by Yasmin | 29 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 | 25 Apr, 2025 | Pug Home Appeal, Blog, News, Rescue Stories
👏 THE BEST NEWS! 👏
Luna has an amazing, fun home with furry companions to play with!
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ORIGINAL APPEAL INFORMATION:
Otherwise known as Looney Tunes, the lovely Luna is ready for her adoptive home, having been in foster due to her Mum passing away..
Luna is seven years old and spayed.
She can live in a new home as an only pug, or with a sociable dog.
She will tolerate cats, but may chase them at first!
Luna can live with children, but can be a little over zealous with her affections.
She is quite a character, and is very typical of the stubborn, funny, cheeky, contrary and affectionate pug.
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Luna likes to march to the beat of her own drum, and won’t necessarily follow any requests!
She is fully housetrained and enjoys her walks, also travels well in the car.
She’s enjoying her stay in foster, in central England as you can see from the videos.
Luna will make a wonderful, fun and loving addition to any home!
Please also read our Guidelines for Adopting, at: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/adopting-a-pug/
If you have any questions regarding Luna’s adoption, please contact Jane at: Central@nullpugwelfare-rescue.org.uk
*** APPLICATIONS are now CLOSED for Luna ***
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Please take a look at just a small sample of happy, successful Rescue & Adoption Stories at:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/category/rescue-stories/
by Yasmin | 20 Apr, 2025 | Blog, News, Pug Health
HAPPY EASTER!
Wishing everyone a Very Happy Easter. With special wishes and thanks to all of our loyal Supporters and dedicated Volunteers & Donators, who make helping Pugs in Need, possible!
Here are Teddy, Ruby and Mildred, gorgeous pugs from our PDWRA family’s, Mega-Auction team, getting into the spirit for the Easter Weekend.
To join in on their activities, they are open and active with new lots listed on Easter Monday and a prize raffle ending in the evening:
As Easter temptations will be around, please be vigilant around them for a fun & safe time, particularly if Easter Eggs or children are around.
Remind visitors what they’re not allowed to eat particularly.
FOODS they should not eat:
– Chocolate, lying around, discarded or forgotten out on Easter hunts!
– Fruit or Simnel cake, hot-cross buns anything with sultana’s, currants and raisins (grapes)
– Traditional roasted poultry where bones can easily splinter
– Stuffing, gravy, anything which may contain onion, chives, garlic.
– Other foods, such as certain nuts, blue cheese, fatty and salty foods
CHOCOLATE:
Most of us know to keep Easter chocolate away from them, but they will seek things out with their highly sensitive sense of smell.
Theobromine in chocolate is a stimulant. It may cause excitability or muscle twitching, tremors, even fitting, or they may have an increased heart rate.
They may initially be sick, but don’t try to make them sick. If vomit is frothy and foamy it could get into their lungs, making matters worse.
Other signs might include drinking a lot, dribbling, not walking in a straight line and fast breathing. If enough is eaten then the effects can be severe or even fatal.
Some sugar-free chocolates contain xylitol, which is an artificial sweetener especially poisonous to dogs. It can cause a dog’s blood sugar level to drop to dangerous levels, also possibly liver failure.
Although chocolate foil wrappers are not poisonous, they can cause an obstruction if eaten. This can be dangerous enough to require surgery. Signs of an obstruction may include being sick, being tired, they may be off their food, or finding it difficult to go to the toilet!
If you suspect your pet may have eaten chocolate, keep the packaging and call your vet immediately. Help them regarding the type of chocolate that’s been eaten (dark, plain, milk, white etc.) and how much has been consumed.
PDSA: Learn more about chocolate toxicity and the signs and symptoms: http://pdsa.me/bUYl
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For more information about Easter and Spring hazardous temptations, please see:
Spring Hazards & temptations! | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association
by Yasmin | 15 Apr, 2025 | Pug Home Appeal, Blog, News, Rescue Stories
👏 THEY’RE NOT LOOKING ANY MORE! 👏
We are delighted to say that Ted & Henry are settling in very well, into their Forever Home.
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APPEAL INFORMATION:
Due to family bereavement, these lovely 6 year-old brothers, Ted & Henry, are looking for their forever home together.
Gentle, loving, very well behaved and completely house-trained they would make the perfect companions and suit a variety of households.
Quick to adapt to new routines, the boys are also great with other dogs and with children of all ages. They have no fear of household noise and are good on or off lead.
Henry is the leader of the two although he is slightly smaller. Ted will not go on a walk without him and they keep a close eye on where each other is at all times, definitely bonded-brothers.
The boys both love their walks. Ted is a plodder and sniffer while Henry has a slightly quicker pace though neither are sprinters!
Both Ted and Henry have the sweetest personalities, affectionate and gentle and very happy snuggling up on the sofa in the evening.
You are guaranteed to fall in love with them straight away!
It will be a very lucky household indeed that gives a forever home to these 2 beautiful boys.
If you have any questions about them, please email Helen at: veterinary-advisor@nullpugwelfare-rescue.org.uk
Please Note we currently have sufficient applications for them & are not accepting any more at this time.
Our Guidelines for Adopting, including for Bonded-Pairs, are at: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/adopting-a-pug/
** We offer A £100 discount (£50 per pug), when adopting a Bonded-Pair of Pugs! **
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 | 15 Apr, 2025 | Blog, Rescue Stories
How did you first hear about the PDWRA?
My daughter Amy, achieved her long held desire to own a pug in 2018. Now 30, and having wanted one since she was 10, she knew all about their little ‘quirks’ as a breed! We all fell in love instantly with little Boo and I found myself becoming more fascinated by pugs as a breed. I’d always had dogs growing up but never a pug. Amy mentioned one day she’d heard of a charity that rehomed pugs. I did a little research and came across the PDWRA online, signed up to everything I could and the rest, as they say is history!
How did you come to make the decision to adopt through the PDWRA?
At the time we adopted Ralph, Pugs and Frenchie’s seemed to have soared in popularity. I couldn’t believe there was a charity literally dedicated to rehoming pugs. I’ve always used rescue centres and just feel that’s what I’d rather do to give a dog another chance at a happy life. The PDWRA seemed like an amazing charity and the perfect opportunity for us to welcome our own pug to the family.
When did you adopt your Ralph?
We adopted Ralph in January 2020. On a bitterly cold Saturday afternoon we drove almost 2 hours to a riding school in what seemed like deepest darkest Somerset. We’d been sent pictures of Ralph and fallen in love with him. Area Coordinator Jane was amazing at ensuring he was a good match, not just for us as a family but for Boo also, so I felt sure everything would be fine. We arrived and met Ralph’s foster family; they handed over what appeared to be an overly excitable bag of eels! I felt sure I was going to drop him; the energy and sheer liveliness did take me by surprise a little! We completed all the formalities and popped our new family member in the back of the car. He absolutely flaked out all the way home, bless him!
What made you decide to adopt?
We’d adopted previously through a little local charity. For me personally, I just feel it’s what I prefer to do. I do worry sometimes that in today’s materialistic society even dogs can become a status symbol or a fashion item, becoming very ‘sought after’ for a period sending prices from breeders soaring. Sadly, with breeds like pugs that have their little ‘quirks’, it’s all too easy to give them up when they become a bit of a challenge to care for.
Can you tell us a little bit about Ralph?
Ralph is an absolute character! He has two speeds, full on or asleep. I’d never heard the expression ‘Velcro Dog’, but Ralph is the dictionary definition! He’s just amazing, slightly crazy and we honestly can’t imagine life without him now. Boo is my daughter’s pug and although she isn’t with us all the time, it was obviously important to ensure any potential matches for us suited Boo. Boo is a black female and a year or so older than Ralph. From what I hear, she is a typical black female pug, earning her the nickname ‘Princess Boo’. She’s adorable but definitely has a slight attitude! She’s very much top dog and ensures Ralph knows this in the nicest way possible when she comes to visit.
How did you find the adoption process?
The adoption process was incredibly well managed, and Jane was amazing. We had a lengthy talk about the family, why we were looking at adopting a pug and what the relevant requirements would be, particularly as in a good match for Boo. Jane explained that with Boo’s character, we’d potentially be looking at a younger, more submissive male. Jane called me back sometime later and described Ralph. He sounded so cute. He’s a brindle and in trying to describe him, Jane said he had markings like a tiger or that he should be called Tigger. She sent a photo through and from that moment I just wanted to pick him up! His markings are beautiful and draw lots of comments as people are more used to seeing fawn or black pugs, while Ralph is a mixture.
Anything you think prospective adoptive or foster parents should know?
I would say to make sure you know the quirks of the breed. As mentioned, my daughter Amy wanted a pug for years. She’d educated herself incredibly well and made sure I knew about the breed as I’d be looking after Boo occasionally, I’d never heard of reverse sneezing! I’ve had dogs all my life, but pugs are definitely a breed apart and it’s good to ensure you know all the possible issues to take care of before you commit.
What has life been like since adopting Ralph?
We can’t imagine life without Ralph now. He’s become an amazing little companion for my teenager. Ralph came into our lives just as we were about to go into lockdown in 2020. This period was a cause of extreme anxiety for my child, then only 10yrs old. Ralphs cuddles, slightly mad personality and just his general presence definitely helped. It was incredible to see their bond from day one and Ralph is such a big part of this family now. Thank you so much to PDWRA and in particular, Jane.
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Do take a look at just a small sample of our happy, successful Rescue & Adoption Stories at:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/category/rescue-stories/
