by Yasmin | 10 Jun, 2025 | Blog, Rescue Stories
Way back, I have wanted to have a dog, particularly a pug but I felt blessed to have neighbours who have a grumble and allowed us to care for them when they went away. These were great times. My partner was also very keen to have a dog, but a big one, particularly a German shepherd. After hours of discussion, we agreed that fostering was a good option for us, and a pug would be more suitable to manage. We completed the online forms to be a foster parent, and had a home check and I think at the time I was not expecting to hear anything again. But less than a fortnight later, I received a call from PDWRA asking if we could foster a little girl for 2 weeks who was about to be surrendered. Of course, we said yes, and arrangements were made between the multiple volunteers to make this happen – they really are heroes – the volunteers put their own lives on hold at a moment’s notice, for free to save pugs.

As our foster girl was coming a long way, we met halfway in a service station. The volunteers passed on the information available, and I sat in the back of the car cuddling and soothing a frightened little black pug who cried all the way home.
Once we were back home, we let her explore and she stopped crying and ate her tea. She had a little walk and was a bit more settled. When darkness fell, the howling started, so we spent the night soothing her. Luckily, nothing wrong with her appetite! After a few days, she was slowly becoming more confident, as we were too. After a week, she seemed more settled and happier and the howling stopped. She was enjoying walking with other pugs, exploring the woods, seeking new sniffs and the outdoor sunshine. I recall a particular day, she had just eaten, worn out from a walk, and she jumped on my lap whilst I was on the sofa and just sat still using me for warmth. This was the moment I realised that she could not go to another home. Arrangements were quickly made, and we formally adopted Martha. I love that we failed at fostering!

Since then, Martha has become the boss – Breakfast is 8am and dinner is 5pm and there is no deviation permitted! Carrot lunch is 12.30 and must not be forgotten. We never knew how strict a pug routine was! She has suffered from the usual pug things, BOAS surgery, eye ulcer and usual pug tummy issues, but thankfully quick to bounce back. We have adjusted to life with a full-time pug jointly enriching our lives. She comes camping with us, loves the beach and exploring. Martha loves company and lucky to be spoiled rotten by grandparents, she walks daily with the grumble in our neighbourhood and is always first to lead us into coffee shops and restaurants, where she behaves impeccably. She will do anything for treats which we do need to watch!
The PDWRA are amazing, they help change lives for many, and we remain ever grateful. I have transported other pugs and love reading about pug adventures from other fosterers and adopters. Each pug is a lovable force that deserves to live their best life.

by Yasmin | 10 Jun, 2025 | Blog, Rescue Stories
Why pugs, why rescue, why the PDWRA? This for us began a long time ago, my eldest son (now 16) fell in love with pugs when he was 4 after meeting a very handsome pug on the Isle of Wight called Dave. A love affair began, which never dwindled, however we could never own a pug because my husband was allergic to pet hair. Fast forward many years and a divorce later, also back on the Isle of Wight, a pug was on holiday in the caravan next to us !! It is fair to say that my son did not relent in his persistence over owing a pug & fate has a funny way sometimes. When we returned home, the research began. I knew I wanted to rescue a dog, there was no way I was buying a puppy when so many dogs need a forever home and the most important part was that whoever came our way, their name had to be Dave.

I researched local pug rescue teams, found the PDWRA and applied. Thankfully we passed all the interviews and were placed on the adoption register. A call came through sometime later asking if we would consider a lovely boy with wonky legs and with a resounding ‘yes’ from our little family of 3 Dave became ours.
I knew nothing about pugs, a lot about dogs but not pugs. I have totally fallen in love with their wacky little characters, their need to be with you, the fact that they are as excited to see you if you have gone into the garden and come straight back in or if you have popped off to the shops, the fact that they have to be on your lap if you are sitting down.

We were smitten! We utterly adored Dave and his existence in our lives changed a lot of things for the better. Sadly, he became very ill, very quickly, a year after we adopted him and was put to sleep in December of 2023. I have known heartbreak but nothing on this level, so whilst scrolling the PDWRA Facebook page in the following January, getting my fix of puggy beauties, I saw a post asking if anyone could give a cute, tiny little innocent looking lady a home! Cue Sandra ….. a sign from Dave I think! She is a pint-sized hurricane of a dog…
We adopted our chaotic 4kg bundle of energy, also known as Sandra, in February 2024 and have not looked back. She is hilarious, stubborn and totally adorable, she absolutely has us wrapped around her little paws. She is our world and owns us, it is not the other way around and our lives are infinitely better with her in charge of our house.

by Yasmin | 5 Jun, 2025 | Blog, Rescue Stories, Volunteering
Finding the right match of pug to adopter can mean literally going the extra mile for the pug in question, and this was the case for Wilfred.
PDWRA have a network of Volunteers who generously give up their time to transport pugs for us, collecting from owners, being part of a transport run, or taking to waiting homes.

In Wilfred’s case he needed to join his adopter near the South Coast, so getting him from his Foster Carer in the North, all the way there, was going to be a challenge!
We already had another pug, Michael who was due to be rehomed further along the South coast to Wilfred’s destination. His journey was already arranged and he was due to travel by train from London. So it made sense for both pugs to travel together, and our Volunteers stepped up to get Wilfred to London in good time to catch his train.

Both Wilfred and Michael travelled in style down to Brighton, attended by Michael’s Foster Carers, and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
It’s not usual for pugs to travel by train and we don’t insist on first class ! However, we do welcome those who are able to give up some time on the odd occasion to drive a pug, or pugs, to their destinations.

At the Station they were met by their respective adopters who were overjoyed to make the acquaintance of the new members of their families. Everyone was beaming!
It is such a rewarding way to participate, albeit in a short but important part of a pug’s life.

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Wilfred, at the end of a long day & just the beginning of his new adventure!
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Volunteers are welcome in all parts of the country, and it may be that the trip could be incorporated into a planned visit for business or a family occasion. One of our Volunteers even dropped a pug off to its Forever Home on her way to a funeral !
We are grateful for the time freely given by our Volunteer transporters; pugs could not join their respective fosterers or adopters without their support.

If you are able to help a pug along its life journey by transporting between homes, sometimes in a convoy for longer journeys, please complete the online application form here:
Volunteering for PDWRA | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association
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by Yasmin | 4 Jun, 2025 | Blog, News, Volunteering, Fundraising
💖This week is National Volunteers’ Week, and the perfect time for PDWRA to celebrate its ongoing gratitude to ALL Volunteers! 💖
🤗 THANK YOU ALL! 🤗

We could not help Pugs in Need without the voluntary contributions each & everyone makes with their skills, experience & time. Our costs are covered solely by public donations & fundraising!
Volunteers contribute to all stages that enable rehoming, from Trustees in Management to the regional rehoming co-ordinators (Voluntary Area Co-ordinators – VACs), who facilitate local pug rescue/surrenders, health & welfare assessments, rehabilitation where needed, and organise the onward placements to the pugs’ best-suited homes.

This is where regional, local, Home-checkers & Transporters are essential, volunteering their time to achieve the goal of rehoming Pugs in Need safely and securely.
Additionally, to support these operations, are the dedicated small teams for the PDWRA Facebook Mega Auction group’s Fundraising, plus Communications, managing PDWRA’s Website and Social Media, keeping everyone informed & updated.

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Here’s a recent, wonderful example of Volunteers going the extra mile to get pugs along their life’s journey to their Forever Homes. In this case, Wilfred & Michael reaching their respective Forever Homes.

Read the full story with more photographs, here: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/thank-you-pdwra-volunteers-transporters/

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Volunteers are welcome from all parts of the country.
We are grateful for the time freely given by our Volunteer Transporters, as well as Home-Checkers; Pugs could not join their respective Fosterers or Adopters without them!
To find out more about Volunteering to Transport or to Home-check or Foster, please see our webpage: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/volunteering-for-pdwra/

For other dedicated Voluntary roles to consider. See our Vacancies at: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/volunteer-opportunities-at-pdwra/

by Yasmin | 2 Jun, 2025 | Pug Home Appeal, Blog, Rescue Stories
👏 * GREAT NEWS UPDATE: Ray & Carla have found their Perfect Forever Home, together of course! * 👏
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RAYMOND (RAY) & CARLA.
This Brother and Sister pair, are 8 years old and very devoted to each other. Ray more so than Carla. He’s a sensitive soul and uneasy if she’s not around.
Both were quite lively on first arrival with their fosterer but have calmed down now they are in a routine and regularly walked.
Carla is a cuddly affectionate pug and loves the company of humans. Happy and calm around other dogs and accepting of cats. She is friendly and inquisitive on meeting people, though not tested on children.
Carla is to undergo surgery to improve her breathing. Once recovered, she will be able to enjoy life to the full. Both are neutered.

Ray is a gentle pug who loves to be stroked, he can suffer from anxiety and is at his happiest in the company of humans and with Carla by his side. Almost totally blind in one eye, he has adapted extremely well and this does not hinder his ability to enjoy the world around him.
He needs regular application of eye drops to ensure the eye is properly lubricated. Ray’s very sociable and gentle with other dogs, he can be friendly but rather shy on first meeting new people.
He gets on well with cats but will try to steal their food!
Ray prefers to walk in more peaceful settings away from traffic noise.
Both will thrive in a peaceful and calm household with love and affection. They do suffer with separation anxiety which will need to be worked on. A home with children over 10 years is advised.

Please also ensure you have read PDWRA’s Guidelines & Conditions for Adopting, at: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/adopting-a-pug/
If you have any specific questions about Ray & Carla, or your application for them, please email Jackie at: se@nullpugwelfare-rescue.org.uk
Afterwards, do check your email spam/junk or deleted folders, in case any new mails from us aren’t recognised as safe-senders.
** We offer A £100 discount (£50 per pug), when adopting a Bonded-Pair of Pugs! **
Thank you!
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To see the difference adoption can make to your life and theirs, see some of our heart-warming Rescue & Adoption Stories for Bonded-Pairs at:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/perfect-pairs/

by Yasmin | 2 Jun, 2025 | Pug Home Appeal, Blog, Rescue Stories
👏 ** HAPPY NEWS UPDATE: Daphne & Vera have their Perfect Home Together! ** 👏
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DAPHNE & VERA
Five years old, and both spayed, Daphne and Vera are a devoted bonded-pair of pugs.
Vera is the more outgoing of the two, Daphne prefers to just chill out with her humans.
Both are in good health with Daphne recovering from recent dental surgery. She will be back to normal by the time they have their Forever Home to move to.

Daphne has a sweet, friendly nature, very well behaved on and off the lead. She is very calm when meeting children and is happy for them to stroke her gently. She can be startled by loud noises though, in and outside the home.
She loves her walks but you must allow for plenty of sniffing time, as she likes to take her time!

Vera is not so quick to trust people, she likes to get to know them. Give her time and space and she will make her own choices.
She is not happy being approached by strangers trying to pet her, and for this reason, care should be taken when out walking as she suffers from fear aggression and may nip the unwary. This may be partly due to a slight sight impairment as she can also be taken by surprise in dim light.
Toys are her absolute joy and she will play all day.
Both are happy living with other dogs and cats, but would be better suited with children over 10 years who can respect Vera’s boundaries.
Please also ensure you have read PDWRA’s Guidelines & Conditions for Adopting, at: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/adopting-a-pug/
If you have any specific questions about Daphne & Vera or your application, please email Jackie at: se@nullpugwelfare-rescue.org.uk
Afterwards, do check your email spam/junk or deleted folders, in case any new mails from us aren’t recognised as safe-senders.
** We offer A £100 discount (£50 per pug), when adopting a Bonded-Pair of Pugs! **
Thank you!
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To see the difference adoption can make to your life and theirs, see some of our heart-warming Rescue & Adoption Stories for Bonded-Pairs at:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/perfect-pairs/

by Yasmin | 2 Jun, 2025 | Pug Home Appeal, Blog, Rescue Stories
👏 ** WONDERFUL NEWS UPDATE: Cleo & Elmo have already found their Perfect forever Home! ** 👏
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ORIGINAL APPEAL:
Cleo and Elmo are 8 year old siblings, super-bonded to each other.
They are used to living with other dogs but are just as happy in each other’s company. They are both neutered.
Cleo has one eye, the other must be kept lubricated to ensure it remains healthy. She is easy going and gets on with everyone, the more confident of the pair. She has had surgery on both hind legs for luxating patella but this does not hinder her mobility. Care should be taken however not to over walk her beyond her comfort zone.

Elmo is more dependant on Cleo and does not like to be parted from her. He’s easy going and very calm but is anxious if not within sight of Cleo.

Both love to sit with their humans and enjoy cuddles on the sofa. They mix well with other dogs and are used to children. Not tested on cats. An easy-going pair who should fit in with most households providing they have plenty of opportunities for cuddles, and are walked within their capabilities.
These charming siblings will bring a lot of love and devoted companionship to anyone’s home.
Please also ensure you have also read PDWRA’s Guidelines & Conditions for Adopting, at: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/adopting-a-pug/
** Don’t Forget – We offer A £100 discount (£50 per pug), when adopting a Bonded-Pair of Pugs! **

Thank you!
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To see the difference adoption can make to your life and theirs, see some of our heart-warming Rescue & Adoption Stories for Bonded-Pairs at:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/perfect-pairs/

by Yasmin | 28 May, 2025 | Pug Home Appeal, Blog, Rescue Stories
👏 ** GREAT NEWS, Dec has his Forever Home lined up, following an amazing response in Applications for him, Lucky Boy! ** 👏
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APPEAL INFORMATION:
This is two year old Dec who’s looking for his adoptive home!
He’s an affectionate boy who enjoys a fuss being made of him, as well as companionship.
🐾 Dec is very active and enjoys long walks.
🐾 He can live with kind, respectful children of five plus years.
🐾 Dec can live as an only dog, or potentially with another compatible dog who will appreciate his youthful excitability.
🐾 He will need to be fed separately, as is very food-orientated.
🐾 Unfortunately, Dec does not like cats!

Dec is neutered, vaccinated and in good health.
His housetraining is work in progress. Walking regularly helps and he really loves his walks.
Patience and routine is a must for him.
Dec responds to basic commands though training to wait for treats for example will need work on! 😄
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Dec responds to basic commands though training to wait for treats for example, needs work on!
He can be nervous/scared if unsure, or hears loud noises or someone approaches suddenly though can be comfortably examined by a vet.
This delightful young boy will bring a lot of joy and life to any home!

Thank You!
If you have any specific questions about Dec, or your application, please email Jane & Cara at: central@nullpugwelfare-rescue.org.uk
Please ensure you have read PDWRA’s Guidelines & Conditions for Adopting, at: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/adopting-a-pug/
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Please also take a look at our sample of happy, successful Rescue & Adoption Stories, to see the mutual joy that adopting brings, at:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/category/rescue-stories/

by Yasmin | 20 May, 2025 | Pug Home Appeal, Blog, Rescue Stories
👏 ** WONDERFUL NEWS UPDATE: Danny has been ADOPTED! ** 👏
THANK YOU for all your responses!
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APPEAL INFORMATION:
This is Danny, a 1 year old bundle of fun, recently neutered & up to date with all his jabs.
Danny loves other dogs. He just loves to play but gets frustrated & barky if other dogs don’t want to play as energetically as him.
So, Danny is looking for a young, fit playmate or two maybe, which would suit him best. He probably wouldn’t cope well as an only dog as he’s always looking for energetic stimulation & fun!
He’s unfortunately not a cat-person though!
He likes to carry objects around but he doesn’t chew them & he’s also tried agility which would be very good for developing his skills for this.

Because of the full and busy home where unfortunately Danny was crated a lot, he does have separation anxiety & shouldn’t be crated any more. What he needs is time & attention with adults at home a lot or working from home.
This also means he is very wary of children, therefore a home with no children, or calm, responsible older children (over 10yrs) would be better suited.
Likewise, Danny is initially nervous of men but will be fine once he learns to trust them. He does travel well in a car.

Danny is a lovely young boy who just needs a family to love him & give him all the attention and security he needs, with opportunities to release his boundless energy & just enjoy him!
It will be a win-win for whoever adopts our dynamic Danny!
If you have any specific questions about him, or your application please email Lisa at: east@nullpugwelfare-rescue.org.uk
Please read our Guidelines & conditions for Adopting, at: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/adopting-a-pug/
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Also, you can see a sample of happy, successful Rescue & Adoption Stories, that show the mutual joy that adopting a pug brings, at:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/category/rescue-stories/

by Yasmin | 13 May, 2025 | Blog, News, Volunteering, Fundraising
Leona Black is fundraising for The PDWRA
On May 11th, Leona ran in the AJ Bell Great Bristol Run 10K in aid of the PDWRA!
Leona says ‘I’m running to raise money for this wonderful charity that I adopted our pug Bertie from.
They helped me daily whilst I got to know Bertie and paid for the operations he needed, which cost a lot!
They do this for every pug in their care that needs medical help. I also volunteer with them, helping to find new homes for pugs.
10km is a lot for me – I’m currently at 7km (with a couple of breathers 😆) and plan to up the distance a little bit each time I run along the Bristol Portway.’
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So a Very Well Done & Thanks to Leona from all at PDWRA including the pugs she will be able to help!
Leona finished with lots of support, saying, “It was so great, and I’ve raised £680 now! Thank you so much for all the love and support xx “

Looking at Leona’s Fundraising page on Tuesday 13th her Total had increased to: £800.14 + £177.25 Gift Aid!
Please continue to Donate!
Just click below to visit her Just Giving page here: Leona Black is fundraising for The PDWRA
Every little helps!
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For more information and examples of how to raise funds for PDWRA, please go to:
Fundraising & Events 2025 | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association

by Yasmin | 11 May, 2025 | Blog, Rescue Stories, In Memoriam
By Donna:
In March we had to say goodbye to our beloved 13.5yr old pug Frank.
Frank was adopted from PDWRA in 2014 when he was just 2.5yrs old and it was the single most best decision we ever made!
He slotted into our family life as if he’d always been a part of it.

Like any pug, his presence and personality were huge and in the village we lived in until our early retirement. Everyone knew and loved him, he was our superstar!

After we retired and relocated, Frank was becoming quite stiff on his hind legs and a trip to the vets down here confirmed osteoarthritis, prescribed Onsior and checked 6 monthly.

Frank improved greatly on this for a while, then later was diagnosed with dementia, loss of some sight and most of his hearing. At 13yrs old, he was still a happy little chap and coping well with his ageing.
Sadly though, 6 months later he went into respiratory distress, and along with our vets, who were wonderfully supportive, agreed it was the right time to say goodbye to our wonderful little man.
Frank went peacefully surrounded by his family and all the love in the world which he so richly deserved.

FRANK
You left owing us nothing but to you, we owe the world. 💔
The stained corners of furniture from the joy of rubbing your face into anything and everything, hair, goodness, the hair, it fell on and into anything and everything.
The cacophony of weird indescribable noises and incessant barking at Eastenders theme tune.
The constant tippy tapping nail noises on anything that wasn’t carpeted. I moaned, probably every day of the 11yrs we had you about it, but I would have all that back in a heartbeat Frank, rather than the silence we’re left with today.
R.I.P my wonderful, snuffly, funny, gentle little chicken nugget. You will be missed more than you will ever know….until we meet again my friend. 💔💔
Your Mum & Dad,
Donna & Brian.
I would also like to thank the PDWRA for their faith and trust in us as adoptive pug parents. It was an honour and a privilege to have known Frank for 11yrs, and to have cared for him. He was the link in our family, he made our family what it is today, so much so that my eldest daughter, her partner and my two young granddaughters are now the proud adoptive parents of a wonderful pug!
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To pay tribute to your sadly lost and beloved PDWRA pug on this, our dedicated In Memoriam web page:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/category/in-memoriam/
please email your story, or whatever you would like to say about them, with photos,
to: yasmin.t.pdwra@nullgmail.com
by Yasmin | 8 May, 2025 | Blog, News, Volunteering, Fundraising
🎉This is Daphne, the most sociable PDWRA pug, joining in VE 80th Anniversary celebrations wherever she can! 🎊
Daphne is one of our many happily adopted pugs who we appealed for a home for last year.
Ever since, Daphne’s Mum, artist Shirley, inspired by Daphne of course, has been generously using her talent to donate funds to PDWRA. Many pugs are drawn each month but not restricted to them, any breed, or animal included!
Shirley donated over £2,000 last year alone & she’s drawing every week from her order list!

Daphne!
If you would like to own a unique and personal portrait of any four-legged animal, please don’t hesitate to place an order.
Each portrait costs £15 only, where Shirley donates £10 directly to PDWRA, and £5 covers post, packaging & materials. All you need to do is provide the photo you wish her to use.
Please do so from within PDWRA’s Facebook Mega Auction Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/242845766241493/permalink/1899302960595757
You can private message Shirley from there.
We can’t thank Shirley enough for her generosity, as well as the joy she has brought to so many.
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/order-your-unique-pet-portraits-while-donating-to-pugs/
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To see why fundraising is so essential for our work in rehoming pugs plus other ways you may be able to raise funds to help, please see:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/fundraising-events/

by Yasmin | 29 Apr, 2025 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories, Volunteering
Speaking from one dog collar to another – The joy of being a long-term fosterer with PDWRA…
It was the run up to Christmas 2023, late evening and I needed a break from sermon writing, so started surfing the internet, and because of my interest in pugs came across the PDWRA, and their appeal for fosterers. I can do that – I thought. My work is based at home; the house is pug friendly with a third of an acre of secure garden. Most importantly was I needed to check with Horace and Doris, the resident pugs, and Big Trevor who I was looking after for a member of my congregation (who incidentally ended up staying). Permission granted and I completed the forms; a home check followed, and the rest as they say is history. My first foster pug came in early February, a lovely 9-year fawn pug. She settled in straight away and a home was already lined up for her. She stayed for a few days holiday before going to her forever home.

Julie’s full Grumble!
After speaking to my regional co-ordinator Dee, I shared my love of those pugs that had additional needs.
Having worked as a regional fundraiser for a national animal welfare charity for 15 years it saddened me when those that are elderly, not attractive to look at, or have medical or social needs are overlooked in favour of the younger dogs, when often all they need is someone to understand and love them for who they are. These are the pugs that I have a passion for, have experience of caring for and am happy to share my life and my home with.
I didn’t need to wait long. Dee rang to ask if I would take a bonded pair. Of course, was my reply. My first black pugs – Cissie and Ada, (mum and daughter) joined us. Cissie was 13 and Ada 11 and a half. Both were wonky on their back legs and continence was becoming an issue, but apart from that they were absolutely fine. They have been a joy to have around and can still get about. Howard and Hilda came a few weeks later. Howard was 14 and Hilda 11. Both settled in immediately. They still enjoy a toddle around the village.
Betty came in the summer, an 11-year-old who came from another region. After a dental she became one of the more lively pugs in the grumble, and last but definitely not least came Mr Godfrey, who arrived at the end of the summer. He was overweight and struggling to walk. A trip to the vet diagnosed Degenerative Myelopathy. A strict diet meant he has lost weight, has regular physio and hydrotherapy and started to get around on his wheels and a happier pug you couldn’t wish to meet. Feeding time is organised and everyone waits their turn.

Mr Godfrey, Big Trevor and Doris
As everyone who lives with a pug will tell you, they are unique characters, and you soon see past their age or condition. I don’t notice Horace’s one eye, liver shunt and his post clip alopecia, Big Trev’s Sudden Acute Retinal Degeneration, (He lost his eyesight totally in just over a week last month and is now learning to get around blind, but the rest of the grumble support him). They are a joy to come home to and always lift the spirit.
My job enables me to sometimes take them to work with me and visits to care homes for an afternoon of ‘Pugs and Mugs’ are always popular where the everyone gets to fuss a pug and share a mug of tea and a cake (the pugs ensure there are no crumbs on the floor!), and pet blessings are always fun to do, and mine get to take the service with me.
Of course, there is the sad side when they make the journey over the rainbow bridge. As I was writing this article I had to wave goodbye to Betty, as she had developed a suspected brain tumour and very suddenly went downhill. I stayed with her till the end, and she spent her final hours before and after crossing with her grumble family. As sad as it was, I am so grateful for the time she spent with all of us and the difference her life made to ours, and it makes me even more determined to give these older pugs the best quality of life they can possibly have for as long as they can.

Cissie & Ada, and the Grumble peering through the gate
Myself, like all other volunteers; fosterers, fundraisers, drivers, vets, trustees, co-ordinators are each a cog in the wheel that is PDWRA and a big thank you needs to go to those behind the scenes who by their own volunteering allow the charity to continue to do what it does best, caring for pugs. But this can only happen alongside a sustainable income, which is why I also advocate leaving a legacy, and / or regular giving to enable the charity to continue in the future.
I see my role as a long-term fosterer as a privilege and I keep in regular contact with Dee, my regional co-ordinator and send updates all of the time, the charity support their medical needs, and Abbey Vets have been an amazing support. Through PDWRA I have met some wonderful people and pugs, and this has become a holiday home for some of the fostered / adopted pugs with additional needs. It all adds to the grumble and variety.

Betty & Horace
To anyone considering fostering, I would say, don’t overlook the bonded pairs, those with additional needs, they are a joy, and the elderly – with age comes wisdom
The only thing is you might need to get is a bigger sofa, so that there is enough room for everyone!
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For more information about Fostering and to apply, please see:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/fostering-a-pug/

by Yasmin | 25 Apr, 2025 | Pug Home Appeal, Blog, News, Rescue Stories
👏 THE BEST NEWS! 👏
Luna has an amazing, fun home with furry companions to play with!
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ORIGINAL APPEAL INFORMATION:
Otherwise known as Looney Tunes, the lovely Luna is ready for her adoptive home, having been in foster due to her Mum passing away..
Luna is seven years old and spayed.
She can live in a new home as an only pug, or with a sociable dog.
She will tolerate cats, but may chase them at first!
Luna can live with children, but can be a little over zealous with her affections.
She is quite a character, and is very typical of the stubborn, funny, cheeky, contrary and affectionate pug.
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Luna likes to march to the beat of her own drum, and won’t necessarily follow any requests!
She is fully housetrained and enjoys her walks, also travels well in the car.
She’s enjoying her stay in foster, in central England as you can see from the videos.
Luna will make a wonderful, fun and loving addition to any home!

Please also read our Guidelines for Adopting, at: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/adopting-a-pug/
If you have any questions regarding Luna’s adoption, please contact Jane at: Central@nullpugwelfare-rescue.org.uk
*** APPLICATIONS are now CLOSED for Luna ***

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Please take a look at just a small sample of happy, successful Rescue & Adoption Stories at:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/category/rescue-stories/
by Yasmin | 20 Apr, 2025 | Blog, News, Pug Health
HAPPY EASTER!
Wishing everyone a Very Happy Easter. With special wishes and thanks to all of our loyal Supporters and dedicated Volunteers & Donators, who make helping Pugs in Need, possible!
Here are Teddy, Ruby and Mildred, gorgeous pugs from our PDWRA family’s, Mega-Auction team, getting into the spirit for the Easter Weekend.
To join in on their activities, they are open and active with new lots listed on Easter Monday and a prize raffle ending in the evening:
As Easter temptations will be around, please be vigilant around them for a fun & safe time, particularly if Easter Eggs or children are around.
Remind visitors what they’re not allowed to eat particularly.
FOODS they should not eat:
– Chocolate, lying around, discarded or forgotten out on Easter hunts!
– Fruit or Simnel cake, hot-cross buns anything with sultana’s, currants and raisins (grapes)
– Traditional roasted poultry where bones can easily splinter
– Stuffing, gravy, anything which may contain onion, chives, garlic.
– Other foods, such as certain nuts, blue cheese, fatty and salty foods

CHOCOLATE:
Most of us know to keep Easter chocolate away from them, but they will seek things out with their highly sensitive sense of smell.
Theobromine in chocolate is a stimulant. It may cause excitability or muscle twitching, tremors, even fitting, or they may have an increased heart rate.
They may initially be sick, but don’t try to make them sick. If vomit is frothy and foamy it could get into their lungs, making matters worse.
Other signs might include drinking a lot, dribbling, not walking in a straight line and fast breathing. If enough is eaten then the effects can be severe or even fatal.
Some sugar-free chocolates contain xylitol, which is an artificial sweetener especially poisonous to dogs. It can cause a dog’s blood sugar level to drop to dangerous levels, also possibly liver failure.

Although chocolate foil wrappers are not poisonous, they can cause an obstruction if eaten. This can be dangerous enough to require surgery. Signs of an obstruction may include being sick, being tired, they may be off their food, or finding it difficult to go to the toilet!
If you suspect your pet may have eaten chocolate, keep the packaging and call your vet immediately. Help them regarding the type of chocolate that’s been eaten (dark, plain, milk, white etc.) and how much has been consumed.
PDSA: Learn more about chocolate toxicity and the signs and symptoms: http://pdsa.me/bUYl
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For more information about Easter and Spring hazardous temptations, please see:
Spring Hazards & temptations! | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association

by Yasmin | 15 Apr, 2025 | Pug Home Appeal, Blog, News, Rescue Stories
👏 THEY’RE NOT LOOKING ANY MORE! 👏
We are delighted to say that Ted & Henry are settling in very well, into their Forever Home.
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APPEAL INFORMATION:
Due to family bereavement, these lovely 6 year-old brothers, Ted & Henry, are looking for their forever home together.
Gentle, loving, very well behaved and completely house-trained they would make the perfect companions and suit a variety of households.
Quick to adapt to new routines, the boys are also great with other dogs and with children of all ages. They have no fear of household noise and are good on or off lead.

Henry is the leader of the two although he is slightly smaller. Ted will not go on a walk without him and they keep a close eye on where each other is at all times, definitely bonded-brothers.
The boys both love their walks. Ted is a plodder and sniffer while Henry has a slightly quicker pace though neither are sprinters!
Both Ted and Henry have the sweetest personalities, affectionate and gentle and very happy snuggling up on the sofa in the evening.
You are guaranteed to fall in love with them straight away!

It will be a very lucky household indeed that gives a forever home to these 2 beautiful boys.
If you have any questions about them, please email Helen at: veterinary-advisor@nullpugwelfare-rescue.org.uk
Please Note we currently have sufficient applications for them & are not accepting any more at this time.
Our Guidelines for Adopting, including for Bonded-Pairs, are at: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/adopting-a-pug/
** We offer A £100 discount (£50 per pug), when adopting a Bonded-Pair of Pugs! **

Thank You!
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To see the difference adoption can make to your life and theirs, see some of our heart-warming Rescue & Adoption Stories for Bonded-Pairs at:
Perfect Pairs | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association