by Yasmin | 13 Feb, 2025 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories
Deciding to get a pug was the easy part, as a family we did our research and said yes, it’s definitely a Pug we want, so we got a non-rescue puppy called Wilson, he was a darling…in a devilish sort of way! After 12 months we just knew we wanted to get another pug but this time we wanted to adopt, so I Googled adoptions and rescues and PDWRA came up. So I contacted them, which was really easy to do. I chose PDWRA because I felt they were more than just a rescue, they felt like a family and cared 100% about the pugs, I felt safe knowing it was all about the love and wellbeing of the crazy breed we all love; Pugs!
So, in Sept 2017, after a short while waiting I got a call saying that they’d had a little 12 month girl come into the rescue with skin issues and very hyper!
She met our criteria as we wanted a 12-month-old to join our resident 12-month-old at home. We went to see her and OMG she was a goofy, hyper skinny little lady, she was running around, jumping all over the place, quite the opposite to Wilson.
She had a terrible skin issue that she’s still got today but is managed with medication, she’s all fluffy and healthy now, but still scratches occasionally!
I couldn’t believe it was happening, I was bringing home a rescue! I was nervous and excited and Pepper was anxious during the car ride home, she was whimpering but my kids were in the back seat with her helping to calm her down.
I carried her inside the house and let her down she ran around doing zoomies and found Wilson. It was at that point I knew I’d made the right decision, Pepper & Wilson we’re crazy together from the moment they met, they were inseparable! Initially they had a mad few hours of playing together then they just settled down and slept next to each other like they’d known each other forever, it was a dream come true. A few weeks after getting Pepper she had BOAS surgery to help her tiny little nostrils and she took it all in her stride.
Pepper was a dream from the word go, she was really well potty trained, came back when called and absolutely loves to cuddle and play, even now. 7 years on she’s a beautiful lady, she’s a little greyer around the edges but still a bundle of energy and joy.
After adopting Pepper I wanted to help as much as I could with PDWRA, so over the last 4 years we’ve also fostered 3 pugs, which is an amazing feeling, I’d highly recommended it and the rescue are so supportive throughout the whole process.
Sadly in Dec 2020 Wilson died suddenly at 3 years old, Pepper was so sad, she missed him terribly, so I decided to get another pug puppy. Along came Sid, non-rescue.
Well, I was so nervous for Pepper to meet Sid as she was my main priority but I had nothing to fear, Pepper was excited and happy when Sid came home, she’s certainly the boss and boy does she show it, even now!
Pepper and Sid are inseparable, they adore each other and also enjoy a good squabble too. She is such a diva when it comes to going out in the rain, she just point-blank refuses! Pepper had her teeth removed a couple of years ago, due to them being rotten, she’s got about 2 left and it’s doesn’t stop her eating!
Adopting Pepper from PDWRA was the best decision we ever made, she’s the sweetest little girl and I can’t imagine life without her. Now at 7 years old she’s definitely queen bee in our house, she knows what she likes and doesn’t like and will let know about it too!
Love
Lisa & Pepper xxx
by Yasmin | 13 Feb, 2025 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories
Hello everyone. My name is Esme and I first came to PDWRA in 2021. 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, and in April 2023 we lost Myra. 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.
by Yasmin | 12 Feb, 2025 | Blog, News, Pug Health
This is a follow on from my last article (Pug Eye Conditions: Part 1 of 2) where I discussed corneal ulceration in pugs; causes and treatment.
The conditions I am discussing today are all inter-related; causes of which are similar to those that can result in a corneal ulcer.
Because the bony orbit where the eye rests is very shallow in a pug (due to breeding the brachycephalic head shape), the eyes protrude more than a dog with a snout, which results in too much of the white of the eye showing as per below photograph.
This can result in the following conditions discussed below:-
- Proptosis
- Dry Corneas
- Pigmentary Keratitis
The other two conditions discussed, entropion and distichiasis, are also seen commonly in pugs.
All five conditions can be treated to varying degrees with an operation called a (bilateral) medial canthoplasty or blepharoplasty, which I will describe at the end of the article.
Proptosis
This is where the eye globe becomes displaced out of the bony orbit where it normally sits.
It can often occur after trauma, which can be as little as a slight bang to the head due to the orbit being so shallow.
This is an ocular emergency as the optic nerve is stretched (and can be potentially torn), muscles are damaged and the cornea is completely exposed. If not operated on promptly, the eye will be non-viable.
If the eye cannot be saved /has no vision, the best treatment is removal (enucleation) of the eye.
Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS) or Dry Eye
Pugs are prone to Dry Eye, which is where not enough tears are produced by the eye.
They can also have a dry eye, due to the poor quality of tears. And, because of the conformation of a pug’s eye where is bulges excessively, the cornea can become dry because the eyelids don’t actually close together even when the dog is asleep.
A dry cornea can lead to pigment being deposited (PK) on the cornea (see below), as well as the eye being prone to ulceration (discussed previously)
Treatment for KCS involves stimulating tear production with medication. I’m sure many of you are familiar with Optimmune as an eye ointment to treat dry eye, along with Tacrolimus. The latter is also used to reduce the progression of pigmentary keratitis.
As mentioned previously, because of pug’s bulging eyes and proneness to a dry cornea, I use an eye lubricant on my pugs twice daily to help moisturise the cornea and hopefully reducing the likelihood of conditions that develop as a result of a dry cornea (PK, corneal ulceration). I use Carbomer (cheap off Amazon) on my younger pugs, and Lacrilube (now called Xailin Night) on my older pugs, but there are other products available.
Pigmentary Keratitis (PK)
This condition is where pigment is deposited on the surface of a cornea, and can be seen as a black/brown film.
The cause is multi-factorial including excessive exposure of the cornea allowing it to become dry, irritation through eyelashes rubbing on the cornea and a genetic predisposition.
Again, I am sure many of you have seen this pigment on your pug’s eye. The condition is often progressive, and can result in blindness when it covers all the pupil.
Treatment can often involve use of medication for KCS, as well as surgery to reduce the amount of eye exposed ( see base of article).
Laser surgery can also be considered, which will require a specialist ophthalmologist, however it is very expensive and needs a large amount of post-operative care.
Entropion
This condition is commonly seen in pugs, where the eyelids turn inwards, especially at the nose side (medially) which results hairs/eyelashes rubbing on the cornea causing irritation.
Distichiasis
This is where eyelashes (cilia) grow in an abnormal position on the eyelid and rub on the cornea. These hairs can be removed by plucking out (epilating) or by various cauterising treatments though unfortunately the hairs can often grow back.
Medial Canthoplasty or Blepharoplasty
This surgery, known as a medial (often both eyes are operated on and therefore a bilateral medial) canthoplasty of blepharoplasty, is used to treat entropion, and dry corneas, as well as too protruding eyes and prevention of proptosis and pigment deposition (PK).
It essentially shortens the eyelids making the eye openings smaller by closing the inner aspect (at nose side) of the eyelids together as illustrated below.
The effect of this is to improve the dog’s ability to blink and it reduces the overall exposure of the dog’s eye.
The photo shows a pug with recent medial canthoplasty surgery.
In summary
Unfortunately pugs are prone to a number of significant eye conditions, mainly related to their breeding and being brachycephalic. Treatment can involve either eye medication and/or surgery, which can lead to improvement, however treatment is expensive especially the eye operations, which need to be carried out by a specialist.
This is a quick run through of some conditions, however the list is not exhaustive, and is an overview only. More information can be found on the internet, especially with referral veterinary ophthalmologist websites.
And, remember that prevention or early intervention has the best outcomes.
Helen McKee (MRCVS)
Veterinary Advisor for the PDWRA
For more information on Pug Eye Conditions, please see: Eye Problems | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association
&
Other Pug Health Conditions, please see: Pug Health & Wellbeing | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association
by Yasmin | 12 Feb, 2025 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories
My name is Lizzie, & I have been happily ‘entangled’ to Terry (known as Terry-Two-Pugs by other dog walkers) for 33 years, 16 years married. For 30 of those years we have had a rescue dog in our lives, of all ages, sizes and breeds.
I first fell in love with the pug breed after seeing Ethel’s Little Willie on Eastenders!
We had an elderly Stafffie, Murdoch, before our venture into the wonderful world of Pugs, he was 12 when he came into our lives and had a fun-packed 2 years before he crossed the bridge in early 2022.
I did some research before I started the search on the WWW for a dedicated UK Pug Rescue. Even though I was searching in my county of Lancashire I dropped onto the East Midlands PDWRA site.
I downloaded the adoption form and we completed it the same evening. Not expecting an immediate response I was surprised to receive a phone call the following day, to discuss Bella and Gracie, who were in foster with Laura and her family as a consequence of COVID. A photo was sent to us and I was surprised at the lovely colour of Gracie’s coat, as we were expecting a pure white coat and not the scrumptious jersey cream honey colour that she is, and of course the little black shiny pug that was Bella.
Like all our previous rescues, we went with our instincts and our hearts. A remote home check via WhatsApp was arranged for 2 days time, we had our fingers and toes crossed that we would be approved as we were already emotionally invested in them.
After a successful home check, interview and all the relevant admin, we were on our way to meet our little grumble of two from their foster home, Southwards on the M6.
We got back just after teatime, after a peaceful journey home back to North Lancashire, and they’d slept and snored for the whole journey home.
Bella, a little black pug of 3 years old, and Gracie, a larger white pug, 4 years old, hopped out of the car and strolled nonchalantly through the front door and immediately hopped up onto my chair, claiming it as their own. We’ve learned to share it now, usually with me sitting and them both in a heap on my knee or sleeping snugly at my side.
Sitting in front of the fire and the TV with 2 sleeping Pugs, after they had inspected their new and forever home, knowing where they could pee and poo and play safely in our large enclosed quiet rear garden, where their food and water was and where the cosy doggie beds were situated around the house, we were finally together, 6 days after the initial submission of the adoption form! Now we, our family of 4, had all of their lives of love, laughter and fun wrapped up in caring and nurturing our little pug ladies. Terry was now outnumbered 3 to one.
Bella is a lot in a little dog. She is very vocal when barking, but she also chatters to us very softly. She is very confident with people and other dogs without being aggressive, but she has also mellowed beautifully. She loves sitting on her Mama’s lap watching TV and is a proper Star Trek fan. She is as bright as a button and has her Daddy at her beck and call. Gracie, is a completely different personality to Bella. Gentle, cuddly and a ‘licker’, she is grooming Bella regularly and she would ‘groom’ us too given half a chance.
They both love riding in the car and walks. Their first holiday was in March 2023 to the North West of Scotland in a converted bothy, all cosy and warm. They were fab on the 14-hour journey with hourly stops, and 2-days later we woke to a foot of snow which they both found fun, jumping into drifts and running through the snow. Since that first holiday more have followed, either late Spring or early Autumn and generally there are beaches and countryside involved, as well as plenty of dog-friendly eateries and pubs. If the Pugs are not allowed then we don’t go, as we are a tight fit group of 4 and honorary members of their grumble.
When we’re at home they are either lounging/sleeping on the furniture or their ‘hoomans’, or sitting in our large picture window on ‘paw-patrol’. Well known by locals passing and the small children love them. We can honestly say that we are all a perfect fit.
Anyone considering adopting a pug should be aware that they are extraordinary animals. They take their role of ‘companion dog’ seriously, don’t respect the personal space of others and it’s endearing.
The snoring is LOUD! The fur they shed is endless and is known as ‘pug-glitter’ in our house as it gets everywhere. They are extremely loving and affectionate, with gigantic personalities.
We have so much gratitude for the PDWRA. The match between us and our puggie-ladies is perfect. The adoption process was seamless. Laura, their fosterer, and her family did a great job of caring for them and the information passed to us was invaluable in the early days. Gracie was overweight and on a diet when we collected them and with written instructions, we were able to reach her target weight. Both Gracie and Bella have maintained their optimum weight ever since. They are both food-orientated, so lead training was a piece of cake, but they are pretty good at begging when cake is involved. They love their walks and are very well behaved when off the lead in a safe place. They are very sociable with both dogs and people. Bella is a bit more vocal but settles well within a short time.
We love both of them as much as our own children and grandchildren, who love Bella and Gracie equally. I must admit, the majority of my photos on my phone are Bella and Gracie, as they are both so yummy and photogenic. They regularly feature in the Happy Homes Facebook page as well as my personal feed. We are hoping for many happy years together of walks, beaches, holidays and days out puggie-style, wrapped up in love and laughter!
For more stories like Bella & Gracie’s please see:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/category/rescue-stories/
If you are interested in adopting a pug, please go to:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/adopting-a-pug/
by Yasmin | 7 Feb, 2025 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories
** GREAT NEWS UPDATE: Over the weekend, Pat has found his NEW HOME! ** 👏
ORIGINAL APPEAL INFO:
8 year old, black male pug Pat, is looking for his specific and special adoptive home.
Please read his criteria:
- Pat would be best suited in a quieter home. Although he is happy to accept visitors if they give him a treat and don’t try to pick him up or fuss over him.
He’s happy to sit in another room during busier and louder times, and watch through a door gate.
- He likes to go visiting and is perfectly behaved in other people’s houses, again as long as they leave him be and don’t touch him.
He will come for a gentle fuss if he deems you worthy though he focuses his trust on his main care giver, and prefers calm, steady men or potentially women.
- Pat could live with older ‘hands off’ teenagers, although once in the circle of trust, he will accept affection more readily.
He would like to live with another dog, and is happy to be lower down in the pecking order.
- Pat is a typically greedy pug, and does snatch a bit for treats when taking them.
- He loves to visit a pub or café and will take a treat from strangers, but again doesn’t like to be over fussed.
- He is excellent off-lead and has a reliable recall.
- Pat will bark at planes/helicopters passing over but doesn’t bark at the television. He will bark at a window if allowed, and can follow a firm verbal correction to “Stop!”.
He may bark if an unknown dog gets in his face though.
- Pat doesn’t need a great deal of exercise in the form of long walks due to hip problems, but he enjoys pottering and going out and about where he likes to observe his surroundings. He does take daily anti-inflammatories for his hips.
Though he will still try to take the opportunity to climb on a table if possible!
- Pat is biddable and can follow instruction. He understands the word “No!” and is not combative unless he thinks he’s going to the vet or having some medical intervention. He will not tolerate being picked up by a person who is not in his circle of trust.
- Cleaning of ears, folds etc. can be managed only after building a relationship with Pat. This may take some time.
- Pat does travel nicely in the car, in a crate or with a seatbelt.
Do you believe you could offer this charming boy his quite specific, and special Forever Home?
If you could, please apply for him referencing Pat 22026 at: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/adopting-a-pug/
If you have any specific questions regarding Pat, or to alert Jane, his Rehoming Coordinator of your application, please email: sw@nullpugwelfare-rescue.org.uk
Thank you!
You can also see the difference adoption can make, from a small selection of our Rescue & Adoption Stories at:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/category/rescue-stories/
by Yasmin | 25 Jan, 2025 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories
👏 ** WONDERFUL NEWS UPDATE: Rocky has found his NEW HOME! ** 👏
ORIGINAL APPEAL:
Meet Rocky! He’s a very affectionate and sensitive 6 year old boy.
He has been neutered and has no health issues apart from having a sensitive stomach.
What he does need help with in his Forever-Home, will be behavioural issues, sadly due to not being socialised very well in his past life.
This has made Rocky a very reactive boy, triggered by many things.
It also makes him food aggressive so may nip if startled, therefore he needs to be in an adult-only home, well-supervised if there is another non-reactive canine companion.
He is currently living with another dog in foster though Rocky is very dominant so there is the likelihood it could cause issues with a similar type of dog or a cat.
Rocky having some relaxation time!
Being an only-dog may be the simplest solution but not necessarily the only one if you believe you could invest the extra attention he would need to adjust and feel more secure over time.
Rocky is also petrified of the vet. It’s fear aggression, which our fosterer has been working on, but now he really needs to settle into a dog-experienced, calm & quiet forever home, ideally in the country where he doesn’t have to worry about busy traffic or passing lots of people on walks as he barks a lot in this environment.
Could you, or someone you know, offer Rocky his special Forever home?
If so, please apply referencing Rocky 24226.
If you have any specific questions regarding Rocky,
please email Lisa at: east@nullpugwelfare-rescue.org.uk
As for other pugs like Rocky, we may not always have the right homes registered with us at the time they really need one. This can apply to all ages of pug, from youthful to Golden-Oldies or inseparable Bonded-Pairs, each with unique needs to be catered for.
You can specify your preference on your application or no preference at all, which may mean finding a match sooner as we receive all ages naturally, with varying welfare needs to find homes for.
Please see further details with all the joy that pugs bring, on these webpages:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/adopting-a-pug/
Mature 7years & over:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/golden-oldies/
Bonded, inseparable pairs:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/perfect-pairs/
Do take a look at just a small sample of happy, successful Rescue & Adoption Stories at:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/category/rescue-stories/
Thank you.
by Yasmin | 17 Jan, 2025 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories
Alison and John have rehomed 3 pugs including PDWRA adoptee Winston, who joined the family a year ago. Apparently, Winston thinks he’s the boss but really he’s at the bottom of the pack, being a sort of joker!
While not initially looking for another pug, they came across Winston’s story of being quite a feisty pug who wasn’t easily finding a new home so decided to apply for him!
Alison believes that they were chosen by fate! They definitely had the space, support and big hearts to train him and give him the restart to life he needed and knew that he could learn how to be a proper dog in their family and be lead by his new brothers.
Here’s Alison’s interview:
My husband John and I are the parents of Winston, we have rehomed 3 pugs Winston being a PDWRA adoption and we also have Marley & Bruno. I think a suitable title for the story would be Winston and the Barkers. He thinks he’s the boss but really he’s the bottom of the pack being a sort of joker.
- How did you first hear about the PDWRA?
10 years ago we bumped into a member of PDWRA walking their pugs and John has known her from a young age living in the same village, of course we spoke about her grumble and the PDWRA. This led us onto following the socials, reading about the stories and the great network of caring volunteers for the pugs in need out there.
- How did you come to make the decision to adopt through the PDWRA?
Only by chance to be honest as well as already being followers of the PDWRA on Instagram and Facebook. We fully noted how much love and support was in this organisation and we trusted them. We are very caring for dogs, to have space in our lives and support from our parents who love dogs too.
We are also very fortunate that we can bring our pugs with us to work and everyone cares dearly for them. The very start of our love for pugs was when we had our dear George who sadly passed away with cancer aged 6, with the knowledge of his health declining we rehomed Marley. When the time came and George left us we had a very sad Marley and it was too hard to bear therefore we rehomed Bruno for company.
Without knowing, John’s sister was talking to her neighbour (the member of PDWRA) and they came on to the subject of Winston who needed a home and had not been successful in his adoption so far. Being a feisty puppy, he needed a suitable forever home and I believe we had been chosen by fate! We definitely had the space, support and big hearts to train him and give him the restart to life. Winston needed to learn how to be a proper dog and be lead by his brothers.
-
- What made you decide to adopt?
We weren’t initially looking to take on another but hearing his story and knowing he needed to be shown the ropes, we knew we could take him on. We really feel the family that originally owned him thought he’d be a sweet, cute little puppy but he’s quite the opposite! We have a suitable home with a big garden, and we can give them human presence 24/7 taking our pugs to work where they can run in the yard, snooze in the office, or get fussed by the team. Winston is similar age to Bruno so they hit it off straight away playing and snuggling.
- Can you tell us a little bit about Winston?
So funny, cleaver and very naughty, always up to some sort of mischief. Picked up basic commands within a few months of adoption following his brothers settling in easily. He will pull all the stuffing out of the bed, run off with crocs, steals pencils, chewing them to pieces, barks at anything with 4 legs, always wants what the other two have, extremely noisy with tug of war and will play fight all the time. When it’s time for bed he is very sweet though being very cuddly and super soft and first thing in the morning he dances about in joy patting you off the end of the bed in flirty manner. He did have a fear of bridges on walks so much so he would avoid them and go the other way but recent times has succeeded this fear.
- How did you find the adoption process?
Relatively straight forward. We followed the process and answered all the question etc. It helped that we had been involved with dogs our wholes lives and understood the importance of giving them a safe & secure forever home.We also had a huge experience with the sad decline of George and he also very nearly had an ulcer on his eye through a scratch but with intensive round the clock care we managed to save his eye, so have learnt how to be better prepared in the future if needed
- Anything you think prospective adoptive or foster parents should know?
Be open minded and not all pugs are cuddly and calm. Our Marley and Bruno are very sweet but Winston is like a bull in a China shop. They are a grumble but they are extremely different characters.
Time – pugs are social and need constant company.There’s a fact out there that some dogs spend a huge part of their lives waiting for their owners to come home which is totally unfair, they only want to be in your company and only live about 12-16 summers so spend time with them. They love you unconditionally.
- What has life been like since adopting Winston?
Brings a lot of noise and personality. Not just him, also family, friends and co-workers laughing at him or telling him off. He has put his stamp on our hearts and we all love watching and playing with him. He can be completely crazy and then someone will pick him up and he with go dead calm, its uncanny.
We’re very grateful to have Winston and he’s living his best life!
Lots of Love,
The Barkers.
If you would like to adopt a pug like Winston, please go to:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/adopting-a-pug/
For more joyful stories like his, please see our rescue stories at:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/category/rescue-stories/
by Yasmin | 8 Jan, 2025 | Blog, News, Pug Health
The Big Chill is definitely here! ❄️
We’ve been warned by the Met Office that it was coming; temperatures dropping, snow and icy conditions as well as storms and flooding!
Here are our regular tips and advice to help your pug brave the cold, safely, to remain happy during the wet & cold months, ensuring it remains a fun and enjoyable time with your best friend!
– Beware of salt on roads & paths which can burn their paw pads.
Check once home and rinse them if necessary.
– If it snows, ice and snow can stick to the fur between their pads and build up. This will be uncomfortable for your dog and increases their risk of frostbite.
If they raise their paws, stop walking or whine it could be a sign that their paws are too cold.
– When cold, a dog’s body will limit blood flow to their extremities (paws, tail, ears etc.), in order to keep their vital organs functioning safely. This can put their extremities at risk of being damaged by the cold.
– If you’re spending time outdoors, it’s a good idea to get a coat for them. Ensure it fits well so that it doesn’t prevent them moving normally, either by being too tight or too loose.
– If your dog starts shivering, or appears very tired (lethargic), then get them home as soon as possible. If they continue to seem unwell, contact your vet immediately.
– Take care when using antifreeze. It tastes sweet so is tempting for dogs but can be lethal if ingested.
– Watch for dogs drinking out of puddles too as they may be tainted with antifreeze chemicals from spills or leaks.
– Also, beware of thin ice & frozen puddles.
Here are some Body-care tips:
– Additional to well-fitting warm outerwear, use paw protection if needed, this could be in the form of dog dry skin creams/ balms, or doggy booties.
– Inspect pug paws regularly to check for cracked pads, broken nails or snow/salt damage.
– Brush your pug’s coat regularly to distribute natural oils to the skin and prevent dry patches.
– If it’s windy, don’t forget to protect their eyes, by extra lubrication gels and especially if on a beach, where wind & sand can scratch them causing lasting damage without urgent treatment.
Please check this very useful guide to see if it’s wise to take your pugs out! :
If your pug shows signs of hypothermia, which includes, shivering, drowsiness, confusion, clumsiness, pale gums and loss of consciousness or collapse, get your pet immediately out of the cold & contact your vet straight away.
Dry & warm them up gently, never intensely & too quickly as this can be dangerous.
For further information, please see:
Hypothermia in Pets – PDSA
Also,
Keep your dog safe during winter | The Kennel Club
And for our Seasonal Hazard webpage, please go to:
Seasonal Hazards for Pugs | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
Have fun while staying safe!
by Yasmin | 3 Jan, 2025 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories, Fundraising
PDWRA Pug Adopter and Fundraiser, Shirley has her pencils ready again after a short break this Christmas, to provide her wonderful portraits of Your Favourite Furry-Friends!
Inspired, upon adopting Daphne from PDWRA, artist Shirley has been generously using her talent to donate funds directly to PDWRA. Over £2,000 last year!
Shirley’s Inspiration, Beloved 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 to Shirley’s growing list.
All you need to do is provide an accompanying photo. Each portrait costs £15 only, where Shirley donates £10 directly to PDWRA, and £5 covers post, packaging & materials.
Please do so from within our Facebook Mega Auction Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/242845766241493/permalink/1899302960595757
You can private message Shirley from there.
We can’t thank Shirley enough for her generosity, as well as the joy she has brought to all those who have ordered already.
Here are a few examples:
Thank you for your support!
Interview with Adopter & Fundraiser Shirley | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association
Interview with Adopter & Fundraiser Shirley
by Yasmin | 2 Jan, 2025 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories
Written by Anna, on Monty & Poppy.
We fell in love with pugs when we met our boy, Monty, who we got from a puppy. He’s the love of our life and led us to meet so many other wonderful pugs and their owners. We’d always talked about getting a companion for Monty, even though he seemed perfectly content being an “only child”!
Monty is the gentlest and most kind-hearted pug, food is life for Monty, and he is most content curled up in the crook of an arm. As he was getting older and he slept more and played less, we thought it would be nice for him to have a full time snuggle buddy, and maybe even someone who could keep him young at heart.
We met someone at our local dog park who had rescued their pug from the PDWRA, so we Googled the charity and filled in the application form. We knew we wanted an older dog, to match Monty’s tolerance levels; he definitely would not have enjoyed living with a young dog!! He was 12 when we adopted Poppy, he’s now 13.
We were more than happy to take on an older dog and didn’t mind if there were health issues – every pug needs love and care. We went through the application process, and because it was during Covid, we had our home check via Zoom, walking our laptop around the house and into the garden!
We didn’t hear anything straight away, but a few months later, we got an email about a 7-year-old pug called Poppy, who was looking for her forever home. We spoke to the PDWRA about Poppy, who explained she had been surrendered, and her fosterer felt she needed a male dog to look to for guidance.
We exchanged messages with Poppy’s foster parents, who were absolutely wonderful, and arranged a time to meet and introduce Monty.
When we first laid eyes on Poppy, it was love at first sight. She was the sweetest little thing, with huge, bulgy eyes and a worried look on her face (standard pug really!).
We went for a nice country walk, and Poppy followed Monty everywhere he went. It was adorable. We chatted to her foster parents, who explained that it seemed Poppy hadn’t been walked at all, and when she arrived with them, she had muscle wastage in her back legs, and they had worked with her to build up her back legs. It broke my heart because Poppy LOVES walks, they are hands down her favourite thing (she loves them even more than food!).
As Poppy and Monty got on so well, we quickly made the decision to adopt Poppy.
Monty had SERIOUS only child syndrome when she first arrived. He loved playing with her, but equally enjoyed sulking because he wasn’t getting ALL the attention. Poppy, in typical younger sibling style, followed Monty everywhere and copied everything he did.
It did take Monty some time, a few months maybe, to fully embrace his new sibling, but now they are true siblings. They spend their days snuggling together, sharing their favourite chew bone, and living the luxury life only a pug can. Poppy enjoys a morning belly rub to wake her up and get her out of bed, and established her favourite foot stool. Monty and Poppy trick us into thinking they haven’t had their dinner, and tag team licking the dishwasher when we’re loading it. Poppy chases shadows and barks at the pigeons, while Monty watches on with a long-suffering look. Monty lost his hearing a few months ago, and Poppy is now his ears. He knows when something is going on when Poppy moves or responds.
Poppy copies everything Monty does, as well as pushing his buttons in the way only a sibling can!
We always wonder what really happened to Poppy before she came to us, but what we do know is that all Poppy wants is to be loved, which is definitely something we give her in unconditional bucket loads.
I think for anyone looking to adopt, it’s important to remember things can take time, especially if you’re introducing a new dog to your resident dog. I found myself feeling guilty at first, when Monty looked at me with a “why have you brought this new creature into the house permanently?!” look, but with time, love and patience, anything is possible.
Monty and Poppy are now bonded, and I can’t imagine life without Poppy as part of our family!
Anna & Stuart with Monty & Poppy
My other advice is to trust the PDWRA and the fosterers, they know pugs so well, and know exactly what is best for them. They are true heroes!
By Anna.
If you could provide a forever home by adopting a pug in need, please apply at:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/adopting-a-pug/
If you would like to help a pug along its journey by fostering, please apply at:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/fostering-a-pug/
by Yasmin | 31 Dec, 2024 | Blog, News, Pug Health
It’s New Year’s Eve and this year we have a combination of the usual potential hazard of Fireworks to our pugs, plus a combination of storms or snow across the country.
The Met Office has weather warnings in place for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland between now and 2 January, even Edinburgh Hogmanay has been cancelled!
For some of you, it could be the first time you’ll be experiencing how fireworks affects a new pug in your home, so here are our regular tips for pug parents.
Sufficiently in advance, you may have considered:
• Desensitising your pets to noise: Playing fireworks noises quietly using sound CDs, while rewarding calm behaviour, can help them become accustomed to the noise. Play them in the run up to firework season, to help them see they need not be afraid.
• Anxiety relief products: A variety of anxiety relieving products contain pheromones, and can be an effective way to help your pet stay calm. Comforting jackets also are like a big hug! There are so many products around so do research them.
• Check that their microchip registration details are up-to-date.
Otherwise:
• Walk them before it’s dark or if the weather is bad, skip it once they’ve toileted, maybe just in the garden.
• Feed your dogs before fireworks are expected to begin, as they may be too stressed to eat.
• Make sure your house or garden is escape-proof, as they can bolt or go missing.
• Keep windows and curtains closed, the lights on and turn the TV on to play music to help drown out the noise.
• Create a safe, cosy place for your dog to settle before it gets dark. Dogs enjoy cosy dens.
• Keep them entertained to take their mind off the noise.
• Comfort and reassure them.
• Do not leave them alone at home or elsewhere unsupervised.
Further Advice & tips can be found at:
• https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/health-and-dog-care/health/health-and-care/a-z-of-health-and-care-issues/fireworks
&
• https://www.pdsa.org.uk/what-we-do/blog/keeping-pets-safe-in-stormy-weather?
Also,
• https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/seasonal-hazards-for-pugs/
by Yasmin | 17 Dec, 2024 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories
Pictured are Arlo & Nora with co-stars Gabby and Matt.
Location photos courtesy of History Hit.
PDWRA had a request from a film company, History Hit, for a pug to take part in a scene they were filming, so Arlo and Nora sprang to mind for Jackie, one of our VACs who had placed them for adoption earlier this year with Jayne, an artist who kindly fundraises for PDWRA through her greeting cards business.
Arlo and Nora were invited to spend a morning at Oxford’s Castle and Prison museum to take part in their filming.
Mike Loades, the film’s Director filled us in on some fascinating details:
“Bright and early on a chilly November morning, Jayne Cooper, the proud owner of pugs Nora and Arlo (and passionate supporter of PDWRA), turned up for some filming at Oxford’s Castle and Prison museum. It was an unusual assignment.
Oxford’s medieval Castle had been largely demolished during the English Civil Wars (1642 – 1651). What was left became a prison. This was extended and enlarged in the late 18th century, much of it remaining in its original condition. It is now a visitor attraction. What could two self-respecting pugs possibly be required to do in an old prison?
History Hit is a streaming channel (available online and via smart TVs) that specializes in history documentaries. Coming soon to the channel are two documentaries in a series about dogs in history – ‘Dogs of the Tudors’ and ‘Dogs in the Age of Revolutions’. It was for the ‘Dogs in the Age of Revolutions’ film that a pug was required.
During the Reign of Terror (1793/1794), which followed the French Revolution, Josephine Beauharnais (later to marry Napoleon) was imprisoned. It was usual for political prisoners to be allowed the company of their dogs –prison guards in such turbulent times were quite easy to bribe – but Josephine’s dog (a pug by the name of Fortune) was given the special privilege of being able to come and go at will. In fact he was able to carry secret messages to and from her children.
Naturally Jayne did not want either dog to wear a collar (they were used to harnesses) but she was happy for Nora to wear a blue ribbon, tied in a bow. Such a fashion accessory looked entirely in keeping for the period. It was also useful to incorporate a secret compartment in which a folded message could be stowed.
Historical performers Gabby Monet and Matthew Howarth played Josephine and her jailor, respectively. Gabby is a professional period seamstress and both she and Matthew had perfect period costumes. It was a very authentic looking setting.
Nora pipped Arlo in one final test to play the role of Fortune. Being slightly slimmer, she was able (just) to squeeze through the prison bars. Nora determined and brave scampering down the grim prison corridors before arriving at the bars to Josephine’s cell. Possibly with the encouragement of a hidden biscuit (we can’t give all the secrets away) Nora wriggled through the bars, like a slow-motion champagne cork popping, time and time again. You always have to do things over and over for filming, so that the cameraperson can get different angles.
There is no doubt that Nora was taken with gabby. They bonded quickly. Once Nora had shimmied through the bars, she twizzled and danced at Gabby’s feet with such excitement that she should be awarded a BAFTA. Dogs are such natural actors of course. Gabby scooped her up, cuddled and kissed her, and Nora looked back adoringly. It was beautiful and touching scene.
So – thank you Nora, and thank you PDWRA (you found her) you are a true action hero!
Do look out for the films being released on History Hit sometime in late January or early February.
Jayne reported back about their special day:
“What an adventure Arlo and Nora had!
We took the park and ride bus into Oxford – I wasn’t sure how they would get on with that, but they loved it! We were introduced to Drew from the film company who managed the days’ filming and the Pug’s co-stars Gabby and Matt at the Prison. The idea was to have a scene where a Pug visits Josephine (Napoleon’s wife) in Prison. Apparently she had a Pug who would visit with notes secreted on it.
They were keen to get the pug to slip through the prison bars – so that ruled Arlo out as he is a bit bigger.
However, Nora was perfect. She soon learnt that if she popped through she would get a treat, so she decided that she would do it whether it was asked of her or not! She is a little diva anyway so she was in her element!
They also filmed Arlo sitting in a chair and both Pugs running down a corridor. Everyone fell in love with them, and they were very pleased with how well behaved they were. What an adventure! I think it was a great experience for Arlo and Nora. They have come such a long way over the last 10 months.
I have attached some photographs capturing the details of that time, with the permission of History Hit, which I hope you enjoy!
Best wishes,
Jayne (proud Mum), Arlo & Nora”
Please also read more about Jayne’s fundraising at:
Fundraising & Events 2024 | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association
by Yasmin | 15 Dec, 2024 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories
By Natalie.
As an owner of many a pug mug, key ring or phone case, it was no secret to family, friends and colleagues that I was mad about pugs and loved the breed and their fantastic characters. So when my colleague explained that her friend was fostering a pug from PDWRA that needed a home, I was immediately interested! I saw a video of Chubbs, a 2 year old pug, slightly overweight and with a few health issues and it was love at first sight!
We arranged to meet Chubbs in his foster home. His friendly demeanour was obvious to see straight away. He was so well socialised with the other dogs and his foster family. He was extremely keen to introduce us to his toys ‘Froggy’ and ‘Bear’ that he had brought with him from his previous home.
We asked lots of questions to find out as much as we could about Chubbs to fully understand what he required and make sure we were best suited to him and him to us! Chubbs suffers with epilepsy managed by medication and this was also explained to us in detail.
The team at PDWRA and his foster home gave us space and time to make our minds up (which included some gentle persuasion of my partner!) after which we decided to go ahead!
The process included a home visit by a PDWRA volunteer to confirm our home was suitable and the completion of some paperwork and within two weeks Chubbs came home to his forever home!!
We were offered lots of support by the charity and we knew that Chubbs would need time to settle into his new home and way of life.
Fortunately Chubbs settled quickly into life with us. He loves walks, cuddles on the sofa and socialising with other dogs and adults and with a strict diet, he wasn’t so Chubbsy anymore!
Whilst Chubbs was the first addition to our family, when our two children came along Chubbs embraced them and six years later the kids love playing with him, taking him for walks and indulging him in his favourite activity after eating….cuddles on the sofa.
Chubbs has had his fair share of health issues over the years but he has always loved a trip to the vet-we joke that he thinks of the vets as his own spa retreat! He is very popular with all the staff due to his loveable ways and fantastic temperament.
I have always continued to follow the work of the charity and I would say to anyone looking to add a pug to their life to consider PDWRA. I wouldn’t think twice about rehoming another pug from the PDWRA and would love to in the future.
As with rescuing any animal, I would say do your research, ask questions and make sure you are in a position to meet the pugs needs before saying yes. I would definitely advise investing in some comprehensive pet insurance and a decent vacuum for all the extra pet hair!!
In our case it has been a wholly positive experience. Chubbs has changed our lives for the better and we couldn’t imagine our lives without him in it!
For more stories like Chubbs’s please see our rescue stories at:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/category/rescue-stories/
by Yasmin | 11 Dec, 2024 | Blog, News, Pug Health
It’s that time of year again where there are plenty of temptations which are potentially hazardous to our furry friends, particularly celebratory foods and treats that are being brought into the home.
As well as the festive greenery that may make your dog very ill, tempting foods which we may think are a treat for them can actually cause a great deal of harm, including hidden ingredients such as seasoning & spices.
Vets will treat 75% more cases of dogs eating foods that are poisonous to them in December, so it’s important to be aware of what to avoid and ensure others including visitors know about them too:
FOOD
– Christmas cake, mince pies and Christmas pudding.
– Foods containing grapes, raisins, sultanas & currants.
– Chocolate, boxes lying around, tempting foil coins on the tree.
– Traditional turkey, goose & chicken where cooked bones can easily splinter.
– Sage and onion stuffing, gravy, anything with onion, chives, garlic, celery.
– Do check for hidden seasoning ingredients in sausages, a particular Christmas treat from a roast dinner.
– Other foods, such as certain nuts, blue cheese, fatty and salty processed foods.
– Xylitol sometimes marketed as birch sugar, used in artificial sweeteners and sweeteners of products such as peanut butter, is toxic to dogs.
– All alcohol.
OTHER
– Particular festive greenery and plants may make your dog very For a comprehensive list that are dangerous to dogs, see this: poisons in your garden article.
– Oils from pine needles may be irritating to the mouth and stomach, causing excessive dribbling, vomiting and diarrhoea if chewed. Needles are also sharp so could cause physical injury in your dog’s mouth and throat.
– Potpourri is made up of various dried plants and flowers to create fragrant decorations. Depending on their toxicity they may cause, at the very least, vomiting and diarrhoea.
– Take care when using antifreeze (ethylene glycol). It tastes sweet so is tempting for dogs but can be lethal if ingested.
– Watch for dogs drinking out of puddles too as they may be tainted with antifreeze chemicals.
– Some snow globes contain anti-freeze and if broken, are a serious danger to your dogs.
– Salted roads & paths can also burn their paw pads.
Frostbite:
Ice and snow can build up in the fur between their pads which is not only uncomfortable but increases the risk of frostbite. If your dog raises its paws, stops walking or whines it could be a sign that their paws are too cold.
When cold, a dog’s body limits blood flow to their extremities (paws, tail, ears etc.) diverting to keep their vital organs protected. This puts their extremities at risk of being damaged by the cold. If you’re concerned about them having frostbite contact your vet immediately.
So, on very cold, icy or snowy days, try to keep the time they spend outside to a minimum, and consider using a coat or paw protectors to keep them warm.
If you do buy a coat make sure it fits well so that it doesn’t restrict their normal movement, either through being too tight or too loose. If you’re outside in the cold and your pet starts shivering, or appears very tired, then get them home as soon as possible. If they are very unwell, get worse or continue to be unwell, contact your vet immediately.
However, some smaller or short coated dogs feel cold in the winter nip, so it may be a good idea to buy a well-fitting coat that will help keep them warm and dry on walks.
The dark mornings and evenings mean that you’ll most likely be taking your dog out for a walk when it is dark or gloomy, and you should think about how visible your dog is to other people when out walking in low light. Reflective collars and jackets are a good idea, and there are even some bright LED collars and tags available to help make your dog easier to see by other walkers and road users.
Christmas can be stressful for pets. The change in routine, visitors, children, loud music and decorations can all confuse or over-excite them. Planning ahead can help minimise stress for pets and ensure they have a happy Christmas, too.
A few things to consider include:
- Sticking to their routine as much as possible – their meals, exercise, bed and toilet break routines. Consistency helps them feel more secure plus they expect it!.
- Introduce new people carefully, at your dog’s own pace.
- Give them somewhere cosy and quiet to retreat to, away from all the excitement, leaving toys or familiar items to help keep them comforted.
- Don’t leave them alone too long – it’s easy to become distracted at such a busy time.
Likewise, if you’re spending Christmas away with your dog/s take something that smells familiar, like their bed, or favourite toys and chews to help keep them entertained and feel secure. Also, plan for them if they’re not going with you.
- Keep the number of an emergency vet on hand in case of accidents or if your pet eats something they shouldn’t.
- If your pet is on medication, stock up before the holidays so you don’t get caught out.
Most of all, have a very safe, comfortable and very Happy Christmas for All the family!
For a lot more information about pug health, please see:
Seasonal Hazards for Pugs | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
&
Pug Health & Wellbeing | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
by Yasmin | 9 Dec, 2024 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories
Many of the pugs rescued by the PDWRA come to us from quite dire situations, and this was certainly the case with Buzz and Woody. Adopted by Nikki around 2 years ago, it was one of those traumatic surrenders where they were never taken out and lived a completely miserable life.
Nikki told us in a quick update on Buzz and Woody;
“As you know Woody settled in being the youngest quite easily and minus the behaviour issues has been comfortable around us. Buzz however, being the oldest and probably been through a lot more of a tough start as he was used as a stud dog, hasn’t been so trusting.
It’s been a long couple years of work but these last couple of weeks we have noticed Buzz settling and being a lot more playful and joining in with the puppies and other dogs in the home including wanting a fuss and cuddle. Before, he used to run to his bed or the corner of the room and hide when you tried to stroke him or raised a hand. Yesterday he let me groom him without any issues and actually seemed to really enjoy the attention.
Buzz has been coming up on the sofa and napping on me and is very quick at coming over when called to get a fuss and treat. It’s been so rewarding to see this massive change in him, one that I didn’t think we would ever see and just came to accept he’d always be scared and jumpy.
He loves kids and when my son’s mates come over, rather then hiding as he once did, he’s more intrigued and excited at who it could be.
Walks are still a little difficult when he’s on a lead and the same for Woody. Neither of them are any good on the lead as they just go in circles and tangle you up, which means now as they do stay close and have good recall it’s easier to keep them off the lead to walk the countryside lakes.
I guess healing has no time limit and hopefully Buzz comes more and more out of his shell to become the dog he should have been at the start 🙏❤️🤞”
We can’t thank people like Nikki enough for what they do for pugs like Woody especially, & Buzz, but it’s a win-win situation all round!
To read a variety of rescue & adoption stories, please go to our webpage:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/category/rescue-stories/
If you would like to know more about adopting through PDWRA, please read our webpage:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/adopting-a-pug/
by Yasmin | 8 Dec, 2024 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories
Victoria on Howie.
I have always loved dogs and have owned various breeds my whole life but my love affair with pugs started in December 2016 when an elderly neighbour had to go into hospital and needed someone to look after her little black pug. Pugsley came to stay for Christmas, and it was love at first sight. I could not get over her quirky habits and how friendly and cuddly she was. When the time came for her to go back to her owner, I just couldn’t stop thinking about what great little dogs pugs are, and over the course of the next six months I did lots of research into the breed and came across PDWRA.
I was contacted by the VAC for my area almost immediately after submitting my application form and within a few weeks a home check had been completed and I was an approved adopter. It was then a case of waiting for the right dog to come along. In late October 2017, I got the call I had been waiting for. A bonded pair needed re-homing and I jumped at the chance. Howie (fawn) aged five and Moog (black) aged 11 arrived on 9 November 2017 via a volunteer road train travelling across the country with the final stop being Reading services on the M4 where I was ready and waiting for them. The rest as they say is history!
I used to work in a rehoming kennel so I would always choose to adopt rather than buy a puppy and after nine months of reading and preparing, I took the plunge and completed the online form to adopt from PDWRA. I am of the opinion why only rescue one if you can have two so stated on my form that I was happy to take a bonded pair. I can still remember now how excited I was when I clicked the submit button.
Howie is the most loving dog I have ever met. Never before have I known a dog that likes cuddles so much. He has classic pug traits – barking at animals on the tv being one as well as barking at other dogs when we are out and about but despite being a bit highly strung, he is my soul mate in dog form.
Howie originally arrived with his first wife Moog who he had been with his whole life. When she passed away, we thought it only right that we look to PDWRA to help us find him a new girlfriend. In March 2019, we agreed to foster Minnie and see how she got on with Howie. Needless to say, we became failed fosterers and it was a love match (well more so on his side, she took some time to come around to his adoring ear washing and constant stalking). They became the best of friends and spent five very happy years together before we very sadly and suddenly lost her in late October this year. We are all missing her very much.
Howie was five when I got him and he is now 12 years old and a double widower, but he is still young at heart, enjoying his walks and chillaxing on all the cushions on the sofa – oh boy does he really love a cushion! He can’t hear very well, and his eyesight isn’t what is used to be, but he is still enjoying life as my numero uno.
The adoption process was really easy to navigate from completing the form online and paying the registration fee to the home check followed by the payment of the adoption fee and then the exciting part, the collection of the pugs. The VACs and volunteers are always so helpful and knowledgeable and the majority of the people that helped me adopt Howie are still actively involved with the charity even now, many years later.
I think anyone considering adopting or fostering a pug should be aware, if they are not already, that they are not your average dog. In fact, I am not sure that we can call them dogs as they are like no other. One big thing to be aware of is that when people say that they are a companion breed multiply this concept by at least three and that is how much attention a pug needs alongside most of them having zero concept of personal space!
They snore like nothing you have ever heard before and my goodness me do they shed their fur (well the fawn ones do due to being double coated, the blacks less so). However, they are small dogs with the biggest personality and so much love to give. I have been both an adopter and a fosterer (albeit it failed) as well as having a stint as a VAC and it is the most rewarding thing to see a little dog come into their own upon being taken in by PDWRA. Pugs are not without their health conditions, and it is important to note that many have issues that will require long term medical care, but my experience is that the charity are brilliant at providing advice and guidance on this and ensuring that any health conditions are identified early on.
My partner Tom and I cannot thank PDWRA enough for bringing Howie (and our other beautiful black girls) into our lives. Howie is literally our first-born child, and he is the best big brother to our two year old human child (I am pretty sure that I probably have more photos of him than I do of my daughter!). We wouldn’t change him for the world and sincerely hope we have a good few more happy years together.
If you would like to foster or adopt, please go to our webpages:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/fostering-a-pug/
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/adopting-a-pug/
