 years and to entertain myself at the
antique shows I started collecting pug dog figurines. I like the choice
because there aren't many at most shows, so I can finish looking quickly
and then find a comfortable spot and get in a few hours of good mystery
and adventure reading as she finishes up.
Our problem now is that our taste for
collecting has increased as my income has decreased, so we will be
selling some of our private collections, mainly so we can buy more. Not
to mention that our collections now occupy every nook and cranny of our
home! That makes sense, doesn't it? PLEASE HELP US CLEAR OUT SOME SPACE
SO WE WON'T ULTIMATELY BE FORCED TO LIVE IN THE GARAGE.
Why Pugs?
 Our love affair with pugs started in 1973 when
Toto became a member of our family. I don't remember why we picked a pug
puppy for our first dog. It is often said that pugs are worthless for
hunting, herding, guarding or even responding to mindless commands such
as "sit" or "come". They are only good for
entertainment, love and companionship. It is also said that once a lover
of pugs, always a lover of pugs. I know we quickly fell in love with our
funny-faced baby dog and pugs have been members of our family over
since. Toto has been followed by Tewa, Fawn, Nala and now Kachina. Collecting pug figurines followed naturally for me. I
can't look at any of my pugs without smiling and they now inhabit most
of our house. They are a natural for collecting. Since becoming popular
in Europe and England in the 18th century, they have never been the most
popular breed to own, but they have always been in the top dozen or so.
They aren't fads and they never go out of fashion. (For pug gluttons,
read my The History of Pugs.)
 Those of you who collect pugs have undoubtedly
learned that the value of a piece is subjective, hopefully tempered by
some knowledge. Basically, I've bought what I've liked, what makes me
smile. I'm sure I've paid too much for some of my pugs, but picked up a
few bargains - like most of you. I would like to add to the
"knowledge" portion of my equation. For instance, I rarely
know how to date when a piece was made and often don't know where or by
whom it was made. I will be honest about my ignorance in my
descriptions. I have found "pug people" to be a special and
generous breed. I will be happy to share what I do know with you, some
of which can be found in our pug "Personal Collection"
section, and I hope you will feel free to share your knowledge with me.
-JOHN MUMMA
    
    
    
 
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