by PDWRA | 12 Aug, 2026 | Rescue Stories
When we first decided to get a dog, we discussed a few different breeds and should we get a puppy etc. Initially, my partner Antony wanted an English Bulldog, and he wanted to call it Wu Tang. We decided to speak to my Uncle Robin, who works closely with the PDWRA and spends a lot of time with 2 pugs (one of them a rescue) that we also love dearly, Lilly and Bee. So, we started the adoption process, and a few months later we got the call about Oreo. Oreo was described as a lovely dog, whose owner got too ill to care for her, 5 years old and currently in foster care with the amazing Jackie. We saw her photo and immediately agreed, next question…when could we get her?!
We made plans to meet Jackie that very weekend and we decided to call Oreo ‘Wu Tang’. This quickly changed, as it was immediately apparent, we were calling her The Pig, as she communicates solely through honking and pig noises – happy, annoyed, excited all honking pig noises. So, she quickly became Pig and worked her way very quickly into our hearts.
Pig is my first dog as I have always had cats. Antony has always had dogs and he warned me it’s a big change as she will need training and it won’t be easy – but as it turned out, he was wrong about The Pig. Pig came a fully formed Angel, and we bonded from day 1. Immediately she came everywhere with me and it was like she popped into our lives at the perfect time and was the perfect fit. She became a part of our family instantly, she could go anywhere, loves everyone and has no reaction (or really even acknowledgement) of other dogs and animals – she lives on planet Pig!
Pig has had some health issues with her skin and her ears, but we put her on natural food and all those seemed to melt away. She has become my whole world and my best friend and life is filled with cuddles, snuggles and I sing to her every day and replace all the lyrics with Pig so she knows the songs are for her. Pig is very tolerant of my songs and she lets me dance with her. 🙂
Over the past year we have moved with Pig to a cottage in the country and Pig so enjoys her new garden, and just up the road we have the woods and fields. We do music and take Pig with us to the local pubs where we perform and she is the biggest hit, everybody loves the Pig – she even gets shout-outs on the mic by the other musicians. She gets “Pig Sat” by our new friends while we perform and loves to watch Mum and Dad play. When we say “Pig go Pub?” her face lights up to go see everyone and get extra treats!
Pigs has 2 things she really dislikes; one is not being on a lap in the car – she hates being in the backseat in her seat belt and it’s the only time she gets very upset. Pig also doesn’t like when I have to go into to the London office two times a month. We are very blessed since we moved to the cottage as our neighbours on both sides are home to check on Pig multiple times a day when I go in, she gets lots of visits and is quite happy watching her Pig cartoons and YouTube.
Adopting Pig has been one of the best things I have ever done. The joy she brings to my life every day and how much she has enriched our lives is indescribable. I am grateful for her every day and couldn’t imagine life without her. She has been such a blessing, and I am definitely a pug convert for life. She’s not just a dog to me, she is family. Pig also has a PigTok where I share her daily adventures and our walks, she loves the camera.
If you are thinking about getting a Pig of your own, I couldn’t recommend it more, she has brought only love and light into our house and brings joy to whoever she meets. Like I said, everybody loves The Pig!
by PDWRA | 12 Aug, 2026 | In Memoriam
We remember the day of 2nd March 2019 when volunteer Clare and Winnie waddled (Winnie not Clare) up from where she had parked to our front door. Winnie was on her way to us to foster until a new home was found for her.
Winnie walked with sass from that very second and nothing changed. Within no time at all myself and Steven had decided she wasn’t going anywhere, and on 11/03/2019 we had officially adopted her (Again, Winnie not Clare).
In just under a month Winnie had her first seizure with us and I can only describe it as horrendous, on a 10/10 scale. I thought we were going to lose her then and there. Luckily, we saw the vet who placed her on medication and over a short time the seizures went down in scale to eventually not having any at all.
From then on she ruled the roost and our other puggies, as well as Bruce the roughty-toughty English Bulldog. She took no messing and they all respected her and loved her, all snuggling up together.
In particular, she had a beautiful relationship with Olive Nelson. Winnie let her get away with murder and in turn Olive would snuggle up next to Winnie at most opportunities. As Winnie got older Olive would very much care for Winnie and it was lovely to see.
Sadly, over time, Winnie lost a lot of the use of her back legs but loved to be in her buggy, being pushed round the streets of Wickford like the Queen she was. Winnie loved to play ‘boo’ with her dad and gave us so many giggles.
We will miss the way she would ‘mug’ us for any piece of fruit we had and when she discovered Stroop Waffles there was no stopping her wanting a bite.
Sadly, on 30th June this year aged 13 and 5 months, we had to say our goodbyes. Her final day was spent with lots of cuddles, a lovely walk in her buggy with her brothers and sisters and a Biscoff ice cream.
The vets at Wylies in Upminster, Essex did us proud. Her passing was in their lovely private garden, in my arms with all her family around her, as well as Clare, who was there at the beginning of her life with us and on her final day.
Winnie is now back with us where she belongs. Thank you to the PDWRA for allowing us the privilege of having Winnie in our lives. She was one in a million and we loved her very much.
Sally, Steve, Bruce, Hugo, Maggie, Olive and Barry
by PDWRA | 12 Aug, 2026 | In Memoriam
Milly was our beautiful fawn pug and the heart of our family for 10 wonderful years. From the moment she came into our lives, she brought endless love, laughter, and comfort to everyone around her.
She had the sweetest nature, a cheeky personality, and a way of making even the hardest days feel a little brighter. Whether she was curled up beside us, following us from room to room, or making us laugh with her funny little habits, Milly filled our home with happiness. We used to call her a lazy security guard, woofing at everything outside our house but never leaving her bed to go and investigate.
Growing up with her was one of the greatest gifts I could have had. Milly was brought to us by Wendy at PDWRA when I was just 13. She was more than a pet; she was a best friend, a source of comfort, and a constant presence through every stage of life. Her love was unconditional, and the bond we shared will stay with me forever. I am now 23, trying to navigate life without my sweet little girl. Thank you Milly for allowing me to grow up with you. I am forever grateful to PDWRA for giving me my best friend, she really was my little sidekick.
Although our hearts are broken by her loss, we are incredibly grateful for every moment, cuddle, walk, and memory we were lucky enough to share with her. 10 years could never feel like enough. Me and my mum always say, as she came to us when she was 6, we wish we could’ve had those 6 extra years with her. Whoever had her before us, was so lucky to have her for those 6 years.
Milly, thank you for a lifetime of love and for showing us just how special a pug can be. You will always be deeply loved, endlessly missed, and forever a part of our family. Loads of gravy bones and sausage rolls for you over the rainbow bridge ❤️ Forever 16.
Claudia
by PDWRA | 11 Aug, 2026 | News
A huge thank you to everyone who bought tickets, donated prizes and helped spread the word about our Summer Raffle. Thanks to your support, we were able to raise £1,180, with every pound raised helping us to continue rescuing, caring for and rehoming pugs in need across the UK!
The winning ticket numbers are:
🏆 1335
🏆 73
🏆 326
🏆 380
🏆 242
🏆 694
Congratulations to all the winners and from everyone at the Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association, thank you for your continued support. We couldn’t do what we do without you! 💖🙏
by PDWRA | 11 Aug, 2026 | Fundraising
Could you vote for the PDWRA in the Benefact Movement for Good Awards? With your votes, our charity could receive up to £5000 to put towards helping the pugs in need that come into our care. It’s completely free and only takes a minute of your time, so please click below to cast your vote!
How to vote:
Just visit the Benefact Movement for Good voting page here!
As a charity that relies on donations and volunteers, every opportunity like this is incredibly valuable. Your vote costs nothing but could have a lasting impact on the lives of pugs needing safety, care and love.
Please spread the word: After you’ve voted, why not share the link with your family, friends, colleagues and fellow dog lovers. The more votes we receive, the better our chance of winning!
Thank you for being part of the PDWRA family and for helping us continue our mission of rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming pugs in need.
Please vote today – together we can help secure £5,000 for the pugs who need us most!
