How did you first hear about the PDWRA?
We hadn’t heard of the PDWRA until a few years ago, they had a stall at a dog show raising funds.
How did you come to make the decision to adopt through the PDWRA?
We contacted several charities hoping to adopt a small dog in need of a loving home. Many charities stated we had to be within a 45 minute drive of the rehoming centres, the PDWRA website did not state this on the request form, so we got in touch.
When did you adopt Soks?
We adopted Soks when she was 8 weeks old, in September 2022.
What made you decide to adopt?
Our daughter and her dog moved home, the house felt empty without them. We were searching for a small dog that required re-homing and would enjoy walks.
Can you tell us a little bit about Soks?
Soks is a female Chug. Her mother is a pug and her father Chihuahua. Sok’s mother was taken in and homed by a PDWRA foster carer, at the time they were unaware that she was expecting 4 puppies. Soks had a temporary name of ‘Gloria’ due to all the puppies being named after ‘Madagascar’ characters and Soks having the rear end of a hippo! Her name was instantly changed once adopted to Soks, due to her white paws. She has an underbite that turns into a huge smile when she’s happy and a menacing grin when mischievous. She loves everyone, is extremely sociable with humans and other dogs, and well known locally to all that have met her. She often spends holidays with Mia the Chug and adores playing on the beach and running in the sea. Every evening before going to bed she goes into the garden, looks up at the neighbour’s windows and barks, waiting for them to waive goodnight to her. Her favourite TV programme is ‘The Dog House’ on Channel 4!
How did you find the adoption process?
We filled out the online form to adopt or foster, had an online interview that required us to give a brief tour of our home, then we waited (dogs were still in demand due to COVID 19). We received a phone call asking if we would consider adopting a puppy as we’d requested an older dog. From there, we visited the foster carers home to meet the puppies, Soks chose us, and we returned to collect her when she turned 8 weeks old. The process was easy, with ample support and guidance (Huge thank you to all the foster carers and all involved with PDWRA).
Anything you think prospective adoptive or foster parents should know?
If taking on a puppy, be prepared for sleepless nights and a hive of activity, followed by short naps and mischievous behaviour. We were extremely lucky that Soks required very little to no house training. Chugs aren’t lazy and Soks enjoys long walks, socialising with other dogs and daily zoomies. She can recognise all food and social locations that sell pup cups or have gravy bones. Don’t expect a Chug to forget any of these locations, walking pass is not an option!
What has life been like since adopting Soks?
The first 6 months can only be compared to a 2yr old mischievous human baby. The following years encourage you to explore the outdoors, enjoy the snuggles and the love a dog gives, meet other dog owners and give up 70% of your bed, as a chug takes up far more room than a herd of sheep when it comes to having personal space!
