by Yasmin | 11 Dec, 2022 | Blog, Pug Health
It’s that time of year again where potential hazards to our furry friends are brought into the home. As well as the festive greenery that may make your dog very ill, tempting foods which we may think are a treat for them can actually cause a great deal of harm.
Vets will treat 75% more cases of dogs eating foods that are poisonous to them in December so it’s important to be aware of what to avoid:
FOOD
– Chocolate, boxes lying around, coins on the tree,
– Christmas cake, mince pies and Christmas pudding
– Foods containing grapes, raisins, sultanas & currants
– Traditional turkey, goose & chicken where bones can easily splinter
– Sage and onion stuffing, gravy, anything with onion, chives, garlic.
– Other foods, such as certain nuts, blue cheese, fatty and salty foods
– Alcohol
OTHER
– If it snows, take care when using antifreeze. It tastes sweet so is tempting for dogs but can be lethal if ingested.
– Watch for dogs drinking out of puddles too as they may be tainted with antifreeze chemicals.
– Some snow globes contain ethylene glycol (anti-freeze) and if broken are a serious danger to your dogs.
– Salted roads & paths can also burn their paw pads.
by Yasmin | 7 Dec, 2022 | Blog, Rescue Stories
7 year-old, Roxie is an entire bitch who came into the care of the PDWRA a few months ago requiring urgent surgery for a large vaginal prolapse.
It was so severe that the vet was not certain that surgery to repair it would be viable. After much discussion it was agreed that the right decision for Roxie was to try, she deserved a chance.
Roxie had her prolapse surgery the day after arriving with her PDWRA foster carer. The initial surgery went well however, overnight, she prolapsed again. Thankfully, a further operation was successful, and she is now recovering well from that.
That, however, is not the end of poor Roxie’s health concerns. While in foster care it became evident that her eyes and skin are also a cause for concern. She has mild skin atopy and also dry eyes and eye ulcers. The eye ulcers in particular are requiring repeated and costly vet visits and dedicated care from her wonderful Foster Mum.
Many of us know very well, the worry especially about pug’s eyes, and we’ll update you on how she progresses through it all.
If you would like to donate towards her vet bills and others like Roxie, in our care, please go to: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/donating-to-pug-dog-welfare/
We really need all the funds we can raise, to help in this way during these difficult times.
Thank You!
Roxie, recovering in Foster Care with her new companion.
For other Rescue Stories, to see what our volunteers achieve, please go to: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/category/rescue-stories
by Yasmin | 6 Dec, 2022 | Blog, Fundraising
While many of us will be busy shopping online this festive season, please remember to use Easyfundraising, to raise funds for The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association! 🐾
With over 4,600 retailers to choose from, “Thanks to all of you” already using Easyfundraising while you shop online to support Pugs in Need! 🐾💝
Retailers include M&S, Boots, John Lewis, Tesco, Argos, Boden, Tu clothing, eBay, notonthehighstreet, & so many more!
It’s simple, and only takes 2 minutes to sign up: https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/
https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/pdwra/
By installing the Easyfundraising Reminder you’ll never forget to use it!
easyfundraising Donation Reminder – Microsoft Edge Addons
For other ways to support PDWRA, please go to: Donate while you Shop or Recycle! | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
by Yasmin | 4 Dec, 2022 | Blog, News, Fundraising
At £12 each including p&p (1st Class Post), PDWRA’s 2023 calendar features a beautiful pug, and its story, for each month of the year.
A perfect gift for yourself or family or friends that last the whole year!
Please email your name & address and how many calendars you would like to:
secretary@nullpugwelfare-rescue.org.uk
Pay via PayPal at: 2023 PDWRA calendar | PayPal
Thank you for supporting our Pugs in Need, in this way!
by Yasmin | 30 Nov, 2022 | Blog, News, Fundraising
** Thanks to everyone who bought raffle tickets, we raised a total of £570. And the winner was Nina Swanwick! **
Here’s Beanz, aka Beanie, who’s being such a good boy, hoping for some extra treats from his Mum, Nina’s Christmas Hamper Prize win!
Thank You, Nina, for entering, and contributing to our Pugs in Need funds.
Another big Thank You goes to PDWRA volunteer, Lisa and her husband, who generously donated this wonderful festive gift!
The Draw took place on Sunday 4th December at 5pm via a filmed, random generator.
Donated by generous volunteers of ours, in aid of our pugs in need, the hamper is filled with festive fayre to share with those special in your life. 💝
This Luxurious Willow Basket Hamper, seen here, contains 2 bottles of Prosecco, Red & White Wine, Luxury Mince Pies, Savoury, Sweet & Chocolate Biscuits, Fudge, Assorted Chocolates and much more…
Any monies received after the 2pm deadline for issuing tickets, will not be included in the draw but will still benefit pugs in need. 🤗💝🐾
Thank You!
by Yasmin | 27 Nov, 2022 | Blog, Fundraising
UNFORTUNATELY, Amazon have since announced that their Smile charity programme will end on the 20th February 2023.
Your purchases will accrue donations to PDWRA until then.
Whether it’s Black Friday, Super Sunday or Cyber Monday or ANY Day, when you’re shopping on Amazon, please remember to always use the link to AmazonSmile: https://smile.amazon.co.uk
or PDWRA’s unique charity link, at just one click is: https://smile.amazon.co.uk/ch/276067-0
It costs you nothing and we’ve just received our latest quarterly Donation from AmazonSmile of £932.47!
Imagine what it could be with all Your Christmas shopping included next time!
If you haven’t already, but want to donate to pugs in need, please set us up as your nominated charity.
From ‘Your Account’ go to ‘Your Amazon Smile’ which allows you to select:
The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association.
Amazon will donate a portion of your eligible mobile app purchases to us.
1. Open the Amazon app on your phone
2. Select the main menu & tap on “AmazonSmile” within Programmes & Features
3. Select The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association as your charity
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to activate AmazonSmile in the mobile app.
THANK YOU!
Please encourage your family and friends too!
Plus, for other ways to support PDWRA, please go to: Donate while you Shop or Recycle! | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
by Yasmin | 21 Nov, 2022 | Blog, Rescue Stories
Louise is a blonde/apricot pug and Paul is a black pug x dachshund.
Personalities:
Louise is charismatic, confident and cuddly – she’s a big kisser, too. She’s never happier than when she’s got a lap to sit on. Paul is a little more cautious when he meets someone new, but he’s incredibly cute with a long body and a big smile. Paul quickly bonded with my husband who calls him his ‘wingman…’ It’s a proper bromance.
Origin story: 🖼
They were surrendered aged two years, due to a change of work circumstances. They were fostered by PDWRA volunteers, joining a grumble of three and were extremely happy. Then they were matched with us and as soon as I saw a photo of them, I just knew they were for us. We had to wait until we came back from a holiday to get them and were beyond excited when we finally met them.
A pug’s life: 🏡
They settled in brilliantly. We sensed they had previously been well cared for because they were so trusting and relaxed with us. I also think the transition was probably easier for them because they had each other. My husband and I work from home and our daughters were on holiday from college, so the pugs had constant care and companionship while they adjusted and joined us on every outing. I think that probably helped them feel secure, I just kept hoping that they would know that this time it was their forever home and that they wouldn’t be moved again.
What they need and like: 🐾🌊⚽️
They absolutely love walks and set off like a pair of huskies. Surprisingly for pugs, they even don’t mind the rain. They will both merrily hurl themselves into a puddle, pond or the sea. Louise loved a pamper session and enjoys a bath, Paul likes to play in the water but does not like getting his feet dried afterwards! Louise brings anyone and everyone a toy when they come to the house. They both like toys and balls and have already ripped their way through plenty!
Personality traits: 💅🏼🚁
Louise mothers Paul and he will often look to her for reassurance and she’s always on the lookout for him. If she stops and sniffs when we are out walking, she will double back for him. They regularly groom each other, which is really heart-warming to see, like a little married couple and when they curl up together, they look like the yin-yang symbol. They’re quite territorial at home and if an aeroplane or helicopter dares fly over our garden, they will be sure to make it known. They are definitely a double act when it comes to barking!
PDWRA receive many pairs in need of their forever home and are never separated then if they are bonded. If you feel that you’d like double-the-love in your home, you can apply at:
by Yasmin | 14 Nov, 2022 | Blog, Rescue Stories
Another SUCCESS STORY! The adoption of Edward.
We speak to his adopted owner about their new life with a PDWRA pug.
Pug name: Edward
😊 Personality: He is an absolute lover of all things cheeky. He is incredibly playful, energetic and loving. He’s an absolute joy to share our home with, a best friend to my daughters and a much-loved family member.
📖 Origin story: We adopted him at two years. He has been with us for just over a year.
🐾 A pug’s life: He is just so happy. When he came to live with us, he was at first very verbal when meeting other dogs on a walk, which sometimes wasn’t well received. We now have daily walks on a lead and a daily visit to a secure walking field where he can run off the lead and we’ve found he becomes a little cheeky if he doesn’t have daily exercise.
🐓💅🏼 What he needs and likes: He loves lots of cuddles, roast chicken, walking in new places with new smells, particularly visiting family in London, where there are so many dogs he can smell. He is incredibly good at his grooming appointment every two months, where he has a wash and blow dry along with his nails trimming and teeth cleaned.
❤️ Personality traits: Just the BEST dog ever, we love him so much.
If you’re interested in adopting a pug, please apply: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/adopting-a-pug/
by Yasmin | 11 Nov, 2022 | Blog, News
Lest we forget…
They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.
by Yasmin | 9 Nov, 2022 | Blog, Fundraising
COMING SOON!!!!
Due to popular demand, the PDWRA 2023 calendar is in production and will be available shortly.
This is a great way for you to support what we do, and we have a 2023 calendar filled with wonderful pugs with incredible personalities for our 50th anniversary year!
Here is a sneak peek behind the scenes of the calendar and some of the wonderful cast of pugs, including Annie (below left & right), Frank (top left), George (top right) and Reggie (top centre). (These are not pictures from the calendar)
Price and release date will be confirmed shortly.
by Yasmin | 5 Nov, 2022 | Blog, News
As many as a third of all dogs will struggle on Bonfire Night, so here are some tips to help you through the weekend.
- Walk them before it’s dark.
- Watch out for spent fireworks when walking your dogs. Diwali celebrations started before bonfire night.
- 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!
This Friday and Saturday, why not join Charlotte Hawkins for Pet Classics, soothing classical music for all pets and animals who might feel anxious and scared with loud noises of Bonfire Night.
Classic FM is the UK’s favourite classical music station. Listen across the UK on 100 – 102 FM, DAB, online at
Classic FM – The World’s Greatest Music
Further Advice & tips can be found at:
by Yasmin | 29 Oct, 2022 | Blog, In Memoriam
Baloo 01/01/2011 ~ 06/10/2022
” Our dear boy Baloo came to us on 3rd December 2016.
Baloo was the most docile, loving, gentle pug.
He will be greatly missed and always loved.
May your paws be resting in much deserved puggy peace”.
Baloo’s Heartbroken Mum, Kay.
Of PDWRA, Kay says, “Thank you PDWRA for entrusting this adorable soul into our home six years ago ~ we will always be grateful to you for letting us love and care for him, and for your support with advice during these past months”.
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 | 28 Oct, 2022 | Blog, Rescue Stories
While we followed Delilah’s pups progress, starting their adventures in their new homes, many of you have asked how Delilah is doing. We reported that she may need BOAS and to be spayed, when she was strong enough and both procedures took place last week.
We know how worrying it is whenever our pugs go through surgery, and there was an anxious 24 hours afterwards when her recovery required assistance. Thankfully she pulled through and is now at home doing really well with her wonderful foster Mum and resident pug, Doug, who looks like he could be Delilah’s forever brother!
“Delilah’s improved massively this week”, her foster Mum says, “She’s resumed walks and her breathing is fine”.
We couldn’t wish for more for her, could we?!
Delilah’s previous post: Delilah’s Puppies doing well! | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
by Yasmin | 20 Oct, 2022 | Blog, News
We need Volunteer Area Coordinators (VACs)! They are the backbone of the Charity, helping to coordinate between pugs being surrendered, and finding their new homes.
Here is an interview with Paula Parke: Volunteer Area Coordinator.
Paula, how did you start volunteering for the PDWRA?
I have been active in dog, small animal, and farm animal rescue for most of my life. I got my first pug in 2009 and fell in love with the breed. In 2011 I got my second pug they have been my constant companions ever since. In 2018 a change in my personal circumstances meant I was able to consider volunteering again and whilst looking at options I came across Pug Dog Welfare online and decided to apply. Over the years I have lost track of how many pugs I have fostered or placed in new homes and along the way I have acquired two more lovely girl pugs as long-term fosters. Seeing the pugs go to new adoptive homes is so rewarding, brings so much pleasure, and makes all the hard work worthwhile.
What does a Volunteer Coordinator do?
A Volunteer Coordinator (VAC) essentially helps coordinate public interaction with the charity in the region they look after. This ranges from taking calls from people surrendering their pugs wanting to hand in their pugs or asking for advice, coordinating taking in placing the pugs into new homes, doing organising, taking part in, and approving or rejecting home checks results for potential adopters, and organizing fosterers, as well as managing transporters and other volunteers, and overseeing and approving payments for vet care to them other local volunteers. The VAC is also responsible for keeping the trustees updated on activity in their areas and helping to promote the achievements and needs of the charity by contributing towards our social media and other publications.
What makes a good Volunteer Coordinator?
A good Volunteer Coordinator must be dedicated, committed, passionate, and have excellent organization skills since they generally manage more than one multiple pug rehoming cases and volunteers at any one time. In addition, they must have exceptional communication and listening skills to handle the needs of people who maybe are going through a sensitive time, either surrendering or taking on a new pug. Flexible working including some weekends and team working skills are necessary attributes also.
Who does a Volunteer Coordinator work with?
Apart from their own local applicants, volunteers, vet services, other dog rescue charities. A Volunteer Coordinator works with their PDWRA counterparts across the UK and gets support from the trustees and Lead VAC coordinator Paula Parke and Vet advisors Helen and Malcolm McKee.
How much time does it take?
This very much depends on the amount of time a volunteer can give and the volume of demand for PDWRA help in the area they cover. Most VACs give around 5-6 hours a week, but this can vary enormously depending on how much people want to get involved. If you are interested, why not have a chat with us about what is involved?
You can email the charity on: secretary@nullpugwelfare-rescue.com
Plus, there is also more information on the role at: Vacancies | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
You can email the charity on: secretary@nullpugwelfare-rescue.com
Plus, there is also more information on the role at: Vacancies | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
by Yasmin | 20 Oct, 2022 | Blog, News, Pug Health
Hello everyone!
My name is Helen McKee. My husband Malcolm, and I are retired vets and we have been voluntary Veterinary Advisors for the Charity since 2018.
We set up our own Referral practice over our careers; Malcolm was previously a specialist orthopaedic surgeon and neurologist, whereas my background is both primary small animal, and latterly, Governmental work in Animal Health and Welfare.
We carry out the role of Veterinary Advisors for the PDWRA as we are both passionate about the health and welfare of pugs, who, through man’s making, have made pugs very prone to a large number of health issues.
In each of our newsletters we will discuss a particular health problem associated with pugs. Here, I am going to discuss the rather sensitive topic of a pug’s weight.
When a pug is overweight, it becomes a health issue in itself. It also exacerbates health issues that pugs are prone to including breathing, spine and leg problems. Obesity in dogs is also now classed as a welfare issue by DEFRA under their welfare legislation.
It is very easy to overfeed a pug; with their soulful eyes and appetite like a Labrador, they can trick you in to feeding them more than they need. Pugs are only little dogs and actually only need a small amount of food. Recommendations on the back of dog food are a guide only and pugs often need less than recommended. Basically, if your dog is putting on weight then it is eating too much, and the amount of food needs to be reduced.
I have attached a link to an article on our website ‘Fit not Fat’ which shows the ideal weight of a pug through how it looks; it’s not about weight as such, but a Body Condition Score (BCS) which should ideally be around 5/9. As you can see by the illustrations, 5/9 is nice and slim.
FIT not FAT! | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
This chart is issued by the University of Cambridge (2017 Copyright) and shows us how our pugs should look.
If your pug is kept slim, it will be so much healthier and happier!
Helen McKee (MRCVS)
by Yasmin | 19 Oct, 2022 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories
The Latest News on Quinn! | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
We’ve kept you updated about young Quinn, gently improving with dedicated care after his terrible start in life. Quinn’s progress, aided by your generous support! | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
Since then, Quinn has experienced a lot of ‘firsts’. These include simple things like playing with toys and chewing them, going out on his own into the open space of gardens and sitting with his fosterer, Kellie’s pugs, from preferring his own company. He’s even found a slight bark!
Quinn has also moved away from hourly medication and his hormones kicked in following receipt of proper nutrition, which was a massive achievement for his little body, so he’s well enough to be neutered and have the X-rays he needs to assess his spine as he’s believed to have been kept in cramped conditions, such that he wasn’t very aware of his legs or what his body could do! 😩
For a full update on his progress and potential future needs, with latest photos, why not subscribe to our new digital newsletters? Just send an email to: subscribe@nullpdwra.org.uk
You will be included in our regular mailings and can unsubscribe at any time.
Donating to Pug Dog Welfare | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
