by Yasmin | 15 Apr, 2025 | Blog, Rescue Stories
Laura’s Story of Adopting Ethel
There are two 40th Anniversaries this year, the 40th Anniversary of EastEnders and the arrival of a very famous TV pug – Willie, belonging to Ethel Skinner and more importantly, the 40th Anniversary of pugs entering my life, which was January 1985. I was a young teenager and my family got our first pug puppy, called Honey. I was the start of a 40-year pug adventure ending with the adoption of our very own Ethel! After a few years of having Honey in our lives, my Mum heard about PDWRA and she has adopted at least 4 pugs through PDWRA over the last 40 years, and that’s how I knew about pug adoption.
Due to work commitments and family life, a dog was not a viable option for our family for a number of years, but in 2018 my husband was made redundant and took a job with more flexible hours. We then thought about the prospect of getting a dog and I made the first move to contacting PDWRA. This was around September 2018 and it wasn’t too long until we were contacted for a home visit and the ball was rolling. My mum had warned it may be sometime before we heard anything but 2 or 3 weeks later a call came through from Paula Parke regarding a puppy pug that had become available. We weren’t too sure about a puppy, preferring a 2–3-year-old dog and Paula then mentioned a little pug called Ethel. “Tell me more” I said, and she did. 2 weeks later we were on our way to collect our very own little ‘Willie’! We can still remember the first time seeing her now, a tiny little thing bounding into the room after a tennis ball, which was as big as her head! From that moment on, we were smitten. We drove home to where her 2 human sisters were patiently waiting and life changed forever, for the better. Ethel settled in reasonably quickly, we had originally said – “no sleeping in our bed”, but those big eyes and sad little face – 24 hours later she was on the bed in between us snoring away on her favourite soft blanket and she’s never looked back!
Ethel has had a few health issues, like all pugs she suffered with eye ulcers and after a particularly bad bout of them we spoke to the PDWRA who were excellent in referring us and helping with the costs, to an expert eye surgeon. Ethel had a cornea graft in the summer of 2021, it was a worrying time and after a few weeks of wearing the cone, numerous trips back and forth to the vet and LOTS of eye drops, the result was amazing and well worth having done.
Ethel was a tiny 5kg when we adopted her at the age of 2 and half, she has now been in her forever home with us for 6 years and due to her love of cheese, crisps, apple, chicken, roast beef, the list goes on, her weight has slowly crept up. She enjoys 2 or 3 walks a day, dry at an ambient temperature is always preferable! Ethel has also “enjoyed” a few trips away, she’s been to Devon, where she very much enjoyed trying to snack on sheep’s poop, and climbing up the various Tor’s. She’s also been to Rye and Camber Sands, where she’s really enjoyed a trot on the sand with some doggy friends of ours, but always looks at them like they are slightly mad when they go running off into the water – “wet paws, not for me” she says! But as much as she’s enjoyed her trips away, you can tell Ethel’s absolute favourite place is in her own home, on the settee, next to either me or her Dad, squashed up next to one of us snoring away until a crisp packet rustles and you’ve never seen a pug move so fast!
Ethel is a lovely little pug, she is loving and attentive but at the same time can give you that moody side eye pug treatment when she feels like it! She’s 9 years old now, a senior, but still has quite youthful looks, even if tinged with some grey. She can still chase a squirrel or even an aeroplane in the back garden and jumping up at the TV when any non-human is on – not a problem! And even though crisps HAVE to be shared and nature programmes are a no-no, we wouldn’t have it any other way! Here’s to another 40 years of PDWRA and pug love.
by Yasmin | 15 Apr, 2025 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories, Volunteering
Speaking from one dog collar to another – The joy of being a long-term fosterer with PDWRA…
It was the run up to Christmas 2023, late evening and I needed a break from sermon writing, so started surfing the internet, and because of my interest in pugs came across the PDWRA, and their appeal for fosterers. I can do that – I thought. My work is based at home; the house is pug friendly with a third of an acre of secure garden. Most importantly was I needed to check with Horace and Doris, the resident pugs, and Big Trevor who I was looking after for a member of my congregation (who incidentally ended up staying). Permission granted and I completed the forms; a home check followed, and the rest as they say is history. My first foster pug came in early February, a lovely 9-year fawn pug. She settled in straight away and a home was already lined up for her. She stayed for a few days holiday before going to her forever home.
Julie’s full Grumble!
After speaking to my regional co-ordinator Dee, I shared my love of those pugs that had additional needs.
Having worked as a regional fundraiser for a national animal welfare charity for 15 years it saddened me when those that are elderly, not attractive to look at, or have medical or social needs are overlooked in favour of the younger dogs, when often all they need is someone to understand and love them for who they are. These are the pugs that I have a passion for, have experience of caring for and am happy to share my life and my home with.
I didn’t need to wait long. Dee rang to ask if I would take a bonded pair. Of course, was my reply. My first black pugs – Cissie and Ada, (mum and daughter) joined us. Cissie was 13 and Ada 11 and a half. Both were wonky on their back legs and continence was becoming an issue, but apart from that they were absolutely fine. They have been a joy to have around and can still get about. Howard and Hilda came a few weeks later. Howard was 14 and Hilda 11. Both settled in immediately. They still enjoy a toddle around the village.
Betty came in the summer, an 11-year-old who came from another region. After a dental she became one of the more lively pugs in the grumble, and last but definitely not least came Mr Godfrey, who arrived at the end of the summer. He was overweight and struggling to walk. A trip to the vet diagnosed Degenerative Myelopathy. A strict diet meant he has lost weight, has regular physio and hydrotherapy and started to get around on his wheels and a happier pug you couldn’t wish to meet. Feeding time is organised and everyone waits their turn.
Mr Godfrey, Big Trevor and Doris
As everyone who lives with a pug will tell you, they are unique characters, and you soon see past their age or condition. I don’t notice Horace’s one eye, liver shunt and his post clip alopecia, Big Trev’s Sudden Acute Retinal Degeneration, (He lost his eyesight totally in just over a week last month and is now learning to get around blind, but the rest of the grumble support him). They are a joy to come home to and always lift the spirit.
My job enables me to sometimes take them to work with me and visits to care homes for an afternoon of ‘Pugs and Mugs’ are always popular where the everyone gets to fuss a pug and share a mug of tea and a cake (the pugs ensure there are no crumbs on the floor!), and pet blessings are always fun to do, and mine get to take the service with me.
Of course, there is the sad side when they make the journey over the rainbow bridge. As I was writing this article I had to wave goodbye to Betty, as she had developed a suspected brain tumour and very suddenly went downhill. I stayed with her till the end, and she spent her final hours before and after crossing with her grumble family. As sad as it was, I am so grateful for the time she spent with all of us and the difference her life made to ours, and it makes me even more determined to give these older pugs the best quality of life they can possibly have for as long as they can.
Cissie & Ada, and the Grumble peering through the gate
Myself, like all other volunteers; fosterers, fundraisers, drivers, vets, trustees, co-ordinators are each a cog in the wheel that is PDWRA and a big thank you needs to go to those behind the scenes who by their own volunteering allow the charity to continue to do what it does best, caring for pugs. But this can only happen alongside a sustainable income, which is why I also advocate leaving a legacy, and / or regular giving to enable the charity to continue in the future.
I see my role as a long-term fosterer as a privilege and I keep in regular contact with Dee, my regional co-ordinator and send updates all of the time, the charity support their medical needs, and Abbey Vets have been an amazing support. Through PDWRA I have met some wonderful people and pugs, and this has become a holiday home for some of the fostered / adopted pugs with additional needs. It all adds to the grumble and variety.
Betty & Horace
To anyone considering fostering, I would say, don’t overlook the bonded pairs, those with additional needs, they are a joy, and the elderly – with age comes wisdom
The only thing is you might need to get is a bigger sofa, so that there is enough room for everyone!
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For more information about Fostering and to apply, please see:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/fostering-a-pug/
by Yasmin | 13 Apr, 2025 | Pug Home Appeal, Blog, News, Rescue Stories
THANK YOU!
*** We are delighted to say that we have received sufficient Applications for Milo & Oscar. ***
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APPEAL INFORMATION:
Bonded boys Milo and Oscar are keen and ready for their Forever Home together!
Due to long working-hours changes at home, this delightful pair of boys, who can live with children and other sociable dogs are looking for their adoptive home.
We’re informed, No cats though!
Oscar is four years old.
and Milo is five.
Both boys are neutered and vaccinated.
They are affectionate and love a cuddle.
They are crate and housetrained.
If you have any specific questions about them, please email Jane at: central@nullpugwelfare-rescue.org.uk
Our Guidelines for Adopting, including Bonded-Pairs, are at: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/adopting-a-pug/
Thank you!
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To see the difference adoption can make to your life and theirs, see some of our heart-warming Rescue & Adoption Stories for Bonded-Pairs at:
Perfect Pairs | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association
by Yasmin | 4 Apr, 2025 | Blog, News, Fundraising
👏 ** THE PRIZE DRAW has been made – Raffle Closed ** 👏
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It’s looking like the Most Popular Raffle Prize we’ve had so far, this year!
Brand New in the box, the latest model, NINJA WOODFIRE PRO CONNECT XL ELECTRIC BBQ GRILL AND SMOKER.
RRP £449. It could be yours, for just £2 per raffle ticket.
The future of outdoor cooking – controlled by your phone this will make your Summer entertaining!
From the UK’s No.1 BBQ brand, Pro Connect app controls your BBQ & monitors cooking progress from your phone.
It burns natural wood pellets for authentic smoky flavours & the large grill fits up to 10 burgers, 40 hotdogs or 2 whole 3kg chickens
Electrically powered & weather resistant, for year-round outdoor use.
This fantastic prize could be yours if you join our Raffle in PDWRA’s Facebook Mega Auction Group: (6) PDWRA Mega Auction For Pugs In Need | Facebook
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The Draw will take place by video, at:
7pm on Wednesday 9th April
with free delivery to the Winner’s UK home address.
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For full Prize details and to buy Tickets, please join our Facebook group if you are not a member yet.
Ticket acknowledgements will be made within the Mega-Auction Facebook Group only.
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For more information about Fundraising, please see our webpage: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/fundraising-events/
by Yasmin | 2 Apr, 2025 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories
Hello everyone. My name is Esme and I first came to PDWRA a few years ago.
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, who we then sadly lost. 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 some of our rescue stories at:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/category/rescue-stories/
