by Yasmin | 10 May, 2024 | Blog, Rescue Stories, Volunteering
Dot’s journey began with a unique challenge—she was fully blind. But to Tracey, this was not a barrier just an opportunity to make a difference in Dot’s life. Being the only person willing and able at the time, to take in Dot due to her condition, Tracey welcomed her into her home, not knowing the profound impact Dot would soon have on her family.
For Dot, life hadn’t been easy. Previously in a home with larger dogs, she had faced injuries and trauma to both her eyes causing her sight loss. Despite her challenges, Dot exuded resilience and a zest for life. Described as a “fantastic tough and a sassy bundle of fun,” Dot’s personality captured Tracey’s heart from the start.
Initially intended as a short-term foster, Dot’s presence in Tracey’s home soon became permanent. She settled in quickly, becoming the first long-term foster pug for Tracey. This means PDWRA will always be there for support whenever needed, especially for Dot’s healthcare costs.
Despite her blindness, Dot navigates the world with remarkable independence. She understands commands like “step up” and “step down” and stops on cue to avoid obstacles. Her ability to adapt and thrive in her environment is inspiring.
Dot’s impact extends beyond Tracey’s family. With all of Tracey’s children having autism, Dot has become more than just a pet—she’s a source of comfort and joy. Particularly for Tracey’s son who struggles with his emotions, Dot has been a calming presence helping him regulate his emotions. He is also first one up in the morning to make sure Dot is cared for. She has also helped Tracey’s other son overcome his fear of dogs.
She’s a spirited bundle of joy, independent, resilient and is partial to pulling the washing out of the washing machine when Tracey is trying to load it!
Dot’s resilience isn’t just limited to her physical challenges. Having lost 24 teeth, she fearlessly tackles life head-on, always picking up the biggest bones from the shop. So, from pulling out laundry from the washing machine to snuggling up on blankets, Dot’s playful antics bring laughter and warmth to her home.
With patience and understanding, Dot has flourished, proving that every dog deserves a chance at a happy, fulfilling life.
As Tracey aptly puts it, “fostering a dog like Dot requires time, patience, and love—but the rewards are immeasurable!”.
If you would like to offer a pug like Dot a loving home, by fostering short or long-term, please apply at: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/fostering-a-pug/
by Yasmin | 7 May, 2024 | Blog, Pug Health, Rescue Stories, Volunteering
Eight year old Tilly came into the PDWRA’S care a few months ago due to her owner’s illness. She was described as a nervous dog who would only allow her owner to touch her, without attempting to bite!
When Tilly came to us, it was immediately apparent she was severely visually impaired due to pigment covering her cornea in both eyes. This was a result of the (untreated) condition ‘dry eye’.
Tilly was very scared initially and difficult to handle, which we suspected was due to her near blindness and very little social exposure.
Tilly’s skin was also in poor condition due to allergies, and unfortunately she had four masses on her skin. We had them removed and they were found to be varying grades of mast cell tumours.
Our foster carer worked hard on Tilly’s nervousness and with treatment, her skin and eyes became more comfortable, but unfortunately Tilly developed two further mast cell tumours.
Thankfully, since then, Tilly has had no further reoccurrence of her tumours, and she is unrecognisable compared to how she was when she came into the Charity’s care. She is happy, well adjusted, sociable, and loving life.
A wonderful outcome for Tilly, and for her foster carers who love her dearly!
If you would like to foster pugs in need like Tilly please see: Fostering | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
To find out more about mast cell tumours, please read: Mast Cell Tumours – by PDWRA Vet Advisor, Helen. | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
by Yasmin | 29 Apr, 2024 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories
Rupert (fawn) and Algy (black) are a bonded pair of brothers who are looking for their forever home.
They are 3 years old, neutered, healthy with no medical issues, fully house trained and tolerant of cats!
A key reason for their surrender was friction between Rupert predominantly and the remaining male dog in the household. There was a lot of marking and humping, which has not been a problem whilst in our foster carer’s home suggesting that a no-dog household, or one with a female would be better-suited.
The other reason for their surrender was an increase in working hours in the home. Rupert & Algy respond best to a routine and are fairly calm and relaxed pugs apart from when the harnesses appear for their walks – then they go mad! Once out of the door they calm down and get on happily with their walk.
Being boisterous when excited, they need to be fed separately, so also a home with children over 5 years old would be recommended.
Rupert
Rupert is the more confident of the two, outgoing and inquisitive, also the more sociable around dogs, while Algy tends to stand back and let Rupert take the lead. Rupert likes to kick a ball around the garden and loves walks away from the roadside.
Algy
Algy is definitely the more laid back, but where Rupert leads, Algy will often follow.
Any resident dog would preferably need to be female as Rupert is likely to show dominance tendencies as described, when confronted with another male in the household, other than his brother Algy.
So, if you could take this contrasting & compatible pair into your hearts & home, please apply! Go to: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/adopting-a-pug/
Reference: Rupert 24037 & Algy 24038
If you are already registered to adopt with us, please speak to your local PDWRA Area Coordinator directly.
Thank You!
by Yasmin | 24 Apr, 2024 | Blog, News, Pug Health
It’s Allergy Awareness Week, and we want to shed light on a common struggle for our pugs – Atopic Dermatitis.
This condition causes intense itching due to allergic reactions to substances like pollen and household dust. Understanding its signs and treatments can make a huge difference! Keep an eye out for:
– excessive scratching and head-shaking,
– red, sore or flaky skin, around the eyes, ears, in between the paws and on their tummies,
– irritated ears
– rubbing their ears or muzzle
These could all be signs of Atopic Dermatitis.
Left untreated, it can lead to more severe symptoms like hair loss and ear infections. Before jumping to conclusions, it’s essential to rule out parasites like fleas or mites. Once confirmed, treatment involves managing secondary infections and providing relief from itching. Medicated shampoos and ear treatments play a crucial role in this process.
Food allergies can also contribute to Atopic Dermatitis. Exclusive hypoallergenic diets can help pinpoint food-related triggers. Though pricey, it’s an investment in your pup’s health.
Medications prescribed by your vet may offer relief with fewer side effects to traditional steroids, but if symptoms persist you may need a referral to a specialist.
This summary only touches the surface of Atopic Dermatitis, but we hope it provides insight into this common canine condition.
For more details, please read the full article by PDWRA’s volunteer vet advisor, Helen, at: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/?s=allergy
by Yasmin | 22 Apr, 2024 | Blog, News, Volunteering
Calling all pug lovers in Wales!
We are always in need of more foster homes all over the country though currently we are particularly short of new fosterers in Wales.
Whether it be simply offering room for a bonded-pair of pugs or for those with medical and special-needs, short or long-term, is welcome.
We have an ever-increasing number of pugs being surrendered to PDWRA and need to find their care, often at short-notice, and at a reasonable distance to organise volunteer transport.
Could YOU provide that invaluable dedication & care to pugs desperately in need of it?
If you think you could, find out more here, as well how to apply: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/fostering-a-pug/
