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
by Yasmin | 9 Jun, 2023 | Blog, Rescue Stories
This is George. His owner was afraid of him. We were told he would try to bite her around food and had been taken to a vet to be put to sleep due to this.
Thankfully the vet refused and suggested they surrendered George to the PDWRA.
When he came into foster with us, it was obvious that he had never been socialised or even walked! He was naturally very nervous and anxious but never showed aggression in his fosterer’s care. As you can guess, he just needed some investment and care.
Thanks to the dedicated work of his fosterers, George is now transformed into a happy confident boy, ready for his forever home.
During that time a wonderful home was found for him though quite a long distance across the country which normally might have required the coordination of 4 or more volunteer transporters.
However, George’s devoted new adopters drove for nearly 10 hours to collect him and take him to his forever home.
Here is George fitting right in with his new siblings, PDWRA rescue 13 year-old Bobby, and rescue Yorkshire terrier Penny.
George’s new Dad says of him, “I think you can see he’s fairly relaxed. Doing wonderfully well at the moment. Good as gold around the house and great pals with Penny and Bobby. It’s a joy to have him with us”. 👌😁
Firmly settled in and one of the family. He’s a lovely lad, healthy as can be and he particularly loves his Mum. As you can see Bobby has a real purpose for him!
PDWRA couldn’t wish for better fosterers or adopters for our pugs in need!
If you would like to provide a forever home by adopting, please apply at:
If you would like to help a pug along its journey by fostering, please apply at:
by Yasmin | 8 Jun, 2023 | Blog, News, Pug Health
Written by Helen McKee (MRCVS), PDWRA Vet Advisor:
I thought I’d make my regular pug-health article a little different this time, partly in honour of both Lily and Missy whom we have lost in the last 2 months, but also to illustrate the number of (pug related/over represented) health issues of pugs.
From left to right: Lily, Missy (centre), Doug (back), Hugo, Suki (front).
To begin with, all 5 have had at least two dentals!
Doug came to us in September 2018. He had a large sub-dermal mast cell tumour, BOAS (Brachycephalic Obstructive airway Syndrome) and pigmentary keratitis (pigment on the cornea). He immediately had the tumour removed, along with BOAS surgery at Langford, Bristol Vet School’s Referral Hospital.
Since then, he has had surgery on both eyes to reduce exposure ( bilateral medial canthoplasty), and a further mast cell tumour removed.
Doug has also had chronic nasal infections (investigated with CT) as a result of a fistula between his mouth and and his nose.
Hugo we have had since young. In the 1st two years ,we used all of the £7,000 annual insurance premium on him, a total of £14,000! Something pug owners may be familiar with, or need to bear in mind when considering budgeting for potential medical cover and costs.
Hugo had seizures ( MRI), sudden onset wobbly back legs ( MRI- hemivertibrae revealed, along with malformations of his lumbosacral area) and a corneal graft to mention a few, all of which are pug related health issues.
He has had an overlong palate reduced ( BOAS) and unfortunately, in the last 2 years lost an eye when a foreign body penetrated his cornea.
Hugo has also recently developed a serious gut disease called PLE (protein losing enteropathy) , which is seen all too commonly in pugs. He is presently well controlled with immune suppressive medication but is unlikely to make it to the end of the year.
Missy and sister Lily only came to us in June last year, when their Mum knew she was dying and asked us to look after the pair for the rest of their days. We originally fostered Missy in 2019, who
then was adopted by the lady whom we became friends with, and who bequeathed us Missy and Lily.
Missy was almost completely blind due to pigmentary keratitis caused by (untreated) dry eye ( KCS-Keratoconjunctivitus Sicca). The thick pigment almost completely covered both her corneas but she managed very well and loved her walks despite very little vision.
In the last month her health deteriorated rapidly with swelling of her abdomen. Ultra sound revealed a tumour involving her stomach, bladder and spleen, and we put Missy to sleep at the beginning of May. This cancer was not to do with being a pug, but just very unfortunate.
Lily, however, came to us last June with significant ataxia ( wobbly back legs) and faecal incontinence due to spinal cord compression ( so called pug ‘myelopathy’) which many of you will have had the misfortune to have experienced. We knew she didn’t have too long and lasted until February this year, when Lily sadly could no longer walk and her bladder stopped working.
Finally, our dear Suki, whom we adopted in June 2018 at the age of 8 years. We thought she would have a very limited life span and here she is, still with us five years later at the grand age of 13!
When we picked up Suki, she had great difficulty breathing. She turned ‘blue’ just trying to walk.
Again, Suki was operated at Langford, and had BOAS surgery. Unfortunately, she had many secondary changes including grade 3 laryngeal collapse, which we manage with appropriate exercise.
Suki also had severe dental disease, so has had to have all her teeth removed, hence her lolling tongue, however she manages well with soft food.
In January 2022. Suki developed a non-healing eye ulcer, and because of the poor quality of her cornea, she had a conjunctival flap.
We count every day with this feisty character a blessing!
From left to right: 8 year old Doug,11 year old Hugo, 10 year old Missy ( black), 12 year old Lily and 13 year old (tongue out!) Suki.
RIP Missy (May ’23) and Lily (February ’23)
So in summary, the following are conditions that are seen in pugs due to their breeding/shape or are conditions we see over represented in pugs, and we have seen in all of our pugs:-
Dental Disease (February ’23 newsletter)
Seizures (April ’23 newsletter)
Mast Cell Tumours – over represented in pugs (December ’22 newsletter)
& for future newsletter articles:-
Eyes (exposed cornea, dry eye, corneal ulcers) and treatment
BOAS and treatment
PLE – over represented in pugs
Spinal conditions caused by malformations of the spine/compression of the spinal cord
What I wanted to highlight is the number of health issues pugs are prone to, which is worth considering before giving a forever home to a pug, as well as the importance of insurance or funds to be able to pay for, what can be, very expensive tests and treatment.
Helen (MRCVS)
PDWRA Vet Advisor.
For other pug health articles please see:
Pug Health & Wellbeing | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
by Yasmin | 7 Jun, 2023 | Blog, Rescue Stories
In her past life Lucy had been used extensively for breeding. She was extremely underweight when she was surrendered to us late last year and we reported on her progress in the new year after some amazing care and attention by her fosterer Anne, overseeing her much needed medical treatment.
Lucy, was finally in good shape to go to her forever home!
This is a description of her happy ever after from her devoted dad, Chris. Lucy also has a new name, Molly!
“She arrived still underweight but had a great start with her fosterers. She was on 4 meals a day, so our other 2 also didn’t mind having 4 meals a day too! She must have had to fight for her food before she was handed over to the PDWRA, and was very guarding of her food, although she’s a lot better now.
She soon settled in with our other pugs, Arthur and Bunty who get on brilliantly with her.
She’s now 7.5kg, and on 3 meals a day and daily walks which she loves. Molly is great with other dogs and has made friends with other dogs in the village.
Arthur is 13 and can’t walk very well, so he has a buggy, Molly often jumps in if she gets tired or just wants to snuggle with Arthur (they adore each other).
Like any pug, she’s like Velcro and will follow me or my partner from room to room. She can easily climb the stairs, but has to be carried down as she’s unsure about that part! She also gets carried upstairs every night even though she can walk up, it’s just become her routine.
Molly often sleeps under the covers, loves to be warm, and I can’t imagine life without her.”
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 | 5 Jun, 2023 | Blog, In Memoriam
Sheldon Pugglewin Passed away 03/06/2023.
Sheldon was the life and mischievous soul who would always make sure his presence was known at every PDWRA party, be it the Halloween parade or the Christmas pug parties.
He would make so many laugh with his antics 😂
Sadly, the day before his 10th birthday he started to develop seizures and we tried medications but sadly to no avail, and he passed away on Saturday 03/06/2023.
I knew his days were coming to an end so I took him to his favourite park, Woodbank Park, where we would meet other people from the pug groups and gave him his last bowl of ice cream whilst we watched the sun together.
I never knew how much Sheldon became my whole life or how much love one little pup could give to so many people just from the smile on his face.
Sweet dreams my little boy.
Sheldon Pugglewin 24/04/2013 – 03/06/2023
We send our sincere condolences to Jen and Sheldon’s family.
******
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 | 3 Jun, 2023 | Blog, News, Volunteering
Interview with Jane, Voluntary Area Coordinator for Cornwall, Devon and Dorset in the South West.
Our Voluntary Area Coordinators (VACs) provide an essential service to the charity, coordinating and running the process around taking in surrendered pugs, home checking new adoptive families and matching pugs to their adoptive homes.
Jane with her partner, Jon.
Can you tell us how you got involved in the charity?
I have always had a passion for dogs. Alongside work, I have volunteered and fostered for a local dog rescue. I was asked to foster a pug and the rest as they say is history! I started with the PDWRA in 2013 and initially i was asked to help coordinate and organise a sponsored walk to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the charity. I was pleased but surprised how many people turned up to support such a great cause.
Who do you work with in the local area?
I work alongside Coordinator Cara, who looks after Somerset and Avon – we can chat about pugs for hours. I also work alongside Maureen in Devon. Maureen’s voluntary experience originated many years ago from the Wales and West Pug Rescue, and her pug knowledge and connections are always valued.
As a national charity, I work with all the area coordinators. We work together as a team to help each other find suitable foster or adoptive homes across the country. Sometimes I also cover other regions for VACs when they are away on leave.
I also couldn’t do the role without all the invaluable support offered by home checkers, transporters and fosterers in the region.
What does it take to be successful in the role?
I think you have to be a real ‘people and pug person’ -happy to communicate in a non-judgmental manner with a broad variety of people. Each family wanting to surrender a pug has a unique set of circumstances and some of them need a lot of support around the emotional stress of giving up a pug. On the plus side, it’s great to oversee the pugs on their journey into adoptive homes. Because many of our pugs have such longevity, you often stay in touch with families for a long time over the pug’s lifetime.
You need passion, patience and dedication for the role. It obviously takes time, so that is a factor, but it is incredibly rewarding.
Please tell us about your grumble?
I currently live with three elderly pugs, two original rescues, Poppy and Teddy, that were fosters for my local rescue, and Percy who is from the PDWRA.
I have fostered many dogs and pugs over the years, often those that are at the end of their lives or who have medical conditions that make them difficult to rehome – I call them the ‘wonkies’. I like to be able to give those dogs a happy home for their final years.
Would you like to add any other comments?
I’d like to thank all those supporters of the PDWRA, who help pugs, particularly those in the less visible roles such as our home checkers, and transport volunteers. Last but not least my very patient family!
Also, if you are thinking of volunteering for PDWRA but are not sure, then please do talk to the trustees or your local VACs about it. There are so many roles available including for VACs, and all volunteering helps save and rehome a pug in need.
Volunteering for PDWRA
Fostering
Volunteer Opportunities at PDWRA!
