by Yasmin | 8 Aug, 2023 | Blog, Pug Health, Volunteering, In Memoriam
In Memoriam – Violet – 6/11/2011 – 31/7/2023
Although not a PDWRA rescue, Violet was a friend to the charity, helping out with many fundraising activities and appearing several times in the PDWRA newsletters, most recently in the ‘sniffing’ feature in the April ’23 edition: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/sniffing-on-walks/
Violet first came into our lives in 2012, at around 16 weeks old. Her owners were responsible breeders who had initially decided to keep her, after a while though they realised that they had too many dogs to give all of them the attention they needed and decided to find a loving home for her. Fortunately, through a mutual friend, she ended up with her new mum, Joana.
It was clear from the start that Violet was a special pug and everyone who met her instantly fell in love with her. She was well-travelled from a young age, making many trips to Europe and she loved every minute of her adventures, walking in the mountains, running on the beaches and meeting new people.
When she was two, she was joined by her new sister Lilly, and they quickly became a loving and bonded pair of troublemakers.
Three years ago in 2020, Violet was diagnosed with the spinal issue Malcolm McKee discusses in his Pug Health feature: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/spinal-conditions-in-pugs/
With regular hydrotherapy and acupuncture, she was able to maintain a fairly normal life, until sadly succumbing to associated health issues at the end of July ‘23.
Violet was a truly beautiful soul who was full of life and is the reason her parents became involved with helping the PDWRA. She will always be remembered with fondness, gratitude and love for the immense joy she brought into our lives and will forever be greatly missed by her Mum Joana and Dad Robin.
******
To pay tribute to your sadly lost and beloved PDWRA pug on our dedicated In Memoriam web page,
at: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/category/in-memoriam/
please email your story, or whatever you would like to say about them, with photos,
to: yasmin.t.pdwra@nullgmail.com
by Yasmin | 7 Aug, 2023 | Blog, News, Pug Health
Article by Dr W Malcolm McKee
PDWRA Vet Advisor
Spinal conditions in Pugs.
Conditions affecting the spine are not uncommon in Pugs, unfortunately. This is because Pugs have been bred to have flat faces (brachycephalic) and linked with this is abnormal development of their spines and early degeneration of their discs.
The first sign that your Pug may have a spinal condition could be pain (such as reluctance to jump or yelping), however, more commonly weakness (referred to paresis) or wobbliness (referred to as ataxia) of the legs is noticed. Weakness may present as scuffing of the nails and wobbliness as loss of coordination of the legs. Problems affecting the neck will cause the front and back legs to be affected and conditions affecting the thoracic and lumbar (back) areas will cause just the back legs to be weak or wobbly. Severe cases may be urinary or faecally incontinent and affected Pugs may loss the ability to walk. Signs generally come on gradually and may progress slowly over many months or even years.
A good neurological examination by your vet should enable the location and severity of the spinal condition to be determined.
The most common spinal conditions in Pugs include hemivertebrae (HV), “slipped” disc, arachnoid cyst, syringomyelia, or a combination of these conditions (Pug myelopathy). Fractures, inflammatory problems and tumours are less common.
Hemivertebrae is due to abnormal development of the vertebrae (the bones of the spine). The deformed vertebrae cause compression of the delicate spinal cord and is often severe by the time the condition is diagnosed. The discs, which are positioned between the vertebrae, often degenerate in Pugs early in life, and become hard instead of jelly-like. They are then prone to bulging (“slipping”) and compressing the spinal cord. An arachnid cyst is a build up of fluid on the outside of the spinal cord and syringomyelia is a build up of fluid inside the spinal cord. Both of these conditions may cause compress the spinal cord.
Radiographs (X-rays) may be obtained to help diagnose the spinal problem, however, they are of very limited value as the spinal cord is not visible and thus it is not possible to assess if it is compressed.
An MRI scan is the best way to investigate a Pug with a suspected spinal condition and generally the scan will reveal the cause of the weakness/wobbliness or pain. Occasionally it is necessary to perform other tests, such as analysing a sample of the fluid around the spinal cord (known as CSF).
Once a diagnosis is reached treatment options can be considered – conservative management and surgery being the two possibilities. Unfortunately, the majority of spinal conditions that Pugs develop are very challenging to treat by surgery. This is partly due to the complexity of the underlying problem, such as vertebral deformity, but also because of the chronicity (duration), severity, and irreversible nature of the spinal cord injury. Indeed it is not uncommon for Pugs to be worse, at least temporarily, after spinal surgery.
With the outlook following surgery not being good it raises the question of the value of performing an MRI scan in these cases, especially when there are financial restrictions – MRI scans and complex spinal surgery are expensive and the majority of Pugs do not benefit from one or both being performed.
Conservative management of Pugs with weak/wobbly legs involves (1) ensuring they aren’t overweight (put him/her on a strict diet if necessary) (2) restricting exercise (small amounts often with avoidance of jumping and climbing) (3) exercising on the likes of soft grass rather than roads (4) protecting the nails of the paws with boots to stop them dragging and bleeding (5) supporting the back legs with a belly band.
Some Pugs that progress to the point of being unable to walk on their back legs may benefit from a cart with wheels – candidates need to be considered carefully, as these carts aren’t for every Pug. Often these dogs are also incontinent and urinary incontinence, in particular, can be difficult to manage, especially in male dogs. Quality of life needs to be carefully monitored and euthanasia considered where appropriate – under veterinary guidance.
Malcolm with his grumble, before the loss of Lily (February ’23) and Missy (May ’23).
Dr W Malcolm McKee BVMS DSAO MRCVS
PDWRA Vet Advisor
by Yasmin | 6 Aug, 2023 | Blog, Pug Health
Pangpang’s Top Five Healthy Treats.
Pangpang, the UK’s best known pug, with over 500,000 followers, takes some time out to talk to us about his top five healthy pug treats…
“Like most pugs, I have the appetite of breeds twice my size! And to keep me in good shape and protect my long-term health, my pawrents prefer to give me dog-friendly fruit and vegetables rather than processed treats. So, I wanted to tell you about some of my favourite post-zoomies healthy snacks that you can try with your pug!
- Blueberries
I’ve loved blueberries since the first time I tried them. You may have seen me on my socials running around the house and garden to get all the blueberries. I also like to chase them when Baba throws them so they serve as a delicious toy!
- Strawberries
A summer favourite, these help to keep me cool on hot days plus they’re good for me too! Baba chops them up for me as they can be a little big for a pug but definitely one I think your doggo would enjoy too!
- Banana
The only treat that makes me spin with excitement, banana has long been one of my favourite treats. Sometimes, I even have a smoothie made from banana and a couple of spoons of plain natural yoghurt.
Please note, ensure you avoid artificial flavours and sweeteners if trying this recipe at home, particularly xylitol which is dangerous for dogs.
- Cucumber
This one definitely divides the doggos, but I personally love cucumber! I’ve always been given it as a healthy treat and the best thing is that I can have it every day without gaining weight! It’s really important for pugs (and all dogs for that matter) to stay in their healthy weight range.
- Melon
This is a fairly new healthy treat for me but boy does it taste yummy! Baba is careful to remove all the seeds and cuts off the shell and bits I can’t eat, which can be a choking hazard. Then, I’m good to go! Definitely recommend having a try of watermelon and canteloupe.”
We’d like to give a huge thanks to Pangpang’s Dad Dan, for asking Pangpang to share his thoughts with us and if you’d like to keep up to date with Pangpang’s adventures, check out his links below to find out more –
https://pangpangthepug.co.uk
https://youtube.com/c/pangpangthepug
https://instagram.com/pangpangthepug
https://tiktok.com/@pangpangthepug
https://facebook.com/itspangpangthepug
https://twitter.com/pangpangpug
by Yasmin | 4 Aug, 2023 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories
**SEPTEMBER UPDATE** Great News – Pogo & Pete in their Forever Home! | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
ORIGINAL POST:
Pogo and Pete are litter brothers who have recently shared their 1st Birthday!
They are lively and enthusiastic as you’d expect with typical puppy behaviour, young and independent enough to be adopted individually, or together.
They have both been neutered and their house-training is ongoing.
They were surrendered to PDWRA, as they were coming off worse against an older dog in their home fighting with them, where they sadly came off worse defending themselves. We’ve been advised that they are fine with cats.
Pete is loving and enjoys cuddles. He’s a softie though can still be nippy, therefore having young children around would not be suitable. He doesn’t like being left alone and is still a little nervous.
Pogo doesn’t nip but is an escape artist! He can actually scale fences quite confidently therefore has to be watched closely and perhaps trained not to? See video!
If you can provide either of these boys a home, or know someone who would be interested, please apply at: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/adopting-a-pug/
Please Reference: POGO 23108 or PETE 23107 in your application form.
If you are already registered with us and are interested in adopting Pogo or Pete (or both!), please speak to your Area Coordinator directly.
by Yasmin | 1 Aug, 2023 | Rescue Stories, Volunteering
Hello, everyone! My name is Maria, and I am a fawn Pug – but now rather grey, as I’m quite an old lady of fifteen years old! I now live in Kent, but I have not always lived here, so I am now going to tell you my story and how I came to live here.
I was born in the South-West of England, but once I was grown up, I am afraid to say that my early years were not very happy. I was bought by an amateur breeder and from my very first season, had to produce litters of puppies, so as my owner could make money. They were all taken away at a very young age and I never saw any of them again. I never lived in the house, just a small yard at the back, with a kennel. It was very cold in the winter and entirely unsuitable place in which to have puppies.
After some years in this unhappy situation, I suffered a prolapsed uterus as a result of such treatment and was no longer of any use to the puppy farmers. Fortunately, this was when I met PDWRA and as soon as I was collected, I knew I was in safe, kind hands. I was taken to a lovely warm house and was straight away given a bath (not such a pleasure!) and good food by my fosterer. Importantly, I also had good veterinary treatment for the prolapse. PDWRA did all this for me and once I was fully recovered, I was adopted by a lovely older lady, who loved me very much. We were close companions and dear friends and enjoyed some good years together, lots of fun and some very good times.
Heartbreakingly, my dear old friend passed away and I was once again homeless. Fortunately for me, a young relative took me into her home and was very kind to me. However, she knew little or nothing about Pugs – we are a special breed, you see! – and although very well-fed from the delicatessen, I quickly had overgrown nails, infected ears, a skin infection I had had for a while really took hold and my dry eyes caused my eyes to crust over. After some happy time with my young friend, she was offered a job abroad and PDWRA stepped in again to help me and I was immediately placed with my new family in the Kent countryside. This was in the middle of lockdown in 2020, with all the difficulties with my collection and transportation that entailed!
When I first arrived in my new home, I slept for two days, without waking and everyone thought I must be dying. But at the end of the second day, I woke up and demanded roast chicken! I have had treatment for my dry eyes and my sight has been restored; my ear infection was treated and cleared up, and I have a regular manicure for my nails. The most difficult issue was my skin complaint, as the first vet we saw had not seen it before. Happily, PDWRA’s wonderful vet, Helen, had had a Pug with the identical complaint and she was able to work with a skin specialist at the amazing North Downs Specialist Referrals to devise a treatment plan for me. I still have to have the medicated baths – I always will do – but all my hair has now grown back and is soft and silky.
Life is good. I enjoy my food tremendously – especially roast chicken! The other younger Pugs in my home know that I am an old lady and treat me with the respect I deserve. Very often, I have one sitting either side of me, keeping me warm and I really enjoy their company. In these summer months, I really enjoy sitting outside on the lawn, soaking up the sun. I cannot thank PDWRA enough for my good care!
Written by my Mum, on my behalf!
For more amazing rescue stories like mine, please go to: Rescue Stories | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
Or if you could foster to help pugs like me, when we need it, please go to: Fostering | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
by Yasmin | 29 Jul, 2023 | Blog, Rescue Stories
Many of you will have followed the Mighty’ Quinn’s rehabilitation from when he came to us in a terrible state last year.
A great deal of this has been exploratory, while finding the right nourishment for his previously deprived body. He did struggle to gain and maintain his weight, and thankfully has stabilised now following the intense care he has been given by his devoted Mum, Kellie, supported throughout by PDWRA.
Kellie says, “Massive thanks to his angel PDWRA vet nurse, Helen, our super campaigning & fundraising volunteers and his amazing local vet team, who he provided a few challenges to and got them rethinking on many occasions. We are so grateful they did not give up on this unbelievable boy!!!
So just look at Quinn now! 
Also thanks to Pug Rescue NI volunteers for all their help and support with Quinn. This wee guy would not be here today if it were not for the ongoing financial, emotional and technical expertise of the charity and their volunteers.”
Quinn still needs to be monitored and tested regularly with ongoing medication but Kellie says his personality is shining through. He loves to nibble noses and many items, plus really enjoys playing with his PDWRA pug companion, Nugget, so good for his socialisation and spirit, missed during his development.
We’re very happy to report the progress of this incredible little Superstar, and thankful for all the support and donations for him.
If you would like to donate towards Quinn’s ongoing vet costs, or so many others in our care, please do so at:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/donating-to-pug-dog-welfare/
This was Quinn, early on in our care!
To look back at Quinn’s challenges and progress:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/quinns-progress-aided-by-your-generous-support/
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/lets-all-help-quinn/
by Yasmin | 27 Jul, 2023 | Blog, Rescue Stories
This is Eddie, a truly charming and inspirational pug, with only 1 eye and limited vision in the other. He also suffers from separation anxiety.
Eddie changed hands during a chance meeting at an event, where there was some suggestion that he would be put to sleep if a new owner could not be found. The lady hearing this, could not let that happen so took him on. She realised after a few months, that she couldn’t offer him the home he truly deserved as she lived in a flat and wasn’t able to give him the exercise he needed. Her family helped out when they could, but they knew it wasn’t enough or fair to Eddie.
Although he had limited vision he was still a lively 4 year old, plus he did suffer from severe separation anxiety and needed help with that, so she made the decision to approach PDWRA in order to give him another chance at life.
Lynda fostered him at very short notice, and he came into her life at just the right time, when she needed a welcome diversion from a health issue confronting her. Barely a week passed before the request was received – “Can l adopt him please?” Of course the answer was YES!
Lynda runs fun agility and training classes for dogs, with access to a paddock which she soon introduced Eddie to. He loves the agility course. With a treat on his nose and verbal guidance, he rocked it!
They have a catchphrase ‘Ready Eddie Go!
At the same time, Lynda and Eddie are working on the separation anxiety and he is steadily improving on that front as time goes by.
Lynda signed him up and trained him for the Kennel Club Good Citizen Award Scheme, which he has passed! He may even go on to train as a Pets as Therapy dog next!
It just goes to show what can be done with those pugs whose owners are sadly all too ready to give up on them.
Eddie has really landed on his paws there!
For more stories like Eddie’s please see our rescue stories at:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/category/rescue-stories/
or subscribe to our regular newsletters, at:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/subscribe-to-our-new-e-newsletters/
by Yasmin | 20 Jul, 2023 | Blog, News
The Petplan Pet Awards are back for 2023!
These awards recognise exceptional pets who help enrich our lives and the world in which we live, bringing joy, fun and companionship.
Now in its 4th consecutive year, these digital awards once again aim to celebrate the power of unconditional love between pets and their guardians.
For the first time, nominations from charities for the amazing animals in their care, can now be accepted.
Here are the categories:
- Hero Pet of the Year
- Survivor Pet of the Year
- Rescue Pet of the Year
- Best Friend Pet of the Year
- Performer Pet of the Year
Nominations are now open!
You can find out more about the category criteria and how to make your nomination stand out here: Petplan Pet Awards | Petplan
Be sure to submit your nomination by 23:59 on Monday 31st July.
One winner will be chosen for each category, and will win a bundle of pet goodies!
Nominate Now!: Nominate Your Pet | Petplan
Be sure to tell us about your nomination on social media. Make sure to tag us or use #PetplanPetAwards in your posts, pictures, videos or stories of the wonderful pets in your care and we will try to share as many as possible.
Best wishes,
The Petplan Team
by Yasmin | 17 Jul, 2023 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories, Fundraising
PDWRA would like to wish “Platinum Prince” Leonard, a very Happy 6th Birthday today!!
It’s been a few years since Leonard, was surrendered to PDWRA very sadly and reluctantly, along with his bonded sister Ethel when their original family’s circumstances changed. It caused a great deal of heart break at the time as you can imagine.
PDWRA helped them through it and they have been happily adopted by parents who adore them and could not imagine life without them now.
They inspired their very proud and talented Mum, Alison, to feature them in her design work and business, where 20% of all sales of her merchandise are donated to PDWRA, in appreciation of the impact we’ve had on their lives and to continue helping other pugs at their time of need.
Mum, Alison’s artwork is completely hand-drawn using inks, totally unique and a bit quirky (maybe just like her pugs!?). If you’d like to support them, and PDWRA at the same time, please look at the exclusively designed pug merchandise which cannot be bought anywhere else, by Absolutely Barking Illustrations.
Pug-themed greetings cards are designed for all celebrations throughout the year so please keep an eye on their facebook site and our website too!
https://www.facebook.com/Absolutelybarkingillustrations
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/fundraising-events/
Here’s Birthday boy, Leonard with his sister Ethel celebrating the Coronation!
by Yasmin | 10 Jul, 2023 | In Memoriam
Tallulah was my little girl, she was full of life, back chat and the cutest personality which she was absolutely adored for.
From the first day that she was brought back to her new home at 8 weeks old she was the baby of our family and was spoiled rotten by all the family, Christmas, Easter and especially birthdays (as we shared the same day). Presents would be bought for Tallulah too, and she loved it, she’d ‘know’ which ones were hers!
Tallulah had shown absolutely no signs of being poorly and passed away on May 17th of this year, at just 7years old. We had no clue she had kidney cancer as right up until 48 hours before she passed. She was still the same crazy, full of life chatty Tallulah that we all loved.
Tallulah has left the biggest hole in my heart. My home’s just not the same without my little ‘shadow’. We all miss her beyond words and I still can’t believe she’s never going to be running to greet me or snuggling in for her cuddles ever again. Her tiny paw print has left a massive mark on my heart.
Kate.
******
To pay tribute to your sadly lost and beloved PDWRA pug on our dedicated In Memoriam web page,
at: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/category/in-memoriam/
please email your story, or whatever you would like to say about them, with photos,
to: yasmin.t.pdwra@nullgmail.com
by Yasmin | 5 Jul, 2023 | Blog, News
Today, July 5th, is National Pet Remembrance Day.
It was specially created for pet owners to celebrate their dearly departed pets, who were such an important part of their family, to grieve and to reflect on their wonderful memories of them.
Pictured here is Winston, remembered every day by his loving Mum, Michelle who wanted to share how much she still missed him and always will.
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/my-winston/
If you have loved and lost a PDWRA pug, we have a specially dedicated section on our website where tributes can be posted:.
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/category/in-memoriam/
Please simply email your story, or whatever you would like to say about them, with photos, to: yasmin.t.pdwra@nullgmail.com
It’s also an opportunity to make a donation to help other rescue pugs in need, in their memory.
If you would like to do this, please go to: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/donating-to-pug-dog-welfare/
Thank you. 💖🐾
by Yasmin | 27 Jun, 2023 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories
We began telling Peppa’s story when she was surrendered to PDWRA on the advice of a vet.
She had a proptosed eye (coming out of socket), and many health issues which required 6 months of multiple operations and rehabilitation, while we appealed for funds towards her vet costs, as well as to find a special home when she was fit and healthy for that final leg of her journey.
Well, she’s there, and we wanted to thank everyone who has been involved or contributed to make that happen so successfully for Peppa!
Peppa had the best, patient, foster care from Jo and her family during all of this and we can report that she has settled well in her forever family-home with adopters, Andrea and Paul, after a tentative adjustment finding her paws!
She’s happily bonding with the other rescue cats and pug brother there, as well as the smaller humans.
She is a barker, though this is getting better. She will bark when the doorbell rings but calms down quite quickly. Barking out on walks is another story!
Peppa’s been welcomed with open arms, and this special girl is a perfect fit for the family.
We’re delighted with this very happy outcome for all concerned, especially Peppa!
Peppa’s previous post:
Peppa’s Amazing Progress, Ready for her Forever Home! | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
by Yasmin | 20 Jun, 2023 | Blog, Fundraising
Working from home might mean have meant getting through more ink printer cartridges, so please don’t forget to recycle them, via Recycle4Charity.
Alternatively, collect them from your workplace to convert into funds for pugs!
Recycle4Charity is a free and easy to use ink recycling programme, that helps its thousands of members raise funds for charity and non-for-profit organisations.
Please sign-up for PDWRA in this way, at: https://www.recycle4charity.co.uk/Register/C84358
You can print labels from their website to use on your own packaging for posting to them. Also, more wanted cartridges have been added to the eligibility list:
by Yasmin | 20 Jun, 2023 | In Memoriam
Isobel died last July.
She was just 6 years and hadn’t been poorly, so it was a real shock.
She was an amazing little girl, full of life and fun.
Nearly one year later it still breaks my heart that she’s no longer here.
Rest in peace my little angel.
Anne. 🐾🐾❤️❤️🥰🥰🥰💃💃💃
******
To pay tribute to your sadly lost and beloved PDWRA pug on our dedicated In Memoriam web page,
at: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/category/in-memoriam/
please email your story, or whatever you would like to say about them, with photos,
to: yasmin.t.pdwra@nullgmail.com
by Yasmin | 15 Jun, 2023 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories
This is Peppa after 6 weeks of rehabilitation following patella surgery, also soft palate reduction!
Who would believe Peppa came to us weighing only 4.7kg, requiring emergency surgery on one eye and both her hind legs having deformities too.
Her behaviour and limited development indicated that she had sadly been crated for long periods and the vet estimated Peppa to be around three years old, although she was so tiny for this.
The cost of her treatment to PDWRA has been considerable, but worth every penny to see her like this – she’s the speedy one!!
Here’s the link to Peppa’s background story:
Tiny Peppa, Update!
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/
If you could donate towards vet costs for pugs like Peppa, to turn their lives around, please go to:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/donating-to-pug-dog-welfare/
Thank You!
by Yasmin | 10 Jun, 2023 | Blog, News, Pug Health
As temperatures rise, with amber alerts across the country, please remember top tips for keeping your pugs cool, comfortable & safe, potentially from heatstroke.
- Ensure your dog has constant access to fresh water, shade and cool surfaces
- Walk them in the early morning or evening, avoiding the midday/afternoon heat
- Check that the pavement or artificial grass is not too hot for your hand, hence their paws also
- Skip walks if necessary, for older, overweight dogs or those with breathing issues
- Provide cool mats or jackets. Do not rely on fans alone to keep them cool
- Never leave them unattended in a car, even in the shade or with window ajar
- Know the signs of heatstroke and seek vet advice immediately if your dog shows any symptoms
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/pug-health/
https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/help-advice/dog-care/warm-weather-advice
https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/health-and-dog-care/health/health-and-care/a-z-of-health-and-care-issues/heatstroke-in-dogs/
http://pdsa.me/hpSh
