Finding the right match of pug to adopter can mean literally going the extra mile for the pug in question, and this was the case for Wilfred.
PDWRA have a network of Volunteers who generously give up their time to transport pugs for us, collecting from owners, being part of a transport run, or taking to waiting homes.
In Wilfred’s case he needed to join his adopter near the South Coast, so getting him from his Foster Carer in the North, all the way there, was going to be a challenge!
We already had another pug, Michael who was due to be rehomed further along the South coast to Wilfred’s destination. His journey was already arranged and he was due to travel by train from London. So it made sense for both pugs to travel together, and our Volunteers stepped up to get Wilfred to London in good time to catch his train.
Both Wilfred and Michael travelled in style down to Brighton, attended by Michael’s Foster Carers, and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
It’s not usual for pugs to travel by train and we don’t insist on first class ! However, we do welcome those who are able to give up some time on the odd occasion to drive a pug, or pugs, to their destinations.
At the Station they were met by their respective adopters who were overjoyed to make the acquaintance of the new members of their families. Everyone was beaming!
It is such a rewarding way to participate, albeit in a short but important part of a pug’s life.
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Wilfred, at the end of a long day & just the beginning of his new adventure!
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Volunteers are welcome in all parts of the country, and it may be that the trip could be incorporated into a planned visit for business or a family occasion. One of our Volunteers even dropped a pug off to its Forever Home on her way to a funeral !
We are grateful for the time freely given by our Volunteer transporters; pugs could not join their respective fosterers or adopters without their support.
💖This week is National Volunteers’ Week, and the perfect time for PDWRA to celebrate its ongoing gratitude to ALL Volunteers! 💖
🤗 THANK YOU ALL! 🤗
We could not help Pugs in Need without the voluntary contributions each & everyone makes with their skills, experience & time. Our costs are covered solely by public donations & fundraising!
Volunteers contribute to all stages that enable rehoming, from Trustees in Management to the regional rehoming co-ordinators (Voluntary Area Co-ordinators – VACs), who facilitate local pug rescue/surrenders, health & welfare assessments, rehabilitation where needed, and organise the onward placements to the pugs’ best-suited homes.
This is where regional, local, Home-checkers & Transporters are essential, volunteering their time to achieve the goal of rehoming Pugs in Need safely and securely.
Additionally, to support these operations, are the dedicated small teams for the PDWRA Facebook Mega Auction group’s Fundraising, plus Communications, managing PDWRA’s Website and Social Media, keeping everyone informed & updated.
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Here’s a recent, wonderful example of Volunteers going the extra mile to get pugs along their life’s journey to their Forever Homes. In this case, Wilfred & Michael reaching their respective Forever Homes.
Volunteers are welcome from all parts of the country.
We are grateful for the time freely given by our Volunteer Transporters, as well as Home-Checkers; Pugs could not join their respective Fosterers or Adopters without them!
This Brother and Sister pair, are 8 years old and very devoted to each other. Ray more so than Carla. He’s a sensitive soul and uneasy if she’s not around.
Both were quite lively on first arrival with their fosterer but have calmed down now they are in a routine and regularly walked.
Carla is a cuddly affectionate pug and loves the company of humans. Happy and calm around other dogs and accepting of cats. She is friendly and inquisitive on meeting people, though not tested on children.
Carla is to undergo surgery to improve her breathing. Once recovered, she will be able to enjoy life to the full. Both are neutered.
Ray is a gentle pug who loves to be stroked, he can suffer from anxiety and is at his happiest in the company of humans and with Carla by his side. Almost totally blind in one eye, he has adapted extremely well and this does not hinder his ability to enjoy the world around him.
He needs regular application of eye drops to ensure the eye is properly lubricated. Ray’s very sociable and gentle with other dogs, he can be friendly but rather shy on first meeting new people.
He gets on well with cats but will try to steal their food!
Ray prefers to walk in more peaceful settings away from traffic noise.
Both will thrive in a peaceful and calm household with love and affection. They do suffer with separation anxiety which will need to be worked on. A home with children over 10 years is advised.
If you feel you have the right home for Ray & Carla, please apply here:
If you have any specific questions about Ray & Carla, or your application for them, please email Jackie at: se@nullpugwelfare-rescue.org.uk Afterwards, do check your email spam/junk or deleted folders, in case any new mails from us aren’t recognised as safe-senders.
** 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: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/perfect-pairs/
Five years old, and both spayed, Daphne and Vera are a devoted bonded-pair of pugs.
Vera is the more outgoing of the two, Daphne prefers to just chill out with her humans.
Both are in good health with Daphne recovering from recent dental surgery. She will be back to normal by the time they have their Forever Home to move to.
Daphne has a sweet, friendly nature, very well behaved on and off the lead. She is very calm when meeting children and is happy for them to stroke her gently. She can be startled by loud noises though, in and outside the home.
She loves her walks but you must allow for plenty of sniffing time, as she likes to take her time!
Vera is not so quick to trust people, she likes to get to know them. Give her time and space and she will make her own choices.
She is not happy being approached by strangers trying to pet her, and for this reason, care should be taken when out walking as she suffers from fear aggression and may nip the unwary. This may be partly due to a slight sight impairment as she can also be taken by surprise in dim light.
Toys are her absolute joy and she will play all day.
Both are happy living with other dogs and cats, but would be better suited with children over 10 years who can respect Vera’s boundaries.
If you feel you have the right home for the lovely Daphne & Vera, please apply here:
If you have any specific questions about Daphne & Vera or your application, please email Jackie at: se@nullpugwelfare-rescue.org.uk Afterwards, do check your email spam/junk or deleted folders, in case any new mails from us aren’t recognised as safe-senders.
** 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: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/perfect-pairs/
👏 ** WONDERFUL NEWS UPDATE: Cleo & Elmo have already found their Perfect forever Home! ** 👏
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ORIGINAL APPEAL:
Cleo and Elmo are 8 year old siblings, super-bonded to each other.
They are used to living with other dogs but are just as happy in each other’s company. They are both neutered.
Cleo has one eye, the other must be kept lubricated to ensure it remains healthy. She is easy going and gets on with everyone, the more confident of the pair. She has had surgery on both hind legs for luxating patella but this does not hinder her mobility. Care should be taken however not to over walk her beyond her comfort zone.
Elmo is more dependant on Cleo and does not like to be parted from her. He’s easy going and very calm but is anxious if not within sight of Cleo.
Both love to sit with their humans and enjoy cuddles on the sofa. They mix well with other dogs and are used to children. Not tested on cats. An easy-going pair who should fit in with most households providing they have plenty of opportunities for cuddles, and are walked within their capabilities.
These charming siblings will bring a lot of love and devoted companionship to anyone’s home.
** Don’t Forget – 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: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/perfect-pairs/
🤞 ** THANK YOU! We have received a strong response in the number of Adoption Applications for Dec, so are closing to any more. ** 🤞
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APPEAL INFORMATION:
This is two year old Dec who’s looking for his adoptive home!
He’s an affectionate boy who enjoys a fuss being made of him, as well as companionship.
🐾 Dec is very active and enjoys long walks.
🐾 He can live with kind, respectful children of five plus years.
🐾 Dec can live as an only dog, or potentially with another compatible dog who will appreciate his youthful excitability.
🐾 He will need to be fed separately, as is very food-orientated.
🐾 Unfortunately, Dec does not like cats!
Dec is neutered, vaccinated and in good health.
His housetraining is work in progress. Walking regularly helps and he really loves his walks.
Patience and routine is a must for him.
Dec responds to basic commands though training to wait for treats for example will need work on! 😄
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Dec responds to basic commands though training to wait for treats for example, needs work on!
He can be nervous/scared if unsure, or hears loud noises or someone approaches suddenly though can be comfortably examined by a vet.
This delightful young boy will bring a lot of joy and life to any home!
👏 ** WONDERFUL NEWS UPDATE: Danny has been ADOPTED! ** 👏
THANK YOU for all your responses!
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APPEAL INFORMATION:
This is Danny, a 1 year old bundle of fun, recently neutered & up to date with all his jabs.
Danny loves other dogs. He just loves to play but gets frustrated & barky if other dogs don’t want to play as energetically as him.
So, Danny is looking for a young, fit playmate or two maybe, which would suit him best. He probably wouldn’t cope well as an only dog as he’s always looking for energetic stimulation & fun!
He’s unfortunately not a cat-person though!
He likes to carry objects around but he doesn’t chew them & he’s also tried agility which would be very good for developing his skills for this.
Because of the full and busy home where unfortunately Danny was crated a lot, he does have separation anxiety & shouldn’t be crated any more. What he needs is time & attention with adults at home a lot or working from home.
This also means he is very wary of children, therefore a home with no children, or calm, responsible older children (over 10yrs) would be better suited.
Likewise, Danny is initially nervous of men but will be fine once he learns to trust them. He does travel well in a car.
Danny is a lovely young boy who just needs a family to love him & give him all the attention and security he needs, with opportunities to release his boundless energy & just enjoy him!
It will be a win-win for whoever adopts our dynamic Danny! If you have any specific questions about him, or your application please email Lisa at: east@nullpugwelfare-rescue.org.uk
Leona says ‘I’m running to raise money for this wonderful charity that I adopted our pug Bertie from.
They helped me daily whilst I got to know Bertie and paid for the operations he needed, which cost a lot!
They do this for every pug in their care that needs medical help. I also volunteer with them, helping to find new homes for pugs.
10km is a lot for me – I’m currently at 7km (with a couple of breathers 😆) and plan to up the distance a little bit each time I run along the Bristol Portway.’
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So a Very Well Done & Thanks to Leona from all at PDWRA including the pugs she will be able to help!
Leona finished with lots of support, saying, “It was so great, and I’ve raised £680 now! Thank you so much for all the love and support xx “
Looking at Leona’s Fundraising page on Tuesday 13th her Total had increased to: £800.14 + £177.25 Gift Aid!
In March we had to say goodbye to our beloved 13.5yr old pug Frank.
Frank was adopted from PDWRA in 2014 when he was just 2.5yrs old and it was the single most best decision we ever made!
He slotted into our family life as if he’d always been a part of it.
Like any pug, his presence and personality were huge and in the village we lived in until our early retirement. Everyone knew and loved him, he was our superstar!
After we retired and relocated, Frank was becoming quite stiff on his hind legs and a trip to the vets down here confirmed osteoarthritis, prescribed Onsior and checked 6 monthly.
Frank improved greatly on this for a while, then later was diagnosed with dementia, loss of some sight and most of his hearing. At 13yrs old, he was still a happy little chap and coping well with his ageing.
Sadly though, 6 months later he went into respiratory distress, and along with our vets, who were wonderfully supportive, agreed it was the right time to say goodbye to our wonderful little man.
Frank went peacefully surrounded by his family and all the love in the world which he so richly deserved.
FRANK
You left owing us nothing but to you, we owe the world. 💔
The stained corners of furniture from the joy of rubbing your face into anything and everything, hair, goodness, the hair, it fell on and into anything and everything.
The cacophony of weird indescribable noises and incessant barking at Eastenders theme tune.
The constant tippy tapping nail noises on anything that wasn’t carpeted. I moaned, probably every day of the 11yrs we had you about it, but I would have all that back in a heartbeat Frank, rather than the silence we’re left with today.
R.I.P my wonderful, snuffly, funny, gentle little chicken nugget. You will be missed more than you will ever know….until we meet again my friend. 💔💔
Your Mum & Dad, Donna & Brian.
I would also like to thank the PDWRA for their faith and trust in us as adoptive pug parents. It was an honour and a privilege to have known Frank for 11yrs, and to have cared for him. He was the link in our family, he made our family what it is today, so much so that my eldest daughter, her partner and my two young granddaughters are now the proud adoptive parents of a wonderful pug!
🎉This is Daphne, the most sociable PDWRA pug, joining in VE 80th Anniversary celebrations wherever she can! 🎊
Daphne is one of our many happily adopted pugs who we appealed for a home for last year.
Ever since, Daphne’s Mum, artist Shirley, inspired by Daphne of course,has been generously using her talent to donate funds to PDWRA. Many pugs are drawn each month but not restricted to them, any breed, or animal included!
Shirley donated over £2,000 last year alone & she’s drawing every week from her order list!
Daphne!
If you would like to own a unique and personal portrait of any four-legged animal, please don’t hesitate to place an order.
Each portrait costs £15 only, where Shirley donates £10 directly to PDWRA, and £5 covers post, packaging & materials. All you need to do is provide the photo you wish her to use.
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:
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
👏 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.
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.
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.
