I have always had dogs over the years, a border collie, King Charles spaniel, German shepherd and 3 pugs. I couldn’t imagine life without a dog in it, they enrich our lives so much, and a pleasure to care for, a best friend!
My first encounter with a pug was about 12 years ago, a new neighbour had two who were siblings named Pickle and Onion. I loved them, such a unique breed…excitable, friendly and very cute!! I longed to own a pug so much, and then a miracle happened, Pickle fathered a litter from where I had my first gorgeous pug puppy called Charlie-Pickle.
I adored him, we were so bonded and everyone in our village knew him by name and nature. A few years later, I adopted a six-month-old pug from a woman who had a mastiff and Frenchie too, his name was Ollie. Charlie and Ollie were best friends apart from when food was involved… Ollie had challenging behaviours with food guarding, which I think came from competition living with two large dogs. He was quite an anxious dog but lovely.
After Charlie passed in January 2023, by now I knew about PDWRA through a close friend who had adopted Lenny and Meg, two adorable black pugs. I contacted PDWRA who came to visit me at home, to give me information about the Pug Welfare Association, and home check, to make sure any dog would be homed in a suitable environment. I was then put on an adoption waiting list… and waited!
A month later, I had a call from PDWRA to say there was a one-year-old dog called Leo in need of adoption that might be a suitable match. I was told he had some behavioural challenges, mainly that he was very reactive, that previous owners could not cope with. Poor Leo’s first owners lived in a flat and could not manage him, his second home was with a family who again could not manage his reactivity.
I adopted Leo on the 9th of May 2023. He was inquisitive, friendly and so beautiful, his personality ‘typical pug’ and I was besotted with him immediately. He gelled well with Ollie and as weeks passed, I was questioning why anyone would see him as a problem and being unmanageable. I came to the conclusion that many see pugs as lapdogs (which there are!) and not the feisty, funny and ‘stick to you like glue’ breed that they are, who also need good walks, social inclusion and enrichment.
Additionally, we lived in a rural area in North Wales, I think the peacefulness suited his personality as there were very little triggers for him. Yes, he barks at cars at times, at the postman, wants to jump on visitors… but people who are used to dogs of any breed are used to this. Leo has settled with us so well from the first day he came into our lives, he loves attention, Lenny and Meg, our cat Burrito and roast dinners. His favourite place is with me on the sofa or running in the nearby woodlands. He has the best food, best collars and coats… my husband does say that I spoil him… how could I not?
Pug-cafe is a must, a meet-up, pop-up event in various parts of the country where pug owners and their dogs have a great time. It is Pug heaven, so many pugs, and their little faces all look so different, although non- pug owners usually say they can’t tell the difference.
PDWRA have been amazing during the adoption process, and they are always available for guidance and any advice if needed. There are so many pugs needing homes, I would highly recommend adoption, and I will undoubtedly adopt again from this wonderful association… thank goodness for PDWRA!
Sian
