by Yasmin | 13 Feb, 2025 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories
Deciding to get a pug was the easy part, as a family we did our research and said yes, it’s definitely a Pug we want, so we got a non-rescue puppy called Wilson, he was a darling…in a devilish sort of way! After 12 months we just knew we wanted to get another pug but this time we wanted to adopt, so I Googled adoptions and rescues and PDWRA came up. So I contacted them, which was really easy to do. I chose PDWRA because I felt they were more than just a rescue, they felt like a family and cared 100% about the pugs, I felt safe knowing it was all about the love and wellbeing of the crazy breed we all love; Pugs!
So, in Sept 2017, after a short while waiting I got a call saying that they’d had a little 12 month girl come into the rescue with skin issues and very hyper!
She met our criteria as we wanted a 12-month-old to join our resident 12-month-old at home. We went to see her and OMG she was a goofy, hyper skinny little lady, she was running around, jumping all over the place, quite the opposite to Wilson.
She had a terrible skin issue that she’s still got today but is managed with medication, she’s all fluffy and healthy now, but still scratches occasionally!
I couldn’t believe it was happening, I was bringing home a rescue! I was nervous and excited and Pepper was anxious during the car ride home, she was whimpering but my kids were in the back seat with her helping to calm her down.
I carried her inside the house and let her down she ran around doing zoomies and found Wilson. It was at that point I knew I’d made the right decision, Pepper & Wilson we’re crazy together from the moment they met, they were inseparable! Initially they had a mad few hours of playing together then they just settled down and slept next to each other like they’d known each other forever, it was a dream come true. A few weeks after getting Pepper she had BOAS surgery to help her tiny little nostrils and she took it all in her stride.
Pepper was a dream from the word go, she was really well potty trained, came back when called and absolutely loves to cuddle and play, even now. 7 years on she’s a beautiful lady, she’s a little greyer around the edges but still a bundle of energy and joy.
After adopting Pepper I wanted to help as much as I could with PDWRA, so over the last 4 years we’ve also fostered 3 pugs, which is an amazing feeling, I’d highly recommended it and the rescue are so supportive throughout the whole process.
Sadly in Dec 2020 Wilson died suddenly at 3 years old, Pepper was so sad, she missed him terribly, so I decided to get another pug puppy. Along came Sid, non-rescue.
Well, I was so nervous for Pepper to meet Sid as she was my main priority but I had nothing to fear, Pepper was excited and happy when Sid came home, she’s certainly the boss and boy does she show it, even now!
Pepper and Sid are inseparable, they adore each other and also enjoy a good squabble too. She is such a diva when it comes to going out in the rain, she just point-blank refuses! Pepper had her teeth removed a couple of years ago, due to them being rotten, she’s got about 2 left and it’s doesn’t stop her eating!
Adopting Pepper from PDWRA was the best decision we ever made, she’s the sweetest little girl and I can’t imagine life without her. Now at 7 years old she’s definitely queen bee in our house, she knows what she likes and doesn’t like and will let know about it too!
Love
Lisa & Pepper xxx
by Yasmin | 13 Feb, 2025 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories
Hello everyone. My name is Esme and I first came to PDWRA in 2021.
I’ll start with the day I was told I had a new Furever Home. I was transported from my foster home to another lovely volunteer’s home, and from there I was collected by Myra and her daughter, Melissa. I was taken to my new home where I met my new brother, Rupert (a Jack Russell/Chihuahua cross). As I explored the house, I found that there were dog beds in each room, one for each of us, (but sometimes Rupert and I like to share together) and a large garden, which has lots of birds visiting. I love to chase birds! I also checked out the most important room, the kitchen… I found that the menu was quite delicious!
It didn’t take me long to find the best spot on the bed that night, with my own pillow, and I must say I slept well. Two days later though, I did not feel good, and my new family realised that I had a problem with my eye, so off I went to the vet. Apparently, I had an ulcerated cornea, and when the standard treatment didn’t work, I was referred to a specialist, who told me that I needed expensive surgery imminently, or I would lose my eye. As it was a pre-existing condition, the PDWRA agreed to pay the costs. I was then forced to wear the cone of shame for weeks, but thankfully, with the swift action from my humans and help from PDWRA I have been able to keep my eye.
A little while later I began to take interest in Rupert’s toys and so Melissa gave me a toy of my own, and I love it. I don’t play with it very often, but I love to give it a chew from time to time.
When I first came here, I was not used to walking and I had a terrible fear of traffic, but both Myra and Melissa were very patient with me and slowly built up my walking distance, and took time to let me get used to traffic. I still have a go at big vans if they are too close to me but I can now walk by the road without having to be kept on a short lead. I do still have occasional night terrors but even they have got better the longer I’m here.
Sadly, Myra became ill, and so Melissa took over our care as well as looking after her Mum, and in April 2023 we lost Myra. Melissa has now become our sole Human and she has made sure that Rupert and I lost nothing but also gained so much, as we now go on doggy adventures to the forest and other local spaces and we’ve been on holidays to the New Forest and Cornwall. I can now walk up to 7 miles in a day, not bad for a Pug who had never been walking before! Melissa is an actor and film maker and I have actually appeared in a couple of her films, and have even appeared in a travel show for Korean TV.
Thank you PDWRA for all you have done for me and others like me, and I hope that you continue the good work for other Pugs.
For more stories like Esme’s please see our rescue stories at:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/category/rescue-stories/
by Yasmin | 12 Feb, 2025 | Blog, News, Pug Health
This is a follow on from my last article (Pug Eye Conditions: Part 1 of 2) where I discussed corneal ulceration in pugs; causes and treatment.
The conditions I am discussing today are all inter-related; causes of which are similar to those that can result in a corneal ulcer.
Because the bony orbit where the eye rests is very shallow in a pug (due to breeding the brachycephalic head shape), the eyes protrude more than a dog with a snout, which results in too much of the white of the eye showing as per below photograph.
This can result in the following conditions discussed below:-
- Proptosis
- Dry Corneas
- Pigmentary Keratitis
The other two conditions discussed, entropion and distichiasis, are also seen commonly in pugs.
All five conditions can be treated to varying degrees with an operation called a (bilateral) medial canthoplasty or blepharoplasty, which I will describe at the end of the article.
Proptosis
This is where the eye globe becomes displaced out of the bony orbit where it normally sits.
It can often occur after trauma, which can be as little as a slight bang to the head due to the orbit being so shallow.
This is an ocular emergency as the optic nerve is stretched (and can be potentially torn), muscles are damaged and the cornea is completely exposed. If not operated on promptly, the eye will be non-viable.
If the eye cannot be saved /has no vision, the best treatment is removal (enucleation) of the eye.
Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS) or Dry Eye
Pugs are prone to Dry Eye, which is where not enough tears are produced by the eye.
They can also have a dry eye, due to the poor quality of tears. And, because of the conformation of a pug’s eye where is bulges excessively, the cornea can become dry because the eyelids don’t actually close together even when the dog is asleep.
A dry cornea can lead to pigment being deposited (PK) on the cornea (see below), as well as the eye being prone to ulceration (discussed previously)
Treatment for KCS involves stimulating tear production with medication. I’m sure many of you are familiar with Optimmune as an eye ointment to treat dry eye, along with Tacrolimus. The latter is also used to reduce the progression of pigmentary keratitis.
As mentioned previously, because of pug’s bulging eyes and proneness to a dry cornea, I use an eye lubricant on my pugs twice daily to help moisturise the cornea and hopefully reducing the likelihood of conditions that develop as a result of a dry cornea (PK, corneal ulceration). I use Carbomer (cheap off Amazon) on my younger pugs, and Lacrilube (now called Xailin Night) on my older pugs, but there are other products available.
Pigmentary Keratitis (PK)
This condition is where pigment is deposited on the surface of a cornea, and can be seen as a black/brown film.
The cause is multi-factorial including excessive exposure of the cornea allowing it to become dry, irritation through eyelashes rubbing on the cornea and a genetic predisposition.
Again, I am sure many of you have seen this pigment on your pug’s eye. The condition is often progressive, and can result in blindness when it covers all the pupil.
Treatment can often involve use of medication for KCS, as well as surgery to reduce the amount of eye exposed ( see base of article).
Laser surgery can also be considered, which will require a specialist ophthalmologist, however it is very expensive and needs a large amount of post-operative care.
Entropion
This condition is commonly seen in pugs, where the eyelids turn inwards, especially at the nose side (medially) which results hairs/eyelashes rubbing on the cornea causing irritation.
Distichiasis
This is where eyelashes (cilia) grow in an abnormal position on the eyelid and rub on the cornea. These hairs can be removed by plucking out (epilating) or by various cauterising treatments though unfortunately the hairs can often grow back.
Medial Canthoplasty or Blepharoplasty
This surgery, known as a medial (often both eyes are operated on and therefore a bilateral medial) canthoplasty of blepharoplasty, is used to treat entropion, and dry corneas, as well as too protruding eyes and prevention of proptosis and pigment deposition (PK).
It essentially shortens the eyelids making the eye openings smaller by closing the inner aspect (at nose side) of the eyelids together as illustrated below.
The effect of this is to improve the dog’s ability to blink and it reduces the overall exposure of the dog’s eye.
The photo shows a pug with recent medial canthoplasty surgery.
In summary
Unfortunately pugs are prone to a number of significant eye conditions, mainly related to their breeding and being brachycephalic. Treatment can involve either eye medication and/or surgery, which can lead to improvement, however treatment is expensive especially the eye operations, which need to be carried out by a specialist.
This is a quick run through of some conditions, however the list is not exhaustive, and is an overview only. More information can be found on the internet, especially with referral veterinary ophthalmologist websites.
And, remember that prevention or early intervention has the best outcomes.
Helen McKee (MRCVS)
Veterinary Advisor for the PDWRA
For more information on Pug Eye Conditions, please see: Eye Problems | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association
&
Other Pug Health Conditions, please see: Pug Health & Wellbeing | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association
by Yasmin | 12 Feb, 2025 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories
My name is Lizzie, & I have been happily ‘entangled’ to Terry (known as Terry-Two-Pugs by other dog walkers) for 33 years, 16 years married. For 30 of those years we have had a rescue dog in our lives, of all ages, sizes and breeds.
I first fell in love with the pug breed after seeing Ethel’s pug, Little Willie on Eastenders!
We had an elderly Stafffie, Murdoch, before our venture into the wonderful world of Pugs, he was 12 when he came into our lives and had a fun-packed 2 years before he crossed the bridge in early 2022.
I did some research before I started the search on the WWW for a dedicated UK Pug Rescue. Even though I was searching in my county of Lancashire I dropped onto the East Midlands PDWRA Facebook site.
I downloaded the adoption form and we completed it the same evening. Not expecting an immediate response I was surprised to receive a phone call the following day, to discuss Bella and Gracie, who were in foster with Laura and her family as a consequence of COVID.
A photo was sent to us and I was surprised at the lovely colour of Gracie’s coat, as we were expecting a pure white coat and not the scrumptious jersey cream honey colour that she is, and of course the little black shiny pug that was Bella.
Like all our previous rescues, we went with our instincts and our hearts. A remote home check via WhatsApp was arranged for 2 days time, we had our fingers and toes crossed that we would be approved as we were already emotionally invested in them.
After a successful home check, interview and all the relevant admin, we were on our way to meet our little grumble of two from their foster home, Southwards on the M6.
We got back just after teatime, after a peaceful journey home, and they’d slept and snored for the whole journey home.
Bella, a little black pug of 3 years old, and Gracie, a larger white pug, 4 years old, hopped out of the car and strolled nonchalantly through the front door and immediately hopped up onto my chair, claiming it as their own. We’ve learned to share it now, usually with me sitting and them both in a heap on my knee or sleeping snugly at my side.
Sitting in front of the fire and the TV with 2 sleeping Pugs, after they had inspected their new and forever home, knowing where they could pee and poo and play safely in our large enclosed quiet rear garden, where their food and water was and where the cosy doggie beds were situated around the house, we were finally together, 6 days after the initial submission of the adoption form! Now we, our family of 4, had all of their lives of love, laughter and fun wrapped up in caring and nurturing our little pug ladies. Terry was now outnumbered 3 to one.
Bella is a lot in a little dog. She is very vocal when barking, but she also chatters to us very softly. She is very confident with people and other dogs without being aggressive, but she has also mellowed beautifully. She loves sitting on her Mama’s lap watching TV and is a proper Star Trek fan. She is as bright as a button and has her Daddy at her beck and call. Gracie, is a completely different personality to Bella. Gentle, cuddly and a ‘licker’, she is grooming Bella regularly and she would ‘groom’ us too given half a chance.
They both love riding in the car and walks. Their first holiday was in March 2023 to the North West of Scotland in a converted bothy, all cosy and warm. They were fab on the 14-hour journey with hourly stops, and 2-days later we woke to a foot of snow which they both found fun, jumping into drifts and running through the snow. Since that first holiday more have followed, either late Spring or early Autumn and generally there are beaches and countryside involved, as well as plenty of dog-friendly eateries and pubs. If the Pugs are not allowed then we don’t go, as we are a tight fit group of 4 and honorary members of their grumble.
When we’re at home they are either lounging/sleeping on the furniture or their ‘hoomans’, or sitting in our large picture window on ‘paw-patrol’. Well known by locals passing and the small children love them. We can honestly say that we are all a perfect fit.
Anyone considering adopting a pug should be aware that they are extraordinary animals. They take their role of ‘companion dog’ seriously, don’t respect the personal space of others and it’s endearing.
The snoring is LOUD! The fur they shed is endless and is known as ‘pug-glitter’ in our house as it gets everywhere. They are extremely loving and affectionate, with gigantic personalities.
We have so much gratitude for the PDWRA. The match between us and our puggie-ladies is perfect. The adoption process was seamless. Laura, their fosterer, and her family did a great job of caring for them and the information passed to us was invaluable in the early days. Gracie was overweight and on a diet when we collected them and with written instructions, we were able to reach her target weight. Both Gracie and Bella have maintained their optimum weight ever since. They are both food-orientated, so lead training was a piece of cake, but they are pretty good at begging when cake is involved. They love their walks and are very well behaved when off the lead in a safe place. They are very sociable with both dogs and people. Bella is a bit more vocal but settles well within a short time.
We love both of them as much as our own children and grandchildren, who love Bella and Gracie equally. I must admit, the majority of my photos on my phone are Bella and Gracie, as they are both so yummy and photogenic. They regularly feature in the PDWRA Adopters Facebook group as well as my personal feed. We are hoping for many happy years together of walks, beaches, holidays and days out puggie-style, wrapped up in love and laughter!
For more stories like Bella & Gracie’s please see:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/category/rescue-stories/
If you are interested in adopting a pug, please go to:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/adopting-a-pug/
by Yasmin | 7 Feb, 2025 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories
** GREAT NEWS UPDATE: Over the weekend, Pat has found his NEW HOME! ** 👏
ORIGINAL APPEAL INFO:
8 year old, black male pug Pat, is looking for his specific and special adoptive home.
Please read his criteria:
- Pat would be best suited in a quieter home. Although he is happy to accept visitors if they give him a treat and don’t try to pick him up or fuss over him.
He’s happy to sit in another room during busier and louder times, and watch through a door gate.
- He likes to go visiting and is perfectly behaved in other people’s houses, again as long as they leave him be and don’t touch him.
He will come for a gentle fuss if he deems you worthy though he focuses his trust on his main care giver, and prefers calm, steady men or potentially women.
- Pat could live with older ‘hands off’ teenagers, although once in the circle of trust, he will accept affection more readily.
He would like to live with another dog, and is happy to be lower down in the pecking order.
- Pat is a typically greedy pug, and does snatch a bit for treats when taking them.
- He loves to visit a pub or café and will take a treat from strangers, but again doesn’t like to be over fussed.
- He is excellent off-lead and has a reliable recall.
- Pat will bark at planes/helicopters passing over but doesn’t bark at the television. He will bark at a window if allowed, and can follow a firm verbal correction to “Stop!”.
He may bark if an unknown dog gets in his face though.
- Pat doesn’t need a great deal of exercise in the form of long walks due to hip problems, but he enjoys pottering and going out and about where he likes to observe his surroundings. He does take daily anti-inflammatories for his hips.
Though he will still try to take the opportunity to climb on a table if possible!
- Pat is biddable and can follow instruction. He understands the word “No!” and is not combative unless he thinks he’s going to the vet or having some medical intervention. He will not tolerate being picked up by a person who is not in his circle of trust.
- Cleaning of ears, folds etc. can be managed only after building a relationship with Pat. This may take some time.
- Pat does travel nicely in the car, in a crate or with a seatbelt.
Do you believe you could offer this charming boy his quite specific, and special Forever Home?
If you could, please apply for him referencing Pat 22026 at: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/adopting-a-pug/
If you have any specific questions regarding Pat, or to alert Jane, his Rehoming Coordinator of your application, please email: sw@nullpugwelfare-rescue.org.uk
Thank you!
You can also see the difference adoption can make, from a small selection of our Rescue & Adoption Stories at:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/category/rescue-stories/
