by PDWRA | 14 Apr, 2026 | Blog, Rescue Stories
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.
by PDWRA | 11 Apr, 2026 | Pug Home Appeal
Meet Boots & Socks
A devoted bonded pair, both aged 8, searching for their happy ever after home 🏡
These two may not be littermates, but they’ve shared their whole lives side by side… and where one goes, the other follows 💞
They sleep curled up together, finding comfort in each other – their bond is truly unbreakable.
🌿 After a quiet and sheltered start in life, they are now discovering the world for the very first time…
And what a journey it’s been! From country walks to village strolls and vet visits, they are blossoming beautifully in foster care in rural Devon 🌼
What Makes Them Special?
🐶 Loving, gentle, and affectionate
🐶 A perfectly bonded pair
🐶 Enjoy exploring the countryside together
🐶 Full of quiet charm and loyalty
Boots & Socks Introduce Themselves!
‘Hello! My name is Boots and my best friend is Socks. We’ve been together since puppies and sleep cuddled up and go for walks together. I’m really enjoying the garden and my waistline is reducing! I’m quite the handsome chap. When I slim down a little more I need to have some dental work, the lovely people at the PDWRA will be covering the cost. I’ve pretty much remembered my housetraining now with only an occasional lapse when things are extra exciting. I’m very lovable and loving, but I can be shy with strange men until I get to know them. I’ve met children here and they’re ok! I like lots of attention and cuddles so would prefer to live with just Socks. My foster family think we are both adorable!’
‘Hello! I’m Socks and I’d be really pleased to meet you! I’ve led a bit of a sheltered life up until now but a few weeks ago I came into foster with my best friend Boots. I have 5 more new friends and a garden, which was a bit overwhelming to begin, with but now I’m blossoming! I’ve remembered my housetraining, lost a few pounds and learnt how to live with others. I quite like to be top dog really and prefer to only share the attention with Boots. I like my humans to be around mostly and sometimes I can be vocal but I’m getting better with that. I’m in good health, lively, enjoy walks with Boots and meeting new people! And I’m still only 8 yrs old! Could we both come and live with you?’
A Few Things To Know:
- They’d love a home with plenty of human company
- Socks is a chatty girl and may bark when left
- Boots can be a little unsure of men at first, but settles with time
- Best suited as the only dogs in the home
Boots will need a dental once he’s shed a couple of kilos – this will be fully covered by PDWRA 🩺
Could you give these two the loving home they’ve never truly had? 🏡 They’ve spent their lives side by side… now they just need someone to share it with.
by PDWRA | 31 Mar, 2026 | Pug Home Appeal, Rescue Stories
Meet Eric & Ernie – a beautiful bonded pair who share everything… from naps in the sunshine to quiet moments side by side.
These two aren’t just companions – they’re family. And after everything they’ve been through, they’re searching for a forever home together.
✨ Why they’re so special
🐶 Inseparable best friends
🐶 Gentle, loving, and loyal
🐶 Twice the cuddles, twice the joy
🐶 A ready-made duo to fill your home with warmth
💔 The hardest part?
Bonded pairs are often overlooked… but separating them isn’t an option. Their connection is their comfort, their confidence, their world.
🏡 Could you be their world now?
Eric & Ernie are litter brothers, born on the 1st April 2022. They are very energetic young pugs who would not suit a family with children under 10 years. They love to play with each other and are equally sociable with other dogs. When playtime is over they will snuggle up with each other and any handy human. House trained, and they have some basic training which they would benefit from building on. They have no health conditions and have recently been neutered. They are currently in foster on the London/Essex border.
If you have room in your heart and home for two devoted souls, Eric & Ernie will reward you with a lifetime of love, laughter, and companionship.
by PDWRA | 10 Feb, 2026 | Blog, News
Some people may not be aware that it’s a legal requirement in England, Scotland and Wales for a dog to be microchipped by the age of 8 weeks.This became compulsory in April 2016.
It’s a criminal offence to transfer a dog that is not microchipped and so all breeders are required to have a puppy chipped and registered in their name prior to sale. The fines for not complying can be up to £500.
The microchip needs to be registered on a database which is compliant with set standards, and it must be registered in the name of the keeper (the person who the dog normally lives with). However, just because a dog’s microchip is registered in a particular person’s name on the database, it doesn’t necessarily mean they are going to be regarded in law as the owner.
A microchip is evidence of ownership, but not absolute proof of ownership.
Microchipping is a quick and simple procedure, which takes seconds to implant. The chip is inserted under the pet’s skin, usually around the scruff of the neck, and once the chip is implanted it should last for your pet’s lifetime. The chip is about the size of a grain of rice and contains a unique code that matches up to your pet’s details.
The microchip can be checked by an authorised person, usually a vet, dog warden or a rehoming charity, which is done by using a handheld scanner. The scanner reads the unique number and the authorised person then checks this with the database.
In the UK, there are around 15 different databases that can hold your dog’s details, so it’s useful to know which one your pet is registered with.
It’s very important to make sure your details are always up to date, dogs can get lost or stolen and it’s a permanent identification to help get your dog back to you.
If you sell or pass your dog onto someone else, the microchip details must be changed. Remember, it’s a criminal offence not to do this.
In accordance with the Control of Dogs Order 1992, although all dogs must now be microchipped, they will also still need to wear a collar and tag in a public place, which must have the owner’s full address. A phone number is advisable, as it will enable somebody to contact you straight away if your dog is lost and found by an authority or member of the public, but it’s not an absolute requirement for it to be on the tag.
As of the 10 June 2024, all owned cats in England must also be microchipped by the age of 20 weeks. At present, it’s not compulsory in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.
Anne McDonald
PDWRA Trustee & Local Authority Dog Warden
by PDWRA | 10 Feb, 2026 | Blog, Rescue Stories
Bella first came to me as a foster in July 2024, just after she turned 9 years old. She had been surrendered due to a child allergy.
She was a little timid at first, and unsure of her new surroundings and what she was and wasn’t allowed to do. For example, she wouldn’t go upstairs or jump onto the sofa without permission. She got on very well with my older pug-cross Peppa (then 15 years old) straight away, and soon felt more at home.
After about a month or so, Area Coordinator Dee contacted me to ask if I would consider adopting Bella, as there aren’t always as many adoption requests for older dogs. I knew that Bella wasn’t going anywhere! I had fallen for her and didn’t want her to be adopted by anyone else, so of course I said yes!
I must say, I’ve never come across a more well-behaved dog than Bella. In the first few months, I kept whispering to her “you can be a bit naughty you know”. As the months passed, she settled in well and started to play more with toys and jump up next to me on the sofa without being encouraged. I knew that she was slowly relaxing into her new home.
Since then, she has been on holiday with me to Glastonbury, Newmarket and Ipswich, and numerous times to Yorkshire to stay with my friends up there. She’s a great traveller and doesn’t seem to get stressed when I take her to different places with me. She’s a great companion and I love her so much now, I feel so blessed to have her in my life!
