by Yasmin | 1 Jun, 2022 | Blog, News, Volunteering
It’s National Volunteers’ Week, a chance, every year from 1st to 7th June for charities and communities to Celebrate and Thank their amazing volunteers.
The PDWRA could not do what it does for Pugs in Need, without our volunteers!
Every single person involved in the rescuing, rehoming and welfare of pugs in our care is volunteering their time freely.
We thank those receiving calls for help, transporting pugs to their foster or forever families, fosterers rehabilitating pugs sometimes with extensive vet care. Homes are assessed and matched by trained and experienced volunteers. We have those fundraising to pay vet bills, and those paying the bills, in-house vet expertise and those spreading the word on social media and producing news bulletins as well as running our website, all following required protocols.
We thank them ALL!
Whether you’re already volunteering or would like to start, find out more about getting involved at:
For specific Vacancies, go to:
by Yasmin | 24 May, 2022 | Blog, Rescue Stories
This is the story of Doug, by Anne, is typical for pugs the PDWRA helps every day across the UK.
“Two days after returning from the US, obviously still Jet lagged, I got a call from our lovely, regional PDWRA rehomer. Could I help with a pug?! Doug was in a home and wasn’t settling at all, apparently quite aggressive and needed experienced fostering immediately. So, with the help of a number of our wonderful volunteers, I collected Doug from a well-known fast food restaurant car park!
He was terrified, growling as we got him out of the car to put in ours. Poor Doug didn’t have a clue what was happening, he’d had a really long day handled by strangers, saying a lot about him and our volunteers, that he coped so well.
Straight into the garden we went, walking straight into my enormous British Shorthair cat!! Poor Doug, he had no idea what was to come.
Four little pug faces at the conservatory door, excited about a stranger in our garden! Well, what do you do?… out they came like only a clan of pugs can, full speed with Iris in the lead, Doug couldn’t believe his little boggle eyes! Off they meandered around the garden, not a cross word between them.
Next morning off we went for our walk, Doug on the lead, mine running free, his face was a picture. He just stood and looked around, couldn’t believe all these other dogs in all shapes, sizes and colours existed, I know most of the people where I walk and they are all wonderful with my foster pugs, it’s was a steep learning curve but it worked, Doug accepted and greeted everyone.
Not much was known about Doug’s past but it was very clear he’d never been socialised and probably shut outside for long periods, because of this he didn’t know what to do to interact with people, he was extremely nervous but never once did he show fear or aggression. How they want to trust and do the right thing for us humans and how we let them down.
After a month of assessment and learning, I use learning rather than training as it’s what Doug needed, to learn to be a pug. Meanwhile the search was on for his adoptive home.
We found one we thought would be perfect and after several phone calls, I took Doug to his new home. It’s always hard to see them go off on a new adventure and I do worry about them, but in this case, it was a match made in heaven, so off he went without a backwards glance! He’s now loving life with two other pugs, one of which is another PDWRA rescue. Doug’s out for walks every day and sleeps on a bed at night! What more can a little pug wish for!?!
I would like to thank everyone involved, Trustees, fosterers, volunteers, transporters, adopters and fundraisers, for without the time so generously given to help these pugs there would be no PDWRA and then what would happen to pugs like Doug?!”.
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by Yasmin | 19 May, 2022 | Blog, News, Pug Health
In response to the news items yesterday about the pug breed; https://news.sky.com/story/pugs-as-pets-condemned-because-of-health-issues-linked-to-extreme-body-shape-12615623
The PDWRA states:
“As one of the leading pug rescue charities, we welcome the study carried out by the Royal Veterinary College, and its findings. It highlights the health issues that we know exist in pugs that are breed related, and have a negative impact on the welfare of the pug.
We, the Pug Dog Welfare and Rescue Association, do not breed pugs, but we help people who already own pugs who wish to re-home their dog. This can be for a number of reasons, but a significant proportion are because they are unable to afford veterinary treatment.
Whilst in our care, we improve any health issues as best we can; we currently spend around £20,000 a month on veterinary bills for pugs that are in our care, and we rely solely on donations for this.
We hope the study will bring about change including controlling the unscrupulous (so called) back street breeding of dogs for sale on the internet”.
Pug Health & Wellbeing | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
Donating to Pug Dog Welfare | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
by Yasmin | 14 May, 2022 | Blog
As temperatures rise, please remember top tips for keeping your pugs cool, comfortable & safe, potentially from heatstroke.
• Ensure your dog has constant access to fresh water and shade
• Walk them in the early morning or evening, avoiding the midday/afternoon heat
• Check that the pavement or artificial grass is not too hot for your hand, hence their paws also
• Skip walks if necessary, for older, overweight dogs or those with breathing issues
• Provide cool mats or jackets. Do not rely on fans alone to keep them cool
• Never leave them unattended in a car, even in the shade or with window ajar
• Know the signs of heatstroke and seek vet advice immediately if your dog shows any symptoms
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/pug-health/
https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/help-advice/dog-care/warm-weather-advice
https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/health-and-dog-care/health/health-and-care/a-z-of-health-and-care-issues/heatstroke-in-dogs/
http://pdsa.me/hpSh
by Yasmin | 9 May, 2022 | Blog, Fundraising
Ethel, Leonard and Rodney seen here, are promoting their Mum’s special merchandise for all pug-lovers!
Limited edition only… Why not commemorative the Platinum Jubilee, 70 years of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, with one of these exclusively designed mugs? or give as a unique gift?
£13 each, plus P&P.
A proportion of every sale goes to PDWRA & can only be bought direct, not in shops.
Also available:
Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee greeting card, left blank inside for your own message £2.50 each plus P&P.
https://www.facebook.com/Absolutelybarkingillustrations
by Yasmin | 6 May, 2022 | Blog, Fundraising, Events
Save the Date: Saturday 4th June for a Fabulous Family Day Out with your dogs, all with FREE ENTRY & Parking!
If you live in Kent & surrounding areas; London, Essex, Sussex, join in the Fun Dog Show & Mini-Agility run by PDWRA at this Platinum Jubilee Community Event.
With keepsake rosettes to win, a pop-up pug cafe by the rings, a live music festival, stalls, bar and food, with toilet facilities available, how could you resist?!
We look forward to seeing you there!
Istead Rise, Kent, DA13 9LB
by Yasmin | 2 May, 2022 | Blog, Rescue Stories
Here’s Barry enjoying his Mayday Bank Holiday weekend among the blue bells, with his grumble & friends.
His weight is falling off and will soon need a smaller harness!
Well done Barry, having the time of his life since joining his new PDWRA family!
by Yasmin | 26 Apr, 2022 | Blog, News
We are experiencing an unprecedented number of surrendered pugs to care for and rehome. The numbers so far this year are close to our busiest year ever in 2019.
Could you offer that forever home, or a short or long-term foster home to one of them, or even to a bonded-pair? 💕
Please see more details here on our website, also to apply:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/adopting-a-pug/
or
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/fostering-a-pug/
Plus see our many happy ending stories! 🤗💞🐾
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/category/rescue-stories/
Thank you. 💖💝
by Yasmin | 22 Apr, 2022 | Blog, Rescue Stories
Look at farmer-pug Toby! He’s carefully surveying the farm from his tractor, watching out for all the free-range pigs and cattle.
Toby’s taken so well to his change in environment since he was adopted. “He still dislikes busy towns, roads and cars and has transformed from a naughty (disobedient!) mixed-up pug into being a happy, content, beautiful boy.” His Mum Anita proudly tells us.
” Thank you PDWRA for giving me my best friend, known to us as Tobylicious, he is my shadow!”
Please see Toby’s previous post:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/toby-licious-down-on-the-farm/
by Yasmin | 17 Apr, 2022 | Blog, Rescue Stories
A 3-legged pug called Honeybun with life threatening injuries from giving birth, was taken to a vet practice to be put to sleep. Thankfully, the vet took her on and performed emergency surgery which saved her life. He then contacted our local Area Coordinator and PDWRA took Honeybun into our care. She thrived in foster care with the love and care she needed, also having the healing companionship of 2 other dogs.
The PDWRA spent a significant amount of money ensuring there were no complications from the surgery and to make sure she was in the best of health before finding a wonderful forever home. No one uncovered why or how she lost her foreleg in her past.
She has now settled with her forever family, who are all besotted with her! Honeybun is so happy there. She has such a sweet, plucky character despite her disability.
The PDWRA are proud to be able to give pugs like Honeybun the wonderful and caring forever homes, and futures that they deserve.
by Yasmin | 15 Apr, 2022 | Blog
Please be vigilant while celebrating this Easter. Our visitors or children may not be as aware as we are, about the danger posed to our dogs, from chocolate, hot-cross buns or cake including raisins and sultanas or a left-over roast.
– Please ensure they know these are not treats for them.
– They are kept well out of the reach and not left lying around on coffee tables for example.
– Secure bins or ensure they are free of discarded food scraps
– Watch out for what they may find on their walks
If you suspect your dog has eaten chocolate, contact your vet immediately. They will likely be offering Emergency Services only, so not only may any incident be a distressing one but an expensive one too!
Symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive thirst, excitability, drooling, seizures even leading to potential kidney and heart failure.
Don’t forget there are those Springtime plants to keep them away from too! 🌷
Do have a safe and Happy Easter! 🐰🐣
https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/easterdangers?
https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/latest/2019/hide-the-chocolate-and-make-your-home-a-dog-safe-zone-this-easter?
https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/all-pets/poisonous-plants?
https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs/health/poisoning?
by Yasmin | 9 Apr, 2022 | Blog, Fundraising
There’s 1 week to go for an exclusive chance to win 1 of 3 stunning Mulberry items for just £2 per raffle ticket, all in aid of PDWRA Pugs!
Please join our facebook group: PDWRA Mega Auction For Pugs In Need, to purchase tickets and follow the draw:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/242845766241493
1st Prize: Mulberry Legacy Bayswater NVT bag in Oak.
2nd Prize: Matching Mulberry Long Purse in NVT Oak.
3rd Prize: Mulberry Tamara scarf in Pink.
All brand new, donated fresh from the Mulberry store, boxed and ready to win! The draw is on the evening of Thursday 14th April.
Just £2 per ticket for the opportunity to win these spectacular prizes. Each will be delivered free of charge within the UK .
PDWRA Mega Auction For Pugs In Need
https://www.facebook.com/groups/242845766241493
by Yasmin | 5 Apr, 2022 | Blog, Rescue Stories
As you can imagine our PDWRA family of adopters are often celebrating the wonderful Gotcha-Days that have changed their lives and the pugs they’ve lovingly embraced into their families.
Cheryl writes to us saying: “4 years ago, we went on an exciting journey to collect Mollie. She’s the sassiest little lady, very loving and funny. She became mummy’s little poppet and daddy’s little princess.
More recently, Mollie also became a big sister to Fred who we adopted from you too and adore! We honestly can’t thank PDWRA and our local Area Coordinator enough, for letting us adopt two beautiful pugs. XX
by Yasmin | 3 Apr, 2022 | Blog, Rescue Stories
This is gorgeous Barry. He came into PDWRA’s care late last year and unsurprisingly found his forever home in no time. 😍
He was overweight though, at 12kg, putting added pressures on his general health so the nutritionist/dietician at Barry’s vets advised on the daily calories for his target weight. Using food that his adopters had used successfully on previous occasions which always suited their dogs, this was measured and split into his two daily meals. His treats included healthy courgettes, cucumbers and watermelon but not carrot or banana as they are too high in sugars.
Barry luckily lives with an exuberant grumble with lots of play and exercise around him. A slow and steady approach was taken to his exercise, which saw the kilos drop off, much to Barry’s amazement! 😉 He recently managed to fit through their cat-flap! Here he is looking chilled and content as he’s just hit 9.6kg. He’ll be in great shape for when the weather gets warmer.
Barry’s Mum Sally tells us: “He is a complete darling! We are so lucky to have him. He is our magical boy.” 💝💞🐾
by Yasmin | 31 Mar, 2022 | Blog, Fundraising
⭐ ENORMOUS THANKS to our amazing PDWRA Supporters! ⭐
You have helped our pugs in need, by an amazing 💖 £971.37! 🤗💖
This is from our EVER-INCREASING DONATIONS, from AmazonSmile, just for your loyalty to us while you shop online, significantly contributing to our ongoing vet bills.
It costs you no extra, Thank You! 👏
If you haven’t already, please set us up as your nominated charity.
From ‘Your Account’ go to ‘Your Amazon Smile’ which allows you to select The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association.
To shop in the Amazon app, simply follow the instructions below to select us as your charity and activate AmazonSmile in the app. Amazon will donate a portion of your eligible mobile app purchases to us.
1. Open the Amazon app on your phone
2. Select the main menu 😊) & tap on “AmazonSmile” within Programmes & Features
3. Select The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association as your charity
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to activate AmazonSmile in the mobile app.
by Yasmin | 22 Mar, 2022 | Blog, Volunteering
Do you live in Somerset and Avon, and could you volunteer some of your spare time to help Pugs Needing New Homes?
PDWRA requires more volunteers to join our network in this region to help with the Home-checking of applicants or Transporting pugs to their new homes. If you are able to offer either of these services to the charity,
please apply here:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/volunteering-for-pdwra/
or,
if you could open your home to Fostering, prior to their match to their forever-home.
please apply here:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/fostering-a-pug/
Thank You!
Your local Voluntary Area Coordinator will be in touch with you.
