by Yasmin | 14 Feb, 2023 | Blog, News
Our Latest Edition!
If you’re interested in receiving newsletters, simply subscribe via our Website Pop-Up!
If you’ve missed the opportunity to sign-up on arriving at our website, you can also do so at the bottom of our Home page:
or by sending an email to: subscribe@nullpdwra.org.uk
Please also contact us via this email address if your email address needs updating on our records.
The newsletter will be emailed directly to you, every few months.
You are able to unsubscribe at any time.
PDWRA is run by volunteers with public donations only to cover the costs for pugs in our care.
So, please spread the word as we need this income for the increasing number of pugs coming to us.
You can also become a Friend of Welfare and support us with a minimum annual donation of £15, or whatever sum you wish, as regularly as you are able, to ensure we can help Pugs in Need, when they need it!
Please go to: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/friends-of-welfare/
or Donate at any time, at: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/donating-to-pug-dog-welfare/
For ongoing News & Pug Rescue Stories, please view our Home page or Blog: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/blog/
Thank You!
by Yasmin | 13 Feb, 2023 | Blog, Rescue Stories
Remarkable progress by Peppa, off to her forever home in June: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/peppas-amazing-progress-ready-for-her-forever-home/
******
We last saw young Peppa after her emergency eye surgery when she came to us with a proptosed eye. She must have been in excruciating pain and discomfort as her eyeball was blood red and bulging out to twice its normal size!
We’re so pleased to see her looking so much more comfortable knowing how well she’s being cared for, while she healed, and recently had her stitches out.
At only 4.7kg when Peppa arrived, with both her hind legs having deformities too, we believe from her behaviours and this restricted development, that she had been crated for long periods. Her age is estimated to be around three years old, though is tiny for this.
It is likely she will need surgery for her legs as well as being spayed in a month or so’s time when she has recovered from her eye surgery.
She is the bravest, sweetest little girl who didn’t deserve this start in life, but she is enjoying her life far more comfortably already and will receive the best possible care onwards.
Here’s Peppa before, within the first few days of coming into PDWRA’s care, having to have emergency eye surgery.
We will keep you posted on how she gets on, which we can only do with your support and our volunteers.
When Peppa first came to us, see: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/tiny-peppa/
******
If you would like to donate, all contributions will help towards vet costs like Peppa’s surgeries and other PDWRA pug’s vet costs. Thank you!
Donating to Pug Dog Welfare | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
For other equally worthy pug rescue stories of ours, please go to:
Rescue Stories | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
by Yasmin | 12 Feb, 2023 | Blog, Pug Health
Article by Helen. (MRCVS)
PDWRA Vet Advisor.
Because pugs are brachycephalic (with little/no nose/muzzle), their jaws are an abnormal shape, and as a result, they are more likely to have problems with their teeth.
To help reduce any progression of dental disease, teeth can be cleaned every day (depending on your pug!). I use a toddler toothbrush and non-flouroscein toothpaste, however, there are dog toothbrushes and toothpaste available.
It is likely that a pug will need up to 2 to 3 dentals in its lifetime. It is important to budget for these as dentals are rarely covered by insurance, and costs have increased considerably over the last few years, with charges being up to £900 with X-rays and severe dental disease including multiple extractions.
Pugs can manage well with very few/no teeth, on a soft diet, though it does cause the tongue to droop out of the mouth.
It is essential that a pug’s mouth is checked regularly to ensure that the mouth is healthy; gingivitis, loose teeth and tarter build up are all signs of dental disease that needs addressing. It causes extreme discomfort, and if left, can affect a dog’s well-being/welfare without the owner realising the impact on the pug. If you’ve ever had a sore tooth, and the pain that causes, you can imagine what it must be like when multiple teeth are involved!
So, in summary, clean your pug’s teeth daily, and ensure her/his mouth is checked regularly so that any disease can be addressed in its early stages.
Good luck with the teeth cleaning!
To find more items to read about pug-health, please see:
Pug Health & Wellbeing
by Yasmin | 4 Feb, 2023 | Blog, Fundraising
A beautiful Clogau gold & silver pendant necklace in original box, made from silver & Welsh rose gold with a sterling silver chain (17”).
This is a pre-owned item, never worn and is a design no longer available.
The box is in good condition and the back of the pendant clearly shows the welsh dragon mark for Clogau Gold.
The design shows heart shaped leaves entwined. A perfect gift for Valentine’s Day!
Tickets are £2 each, to purchase within the Mega-Auction Group: (1) PDWRA Mega Auction For Pugs In Need | Facebook
The Draw took place on Sunday 5th February @7pm, by Random Number Generator. £196 was raised!
The necklace will be posted to the winner on Monday by Royal Mail (Special Delivery)
Please join in to support Tiny Peppa through her surgeries.
by Yasmin | 29 Jan, 2023 | Blog, Rescue Stories
Tiny Peppa, Update! | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
This is Peppa. She is estimated to be around three years old and is absolutely tiny, weighing only 4.7kg. She came into PDWRA’s care recently as an emergency case, during a weekend.
Her eyeball was blood red and bulging at twice its normal size. She must have been in so much pain!
Urgent surgery was required for the proptosed eye, and this was carried out as soon as it could be, on the Monday.
Both her hind legs have deformities and it is most likely from her behaviours and development that she had been crated for long periods. Surgery is also likely to be needed for her legs.
She is entire and will be spayed in a month’s time when she has recovered from her eye surgery.
Peppa is a brave and sweet little girl who didn’t deserve this start in life, but she is far more comfortable now and will receive the best possible care onwards.
We’ll keep you posted on how she gets on.
For other PDWRA pug stories, please see:
Rescue Stories | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
If you would like to donate, all contributions will help towards vet costs like Peppa’s surgeries and other PDWRA pug’s vet costs. Thank you!
Donating to Pug Dog Welfare | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
by Yasmin | 23 Jan, 2023 | Blog, News, Fundraising
The PDWRA Mega Auction is back for 2023, after a well-deserved end of year break and to re-stock on all those lovely donated items that will be on offer!
Our dedicated volunteers who run the Mega-Auction, Pippa, Catherine, Carolyn and Samantha will present some amazing auction lots, ranging from Valentine’s cards to many pug related items, to the immensely popular, unique, Knitted Pugs in very individual outfits!
In the next few months, stunning donated raffle prizes will include a designer bag, gold necklace and a holiday, YES, a holiday!
If you haven’t yet joined PDWRA Mega Auction For Pugs In Need, this is a great way to contribute to our ever-important fundraising for rescue pugs.
Please read & agree to the group rules and the team will be delighted to welcome you onboard!
At: https://www.facebook.com/groups/242845766241493
For more information about fundraising, see: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/fundraising-events/
by Yasmin | 19 Jan, 2023 | Blog, Rescue Stories
17 year old Miffy, is living her dream as an adventurous pug, still enjoying exploring the Lake District with her Mum!
In particular she likes being on the water, paddle boarding in the summer.
Miffy was adopted when she was 7, and has had the best life with her PDWRA mum since then.
If you feel you can offer a loving home to a senior pug like Miffy, reaping such mutual satisfaction! please visit:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/adopting-a-pug/
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/golden-oldies/
by Yasmin | 13 Jan, 2023 | Blog, Rescue Stories, Fundraising
You’ll recall the most wonderful little boy Quinn, who’s rescue and rehabilitation we reported on last year. His progress took a worrying dip during the past few months when he suffered from vomiting and diarrhoea resulting in significant weight-loss.
Quinn’s vet has been investigating to find out the root of his problem, while his diet has been adjusted for him to receive and process the essential nutrients he needs.
Quinn has been on special hydrolysed food, given in small quantities by hand, 4 times per day, with his head held up, to ease his digestion. He then has crate rest for one hour.
Additional vitamin supplements, pre and pro biotics, plus other medications are given to him to aid his gut health and digestion and he isn’t allowed any other food or treats to avoid any flare ups.
Thankfully he has improved immensely since. His ability to process protein was found to be the problem, possibly due to his developing years and diet he was surviving on, so this will continue to be managed carefully.
We are all relieved, following a very worrying time. The mighty Quinn has found his bark again and here he is being the young and happy boy he deserves to be!
We cannot thank his devoted PDWRA Mum Kellie, enough, for the love and care she has given to Quinn, enabling him to live the best life possible after his very deprived beginnings.
See the start of Quinn’s rescue story with us from last year:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/quinns-progress-aided-by-your-generous-support/
If you would like to be a special foster or adoptive parent like Kellie, please apply:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/adopting-a-pug/
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/fostering-a-pug/
If you would like to donate towards Quinn’s vet costs and other PDWRA pugs in need, please go to:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/donating-to-pug-dog-welfare/
Thank You!
by Yasmin | 8 Jan, 2023 | Blog, Rescue Stories, Fundraising
We last saw Lucy before Christmas, surrendered in a terrible state and beginning to adjust to, and enjoy the home-comforts and extra-special care from her experienced PDWRA foster home many miles away.
Funds were lovingly raised over the Christmas period by her local VAC’s community who took Lucy into PDWRA’s care. They were able to cover her first vet bills while funds continued to be raised for all PDWRA pugs in need, from the public’s continued generous donations.
Lucy has since been neutered and the prolapse she was suffering with, was connected to mixed up hormones according to vet advice, who also suggested it would shrink, and it actually did, so luckily no extra surgery was needed!
Lucy weighed in at 6kg by then so everything was going in the right direction. Her possession and aggressive tendencies soon improved following the neutering and she’s changing into such a happy little pug with a great character. Her weight continues to increase slowly, and she has a final vet check this week before she moves on to her new forever home where she is definitely going to be adored and want for nothing.
Lucy’s catching up on life’s luxuries that she always should have had. Just look at her cuddling up to her foster companions, she even has a heated mat in their dog bed!! She just loves to be warm, something she was missing from the past. Lucy is fully expected to be up on the sofa or bed with her new humans so may not even need dog beds!
For the beginning of Lucy’s story: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/lucy-deserves-our-help/
A fantastic start to the New Year, and for many rehomed PDWRA pugs like Lucy, only due to the support of our volunteer network and donators! Thanks to Everyone.
If you would like to donate towards Lucy’s costs or other pugs in our care, please go to: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/donating-to-pug-dog-welfare/
by Yasmin | 1 Jan, 2023 | Blog, News, Fundraising
Wishing all of our supporters and volunteers a very Happy New Year!
We could not do what we do without you – Here’s to Many More Happy Homes in 2023!
or to make a donation towards our ongoing vet costs, at: Donating to Pug Dog Welfare | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
by Yasmin | 31 Dec, 2022 | Blog, News, Pug Health
As it’s New Year’s Eve and as many as a third of all dogs will struggle with the noise and unexpected loud bangs from fireworks, please prepare and protect them as you would for bonfire night and other similar, human celebratory periods!
Here are some tips to remind you, and help your dogs have a Happy New Year too!
- Walk them before it’s dark and parties/activities may begin.
- Feed your dogs before fireworks 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. (Check their microchip registration is up-to-date!)
- 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.
- Desensitise 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.
- Consider anxiety relief products: Anxiety relieving products containing pheromones are an effective way to help your pet stay calm also comforting jackets are like a big hug!
- Watch out for spent fireworks in the following days/weeks.
Further Advice & tips on your pug’s welfare can be found at:
by Yasmin | 24 Dec, 2022 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories
Wishing all our supporters a Happy Christmas from a selection of our happily rehomed PDWRA pugs!
by Yasmin | 20 Dec, 2022 | Blog, News, Fundraising
Please don’t forget, PDWRA 2023 calendars are on sale NOW!
All funds raised are needed for Pug care costs.
by Yasmin | 13 Dec, 2022 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories
New Year Update on Lucy! | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
This was Lucy. As you can see, she has sadly been neglected and starved!
Fortunately, we were called upon to rescue Lucy.
It’s quite shocking and upsetting to see a pug in this state of neglect and suffering. Lucy is unsurprisingly a complex pug at present and needs time and space to decompress.
It has given Lucy possession and aggression issues, hence she requires minimum stress around her in the form of other pets or children.
Lucy has been placed in a very experienced foster home able to provide behavioural support to her and she’s already looking so much more comfortable in her new haven.
She has also put on half a kilo which is great progress, and she will be feeling the benefits already. Here she is looking particularly peaceful and content!
Pugs like Lucy, need experienced foster carers, willing to invest time and whatever support it takes to give them the best prospects for a normal life.
If you could offer this, please see:
Fostering | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
or
Adoption | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
Also, if you could donate, no matter how small, to help us with Lucy’s medical costs and others like her, please go to:
Donating to Pug Dog Welfare | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
Thank You!
by Yasmin | 13 Dec, 2022 | Blog, News
Mast Cell Tumours.
By Helen McKee, PDWRA Vet Advisor.
No doubt a significant number of you (myself included!) will have had the misfortune to have had experience of a mast cell tumour (MCT) with one of your pugs.
Unfortunately, pugs are very prone to MCT’s, and since the tumour can take the guise of so many different lumps and bumps, it needs to be addressed promptly.
If you find a lump, either on the skin or under (sub-dermal), it is worth taking your pug to the vet and having it assessed. I would strongly advise that your vet does what is called a Fine Needle Aspirate (FNA), to either eliminate or confirm whether it is indeed a MCT.
Since their appearance can vary hugely, I would definitely recommend that a FNA is done straight away. Some vets are unaware as to how common these tumours are in pugs and may dismiss it as something else, but I would strongly advise that the vet take a sample. An FNA can be done with your pug awake at the time of the consultation; a needle is used to suck up tissue into it, which is then looked at under a microscope. If the lump is a MCT, granular cells can be seen clearly and are very distinctive of a mast cell tumour.
If the FNA reveals that the mass is a MCT, then it will need to be removed with a good margin (depending on its position on the body). Your vet will also recommend histopathology; this will give a guide as to how aggressive the tumour is, which ranges from one (low grade) to three (high grade).
The tumour grade will also indicate the likelihood of both local and peripheral (metastasise around the body) spread.
Confusingly sub-dermal tumours have a different grading system (Kuipel) and can be more difficult to predict their grade; further tests can be done to get a better idea but are only worth carrying out if you intend to follow through with more intensive treatment such as chemotherapy (if indicated).
Normally, if a tumour is grade one or two, then no other treatment is needed other than removal (excision) with a good margin. However, new MCT’s can arise elsewhere on the pug’s body once they have had one.
If the tumour is classed as Grade 3, it means it is cancer that can potentially spread around the body. Chemotherapy can be used for dogs with Grade 3 MCT’s but has mixed results and can in themselves make your pug ill, so needs careful consideration. It also involves expensive tests to ascertain spread, such as CT scans, which may also need to be taken into account.
The other treatment you may be offered (and is still in its early stages of use) is a drug called Stelfonta. Its use is specifically for mast cell tumours that cannot be removed with a good margin because of their position (eg. lower limb). Before its use (it is injected directly into the tumour), scans of the body and samples of certain organs are undertaken to ensure the tumour hasn’t spread round the body. The drug can cause extreme pain and the treatment can occasionally be fatal, so if you are offered this, ensure you ask as many questions as possible so that you can make an informed decision. I personally would not put my dog through it.
So, in summary, by far the best way of dealing with MCTs is to catch them early and remove them with as good a margin as is possible.
Helen (MRCVS)
For further items on pug health, please go to: Pug Health & Wellbeing | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
by Yasmin | 12 Dec, 2022 | Blog, Rescue Stories
We’ve shared Delilah’s journey since she was surrendered to us, due to fighting among the dogs in her home. You may recall that it wasn’t disclosed or apparent, that Delilah was pregnant until she became unwell. Although a natural delivery could have been problematic due to BOAS issues and everyone was expecting a supported delivery, she did so well, delivering 4 beautiful, healthy puppies, naturally, only weeks later.
Her puppies are all in their new, loving homes and Delilah is fully recovered from her most recent BOAS and spay.
We’ve seen her getting along famously with Doug her foster carer’s pug. They’re quite inseparable!
Neither do they have to be, as Delilah is now adopted by them and going nowhere, other than showing off her sprinting with no more breathing problems, to Doug when they’re out!
Another successful rescue story, courtesy of all the wonderful PDWRA volunteers involved!
If you are interested in adopting or fostering, please see:
