by Yasmin | 23 Jun, 2024 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories
Our pugs play such special roles in our lives. And on pug parents’ Stef and Tom’s Wedding Day this week, Frank couldn’t help but share the spotlight!
Congratulations!
It melts our hearts seeing adopted pugs having their best lives in their very best homes.
Frank has happily been part of their lives for years already, overcoming the dreaded cancer through their love and devotion.
Stef adopted Frank from PDWRA after sadly losing her young pug Baby, at the tender age of 6, following a lifetime of illness and complex conditions. She naturally hoped that adopting an older pug who was fit and healthy would be free of the health troubles he previously faced with Baby. However, less than a year after his adoption she noticed a large lump on the side of his leg and so a similar round constant vet trips and sleepless nights began again.
Frank faced multiple operations to remove the tumour that sadly kept re-appearing, leading to several rounds of chemotherapy that were unsuccessful. So, the tough decision to remove Frank’s Leg was made and recovery was slow for him but Frank has proved that she made the best decision.
He is the true definition of a fighter and not once during his countless rounds of chemo and treatments did he feel sorry for himself. Stef has always felt blessed that she was chosen to take care of Frank after he was rescued from his previous life.
Nothing has prevented them from having a full and adventurous life together and they always will.
For other Rescue & Adoption stories please go to: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/category/rescue-stories/
If you would like to adopt, please see: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/adopting-a-pug/
by Yasmin | 15 Jun, 2024 | Blog, News, Volunteering
Our Volunteer Area Coordinators (VACs) are integral to everything PDWRA does. They are each responsible for an area of the UK, managing the surrendering, health care, fostering and rehoming of pugs in need.
Scotland is managed by Sandra, who has been the VAC there for 5 years, after first becoming involved with the charity as an adopter and fosterer. She more recently has been supporting the North of England also.
By Sandra:
I have been a Voluntary Area Coordinator (VAC) for 5 years covering Scotland.
I am a pug mamma to 5 pugs four fawn and one black – having gotten my first pug Olly who is now 16. He’s getting on now and everything is starting to stop working as it should except his hearing which is finally tuned to the doorbell ringing or the fridge door being opened! Their ages range from 16 to 2 years old.
I became involved with PDWRA as an adopter – adopting Elvis seven years ago then becoming a fosterer and have fostered many pugs over the years. Fostering is very rewarding, caring for a pug for a few weeks or for a few months then seeing them go on to their forever home. I have handed over lots of pugs to their new pug mum & dads. This will have been the first time they have met each other. Seeing the instant joy and the love between them is a great feeling.
Currently in Scotland and in parts of Northern England we do struggle to find homes with no other dogs or providing for special needs, behavioural or disabilities.
We also need volunteers to help with transporting pugs.
I have met some wonderful people involved with the Charity and our fantastic adopters, foster carers and transporters who we could not do what we do, without their support.
Sandra.
PDWRA VAC Scotland & North of England.
If you could adopt a pug, please see: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/adopting-a-pug/
If you could foster, please see: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/fostering-a-pug/
If you could volunteer, including transporting pugs occasionally,
please see: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/volunteering-for-pdwra/
by Yasmin | 13 Jun, 2024 | Blog, Rescue Stories
By Lesley – pictured here with Boo & Luna!
My partner James and I both knew that we wanted to get a rescue dog when circumstances allowed. Both of our families had had dogs before, mine all working dogs (collies and spaniels) and James’s family had always had Westies.
We both knew that we wanted to adopt a pug because we loved the breed but really wanted to get a rescue.
I had experienced a period of very bad health and was awaiting surgery in June of 2021. I was due to start a part time job after my surgery so we decided that, when I was healed, we would be in a position to be able to think about getting a pug.
We googled pug rescues in the UK and the PDWRA came up. They seemed like a wonderful charity so once I was recovered from my surgery and my health was starting to improve we applied to become fosterers / adopters!
We went through the application process and home check and waited to hear from the charity, thinking it would be at least a few months before we heard anything. Imagine our surprise when two weeks later we got a message from Annette at the PDWRA asking if we wanted to foster two girl pugs with a view to adopt. We saw the pictures of Boo and Luna and their adorable smiles and couldn’t say no!
They arrived on the 3rd August 2021, and we were a little shocked by how poorly they were! They were both at least 2 kilos overweight and had problems with their breathing.
The first night was very hard. Boo’s breathing was so loud that it was like someone was sawing wood in the same room! I was in tears because I had no idea how to help them and felt so powerless.
Our contacts at the PDWRA were amazing though, and helped us through every day (and some nights) when we had questions and gave us lots of advice on their care. We put them on a diet and exercise regime and, gradually, we started to see a real difference!
They started to show us their lovely personalities. Boo was the first to get cuddly, whilst Luna was the first to get playful and loves back scratches. They both love cuddles, walks, treats and of course teatimes!
Eventually Boo was able to have the BOAS surgery and now breathes so much easier! Luna also had to have a cancerous lump removed from her leg but it hasn’t recurred thank goodness!
Luna and Boo took a long time to get to full health but by February of 2022 they were ready to be adopted, ….. but we weren’t ready to let them go. They had left their paw prints on our hearts – so they stayed with us 🥰
We love taking them on adventures and holidays with us. We introduced them to the beach and Boo got her first non-bath time zoomies, while Luna enjoyed sniffing all the seaweed.
We absolutely adore them and have both improved our lives immeasurably. They seem to love to be by my side all the time, and James can always tell where I am by where they are!
My health still has its ups and downs but they are always there to cheer me up with their cuteness and give me cuddles. I can honestly say that they are my soul dogs and we love them more and more every day.
If you’d like to find out more about their adventures you can follow their Instagram page @ouradventurepugs. We always love to make new friends!
https://www.instagram.com/ouradventurepugs/
by Yasmin | 8 Jun, 2024 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories, Volunteering
Naomi’s is another story of wanting to help out the Charity by fostering, and then falling in love with her charge in the process!
Always keen to share photos of her beloveds with us, here are Naomi’s responses to questions we put to her about her experience with PDWRA and Petey pug.
Q. How did you first hear about the PDWRA?
Since owning my first pug Romeo and realising how special the breed is, I have always had a desire to help pugs in need. I’ve been an animal lover since I can remember and had various pets. I think I get it from my Mum!
Q. How did you come to make the decision to adopt through the PDWRA?
My pug Romeo was 10 years old and my Chihuahua 9 years old and I wanted a companion that could walk a little further (although the seniors got pushed round in their doggy pram also). I had bought my home now with a good garden, and knew I had the space and with great work life balance it was something I could finally commit to.
I applied and passed the checks with PDWRA VAC, Ronnie, who now I consider a dear friend through meeting from the charity. Ronnie contacted me and said can you help… I got back to her later that day and said yes. One day later I set off to pick Petey up and his sister also…. I didn’t intend to adopt him at this point just wanted to help and give something back. We still keep in touch with Petey’s sister and send her gifts and chat to her mum online.
Q. When did you adopt Petey?
When Petey came to me, he needed to be neutered before rehoming, so we developed a bond and when he returned from the vets and needed help to recover from his operation I started to think, OMG, can I let this handsome chap go to a new home?
I put this to the back of my mind for a short while but after my precious pug Romeo passed away on Petey’s 2nd Birthday, I just knew that this was a sign to keep him. So, we made the arrangements with the helpful and caring Ronnie, and he has been a valued part of my life and family since then. He is my soul dog and best friend.
Q. What made you decide to adopt?
Handsome boy, big brown puppy dog eyes and the pug head tilt, true to type characteristics. His happy demeanour, loving personality, needy pug personality and the fact that he follows me around all day every day!
Q. Can you tell us a little bit about Petey?
Petey was a misunderstood Pug, he is 100 miles an hour and a bit of a crazy loon but he is such a happy pup and loves his walkies, paddling pool and naps with me.
Q. How did you find the adoption process?
The process was straight forward and I cannot thank Ronnie and the PDWRA enough for lining me up with my best friend <3
Q. Is there anything you think prospective adoptive or foster parents should know?
I feel people need to give it time. Dogs can take different time frames to settle and some have been through more than others… time and love go a long way.
Q. What has life been like since adopting Petey?
Honestly, he makes me so happy and I take him everywhere with me… this year alone he’s been to Northumberland, Scotland, Newquay, Newbury, Newark and more … I love taking him on days out, new walks and adventures with me.
I haven’t looked back at all. He really helped get me through a tough time of losing my senior pug, whilst he hasn’t replaced Romeo he has become a vital part of my life and I hope to foster and maybe adopt again in the future.
He’s become quite the celebrity and is a brand ambassador for ‘All About Dogs Shows’, ‘Dogfest’ events and so much more and is regularly treated from brands alike to; new dog beds, toys, harnesses and much more!
Thank you, for Petey!
Naomi.
Naomi has occasionally volunteered in other areas for the charity when she can. Last year she took Petey to Crufts, to help man our stand at the world-famous event!
You can also follow Naomi’s Petey, and his fur sibling’s adventures on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exploreypaws/ , Facebook and TikTok: @Exploreypaws.
by Yasmin | 6 Jun, 2024 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories, Volunteering, Fundraising
This year marks the 40th anniversary of Volunteers’ Week, where the first week of June, each year, is a period for celebrating the invaluable contribution volunteers make to their causes, and society, every single day!
The PDWRA could not do what they do for Pugs in Need, without OUR DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS.
Enormous THANKS goes out to each and every one!
Our Volunteer contributors include:
Regional Volunteer Area Coordinators, who manage the whole rehoming process for each surrendered pug, from counselling those giving them up to ensuring they are thriving wherever they’re placed.
In-house Vets, providing highly experienced, breed-expert, supervision of the healthcare needs for pugs in our care.
Fosterers, who provide immediate, caring homes for each surrendered pug during their transition or rehabilitation.
Approved & trained Home-checkers who visit & assess all potential homes for our precious pugs.
Approved Transporters country-wide, provide the generous & trusted network for our pugs to reach their new homes, safely.
All year round, PDWRA’s Facebook Mega-Auction group raises thousands of ££s to help with pug vet bills. Managed by a trio of dedicated volunteers, presenting an amazing array of unique, donated, auction lots or special raffles prizes, to be won. All safely wrapped & dispatched to you!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/242845766241493/
Across the country, Local Fundraisers, through crafts & hobbies or small businesses or events, raise awareness of our charity & provide essential donations for PDWRA.
PDWRA’s small Comms team manages its website & social media daily, emailing regular newsletters to engage with supporters, ensuring they are kept informed about the charity’s work, requirements & achievements. All of our appeals for pug homes have reached new applicants so that ALL of those pugs in need, have found their forever homes.
Every single person that kindly & generously volunteers their time, at Events or behind the scenes, whether it’s administering microchips or paying vet bills, is invaluable in helping our cause: PUGS, that need our help for safe, stable & healthy futures.
Without ALL of YOU we could not do what we do!
If you would like to volunteer, please look at these webpages:
Locally: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/volunteering-for-pdwra/
or
Centrally: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/volunteer-opportunities-at-pdwra/
