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/
by Yasmin | 31 Mar, 2025 | Blog, News, Pug Health
Spring is here!
We’re all glad for the drier, brighter, warmer days bringing with it NEW temptations for our furry friends indoors and out. So as usual we need to be vigilant, for them!
Outdoor hazards:
We’re likely to be keen to be outdoors with winter behind us. Springtime activities such as gardening and picnicking can expose pugs to potential hazards like pesticides, fertilizers, and sharp tools/objects.
So, keep a close eye on your pug when they’re outdoors to ensure they’re not exploring things they shouldn’t be, and are in a safe environment.
Toxic Bulbs & Plants:
Many different plants & bulbs commonly found in the home, gardens and outdoor areas can make your dog ill. Some of these are highly poisonous, such as lilies, tulips, and daffodils, if ingested. while others may only cause a mild tummy upset. Incidents of poisoning from spring bulbs are most likely to occur from dogs eating the bulbs in spring when they begin to flower and autumn when they are planted.
It’s best to keep your pugs away from these plants, to prevent accidental poisoning. Please see more examples of harmful and harmless plants the bottom of this webpage.
There’s a whole array of OTHER hazards, including: weed killer, pesticides including slug pellets, compost bins, even grass cuttings!
Allergens: Just like humans, dogs can suffer from seasonal allergies triggered by pollen, grass, and other allergens that are more prevalent in the spring. Symptoms may include itching, scratching, sneezing, and watery eyes.
Please see: Atopic Dermatitis (Itchy skin!). | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
Ticks and fleas: Warmer weather means an increase in ticks and fleas, which can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease and tapeworms. Pugs, with their wrinkled skin, can be particularly susceptible to flea infestations if proper preventive measures aren’t taken.
Indoor hazards:
With Easter, it may be worth reminding visitors or children who may not be as aware of the hazards, as we are, so everyone can enjoy this time of year, safely.
Chocolate poisoning: Easter often involves chocolate eggs & treats, which are toxic to dogs if ingested. Make sure to keep all chocolate out of reach of your pug and be cautious about where you hide Easter eggs if they contain chocolate.
Most of us know about keeping Easter chocolate away from temptation but our dogs will endeavour to seek things out with their highly sensitive sense of smell.
Theobromine found 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 you must never 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, drooling, 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, also branded as Birch-sugar, 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.
Also, while 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 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.
If you suspect your dog may have eaten chocolate, contact your vet immediately, keep the packaging to help them regarding the type of chocolate that’s been eaten (dark, plain, milk, white etc.) and how much has been consumed.
To learn more about chocolate toxicity and the signs and symptoms:https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/conditions/chocolate-poisoning?
Overeating Easter treats: With Easter celebrations often come feasts and treats, which can lead to overeating and digestive issues for pugs. Be mindful of the types and amounts of food your pug consumes to prevent obesity and gastrointestinal problems.
Food Hazards.
– Traditional roasts where cooked bones can easily splinter.
– Stuffing, gravy, anything which may contain onion, chives, garlic.
– Fruit or Simnel cake, Hot-Cross buns, anything with sultana’s and raisins (grape family).
– Other foods, such as certain nuts, blue cheese, fatty and salty foods.
For more on Easter dangers: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/easterdangers?
Spring Cleaning.
If you are Spring-Cleaning, make sure that products are inaccessible to your dog and that they are kept away from areas while being cleaned, or have recently been cleaned.
For more information, please see: Poisons | Dog health | The Kennel Club
Including a comprehensive list of poisonous plants: Poisons in your garden | Dog health | Kennel Club (thekennelclub.org.uk)
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On a sunnier note, here are some, from many, that are regarded to be safe for our dogs:
If you suspect your dog might have ingested anything that is appearing to make them ill, contact your vet immediately.
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Seasonal Hazards for Pugs
by Yasmin | 24 Mar, 2025 | Blog, News, Volunteering
We could not do what we do for Pugs in Need without dedicated Foster carers.
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More than ever, we are in need of NEW foster homes to support the large number of pugs in our care and welcome Short and Long-term Foster carers.
We also are in particular need of those that can support age-related or special-needs, or accommodate bonded-pairs, as the number of all types of pugs that have been surrendered has increased.
Often those with emotional needs or impaired sight for example, may need quieter homes, sometimes without other energetic pets or young children around them.
If you can help to foster, plus in particular be able to offer any of the following listed, we would love to hear from you!
- Quiet, less busy environments.
- No-Other-Dogs in the home.
- Bonded Pairs accommodated.
- Special-needs, Mobility or Incontinence care.
- Behavioural investment/training.
We match the best environment and care available for each pug’s needs and frequently they need to be in a foster home as soon as possible.
The demand for specific types of homes varies across the regions of the UK, and we would also welcome more from Scotland, the North of England and Wales, plus Avon & Somerset in the South West of England.
For full details on fostering for us, plus to apply directly, please go to:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/fostering-a-pug/
by Yasmin | 16 Mar, 2025 | Pug Home Appeal, Blog, News, Rescue Stories
👏 ** WONDERFUL NEWS: Evie has found her FOREVER FAMILY! ** 👏
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ORIGINAL APPEAL:
This is the lovely Evie. She’s 2 and a half years-old and looking for an experienced parent in a home with no other dogs or children.
We don’t believe Evie has had the best socialisation and can be extremely jealous of her human and over excitable around other dogs (and young children) though will calm down quickly.
If another dog starts coming near she has the urge to attack and barks at them. She reacts particularly towards larger dogs, which may stem from not getting on with one in her previous home.
She can also grumble at being picked up but less so as she gets used to you.
Her new parent will need to help Evie with her behaviour with the attention she needs for this.
Evie is very affectionate too! She likes people, requires all the attention from her human, enjoys cuddles and sitting on laps. She follows the fosterer everywhere.
She gets very excited in the car as she knows she’s going on a walk. She enjoys these!
Evie is fully house-trained and good and obedient at feeding. She understands commands.
She would be ideal as a companion for someone at home that enjoys walking and can help to improve some of her behaviours.
Evie will be spayed next week while in foster so will be recovered and back to normal for her new home.
Could YOU & your home benefit from Evie’s companionship?
Please read our Guidelines for Adopting, 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, at:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/category/rescue-stories/
by Yasmin | 9 Mar, 2025 | Blog, Rescue Stories
We appealed for a Forever Home for Rocky who hadn’t enjoyed a lot of socialisation making him sensitive and reactive, and were lucky to find one so soon and that he’s more than thriving in already!
See Rocky’s appeal: Sensitive Rocky needs a Quiet Forever-Home! | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association
Rocky’s New Dad describes:
A Day in the Life of Rocky…. ♥❤
Rocky sleeps with us in a memory foam bed and takes up most of the room. He snores really loud but he wakes up as soon as I move.
At 7.30 am we get up and go in the garden to feed the birds, then Rocky has breakfast. We walk along the country road to see the llamas, then we run back. He is super-fast, but he loves to run.
Toy time starts immediately when he gets back. His toys are thrown all over the living room, followed by the zoomies!
Once he’s tired, it’s a massive drink of water followed by belly rub time and cuddle time on the couch with his electric blanket on number 2.
We go for a walk up to a nearby woodland around 12 where Rocky loves to bark. He loves the storms and is starting to respond really well to the local farm animals and wildlife, although he did scare the Minister’s wife on her cycle yesterday when she rode by. It was hilarious and I’m sure this will make an appearance in the next community newsletter. Our late boy Trevor used to do exactly the same.
Snack time as soon as we return home and Siesta time at 2.30pm until 4pm. Then we go on the back field for a run about, working on his recall. Chill time is followed by teatime at 6pm followed by a treat.
Evenings are chill out time, belly rub and cuddle time on the couch. Lots of barking in the garden, and bed time around 11pm. We sometimes see a wee glimmer of sadness hit him, due to his past trauma, but his days are mainly filled with happiness and love. He’s an important and loved member of our pack and he knows this.
We are sure his troubled heart will heal soon.
Rocky’s Proud Forever Parents!
PDWRA couldn’t be happier for such a match made in heaven for this lovely boy who didn’t have the best start in life, Rocky.
Thanks also to Lisa, his dedicated Rehoming Coordinator.
To see some of our other successful adoption stories, please go to:
Rescue Stories | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association
or
Blog | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association
