by Yasmin | 19 Mar, 2021 | Blog, Rescue Stories
We saw Stef & Frank on Mother’s Day, here’s their story:
“Frank came in to my life 4 years ago. I had just lost my previous pug, Baby at the heart-breaking, tender age of 6, following a lifetime of illness and complex conditions. I naively thought that as I was adopting an older pug who was fit and healthy, I would be free of the troubles I had previously faced with Baby. However less than a year after his adoption I noticed a large lump on the side of his leg and little did I know the journey of constant vet trips and sleepless nights was about to begin again.
Frank faced multiple operations to remove the tumour that sadly kept re-appearing, leading to several rounds of chemotherapy that were unsuccessful. So, last year we made the tough decision to remove Frank’s Leg. It was a slow recovery for him and I wondered countless times if I had made the right decision, but nearly a year on, Frank proves to me every day, that I most definitely did.
Frank is the true definition of a fighter and not once during his countless rounds of chemo and treatments did he feel sorry for himself. I am so blessed I was chosen to take care of Frank after he was rescued from his previous life and I will continue to strive to provide a full and happy one for him. Thank you PDWRA!”
Stef
by Yasmin | 16 Mar, 2021 | Blog, Rescue Stories
🎉Mr Bentley has just celebrated his 10th birthday! 🥳
We last saw him at Christmas after his devoted PDWRA Mum Kerry, had worked so hard to help him reduce his weight from over 14kg.
He is now 10kg and gets a Birthday cake every year to celebrate his progress and healthier life.
Many Happy Returns Mr Bentley! 🎂💖🐾🦴
At Christmas 2020 we reported:
Mr Bentley was collected by PDWRA some years ago; a very large pug in size, who put on significant weight after he was adopted. Although his new Mum tried extremely hard with vet support and expensive prescribed food to find the right diet and activity level to suit him, this wasn’t easy, as Mr Bentley occasionally also had fits.
It was upsetting for Mr Bentley’s Mum that people assumed she just fed him too much. Only by chance and exasperation, by sharing the less specialised canned food Mr Bentley’s Rottweiler brother and sister ate, with a small handful of their dry, wheat and gluten free biscuits, did his weight start to fall off. He has the occasional treat and pig’s ear to suck on as some teeth are missing now, and even without swimming and the longer walks which used to impact his breathing, he has enough energy to run round the house with the Rotties.
Mr Bentley’s 14.7kg is now 11kg and he’s in good shape for his frame. He will never be 8kg as smaller pugs can be targeted to be.
Approaching 10 years young, he has more life in him than ever before, and we wish him many more birthdays and cake sampling to come!
by Yasmin | 12 Mar, 2021 | Blog, Rescue Stories
Katie fostered Chance, the most wildly anxious pug she had ever seen. He went straight into her house and jumped up onto a cabinet! He raced around and barked non-stop, all through the night, it was really sad to see him like it, but she remained calm and patient. His adopter Carol also provided this for him. This is her story:
” Don and I lost our darling rescue pug Mimi last year. We adopted her 10 years ago and I can’t say how much joy and love she gave us. We missed her terribly.
My daughter sent me a link to PDWRA when she thought it was time for us to have a little house mate, so I filled in the adoption application form and got a reply saying it might be months before we heard anything due to the pandemic and restrictions. However, after a couple of days I was asked to have a zoom home check. Shortly afterwards we had a call to say a 5 year old little boy was in need of a home. Apparently, he was a very traumatised little man who had had a bad start in life so we knew we would have our work cut out for us.
His foster mum Katie brought him to us and the minute we saw him we were smitten. He was very frightened of almost everything, shadows, noise, telephones, people and refused to walk on a lead. He would charge around the garden barking at anything and everything.
The first photo was taken the day Chance arrived!
We have had him a number of months now and he is the most intelligent, loving little pug, not frightened anymore and loves nothing more than being cuddled (and food!?). As I’m writing this he is cuddled up on my knee. We can hardly believe the change in him. He has helped us through these awful times and I can’t imagine not waking up to him every morning.
He now walks beautifully on his lead with a treat or two and is a little star around the village as he is so friendly with everyone he meets.
We would like to thank PDWRA and Chance’s foster mum Katie for all their help and support. We renamed him Chance, because everything seemed to be by Chance. He is our world.” 💝🐾
by Yasmin | 10 Mar, 2021 | Blog, Rescue Stories
🎂 Happy Gotcha Day Lola! 🎂
Here’s Lola’s Mum, Laura’s recollection:
Lola came to us a year ago. She was a very shy, timid pug who didn’t seem to know what to do with herself. She’d spend hours just watching the world go by. We spent a lot of time trying to build her confidence and give her the space and time she needed.
Now, she loves nothing more than snuggling with her pals Pugly & Peppa, bossing everyone around and chewing a yak milk treat. She really is loving life and we wouldn’t be without her and the famous tongue! We’re so lucky to have her in our lives. Don’t let the face fool you…. she’s a sassy little pug!!! 💗
by Yasmin | 9 Mar, 2021 | Blog, Fundraising
PDWRA would like to say a big Thank You to Karl Simpson who turned a tragedy into something positive for our shared love, pugs.
Until recently Karl and Rosie owned a beautiful 4 year old Pug called Percy. They had Percy since a puppy and he was their world.
Percy had a routine dental but later became very ill and very sadly died from sepsis. Karl wanted to do something in Percy’s memory so organised a donation page instead of having any Birthday gifts.
Here is Percy on his favourite beach. 🌈🐾
This is a wonderful thing to do and PDWRA are extremely grateful.
Thank You Karl. £345 has been raised, to be donated to PDWRA. 🐾
https://www.facebook.com/donate/200983338476106/3670579386388092/
by Yasmin | 8 Mar, 2021 | Blog, Rescue Stories
Phoebe was rehomed to Sarah and Philip. She was one of two PDWRA pugs they have adopted over the years. She was not the easiest pug to start off with, very young with behavioural problems. She had been owned, along with another young pug, by an elderly couple who had taken them on for their grandchildren but they couldn’t manage with their training and constant fighting.
When Phoebe and her companion were assessed by a PDWRA fosterer it was decided that the pugs needed to be separated.
At first Phoebe was reactive to everything. Even a lead walk was an experience as she wanted to chase cars and fight with any dog. She was taken to training classes but was too disruptive for the group and had to undertake 1-to-1 training in a different room! Luckily the other dog in the home, Oscar the lurcher, was very laid back and accepted this little whirlwind!
Mum Sarah, told us that with a set routine, Phoebe settled into the home and walks became a pleasure. Gentle determination and a calm atmosphere in their loving home, with teenage boys, Oscar, the soon-to-be 10 year old Lurcher and now 3 rescue cats, 2 rabbits and 3 chickens. They made all the difference to her and turned her life around.
Even now Phoebe has a huge presence in the home. She’s always first in line for a treat. She’s very amusing and popular when out and about with loads of energy and remains very mischievous and popular with everyone they know. Phoebe can often be found snuggled up in a bean bag with any one of the family, animal or human. She’s a huge character and the family say they’d be lost without her. 💞
Like many others, Phoebe used to enjoy her local Pug Meet Ups so when the restrictions are lifted, she will return enthusiastically and mischievously to them! 🐾
by Yasmin | 8 Mar, 2021 | Blog, Fundraising
😊 Many Thanks once again!😊 to all those who support us using AmazonSmile. We’ve received our latest quarterly donation of £741.77 for pugs in need!
Please don’t forget to always use the link:https://smile.amazon.co.uk
it all adds up for us!
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. Thank You! 🐾
by Yasmin | 3 Mar, 2021 | Blog, In Memoriam
04/06 – 02/21
“Sadly, we had say goodbye to our special Albus on Saturday.
He many problems which he was no longer able to cope with.
We have had a fantastic time with him and he brought so, so much love into our lives.
He meant so much to us. We cannot express how we feel and we will never forget him.
Thank you for letting him be a part of our lives. ❤ ”
From Albus’s adoring Mum, Tracy, who adopted him in 2017.
If you would like to pay tribute to your sadly lost and beloved PDWRA pug on this dedicated web page,
by Yasmin | 3 Mar, 2021 | Blog, News, Fundraising
What an incredible start to the year from our Fundraising team, who from ‘PDWRA’s Mega Auction for Pugs in Need’ Facebook Group, raised £9,081.44 in January, followed by £5,431.17 in February!
We cannot thank our team of Rachel, Katie, Catherine, Mark & Tracey, enough, for their tireless efforts, and most importantly PDWRA’s generous donators and bidders, who help to ensure our vet treatment needs & costs are covered, promptly. THANK YOU! 💞🐾
The PDWRA Mega Auction is constantly listing newly donated items, 100 last month. There are raffles for cash & prizes, pug-related gifts, crafts & handmade greeting cards, Designer branded goods & PDWRA customised merchandise & clothing.
If you’re not a member yet, why not join the group to find out what’s on offer, at:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/242845766241493
by Yasmin | 28 Feb, 2021 | Blog, Rescue Stories
Peanut was surrendered to PDWRA as her owners couldn’t manage her manic behaviour. She arrived a very tubby and unhappy little pug.
She began to go out with the rest of her fosterers’ grumble everyday but walking in general, let alone on a lead was not something Peanut was keen on. She would put her brakes on and they would end up either carrying her or putting in the stroller they took with them.
Peanut’s foster mum was concerned that she may have something wrong with her back as her spine had a very dipped shape in addition to her reluctance to walk, so x-rays were carried out. It was then diagnosed she had IVDD (Intervertebral disc disease) and spondylosis. For a young dog, this is an example of irresponsible breeding which is appearing more frequently in pugs.
Peanut was started on pain relief and with further weight loss she is now much more comfortable and has turned into a bouncier, sassy little pug!
She is very affectionate and enjoys nothing more than nibbling or kissing your nose. Peanut has found her forever home with her fosterer, where she will be monitored closely for any deterioration and receive the best care possible, as she fully deserves!
by Yasmin | 27 Feb, 2021 | Blog
Most dog owners are aware of the increase in dog theft, especially through Social Media newsfeeds. Here are some precautions and tips that may help you feel safer or better prepared:
– Secure your home, garden & gates. Most incidences occur here.
– When walking be aware of your surroundings, avoid distractions like being on your phone.
– Only allow your dog off lead if recall is good and stick to well-lit areas.
– Consider some form of personal protection, wear bright, visible clothing or carry something to distract, disarm or draw attention, like a whistle.
– Keep microchip details up-to-date, especially if you move home or change your phone number.
In the event of such a distressing occurrence, report it to Police, you will need Crime Reference Number (CRN).
Please look at these websites for more information on what to do:
https://www.doglost.co.uk/
https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/getting-a-dog/caring-for-your-new-puppy/protecting-against-dog-theft/
https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/news-events/issues-campaigns/dog-theft/
by Yasmin | 22 Feb, 2021 | Blog, Rescue Stories
Tommy’s devoted foster carers have provided an update on his progress. You may remember he came to us at Christmas at only 8 months old, struggling with rear mobility issues from his abnormal spine development:
” Tommy’s physio is working wonders and his little legs are getting stronger. One of his favourite activities at the moment is to climb to the top of hills and bark at everyone at the bottom to show off.
He absolutely loves his walks without his wheels, and likes to walk up to every person to say hello and get some attention before moving on to the next – he’s never short of attention from people and will follow them for a while until he gets a quick head stroke!
We’ve managed some short walks on concrete with his boots, which he didn’t even have the strength to walk in a few months ago. He’s so excited by every new thing he gets to experience – who knew a concrete path could be so exciting! ”
We’re delighted to hear this and to see him enjoying life! Your generous donations helped to begin the treatment he needs to give him the best chance of a playful, active life.
A very special “Thank You” came from Tommy, who had a wonderful Christmas in his devoted foster home, as you can see! 😉
He’s been given the best chance in life, thanks to the love and donations he has received for his physio & hydrotherapy to help him with his rear mobility issue.
This is Tommy. He’s only 8 months-old, and needs our help to enjoy a playful, mobile life, because of irresponsible breeding!
His parents paid a lot for him then discovered unexpected health problems that demanded more than they could provide for him. Tommy has abnormal spine development so struggles with his rear mobility & is blind in one eye also. He wants to enjoy what all puppies love to do, but his legs are weak and give way on him. Tommy does use wheels and surgery isn’t an option for him, but weekly sessions of physio and hydrotherapy to help build strength in his muscles, is. This is costly, so we are asking for your help.
Anyone wishing to do so, please use the Reference: ‘Tommy’
via: Paypal (friends & family option): Paypal.me/pugdogwelfare
or Bank Transfer, details found at:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/donating-to-pug-dog-welfare/
Thank You So Much! 💞🐾
by Yasmin | 19 Feb, 2021 | Blog, Fundraising
Congratulations Team Yorkshire & their amazing supporters who have helped to raise £901.47 for PDWRA! 🐾🐾
Lisa, PDWRA’s Yorkshire Rehoming Co-Ordinator leads the team with Jodie and fundraising volunteer Amanda. The week of their Valentine’s Virtual Fundraising activities in their Facebook Group, offered a wide variety of donated and crafted gifts & prizes, with raffle ticket sales, competitions & games all resulted in this terrific total collected for our pugs in need.
They grew their Facebook Group’s membership, with the help of a number of local newspaper articles in the Yorkshire Evening Post & Halifax Chronicle that raised awareness of their fundraising activities and PDWRA’s work via volunteers.
A lot of fun and Pug-Luv was had, including the engagement of Percy & Mabel with their wedding to look forward to when lockdown is over and meet-ups are safe and possible again.
Photo by Jonathan Gawthorpe for the Halifax Chronicle.
Join Yorkshire Pug Welfare’s facebook group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/606736703474942/
by Yasmin | 16 Feb, 2021 | Blog, News
It’s not every day a world-renowned artist adopts a wonderful pug from PDWRA. You may recognise Maggi Hambling, CBE, a British contemporary painter and sculptor who certainly has good taste as she’s always been a fan of the pug breed! Last year she applied to us when she was looking for a companion to keep her company after losing her dog at that time.
We fortunately had a perfect match for Maggi and this beautiful little PDWRA pug now has a very privileged and cultured life visiting art galleries and having her picture taken by international press photographers! 😉😍💞🐾 The one here at a gallery was featured in the Guardian (taken by Graeme Robertson).
Maggi Hambling is the creator of a sculpture of Oscar Wilde located in Central London, also Scallop, the 4 metre high steel sculpture on Aldeburgh beach, dedicated to honour Benjamin Britten. She is best known for her expressive portraits and sublime depictions of landscapes and seascapes. Working in the tradition of John Constable and J.M.W. Turner.
by Yasmin | 13 Feb, 2021 | Blog, News
Pictures by Jonathan Gawthorpe for the Halifax Chronicle
Loved-up pugs Percy and Mabel have helped to raise awareness of PDWRA’s Yorkshire team of volunteers’ Valentine week of fundraising!
The Halifax Courier tells the story of how their owners, Julie and Danii, who both live in West Yorkshire, met at a pug meet in Leeds and have since set up their own local pug group, Shibden Pugs, who also kindly fundraise for PDWRA.
PDWRA’s Yorkshire Rehoming Co-Ordinator, Lisa oversees the fundraising activities with a team of volunteers including Jodie and Amanda.
Lisa confirms to the Halifax Courier: “PDWRA is a charity dedicated to the welfare and rehoming of pugs. We are run entirely by volunteers and so value all donations. In the last two years we have helped rehome 645 pugs across the UK, and are so grateful to all our supporters and love the creativity of their ideas for fundraising.”
For Article See : https://www.halifaxcourier.co.uk/news/people/loved-pugs-percy-and-mabel-get-engaged-part-pug-dog-welfare-and-rescue-associations-valentines-activity-week-3131792
Lisa with her own pug, Bruce.
Donating to Pug Dog Welfare
by Yasmin | 12 Feb, 2021 | Blog, Rescue Stories
Beautiful Daisy was surrendered to PDWRA due to a change in her owner’s personal circumstances. Her new adopter absolutely adores her, and says it is the best decision she has ever made! 🤗💞
“It’s been a few months since we picked up our little bundle of joy! She was 10.6kg when we got her and is now down to 8.5kg, close to target! She loves her walks and her new favourite snuggle place is anyone’s shoulder. She has been a dream to train, walks to heel very nicely now and even asks permission before chasing other dogs. I’m so proud of her and over the moon with how well we feel she’s doing.
Daisy has settled in better than we ever could have hoped, she takes her position of lap dog very seriously and will request attention if she feels she hasn’t had her fair share!” 😅🐾
