7 weeks and 4 days. I didn’t really know what to expect when we took on our first foster Pug. What I wasn’t prepared for was how strong I would feel about caring for this tough little guy, and how in less than 2 months he would have such an impact on us.
We got the call from PDWRA on 22nd December, and young Bertie’s situation was such that we knew we needed to go and collect him immediately. Despite being quite poorly, he was in OK spirits and settled in quite quickly with our 4-year-old female pug, Yoyo.
The first 4 weeks were all about getting him treated for a bad UTI and a swollen prostate, as well as a potential hip issue. The vet explained that neutering him would sort the prostate problem, so as soon as he was clear from the UTI he was straight back in for his op. Bertie had to wear a very fetching blue recovery suit for 2 weeks, but this was great as we found he loved dressing up. What quickly became evident once he felt better, was how energetic he was. Even just seeing me pick up his harness resulted in huge amounts of excitement to get out of the door. It didn’t matter what the weather was doing, he just needed to be out there.
I was nervous about how our existing pug, Yoyo, would take to him – and initially there was some jealousy, but they soon started to settle. The main game at night was they switched beds repeatedly, and one always wanted what the other one had. Sure enough, over the weeks they began to bond and would play well together. Bertie was very strong, but always the gentleman, with Yoyo ultimately calling the shots.
Bertie’s teeth weren’t in great condition, so we had to try a few different approaches with food to get him eating properly. Yoyo loves her blueberries and green beans, but at first Bertie would just spit them out. I got him eating again with wet food and as he improved, we moved him back to dry food and also some more vegetable treats. It was a huge win when he started to really enjoy his green beans, to the extent they are now his favourite treat!
Throughout this time, PDWRA were fantastic with support from our Area Co-ordinator. I kept a steady stream of photos and updates, and they were on hand with advice, guidance and reassurance. The first few weeks were full-on, but that was mainly due to getting Bertie’s various issues treated, and regular trips to the vet. One thing that really stood out was what a battler he was. He never showed any sign of holding back and was always keen to be a part of whatever was happening. We slowly built up to two walks per day, and he would always be out front, leading the way and loving life.
It was impossible not to feel uplifted by watching him power forwards each day. I should add that Bertie has hip dysplasia on his right hip, and had a distinctive hopping gait. We initially thought this would hold him back, but then started to see just how quick and nimble he could be. Nothing was going to stop Bertie.
One of the standout aspects of Fostering was seeing Bertie improve each day, bit by bit. I hadn’t anticipated the bond this would form, to the extent he would wait behind doors for me whenever I left the room and watch my every move when we were together. He quickly became a fixture in everything I did. The mornings were my favourite time. I would come into the kitchen to be greeted by two very excited pugs, both leaning hard into me for cuddles. It was incredible how quickly Bertie became part of the family – he just slotted in perfectly.
I lost many nights sleep wondering if we should adopt him and keep him permanently. I knew deep down he would be much better suited as a solo Pug. He just craves attention and would gladly walk two or 3 times a day. Yoyo is more genteel, and whilst she was very gracious in sharing her home, Bertie could take over at times and needed to be the centre of attention. Throughout this, PDWRA were hugely supportive, with wise advice and guidance, and plenty of practical support.
Handing over Bertie to his new family was a really emotional time. Fortunately, our close friends had also fostered Pugs before and reiterated how we have played our key part in helping him live his best life, and a key part in his journey. They were right, when I met his new adoptive parents, I could immediately see the joy he would bring to them, and there was no doubt he would be treated like the superstar that he is. He is just the perfect soul for a wonderful family who recently lost their long-term beloved Pug.
So yes, 7 weeks and 4 days with Bertie as our first foster was incredibly rewarding. His strong, determined and unbeatable spirit left an impression on those who got to know him. A close friend and fellow Pug fanatic who got to know him wisely suggested that maybe that we could all ‘Be more Bertie’.
If you’d like to apply to be a PDWRA Fosterer, click here to find out more.
