by Yasmin | 6 Apr, 2023 | Blog, Pug Health
If you’re walking your dog or holidaying in new, particularly grassy areas, you may want to be extra vigilant regarding ticks. They can be present all year round & are not just a warm-weather hazard.
Ticks are 8-legged parasites, related to spiders, that lurk on grass to attach to your dog (mammals) & feed on their blood.
They rank second to mosquitoes in spreading infectious disease to both pets and people. So please regularly check your clothing & your dog after walking in potentially high-risk areas.
There are many ways to avoid & prevent you or your dog from getting them, including safe repellent, or tick-control products.
Although very tiny, they can swell up to the size of a pea after feeding on your dog. If you identify one on your dog, your vet should be consulted to ensure safe removal and no further consequences.
For more detailed information please see:
by Yasmin | 5 Apr, 2023 | Blog, News, Pug Health
It’s officially Spring and Easter is upon us already, so it’s worth remembering the potentially dangerous hazards that are around to our furry friends.
Temptation will be indoors and out, so please be vigilant, and know what to avoid, reminding visitors or children who may not be as aware as we are, so to enjoy this time of year, safely:
Most of us know about keeping Easter chocolate away from temptation but our dogs will endeavour to seek things out with their highly sensitive sense of smell.
Theobromine found in chocolate is a stimulant. It may cause excitability or muscle twitching, tremors, even fitting, or they may have an increased heart rate. They may initially be sick, but don’t try to make them sick. If vomit is frothy and foamy it could get into their lungs, making matters worse.
Other signs might include drinking a lot, drooling, not walking in a straight line and fast breathing. If enough is eaten then the effects can be severe or even fatal.
Some sugar-free chocolates contain xylitol, which is an artificial sweetener especially poisonous to dogs. It can cause a dog’s blood sugar level to drop to dangerous levels, also possibly liver failure.
If you suspect your pet may have eaten chocolate, keep the packaging and call your vet immediately. Help them regarding the type of chocolate that’s been eaten (dark, plain, milk, white etc.) and how much has been consumed.
To learn more about chocolate toxicity and the signs and symptoms: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub/conditions/chocolate-poisoning?
For more on Easter dangers: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/easterdangers?
FURTHER FOOD HAZARDS include:
– All chocolate, lying around, discarded or forgotten out on Easter hunts!
– Fruit or Simnel cake, hot-cross buns, anything with sultana’s and raisins (grapes)
– Traditional roasts where bones can easily splinter
– Stuffing, gravy, anything which may contain onion, chives, garlic.
– Other foods, such as certain nuts, blue cheese, fatty and salty foods
Although chocolate foil wrappers are not poisonous, they can cause an obstruction if eaten. This can be dangerous enough to require surgery. Signs of an obstruction may include being sick, being tired, they may be off their food, or finding it difficult to go to the toilet!
If you are spring cleaning, make sure that products are inaccessible to your dog and that they are kept away from areas while being cleaned, or have recently been cleaned.
There’s a whole array of OTHER hazards, especially outdoors, including: poisonous plants & bulbs, weed killer, pesticides including slug pellets, compost bins, even grass cuttings!
Many different plants commonly found in the home, gardens and outdoor areas can make your dog ill. Some of these are highly poisonous, while others may only cause a mild tummy upset. Incidents of poisoning from spring bulbs are most likely to occur from dogs eating the bulbs in spring when they begin to flower and autumn when they are planted.
For more information, please see:
Poisons | Dog health | The Kennel Club
Including a comprehensive list of poisonous plants:
Poisons in your garden | Dog health | Kennel Club (thekennelclub.org.uk)
On a sunnier note, here are some, from many, that are regarded to be safe for our dogs:
However, if you suspect your dog might have ingested anything that is appearing to make them ill, contact your vet immediately.
by Yasmin | 2 Apr, 2023 | Blog, News
Paul O’Grady MBE – 14/6/55-28/3/23
We very much wanted to express our great sadness at the recent passing of Paul O’Grady. As well as his glittering TV career, he was also incredibly active over many years with dog rescue and rehoming causes and will be particularly remembered by animal lovers for this. He has left five rescue dogs of his own.
From 2012 to 2023 Paul presented ‘Animal Orphans’ and ‘For The Love of Dogs’, the latter being centred around the incredibly important work of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home. Apparently, Paul had wanted to work on a show like this for years and it was a role he took to with great passion and enthusiasm.
Over the 11 years of shooting ‘For The Love of Dogs’, Paul brought the importance of rescuing dogs right into our living rooms and helped to raise awareness of this issue to unprecedented levels. In each episode he interacted with members of the Battersea staff, highlighting a selection of dogs in their care and following their stories through to successful adoptions. It’s reported they have received over £100,000 in donations since Paul’s passing earlier this week.
Although originally only scheduled to last for 6 days, Paul ended up staying on as a volunteer for 6 months and at the end of the 1st series was invited to become an ambassador for the home. As a mark of thanks, a bronze statue of his late dog, Buster, who ‘co-hosted’ the Paul O’Grady show, was erected on a plinth at the centre.
Ultimately, the show was so successful that it won several awards, including ‘Favourite Factual Show’ (5 times) and ‘Most Popular Factual Entertainment Programme’ (twice). It was also nominated for a BAFTA for ‘Best Features Programme’ in 2013.
Also in 2013, Paul took part in the ‘Pedigree Feeding Brighter Futures’ campaign which aimed to give a million meals to rescue dogs nationwide. In September 2016 he was recognised for his work with animals when he won the award for ‘Outstanding Contribution to Animal Welfare’ at the RSPCA’s Animal Hero Awards.
From Olga Productions PAUL O’GRADY’S FOR THE LOVE OF DOGS November 2019 on ITV
Pictured: Paul O’Grady and Pancake the Pug at Battersea
Paul died unexpectedly but peacefully, on 28th March 2023 at the age of 67. His death was announced by his husband Andre Portasio and tributes quickly came in from his many high-profile friends. We’d like to express our sadness and best wishes to all of his family and friends and also express our deep gratitude for everything he did to publicise and help the cause of dogs in need.
ITV will broadcast a tribute show titled For the Love of Paul O’Grady on Easter Sunday, 9th April, 8pm and have confirmed that the 11th series of Paul O’Grady For the Love of Dogs will premiere on Thursday 13th April at 8.30pm.
by Yasmin | 1 Apr, 2023 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories
UPDATE: 1 week on, Alvin & Simon have found their forever homes. Along with their siblings they will all be enjoying a very special EASTER with their new families!
ORIGINAL POST:
We are looking for 2 suitable forever homes for puppies, Alvin and Simon!
They are nine-week-old male pug puppies who came from a litter of four. We have already found homes for their siblings.
*Alvin and Simon require homes with plenty of time to give, and have given serious thought to taking on, potentially a 15-year responsibility.
*More suited in a home with children of 8 years plus.
*They are typically playful, confident pups, who are both healthy, busy, cuddly, and love attention.
Alvin is the more boisterous of the two!
If you feel you can provide the right, dedicated, forever home for either Alvin or Simon, please apply here: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/adopting-a-pug/
Quote Reference: Alvin 23062 or Simon 23064 on your application form.
If you are already on our waiting list & are interested in adopting one of these delightful pups, please contact your PDWRA Area Coordinator directly.
by Yasmin | 28 Mar, 2023 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories
Doug is one of those special pugs who needed a particularly calm environment to settle into.
He was reactive and anxious but there was a gentle, loving pug seeking reassurance under his potentially problematic reactivity and barking.
Dear Doug has found his desirable countryside home where he can thrive, and we couldn’t be happier for him and his new family who will benefit from his loving companionship too!
Dear Doug needs a countryside home!
by Yasmin | 27 Mar, 2023 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories
We are thrilled to be able to give you an update on Oswald!
Ten days ago, we put out an appeal to find a forever home for this lovely boy whose requirements weren’t met by our existing waiting-list of adopters. Well, a perfect new applicant came forward and within this timeframe the lovely Oswald is settling in his new home in the countryside with the bonus of a new pug companion, that he can get-along with, Miss Freeda!
Here’s Oswald enjoying his morning walk looking very handsome in his harness!
A few words from the man himself via his new Mum, Sarah:
“My new home in the countryside is great! I have a huge room with loads of floor to ceiling glass so I can bark at, and chase the birds that I can see!
I pugging luffs my walks and we’ve gone for miles down the country farm tracks and I even go off lead all the way now as I know where we’re going and I can chase the geese or ducks but they then get in the big lakes and my new mum says I can’t pugging swim!! The cheek!
My new pal Freeda is a senior lady with these silver streaks. She has a red chariot my mum pushes her in for most of our walks as mum says her legs get more tired than mine but I like it as that’s where all my treats are kept for walks.
I’m trying to make friends with the neighbour’s dog Herbie but he’s a bit big (Sharpei x American bulldog) and I need to show him I’m the boss round here he rolls on the floor and I chase him and yesterday we went on 3 mile walk together and I loved chasing him down the lanes and in the fields so think in time I might allow him to share my garden and sofas …… just not quite yet!
Anyway, I’ve been here a week and my house, new fur sister & pawrents are all really nice and ….. I’m liking my routine and sleep well all night.
So, my paws are well and truly under the table here, I’m the boss and I likes my new role as CEO Pug, my amazing chilled home in the country and family are alright too!
Got to go bark at some more birds, check in again soon, much wuffs, luffs, Oswald ”
We couldn’t be happier for you Oswald, and your new family.
Oswald urgently needs a forever home!
by Yasmin | 22 Mar, 2023 | In Memoriam
We lost Winston last October after 11 great years. This has left a great hole in our home and our hearts!
We miss you, Winston, every day.
With love from your Mummy, Michelle.
To pay tribute to your sadly lost and beloved PDWRA pug on this dedicated web page,
please email your story, or whatever you would like to say about them, with photos, to: yasmin.t.pdwra@nullgmail.com
by Yasmin | 20 Mar, 2023 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories
** GOOD NEWS UPDATE – DOUG HAS FOUND THE HOME OF HIS DREAMS! **
Doug is definitely home! | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
***
Doug is a 4 year-old boy, who can be anxious and fearful.
Doug expresses this by random reactivity such as barking, lunging and ‘flipping’ (when on lead) at anything that passes him such as bikes and other dogs.
He appears to be especially scared of men he doesn’t know, and can go to nip, but has never bitten.
However, when Doug’s in a calm environment with people and dogs he knows, he is a gentle and loving pug that likes nothing more than sitting on a human’s lap, enjoying cuddles all day if he could, seeking reassurance.
Doug needs a calm home, preferably in the countryside, so that he isn’t faced with the daily stress and noises of urban (or suburban) living. It’s likely he could become a problem barker if he was in this environment.
Doug would be happy to potter outside, off lead with his owner and would particularly suit someone with land.
Doug will need an owner who is dog experienced, firm and understanding of his quirky behaviour, and knows how to deal with reactivity.
He would be fine as an only dog, or with other dogs in the household.
Doug randomly reacts to cats. He either ignores them or chases them and is fine with children. He was very gentle and protective of them in his previous home, though usual supervision advice applies.
In the right home, Doug will be happy and settled and give someone so much love and companionship.
If you feel you can provide the right home for Doug, please apply here: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/adopting-a-pug/
Quote Reference: DOUG 23012 in your application form.
If you are already on our waiting list, feel you may fit the requirements & are interested in adopting Doug, please contact your Area Coordinator directly.
by Yasmin | 19 Mar, 2023 | Blog
Happy Mother’s Day!
This is Harry, one of our PDWRA pugs, very happily rehomed and adored there.
To see many of our Rescue stories, go to: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/category/rescue-stories/
by Yasmin | 17 Mar, 2023 | Blog
Wishing everybody a Happy St Patrick’s Day from all of us at #PDWRA
To see more of our beautiful rescue pugs be sure to browse our other pages and sign up in time for our next newsletter due out in April.
by Yasmin | 15 Mar, 2023 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories
** 10 DAYS ON, A GOOD NEWS UPDATE – OSWALD is SETTLED in HIS PERFECT FOREVER HOME! **
See: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/oswald-already-in-his-forever-home/
Oswald is a 7.5 years old neutered, male pug who is looking for his forever home with humans who understand him.
Oswald is an anxious boy and hyper vigilant, so needs a home where his humans can comprehend and accommodate this little pug’s world.
We would like to find someone who is very calm and understanding with experience to know how to make this little man feel secure. The right person would need to show him behaviour boundaries and know how to work with those, and consistently carry them out.
Oswald is responsive to his foster parents’ commands most of the time, as with them he is in no uncertain terms confused as to who is in control. 😊
His foster mum tells us he is friendly with other dogs in the house, however if they are bossy with him he finds it hard to forgive and does not like to be around them. He has never shown aggression in this foster home only his form of anxiety.
Oswald would very much need a home away from traffic and too much noise as it can trigger his anxiety. A farm or smallholding or house in the country would be perfect for him.
He would prefer a home where he has company most of the time but he can be left for a couple of hours. He is good in the car and well behaved at the vets, and has shown no food aggression at all.
He is a very fit and active pug and loves long country walks where he can be off lead, obviously once there is that bond with his new human/s.
At home, he loves to sit with his people and chew is bones/antlers whilst they are nearby and would prefer to have no young children in residence and he loves a routine.
We feel Oswald would do well as an only dog or possibly with another placid dog, if the human has the experience needed as described above.
Oswald will make a wonderful companion once you understand his little issues, and has no known physical issues or medical needs, and is in very good shape.
If you feel you can offer a sensitive pug like Oswald or any other, a loving home like this, please apply here: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/adopting-a-pug/
by Yasmin | 14 Mar, 2023 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories, Volunteering, Fundraising, Events
Here are some more lovely images from Crufts taken by volunteer Tris. As you can tell, a wonderful time was had by all including all of the pugs!
We send our enormous thanks to everyone who travelled to help out, and all of those who stopped by to say hello!
Thank you for your interest in PDWRA. We are wholly reliant on public funds and appreciate any support you are able to offer for our pugs in need.
Donating to Pug Dog Welfare
by Yasmin | 12 Mar, 2023 | Blog, News, Fundraising, Events
What a wonderful way to celebrate 50 years of the Pug Dog Welfare and Rescue Association, spending the day with so many of our fantastic volunteers, fosterers and adopters with their rescue pugs! 
Thank you to everyone who visited our stands at Crufts to learn more about who we are, and a huge thank you to those of you who donated to our pugs in need. We couldn’t do what we do without you!
Here are a few of our photos from today!
Enormous thanks to our wonderful volunteers showcasing our perfectly-behaved pugs!
Fundraising & Events 2023
by Yasmin | 10 Mar, 2023 | Blog, News, Fundraising, Events
Reminding anyone who is visiting Crufts at the NEC Birmingham, on Sunday, to stop by and see us.
As it’s PDWRA’s 50th Anniversary, we are especially excited to be attending this year!
Our volunteer teams will be pleased to meet you along with a variety of our pugs from the PDWRA extended family!
We can be found in the Main Area Hall 4, at Stand BC14
Where you can find out more about our charity
ALSO
in Hall 3, the Breed & Rescue Area
where we will be showcasing our beautiful Pugs!
by Yasmin | 8 Mar, 2023 | Blog, Rescue Stories
Since we last reported on Peppa’s progress early in March, she is now awaiting surgery on her hind leg, mid-April, then after recovery will be looking for her adoptive home!
She has really grown in confidence and body weight since being less than 5 kg, as you can see, plus her strong little character is coming out, bossing her foster brothers about.
Peppa is quite excitable and an anxious barker, so her fosterers will be using some firm behaviour training techniques and reassurance to help her (and the lovely, gentle Teddy!)
Peppa was spayed last month and is now back to her cheeky self! Due to the damage to her legs. She is due an operation on her knee in April, and fingers-crossed, this will hopefully be the last one!
Following that, there will be a 6 week rehabilitation period with strict (cage) rest initially; hard to imagine for Peppa as she’s such an active happy pug!
Here’s Peppa enjoying her foster home with her new pal, Teddy
Here’s the earlier part to Peppa’s story: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/tiny-peppa-update/
If you would like to donate towards Peppa’s or any of our pugs’ vet costs you can do so here: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/donating-to-pug-dog-welfare/
by Yasmin | 3 Mar, 2023 | In Memoriam
Our very precious little lady, Mollie Elizabeth Roberts passed away today due to illness, very much loved and our beautiful little girl.
You will be always in our hearts and never forgotten. We love and miss you, so, so much.
Rest in peace beautiful lady, Mollie Elizabeth Roberts.
We are all absolutely devastated.
Love Mummy and Daddy and your big sister Charlotte. Ralph & Fred xx
To pay tribute to your sadly lost and beloved PDWRA pug on this dedicated web page,
please email your story, or whatever you would like to say about them, with photos, to: yasmin.t.pdwra@nullgmail.com
