Our Volunteer Area Coordinators (VACs) are at the forefront of the Charity’s operations, they are responsible for the rescuing and rehoming of pugs in need, in their specific area of the country. VAC Lisa looks after the East of England.
Q. What made you want to become a volunteer?
I’d long admired the incredible work of PDWRA & the dedication of the volunteers. I was really keen to get involved in some way but never took the leap, thinking I was too inexperienced & didn’t have enough knowledge. Fate took matters into its own hands however when I adopted my beautiful second pug, Lily, back in 2018. Clare, the VAC for East Anglia at the time, was there when I collected Lily and for some reason she asked me if I’d consider coordinating home-checks for the region & I jumped at the chance to join the team.
From there I was given the opportunity to lead one county, then two and with other VAC’s moving on to do different things I’ve now been the sole VAC for East Anglia, (covering 6 counties) for the past 3 years.
Yes, some days can be a real challenge ( a triple surrender, double surrender and single surrender all on the same day was particularly memorable) but the rewards far outweigh the negatives and I honestly wouldn’t change what I do for the world. I see it as such a privilege to volunteer for PDWRA.
Q. Do you own dogs yourself?
Yes, I currently have 3 pugs, having become addicted to the breed in 2010.
Bailee is an 11-year old PDWRA dog. We adopted him at a year old, having previously been locked in a shed & half starved. He came to us with barely any fur, having been covered in mange & demodex when surrendered. I say “he” but officially Bailee’s an hermaphrodite which means he has both male & female reproductive organs. A rarity in a pug I believe, but on the plus side, he can be entered into both male & female classes at dog shows, something which I’m embarrassed to admit I have actually done! 🤣
Lily is my second PDWRA pug, a now 12-year old ex breeding machine who we adopted at the age of 6.
Tank completes the trio & is my miracle baby! Never expected to make it to old bones, he’s now reached the grand old age of 12! He still has good quality of life despite a catalogue of complaints including blindness, epilepsy, syringomyelia, patella luxation & carcinoma of the liver. Seeing all of those conditions listed like that makes me wonder why I ever doubted myself or my experience!
Q. Do you have any inspirational/ heart-warming stories?
Where do I start? It’s so hard to pick just one out of so many pugs and families I’ve been fortunate enough to help over the past 6 years.
Although, having said that, a beautiful dog called Maverick who came to us 3 years ago, desperately in need of BOAS surgery (the worst case I’ve ever seen), will always have a special place in my heart.
Maverick
Just one look at the pictures and videos I still receive from his lovely family brings a smile to my face and puts everything back into perspective when I’m having a bad day.
I’d also like to take this opportunity to draw attention to & say a huge thank you to my amazing team of volunteer home-checkers/ fosterers & transporters. They’re always ready to jump into action at a moment’s notice to help a pug in need & will travel miles, sometimes at very short notice and with little information about a case, to collect a pug from a surrenderer, or deliver them to their new forever home.
They really are an inspiration & make my role so much easier. We’ve fostered a real community spirit & I really couldn’t do what I do without them.
We first heard about PDWRA whilst on holiday in York! We happened to be walking through the centre and came across a lady with a beautiful little pug. We stopped to speak to her and learnt that her pug had come from PDWRA!
At the time, we already had Tia (our little fawn pug) who was only just over a year old and we’d often thought that it would be lovely to have another pug. We’d had two dogs in the past, one of which was a rescue, so we thought it would be lovely to give a rescue pug a loving home.
Our minds made-up, we proceeded to contact PDWRA. The decision to go with PDWRA was an easy one for us. We liked the way they carefully planned everything from start to finish. From our initial conversation with PDWRA’s Cara, through to the home assessment and, ultimately, our conversation with other volunteers managing pug, Cody, to tell us about him, we were interested to learn more, so travelled with Tia, to meet him.
Cody is on the larger-size for a pug whereas Tia is small. I remember wondering if Cody and Tia would “hit it off” so to speak, or whether Tia would feel intimidated by him. Well, our concerns were soon allayed – Cody is the most resilient, friendly and laid-back pug we’ve ever come across!
After the initial introduction to his new home and fur sister, Cody and Tia were soon playing together. Despite his size (and weight) it wasn’t long before the two of them were chasing one another around the house, in and out of the garden and generally having fun. We were amazed to see that it was often Tia who instigated the play and, despite her small size, appeared to have the “upper paw”, with Cody often rolling onto his back for Tia to play with him. We live close to a beach and next to open countryside, so they have plenty of opportunities to go to different places and run wild.
Cody has good recall which really helps when both dogs are off the lead as wherever Cody goes, Tia follows! Cody is great out on a walk and is friendly to other dogs and humans – greeting them with a waggy tail. He’s made lots of doggie friends around where we live. He and Tia come along to the garden centres, pubs and cafes with us, and enjoy the fuss they receive by other dog-lovers – particularly those with treats!
Our friends have a pug called Daisy (who is Tia’s sister) and a pug-cross called Minnie. We were slightly nervous of introducing Cody to their two girlies. However, we couldn’t have been more delighted to see the two girls greet Cody with much excitement and little squeaks. The 4 of them really get along and love running around playing together. It’s really funny to see Cody trotting around our friend’s house with his “girlie” followers trotting along in a line behind him!
Cody is an independent soul, and it took him a little while to come up for cuddles. However, the more we made a fuss of him, the more he realised that having cuddles with his new humans is actually quite nice. Now, whenever he sees an opportunity to spring up beside us on the sofa or onto our laps, he is there. He is a “mummy’s boy” in particular, spending most evenings snuggled up to Mom.
We consider ourselves to be extremely lucky and privileged to have adopted Cody. He has fitted straight into our family and our lives. He is a gentle boy who just wants to have fun and be loved. We have noticed a change in Tia too – for the better. She has become more confident around him and other dogs and even waits for him on our walks if he happens to fall behind due to a distraction such as an interesting “sniff”.
Our advice to anyone thinking of adopting or fostering a pug, is to give it time and don’t be afraid to reach out to others in the PDWRA group. Every pug is different, and their needs are varied.
We read a lot of stories on the PDWRA’s website about the condition and state of some of the poor pugs that are handed in. Cody came from a home where he could no longer be looked after. However, many pugs have had to deal with other issues in their past. If there is one thing we would say is a huge advantage with this charity is that you are not alone. There are others there to give you friendly advice and guidance. Chances are if you are experiencing some difficulties with your new adoptee or new foster, others have experienced the same and are only too pleased to be able to help.
I feel our little family is complete with Cody. He has made such a difference to our lives and that of Tia’s. He is loved to bits, and we couldn’t think of life without him.
We last reported that Shirley’s two surviving pups were reaching the stage of leaving their Mum and preparing to start their new life with their waiting adopters.
Both Elsa and Button have now joined their new families, as has Shirley who is enjoying the rural life and learning to be a dog again. Her puppy producing days are over, she has been spayed and is now a very welcome addition to her new family.
They stood patiently by, waiting for Shirley to cast off her mothering duties right from the first announcement that she was pregnant. The family were on holiday at the time and when the news was broken I daresay a glass or two of Ouzo was downed to aid recovery from the shock.
As the only dog in the household, Shirley is the centre of attention and enjoying every minute of it. Enjoying long strolls in the countryside and coming home to a welcoming warm bed.
ELSA:
Elsa was welcomed into her new grumble right from the start.
Her special friend and self appointed guardian is Pugsey, a PDWRA rescue, who had a troubled past but who has now found sanctuary.
He is the nearest in age to Elsa, maybe that is why they have created a special bond. He keeps an eye out for her and when she yelps, he runs over to see what the trouble is.
Like many children not wanting to put their coats on, it was a struggle to get Elsa to accept a harness, but a little bit of coaxing with some tasty treats solved that problem.-
Elsa has now been fully vaccinated and able to join the rest of the grumble on their walks. She obviously has an eye for design, as she has made a start on stripping the wallpaper!
BUTTON:
Button seemed to think his new grumble are there to be ambushed. His favourite game is to hide underneath the furniture and launch himself on an unwary passer by.
Billybob has taken him under his wing and Button is learning from an older and wiser pug.
Button’s adopter has things well in hand though, she is a dog trainer and he has started his training already.
One of the grumble has gone on to become a Pets as Therapy dog, so who knows, perhaps Button is destined to join him in the future.
It’s been an eventful journey for Shirley and her pups, travelling around the country, meeting PDWRA Volunteers at every step of the way, and adapting to their changing surroundings.
Now all three are safe and secure in their forever homes, their futures certain.
We fell in love with pugs when we met our boy, Monty, who we got from a puppy. He’s the love of our life and led us to meet so many other wonderful pugs and their owners. We’d always talked about getting a companion for Monty, even though he seemed perfectly content being an “only child”!
Monty is the gentlest and most kind-hearted pug, food is life for Monty, and he is most content curled up in the crook of an arm. As he was getting older and he slept more and played less, we thought it would be nice for him to have a full time snuggle buddy, and maybe even someone who could keep him young at heart.
We met someone at our local dog park who had rescued their pug from the PDWRA, so we Googled the charity and filled in the application form. We knew we wanted an older dog, to match Monty’s tolerance levels; he definitely would not have enjoyed living with a young dog!! He was 12 when we adopted Poppy, he’s now 13.
We were more than happy to take on an older dog and didn’t mind if there were health issues – every pug needs love and care. We went through the application process, and because it was during Covid, we had our home check via Zoom, walking our laptop around the house and into the garden!
We didn’t hear anything straight away, but a few months later, we got an email about a 7-year-old pug called Poppy, who was looking for her forever home. We spoke to the PDWRA about Poppy, who explained she had been surrendered, and her fosterer felt she needed a male dog to look to for guidance.
We exchanged messages with Poppy’s foster parents, who were absolutely wonderful, and arranged a time to meet and introduce Monty.
When we first laid eyes on Poppy, it was love at first sight. She was the sweetest little thing, with huge, bulgy eyes and a worried look on her face (standard pug really!).
We went for a nice country walk, and Poppy followed Monty everywhere he went. It was adorable. We chatted to her foster parents, who explained that it seemed Poppy hadn’t been walked at all, and when she arrived with them, she had muscle wastage in her back legs, and they had worked with her to build up her back legs. It broke my heart because Poppy LOVES walks, they are hands down her favourite thing (she loves them even more than food!).
As Poppy and Monty got on so well, we quickly made the decision to adopt Poppy.
Monty had SERIOUS only child syndrome when she first arrived. He loved playing with her, but equally enjoyed sulking because he wasn’t getting ALL the attention. Poppy, in typical younger sibling style, followed Monty everywhere and copied everything he did.
It did take Monty some time, a few months maybe, to fully embrace his new sibling, but now they are true siblings. They spend their days snuggling together, sharing their favourite chew bone, and living the luxury life only a pug can. Poppy enjoys a morning belly rub to wake her up and get her out of bed, and established her favourite foot stool. Monty and Poppy trick us into thinking they haven’t had their dinner, and tag team licking the dishwasher when we’re loading it. Poppy chases shadows and barks at the pigeons, while Monty watches on with a long-suffering look. Monty lost his hearing a few months ago, and Poppy is now his ears. He knows when something is going on when Poppy moves or responds.
Poppy copies everything Monty does, as well as pushing his buttons in the way only a sibling can!
We always wonder what really happened to Poppy before she came to us, but what we do know is that all Poppy wants is to be loved, which is definitely something we give her in unconditional bucket loads.
I think for anyone looking to adopt, it’s important to remember things can take time, especially if you’re introducing a new dog to your resident dog. I found myself feeling guilty at first, when Monty looked at me with a “why have you brought this new creature into the house permanently?!” look, but with time, love and patience, anything is possible.
Monty and Poppy are now bonded, and I can’t imagine life without Poppy as part of our family!
Anna & Stuart with Monty & Poppy
My other advice is to trust the PDWRA and the fosterers, they know pugs so well, and know exactly what is best for them. They are true heroes!
We would like to send belated Congratulations to Maria and Maurice on their recent wedding on a very special communal occasion!
Some of you may have seen or heard on the News, covered by the BBC, about the ‘100 Weddings in a Day’ celebration at Marylebone Old Town Hall in London, that took place on October 1st.
It took place throughout the whole day, from 8am to 10.30pm. Maria and Maurice were wedding no.99 and to make their ceremony complete they were joined by their 3 PDWRA rescue pugs, Twiggy, Harley & Jojo!
Maurice sent us this video from BBC News that shows them being interviewed as they were leaving after the ceremony. If you’d like to see Maria, Maurice and their pugs on the BBC, just click the link below to go to our Youtube page –
This is not a condition that is over-represented in pugs, unlike many of the conditions that I have written articles on, though having seen a couple of cases of PSS in PDWRA pugs this year, I thought it was a good time to write an article on it.
A Portosystemic shunt (PSS) is where an abnormal vessel goes directly from the intestine into the main circulation, bypassing the liver.
The liver processes nutrients as well as removes toxins, and with a shunt, most of the blood bypasses the liver and flows back to the heart, where it is pumped round the body.
Generally speaking, the type of shunt seen in pugs tend to be congenital (born with the abnormality) and extra-hepatic, meaning accessible outside the liver.
Clinical signs of a PSS are a consequence of the blood bypassing the liver, with toxic substances pumped round the body, including to the brain.
Dogs with a PSS can be small for their age, and often are the ‘runt’ of the litter because of reduced nutrition. Symptoms can occur gradually, with excess drinking (and urinating), and altered (neurological) behaviour such as lethargy and apparent blindness, culminating in seizures.
Diagnosis
Blood samples are usually taken if an animal is showing suspicious clinical signs. Routine blood biochemistry results are often suggestive of a PSS allowing further more specific blood samples determining bile acid levels to be taken before and after feeding. Ultrasound examination of the abdomen often allows the shunt to be identified, or where a shunt is not visible ultrasound can show changes consistent with a shunt.
Treatment
If a shunt is left untreated, the dog will eventually die from the condition.
PSS can be treated either medically or surgically, however the older the animal, the poorer the prognosis following surgery, although surgical correction is the treatment of choice.
Medical management is aimed a reducing the symptoms caused by the shunt rather than treating the shunt itself. Feeding these animals a diet low in protein is the mainstay of medical management. This decreases the amount of toxic substances being absorbed from the gut and entering the main circulation via the shunt. Diet selection is important to ensure animals still receive adequate ‘essential’ proteins for growth and general health. Antibiotics and lactulose are also used to lessen toxin production and absorption. Most animals are stabilised on medical management for several weeks prior to surgery. Those animals which are not suitable for surgery, for example older animals, can be maintained on this treatment long-term however they are likely to have a limited life span.
The surgery for a shunt is very challenging and will require a specialist soft tissue surgeon to undertake. The aim is to find the shunt and close this down so allowing all the blood draining from the gut to be routed correctly through the liver substance for processing. However, closing the shunt completely during surgery is only possible in approximately 15% of animals. In the majority of animals, the normal vessels to the liver are under-developed and are unable to cope with the additional blood flow.
Closing the shunt suddenly in these animals would cause major problems with shock and potentially death, therefore the shunt is usually only partially closed and then allow the animal to recover from the procedure. Over the first 3 months post-operatively there is some ongoing closure of the shunt in many animals the shunt will eventually close. This is not always the case and additional surgeries may be needed. Dogs are monitored following the surgery with repeated bile acid tests.
Unfortunately, some animals are not able to fully develop a normal blood supply into their liver despite surgery to close the shunt and some blood will therefore always pass through the shunt. These animals can do well despite this, although some need extra medical management.
In summary, a portosystemic shunt is a serious condition that can lead to death if untreated.
The ideal way to treat is with early surgical intervention, however it is not without risk, and requires a specialist surgeon. Lifelong management is often required.
It is therefore also a very expensive condition to treat and manage, the cost of which would likely be prohibitive without insurance.
It’s so hard to believe that Doris has been with us for 11 years now, I’m not quite sure where the time has gone! On reflection, so much has happened in that time – house moves, marriages, the arrival of two human brothers, a global pandemic and the sad loss of her furry pug brother Oscar to name but a few of the events. Doris has been there to support us through.
We originally applied to PDWRA to offer a home to a puglet in need but mainly as a companion for Oscar who we sadly lost in 2021. We simply searched for pug rescues on the internet and PDWRA was the first result. The application process was very straightforward – completing an online form about our home, our set up, personal circumstances and reasons why we felt we would make suitable adoptive pug parents. We are lucky that Rory (my husband) can work from home and so there is someone at home 99% of the time.
Rory and I had purchased Oscar as a puppy, our first “baby” but this didn’t sit right with me. I suppose looking back, I felt a sense of guilt. Growing up in a family of animal lovers, we never had purchased a creature before – but had cared for many waifs, strays and rescues that had fallen our way, so I felt the urge to rescue as well. I felt we could offer a secure and loving home for a pug in need. Being a community nurse and having researched heavily into pugs prior to purchasing Oscar, I also felt that I could cope with and offer a pug with additional health concerns and had added this to the online application. We waited for a while until a puglet was matched to our little family of 3, but by then, we had become a family of 4 having also rescued a Patterdale terrier/Dachshund called Millie.
I received the call from PDWRA whilst out on shift to suggest that there was a match for us and were we free for a home-check with a view to having an addition to our family. Our conversation over dinner that evening was interesting. “How was your day? Can you pass the garlic bread? Oh, we are having a home-check at the weekend by the PDWRA!”. Suddenly the prospect of having 3 dogs instead of 2 became a bit daunting – I mean it wouldn’t be that much more work – surely?! I was very much mistaken!
We passed the home-check and Doris soon arrived courtesy of a lovely lady, Janet, as her chauffeur. She was a tiny little girl, not quite a year old and looked very moth-eaten. I fell in love with her instantly. We had been informed that she had a skin condition called Demodectic mange which would need intensive treatment and close monitoring with a vet. The treatment regime was definitely intense. “Sorry, no you can’t pop round tonight, I’m busy washing my dog” became a regular reason to avoid social contact!! Multiple baths per week with medicated shampoo, topical medications and good high quality nutrition became the strict regime. In the end, and following a labour of love, it was a medication licensed for sheep that finally got rid of the little mites that had been irritating her little body.
Doris had clearly been very much loved as she arrived with a little letter, a bed with blankets, and 2 large bags of toys and goodies. She also came to us with a Polish passport – this language barrier soon became an excuse for her behaviour as the weeks went on!
Her cheeky side flourished as she got better and more confident and she would get away with all sorts of mischief – “she doesn’t understand” as the excuse. Internet searches of translations of phrases from English to Polish became the norm in a bid to get though to her! I’m certain that Oscar and Millie would roll their eyes when she got away with things they wouldn’t. I’ll add at this point that Doris still does as she pleases (within reason) most of the time! She is definitely a character! Doris has previously enjoyed meetups organised by PDWRA and our local facebook pug group over the years – although for health reasons, she now has retired from these.
Since Doris has joined our family, she has witnessed a lot! Rory and I got married in 2014 and have welcomed 2 sons, Leo and Tristan who are now aged 8 and 4. Doris has thoroughly enjoyed the baby years and very quickly learnt that babies and toddlers = food.
Whilst out on walks with the pram, she has often taken the opportunity to hitch a lift in the basket beneath when walking had become too much!
Pugs are great with children, and even to this day, she will seek out a child to curl up with and listen to Disney films on the settee with a blankie! We moved house in 2017, did lots of internal renovations and tidied up the garden. It has been a project! Doris has been fortunate to have access to a large garden to roam – although in the recent year, this has also proved challenging at times.
Sadly, Doris was diagnosed with anterior lens luxation in her eyes after many recurrent eye ulcerations that had proved difficult to try and overcome. In 2022, Doris had an eye enucleation of her right eye. We have been under the care of the ophthalmology department in Debenham, Suffolk for both Oscar and Doris for many years as eye problems and pugs often go hand in hand.
Doris & Oscar
Sadly, following the loss of her right eye, her left eye began to follow the same path and we had to make the very difficult decision to have the left eye removed in March 2024. We really had to think hard about the removal of her left eye – although the left eye was providing limited vision as it was – would she manage being totally blind? Would we cope? What would we need to do to make things easier for Doris? What does caring for a blind pug involve? Our decision was also being forced by the fact that the right eye had ruptured and Doris had attended for surgery as an emergency case and had not coped very well with the anaesthetic. She ended up with haemorrhagic gastroenteritis and was really quite poorly to the point we thought we might lose her.
Doris boxing Oscar!
We decided to jump before we were pushed this time and although I wasn’t sure how any of us would manage – we all have, and Doris is doing really well! I reached out for further advice from the very supportive PDWRA Facebook group for adoptive parents – and the advice came flooding in. Luckily we had many of the steps in place prior to the enucleation of the first eye – steps from the back door to make it less of a drop, bells on Millie’s collar so Doris can hear where Millie is and follow the noises, no furniture movement and ensuring the clutter is picked up. Doris is able to navigate the house really well.
Doris & Millie
Garden manoeuvres are generally OK but she often gets lost at the bottom of the garden and we have to retrieve her or have been known to send Tristan down to gently clap so she can follow the sound and come back to the house. On the odd occasion that the humans are away from home for a few days, “Nanny and grandad” move in to look after Doris and Millie in their own environment. Doris would not manage to be relocated due to being blind – it just wouldn’t be fair on her.
She doesn’t appear to enjoy being out on walks unless she is in her chariot! I think it is disorientating for her and she is very hesitant with putting one foot in front of the other but is happy to go out safely in her own pushchair. She enjoys trips to the beach as this usually results in ice-cream – one of her favourites! If we pick her up, we have to be sure to place her back in her bed “to reset her” to ensure she is able to get her bearings again!
Teatime often makes me laugh as she does shout at me to hurry up with her tea but has her back to me and is actually shouting at the wall instead! She seems happy and is coping well – and as long as this continues – so will we!
Doris is such a dear little girl and we feel we have been so privileged to have cared for her on behalf of the PDWRA over the last 11 years. I would offer another pug a home in a heartbeat – but looking at our current situation sensibly due to Millie’s age and Doris’s blindness feel that we need to devote our time to our “little old ladies”.
My advice to anyone considering adopting is to do your homework. Pugs are great companions with massive personalities but they can be complicated (and expensive) little creatures. The rewards massively outweigh the hard work, and I honestly can’t see us not having pugs sharing our home.
The 1st October every year, is a day set aside to celebrate black dogs. It was originally created to raise awareness of how they were often passed over in rescue shelters and to break the historic stigma surrounding their colour.
However, we know black dogs are just as loving and loyal as any other colour. In fact they have great character and unique personalities. They are very special!
Black pug owners will know that!
Here, we Celebrate a small sample of YOUR black dogs & pugs, who you’ve shared with us on our Facebook Page Post for National Black Dog Day! 😍🐾 https://www.facebook.com/PDWRA/
Pippin & Poppy
Miss Pickles
Nicola’s Boys
15 year-old Sid
Pepper Pug
Frank & Greg
Doug & Betty
Arnold
Belle
Valerie’s Betty
Alfie
Kevin
Marley
Pumpkin
Bella
Plus, here’s a pretty impressive grumble, of Lindsey’s. She has a total of 7 pugs, 6 of which are black and of those, 5 are adoptees from the PWDRA!
We celebrate them whether they are with us now, or in our memories from across the Rainbow Bridge. Here are a few who were also lovingly posted in remembrance, by their adoring parents:
I first met Biggles at Emily and Ryan’s, who are fosterers for the PDWRA. I’m a painter and decorator and had turned up at Emily’s and Ryan’s to decorate their hall, stairs and landing. On Arrival I was greeted by three pugs, two older ones called Frank and Dolly and a younger one called Biggles. Emily took them out of the way into the kitchen and garden area so I could get set up for work.
At lunch time Emily & Ryan had popped out but told me to make a drink etc. and use the kitchen and that the dogs were in the kitchen & garden area and they would be fine with me going in.
So, I went in to see Dolly and Frank both fast asleep in their beds and Biggles was laying in his bed on his squeaky teddy toy with one eye open. When he saw me creep in, he picked his toy up ran over and dropped it by my feet. So I played with him while I had lunch and petted him and he tried to follow me everywhere.
Each day that I returned to work on the house Biggles would come running with his toy and we would play. He ended up following me around the house while I was working and I played and fussed with him when I could. After a few days we became firm friends and I looked forward to seeing him each day.
I mentioned to Emily and Ryan what a lovely dog he was believing he was theirs but they then informed me that he was looking for his forever home. By about the fifth work day we had bonded so well and he stuck to me like glue when Emily and Ryan were out of the house, so I just knew it was meant to be.
Emily and Ryan were amazing and got the ball rolling with the adoption process and sorted everything out for me. I can’t thank them enough for all they did for Biggles and I.
I’ve become friends with Emily and Ryan since and on the days when Biggles can’t come to work with me he goes to their house as there is always someone home in the daytime and he has the other dogs who he likes to be with.
So really, it’s a team effort with Biggles as he lives with me but Emily and Ryan and the kids really help me out with him. I had a wedding recently and he stayed with them overnight. I really can’t thank them enough for what they do for me and Biggles and obviously the PDWRA too.
So, between us, Biggles has a lovely life and he’s really settled and such a happy little fella. He makes me smile every morning as he’s so happy and such a joy to be around. His favourite two things are playing with his toys & he loves a raw beef bone a couple of times a week.
We’ve been away to the seaside and he loves running on the beach and playing ball in the sea. I have a funny story too – I walk Biggles in a big park that is always busy with other dog walkers and families using the children’s park etc. and one day we were walking around and I noticed people pointing at us and laughing. And it seemed to be everyone we passed. I stopped and looked at Biggles and without me knowing somehow he had picked up a baby’s dummy off the floor and had it in his mouth walking round just like a baby would haha, so here’s a picture of him with the dummy! He’s always picking things up when we’re out and about.
Another funny story is when I was at the parents’ house and he disappeared. We were sat in the garden chatting and I was just about to go and look for him when he came trotting down the path with two much larger front teeth… on closer inspection he had pinched my dad’s false teeth and was parading around with them in his mouth looking so pleased with his find, hahaha! He’s such a character bless him, I had to chase him around the garden for 5 minutes to get them off him!
To finish, I’d just like to say what a lovely life Biggles now has with me and the rest of my family and also Ryan and Emily’s family too. He comes with me to my parents a lot who have two dogs and they all get on well and we stay over and go for nice walks and caravan holidays which he loves. He’s a lucky boy to have us all and we act as a team to give him his best life.
The adoption process was very good and communication was great. You guys do an amazing job!
As Autumn draws in, it’s a good idea to remind ourselves of the potential hazards to keep an eye out for, some quite serious, in order to keep our pugs safe particularly outdoors.
Not only do piles of leaves hide what’s beneath them, they can develop bacteria and mould. If your dog ingests these it can lead to gastrointestinal upset.
Likewise, mouldy discarded foods can contain lots of different toxins, in particular on dairy products, bread or nuts, which can cause dogs to quickly develop muscle tremors or seizures.
Fermenting fruit, produces a natural alcoholic compound, which is toxic. If your dog eats such fruit, they are likely to suffer from sickness and diarrhoea, and also, may run the risk of having a toxic reaction to the natural alcohol produced by the fruit as part of its fermentation process.
Fruit stones, cherries, damsons, plumbs or similar if chewed produce cyanide, if swallowed whole, can cause choking or obstruction.
Acorns or horse-chestnuts (conkers) can lead to sickness and diarrhoea, and if ingested in large quantities are toxic. They are also a choke hazard or can potentially become lodged in the gut causing a blockage, so make sure that your dog doesn’t eat any!
Dangerous mushrooms can be hard to identify, where signs of poisoning vary dramatically from stomach upset or blood in the stools to neurological effects such as hallucinations or fits, kidney or liver failure. The symptoms may present very suddenly or be delayed by days.
Poisoning from spring bulbs like daffodils, tulips or crocus are most likely to occur from being eaten in autumn when they are planted, or when they begin to flower in spring.
Fireworks can contain hazardous chemicals which can be poisonous to your dog. Initially these poisons can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, tummy pain and/or bloody stools.
More severe effects may include seizures and the chemicals may also affect your dog’s breathing, kidneys and liver.
Don’t let your dog into your garden unsupervised around Bonfire Night and other seasonal celebrations, without checking first that none have fallen into your garden.
Chocolate sales rise around Halloween, but remember it contains a stimulant called theobromine, poisonous to dogs.
The amount of theobromine differs depending on the type of chocolate, dark chocolate having the most in it. Theobromine mainly affects the heart, central nervous system and kidneys.
Signs can occur from 4 to 24 hours following ingestion where you may see vomiting, diarrhoea, restlessness, hyperactivity, rapid breathing, muscle tension, lack of coordination, increased heart rate and possibly seizure.
Antifreeze, (ethylene glycol) is the worst of all the chemical spills, which can also leak from a car’s radiator.
Ingestion is very dangerous. It is sweet tasting and very palatable to dogs, though even a relatively small quantity can cause serious kidney damage or be fatal.
The first signs of intoxication can be that your dog appears ‘drunk’. If you know your dog has ingested ethylene glycol or you have any concerns, contact your vet without delay.
The prognosis is poorer the longer it takes to initiate treatment.
So please be extra vigilant, and if you suspect your dog has been affected in any way. Contact your vet as soon as possible to discuss symptoms.
Written by Jackie Maynard.
Volunteer Area Co-ordinator.
Every so often a pug coming into the care of PDWRA packs a surprise; Shirley was one such. It was just a few days into the foster period when her foster mum Clare noticed that she was gaining weight rapidly, despite no increase in her diet. Having her suspicions, she contacted us and Shirley was packed off to the Vet for a scan. The Vet confirmed that Shirley was 6 to 7 weeks pregnant. Some hastily bought food for nursing mothers and all the necessary puppy paraphernalia were assembled ready for the big event, including a drawer to serve as a temporary whelping pen.
Clare resumed her normal routine, working from home, with a camera trained on Shirley’s bed so that any of the usual indications of imminent birth could be observed. Shirley however decided to move events along swiftly and whilst Clare was on a conference call, she was busy making a nest out of blankets. The conference call was abruptly abandoned when, with one eye trained on the camera, Clare could see a pup making a first appearance into the world. Clare kept me updated on unfolding events via WhatsApp as I was walking my pugs – every time my phone pinged it signified the arrival of another pup – 6 pings in all, in little over 2 hours.
Shirley was a wonderful mum, knew just what to do, with just a little help from Clare and in no time all pups were happily suckling. It’s a sad fact that not all in the litter survive and the Vet confirmed that two pups had cleft palates and a third was very weak and unlikely to survive. A fourth pup later suddenly failed to gain weight and stopped suckling: he peacefully passed away.
The two remaining pups continue to thrive however, and are rapidly gaining weight.
Clare had a family holiday booked so we knew, once the pups were 2 weeks old, we had to find a suitable foster mum to get them through the weaning stage and on to their forever homes. Our usual fosterers with experience of weaning pups were unavailable to help, but after a plea on PDWRA’s internal Facebook group with adopter and fosterer members, Amy stepped up and offered to help, offering to drive a considerable distance to collect Shirley and the pups. So now the pups are steadily gaining weight and strength and it won’t be long before they are ready to join their eagerly waiting adopters.
The signs of pregnancy are not always apparent, depending on the stage reached. Thanks to Clare’s astute observations on developing teats and weight gain around the abdomen, all necessary preparations for the birth were made in time, and she was happy to step into the role of midwife, a rewarding experience she will remember for a long time to come !
Shirley & her delightful puppies already have their adoptive homes eagerly waiting for them.
If you would like to help a pug or multiples! along their journeys by fostering, not necessarily with such unpredictable surprises, then please apply at: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/fostering-a-pug/
“We got our first pug, Lola, for my daughter in August 2014. I didn’t know much about the breed before we got her and decided to learn more so that I was better equipped to take care of her. It was then I found out about prevalent health conditions and the challenges they face due to the way they are bred. This led me to look at how many were surrendered, as I was sure it would be high due to the fact that they were such a “fashion accessory“ at that particular time. I wasn’t wrong!
Lola was lonely after my great Dane died in January 2015 and a short time later, I decided it would be a good time to think about getting her a friend. I first heard about the PDWRA after googling ‘Pug Rescue Organisations’ and decided to register to be considered to adopt.
I received the phone call with details about Winston in May 2015. I remember it clearly; I was on holiday in Lanzarote at the time. I was told he was a “special-needs Pug”. He had had two thirds of one of his lungs removed, he had a collapsed trachea and he passed out whenever he got excited. His tongue was too big for his mouth and he was prone to choking. Because of his ailments, he couldn’t be walked. He could only be let into the garden to “do his business” and he could sit and get some fresh air here. I didn’t know what to say… I told Emma, the regional coordinator at that time, that I would speak to my husband and get back to her. My husband thought Winston would be too much work because of his health conditions but I was sure I could manage him, my thoughts were that “if I didn’t take him who would?” I didn’t want him being left without a forever home.
The night Winston arrived, we were waiting at the front door expecting a poorly, frail pug to be lifted in to us. What a surprise we got! He bounded out of the car and came running to us. We thought they had brought us the wrong dog! The coordinator who had collected him from his previous owner thought the same. The rest is history…
He still has his challenges because of his health issues but I know how to manage them. I know how far he can walk, what to feed him, he has his cooling coat, his fan. We have a fan on for him 24hrs a day, 365 days a year. The car temperature has to be at 18 degrees or less. I need to keep him cool as if he overheats he pants, and this causes him distress because of his reduced lung capacity. We ignore him when we come back home, to stop him getting excited and passing out.
It’s happened once in all the years we have had him. I know his breathing patterns and as soon as I hear a change, he’s off to the vet for a check-up. I just know him so well and know if he’s not 100%.
Winston was born in Latvia. He’s such a loving dog, I call him my doggy soulmate as we have such a special bond. My husband adores him just as much as me. We were definitely meant to be together.
This is his fifth home and I just cannot fathom how anyone could ever have parted with him. I am sure his health issues had something to do with it because of the expense and time dedicated to administering his medication.
Winston is loved by all who meet him. He’s quite a character and loves his visit to the vet where he is quite the celebrity. He loves holidaying with us in our motorhome and loves nothing better than having a swim in the sea!
My nickname for him is “Winston the Wonderpug! “. He amazes me every day as despite his compromised health he is up for any challenge! It’s just as well I know his capacities!
We found the adoption process very easy. A telephone interview with Emma, a home visit to check that ourselves and our home were suitable to rehome this precious Cargo, and within a few days we were told our application to adopt Winston had been successful.
The main thing that I would relay to prospective adopters or foster parents is to make them aware of the common health issues that Pugs are susceptible to, and the monetary commitment that this brings.
It’s essential that you know the breed inside and out to make you aware of any change to their behaviour which might indicate something that needs investigating. That aside, if you are on your toes and know your pet well, the rewards that you will reap in return are amazing. They really are the best breed ever!
They have the most amazing personalities and the love and loyalty that they afford you, far outweighs the extra effort that is required to keep them healthy and safe.”
Dolly was surrendered to us recently. At 10 years-old, her loving owners felt she wasn’t getting the best out of life, living with demanding younger dogs and wanted to do the best for her.
We found Dolly a dedicated foster carer in Tracey, who described her initial adjustment period; “Dolly slept and had no interest in anything around her for the first week, but towards the end of the second week she became really cheeky and lively as a little bit of naughty puglet was coming through!”. Dolly liked her bed being placed by the front door. It seemed to be a comfort thing for her. She liked to sleep there at night but during the day was happy to lounge on the sofa!
Dolly was included in the local dog group morning walks where she was spoilt for attention and it wasn’t long before she was galloping around the garden and doing zoomies was becoming the norm!
Meanwhile, Dolly’s excited adopters were found on the other side of the country. They already had a pug called Luigi who was to be her companion.
The next step for the PDWRA team was to approach our transportation group plotting her journey on a day that everyone could make. Tracey’s family were going to take Dolly to the first meeting point. Volunteers came forward for the later sections of the route but it still left a gap. So, although not living near that section, Ian stepped forward to complete the chain. Additionally, that weekend, the M25 was closed for Ian to reach Tracey’s meeting point easily so he built in diversions & extra time for it, then everyone was set for a mammoth day.
It was a gloriously sunny day for Dolly, who proved to be such a great, chilled traveller, it couldn’t have gone better. It’s often amusing too when our transporters are trying to find each other especially at large service stations or if occasionally, someone’s at the wrong location. What would we do without WhatsApp, keeping everyone connected!?
Each stop enabled Dolly to stretch her legs and have a comfort break, so Tracey’s family said their goodbye’s, handing over Dolly and all her worldly possessions, to Ian.
Conscious of all the others waiting to set off at estimated times for each handover to happen, Ian was soon on his way to meet Jackie, one of PDWRA’s VACs, who then took Dolly on to meet volunteer Nicky, who finally united Dolly with Adam, her new Dad, all completed by the early evening.
Adam with precious cargo’ Dolly!
Adam updated the group after he got her home, “She’s soooo happy but also she’s absolutely tuckered out! I put her bed by the front door and she was straight in it. 🤣
Then Luigi lay down next to her so I had to put his bed next to hers. 🤣 She so owns the house already. Luigi is besotted with her. It’s so lovely to see how she has immediately settled and looks so at home. They are going to make a lovely couple 😂😂❤
After a week, Adam says “Dolly is absolutely amazing and so happy, she comes to the office every day. She now sleeps in the bed with us which she really loves, and everybody absolutely loves her. We couldn’t be happier with her!
From day 2 she was just staring up the stairs 😆 I put the mattress on the floor and put her bed in the bedroom. First night she was on and off the bed, and ever since she just plonks down next to me and sleeps all night. 🥰
The pair are awesome together. They don’t cuddle up or play, but they get along as if they’ve always lived together. Dolly had some teeth removed as was planned, but you’d never know, she’s so content and chilled. She’s bonded with me though, and settled in so well.”
We’re all so happy to see Dolly thriving and really enjoying life with her new family. Here they are a month later having a family day-out:
This is precisely why we do what we do for pugs like Dolly and with thanks to all the volunteers involved on her journey, which also included VAC’s, Lisa who managed Dolly’s surrender and care up to her adoption by Adam, managed by Jane with support from Carol carrying out the home check. Amazing teamwork!
I first heard about the PDWRA through looking online at Pug welfare groups after becoming obsessed with Pugs due to looking after my friend’s Pug, Pugsley, for her when she went on holidays.
My fiancé had always had retired police dogs when he was a child growing up in the Czech Republic, so he thought (foolishly) Pugs were silly little dogs for silly little ladies!(me)
He became a huge fan after meeting and caring for Pugsley. He now has all the usual Pug fan paraphernalia we all have, such as mugs, flasks, socks, t shirts, pyjamas, etc, etc….
I myself was an HM Customs and Excise (now called U.K. Border Force) drugs dog handler, trained by the RAF police and was also used to larger breeds, mostly gun dogs. I had a rescue mixed breed many years ago as a pet and also my retired German Shorthaired Pointer working dog came home and had a lovely long retirement before passing away of old age.
I had recently lost my Mum under tragic circumstances, and was caring, along with my fiancé and other professionals, for my Stepfather who was in the early stages of dementia/Alzheimer’s in his home. I’d been medically retired from the Border Force in my early 50’s due to developing Epilepsy and was feeling like my life wasn’t too great, to be honest. Seeing Pugsley used to cheer me up immensely and the affection he gave us was such a comfort.
I’d been a member of the charity for a while and saw on the newsletter that they were looking for fosterers. I had a chat with my fiancé and told him what I was thinking to do… he rarely disagrees with me!
I completed the forms and to my utter surprise I received a response very quickly, a home check was organised and after a whirlwind of activity to tidy the house a video chat and a check of the house was undertaken. The home checker said everything was fine and that we might hear in time about a foster.
In a matter of maybe a day or so I was at home when I received a call from Helen, the PDWRA Vet Advisor, who was about to go on holiday asking if I could take a Pug who needed immediate placement! I said yes, texted my fiancé and told him we would be getting a Pug that day!
The forms were sent hastily while Helen was en-route to Heathrow and off we set in the fog and rain to collect Ted from a car park 40 miles from where we live. He was in bad shape, very overweight, quite smelly and stressed, as you can imagine. I sat with him in the car and I just knew instantly he wasn’t going anywhere! I was keeping him!
He was grossly overweight, his pads were bleeding and his nails were curled over and digging into his pads. He couldn’t cock his legs or walk up and down our little staircase and he couldn’t walk far at all.
He was on a very strict diet that Helen and our local vet advised and he’s now a shadow of his former self, he’s lost 3 kilos and can run and walk like a pup! He loves the beach and even walked Sycamore Gap just before someone felled the tree!
He’s made a huge difference to my life, I’m more active myself, more confident to go out and walk him alone (my Epilepsy is well controlled now so I’m not scared to venture out just he and I) and he’s helped to heal our hearts.
He’s had 6 teeth out and handled it like a champ, he’s travelled to the Czech Republic via ferry and road, where he made “friends” with a little Ukrainian Pomeranian in true “doggy style” (he’s neutered obviously but it didn’t stop him from “acting out”) and his latest triumph is as a huge success at the care home my stepfather now resides at. He has a female fan club who sit in reception all day waiting to get a kiss from him and my fiancé takes him into the lounge in the dementia wing, where he has another huge fan club waiting to say hello to him also.
Some of the staff who work there were nervous at first because they are from countries that traditionally don’t have dogs as pets but he’s managed to win them over too! The only fly in the ointment is his “frenemy” also called Teddy who visits the care home daily too… they aren’t too keen on each other… I think it’s a territorial thing… To see the faces of the staff and particularly the residents light up when he arrives is priceless… one of his fans even sneaks treats into her handbag for him from breakfast, two day old sausage which often looks a bit “off”, so we take her some healthy treats to put in her handbag to give Ted.
I remember the day I got the call from Helen to ask, after a couple of weeks, if I would consider adopting Teddy, she even said “I think I know the answer before I ask” and she was right, as I say, I knew the moment I saw him he wasn’t going to anyone else! The process was so easy and just felt right. He was family from the moment we collected him.
Helen has been a Godsend, she’s certainly a force of nature! I think people should know that there will be support should you need it, from the Charity, and that Pugs are unique and can be challenging and stubborn.
TV is quite a tricky situation in our house, no programmes with animals, people in uniforms, people of different ethnicities, adverts with singing on, etc. can’t be viewed without a launch and growl at the TV at great speed, despite trying every kind of training aid and methods possible!
They are natures clowns, people pleasers and amazing pets that make life fun… our life can be sad and challenging at the moment but Teddy just makes it all better, easy to cope with. He charms everyone he meets, even managing to get to sit on the sofa in his Czech grandparents’ house… (lots of Czechs kennel their dogs outside but I don’t like it, my dogs live with me and sleep on my bed, which Teddy did on holiday in CZ!)
I’ve found that Pugs love exercise, can run really quickly when they are off lead and that really surprised me. Teddy is ten but he outruns lots of younger dogs, so they are not the lounge lizards people might think they are! Teddy’s favourite place to be is the beach, and living in Northumberland we are blessed with beautiful ones. My best days are spent with him and my fiancé at the beach, seeing this once overweight, unfit little lad running in circles on the sand!
Article by Helen McKee (MRCVS), PDWRA Vet Advisor:
Pugs can be prone to both these conditions (which are linked), and especially if they are overweight.
Interdigital cysts (also known as follicular cysts or furuncles) are inflamed bumps or nodules located between the toes (interdigital area). These painful cysts can rupture and leak clear or blood-tinged fluid. If the cyst becomes infected, it will leak cream-coloured fluid.
Many factors contribute to the development of interdigital cysts, making them frustrating to manage.
How do interdigital cysts develop?
Interdigital cysts develop as a reaction to inflamed hair follicles between the toes. The inflamed hair follicles rupture into the surrounding tissue, creating more inflammation and swollen “cysts” that can open (ulcerate) and drain. This process is irritating and itchy, causing the dog to lick or chew at the area, which further traumatises the hair follicles, continues the cycle of inflammation, and potentially introduces infection. If not treated quickly, cellulitis and scarring may occur.
What causes interdigital cysts?
Allergy-induced paw inflammation is the most common cause of interdigital cysts. Allergic dogs often have itchiness and recurrent skin infections in other areas, such as their ears. Allergy triggers can include pollen, mites, fleas, and dietary proteins.
Other factors that increase the risk of your dog developing interdigital cysts (especially between the outside two toes) are mechanical in origin. An abnormal amount of friction in the interdigital space can cause inflammation of the hair follicles. This is more likely to occur for obese dogs who put excessive pressure on their paws or pugs that have abnormal leg conformation which alters the weight distribution on their pads as discussed below (under False Pads).
What are the signs of interdigital cysts?
If your dog has interdigital cysts, you will see raised red bumps between your dog’s toes and your dog may be licking or chewing at their feet more than usual. Your dog’s paws may also be discoloured – especially if they have a secondary infection. You may even notice small blood spots on the floor if a cyst has ruptured. Dogs who are in pain may limp or be reluctant to walk.
How is the underlying cause of interdigital cysts diagnosed?
After a complete history and physical examination of your dog, your vet may recommend testing the skin for Demodex mites, bacteria, and yeast by performing skin scrapings, hair plucks, and/or tape preps of the area.
How are interdigital cysts treated?
Treatment is aimed at controlling the underlying cause, so it typically includes allergy treatments, and anti-inflammatory medications such as steroids (prednisolone) and cyclosporine (Atopica™). Other allergy medications, including (Apoquel™) (Cytopoint™), can help control your dog’s itching but aren’t considered to be effective enough to treat the degree of inflammation involved in interdigital cysts.
Secondary infections may require long courses of antibiotics, sometimes up to 8 weeks. Topical treatments like steroid ointments and antimicrobial paw soaks (chlorhexidine also known as Hibiclens) can be very useful to manage superficial inflammation and infection.
If arthritic changes and/or obesity have promoted cyst formation, these chronic conditions need to be managed more effectively with medications and nutritional therapy. Providing protective boots and controlling the surfaces your dog walks on (soft surfaces best like grass) can help manage the disease as well.
Many cases respond well if an underlying disease is found and treated appropriately. If an underlying disease is not (or cannot be) managed well, interdigital cysts can recur more frequently, causing chronic inflammation, scarring, and pain.
False pads can also result in ‘interdigital cysts’ and can be seen in dogs where abnormal conformation (shape of dog’s legs) results in altered weight bearing on hairy interdigital skin of the paw. Over time, and this can be years, because of the resulting chronic inflammatory changes, the foot tries to form new footpads at the sites; many dogs develop interdigital ‘cysts’ above these areas in the webbing of the pads.
It tends to form on the forelimbs more due to the greater weight bearing load. Because it is conformational, it can be very difficult to manage.
Strategies include weight loss, avoidance of rough terrain (most are better on grass for example), use of little boots out on walks, use of anti-inflammatories (steroids and Atopica can both help in some cases) and in the worst cases, surgery.
Surgery is a very last route to go, and only to be considered in extreme cases of false pads as it involves fusion of toes.
Photos of a case of false pads in a PDWRA rescue pug whom Malcolm and I fostered.
** UPDATE: Great News, Betty & Belle’s Forever Home has been Found! **🤗💝🐾🐾
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Betty and Belle are a beautiful bonded-pair of young pugs looking for their forever home.
Young Belle (left), has the most amazing baby blue eyes!
Betty is 2 years-old and Belle is soon to be 1. They are both spayed, also house trained and used to living with other dogs.
Their family has sadly surrendered them due to changed circumstances in the home, where they have been truly loved. They are used to living with children, and have been amazing with all of them including 2 with special-needs, so will be fine around those over 10 years-old.
Betty and Belle absolutely adore each other, they play together and sleep together.
Betty and Belle enjoy their walks, but can be reactive to dogs outside the home. Also. both can be nervous and unsure in new situations and just need loving reassurance.
If you feel you could provide a home for the lovely girls, Betty and Belle, or another bonded-pair as we have a number in our care waiting for their forever homes too, please apply, referencing them on your adoption application form.
