by Yasmin | 20 Apr, 2021 | Blog, News, Fundraising
PDWRA have been gifted a wonderful, original, signed, oil painting by its very kind & generous owner. Painted by Geoffrey Harrison, a member of the CBPP – Contemporary British Portrait Painters, who had a residency at the London Royal Veterinary College. This is called “An Andalusian Pug”.
Geoffrey Harrison is an award-winning artist, exhibited around the world and his work is held in private collections. In 2020, Geoffrey also appeared on Sky Arts’ Portrait Artist of the Year and this year he has been selected for the Royal Society of Portrait Painters’ Annual Exhibition at the Mall Galleries, London.
For a chance to win this exclusive & beautiful artwork, that would look fabulous in any home, raffle tickets are only £1 each. Please join PDWRA Mega Auction for Pugs in Need to purchase tickets:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/242845766241493/
The raffle will be drawn, live on camera at 8pm on Friday 30th April in the Mega-Auction.
This unique prize will be couriered to any UK. address, free of charge.
by Yasmin | 18 Apr, 2021 | Blog, Rescue Stories
😍 Here’s a most delightful picture update 😍 on bonded-pair Kevin and Nellie with Peggy and Angel all together, adopted into their happy home in Northern Ireland.
Their journeys began in England when they came to PDWRA, fostered until the right home was found for them at the time, pre-covid. Peggy in particular had severe health issues requiring a number of surgeries and extensive care that our supporters rallied to help with.
They are a perfect reminder of what our network of dedicated area coordinators, fosterers, transporters and fundraisers across the UK, are able to achieve, to meet the needs for these deserving souls. We couldn’t be happier for all of them! 🤗💖🐾
by Yasmin | 16 Apr, 2021 | Blog, In Memoriam
We had to say goodbye to our gorgeous little foster pug Louey. We took him into our hearts last September and we totally fell in love with him.💖
Thankfully, he went peacefully, but he has left our hearts broken.💔
Run free little one, on the other side of the rainbow 🌈 bridge.
🐾
Mummy, Sian.
Thank you Sian and James, from all at PDWRA,
for loving and caring for Louey, in the too-short-a-time you had with him.
If you would like to pay tribute to your sadly lost and beloved PDWRA pug on this dedicated web page,
by Yasmin | 11 Apr, 2021 | Blog, Rescue Stories
We’ve told the inspiring story of rescue pugs; Jelly, found on the streets, alone, and Bodhi, who was kept outdoors until we found their perfect home together, finding great comfort in each other. However, it doesn’t end there as their Mum works in a refuge for a domestic abuse service, and Jelly especially, contributes to the lives there too!
They both go to work with Mum and while Bodhi is less interested in other people, only his cuddle buddy Jelly, she does the rounds, hopping from lap to lap. Jelly joins in sessions with the children, keeping them company, enjoying sharing hugs, allowing them to stroke and cuddle her, when they are feeling anxious.🤗
Even more enjoyable for everyone at the refuge, is that another PDWRA adopter works there, taking Peggy and Dobby, seen here arriving by car – so the office is full of rescue pugs!
They are a big part of the human rescue team and the children that arrive are told about them in advance. They make pictures and tell their stories on the walls and they’re taught all about dog safety. Peggy and Dobby are fantastic little characters too. Peggy recently underwent BOAS surgery but in no time is back to herself, playing with everyone.
As both Mums, having such challenging work, they too take great comfort from their gorgeous pugs!
All four are living healthy and happy lives, as they should, hard to think of Jelly left on the streets, now worshipped by her family and priceless to them. 💖💝🐾
by Yasmin | 10 Apr, 2021 | Blog, Fundraising
🤗 An enormous “Thank You” 🤗 to our kind, supporter Mandy Solomon, who made & sold these beautiful decoupage bottle lights to benefit PDWRA.
Mandy achieved this through a Facebook Birthday Fundraiser, raising an amazing £505! 💖
She has painted pebbles before & eggs for Easter. What an amazingly talented & generous friend to PDWRA, and we couldn’t be more grateful.
Thank You Mandy! 🐾
by Yasmin | 2 Apr, 2021 | Blog, Rescue Stories
PDWRA have some amazing Super-Hero pugs, who have really been through the mill in life, but thankfully we’ve been able to play a part in turning things around for them, along with the loving determination of our fosterers & adopters.
Jellyfish is one of these.
Jelly was found by a dog warden, dumped out on the streets and was due to be sent to a shelter with a reputation for a high rate of euthanasia for dogs that needed medical care. Thankfully, someone at the shelter knew of PDWRA and made contact. Jelly was in a terrible state with 2 luxating patellas and rotated hips, suggesting she may have always been kept in a crate. She was under 5kg and has been used for breeding.
The poor condition of her legs meant that she walked like a crab and her whole rear end was bald and the skin hardened and sore – likely from sitting in her own urine. Jelly was in foster for a very long time and had surgery on each knee followed by hydro and physio therapy before she was adopted.
She’s now at home with another rescue pug and although buddy, Bodhi, isn’t interested in other company, Jelly is allowed to cuddle up!
The other amazing thing about Jelly is what she has done for Bodhi. He is a rescue too, and was always kept outside. When he was adopted he was petrified of the wind and rain, and would cry and vomit through fear when we had noisy weather – he couldn’t be left to sleep alone. That’s why Jelly’s adopters were looking for a second dog. Since Jelly’s arrival her buddy hasn’t had a bad night. As long as he has Jelly he can sleep through gale force winds!
They truly are survivors, with their pasts behind them they are enjoying the best life, as they always deserved. 💝🐾
by Yasmin | 1 Apr, 2021 | Blog, Fundraising
🎉THANK YOU & CONGRATULATIONS to PDWRA’s Mega Auction Team & Supporters!🎊
An incredible £8,694.75 was raised in March for Pugs in Need.🐾
Lead by Rachel, it’s always a fabulous team effort with Catherine, Tracey & Mark enabling the smooth running of the Auction, Raffles, managing donations from our generous supporters & dispatching goodies promptly!
Here’s Roofeo appreciating Mum’s Raffle Prize received yesterday! 😉😍🐾🦴
There are more exclusive items on offer in April so if you’re not a member yet, please join the group & find out more at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/242845766241493
We cannot thank everyone enough, for helping to ensure our vet treatment costs especially, are confidently covered.
THANK YOU! 💕🐾
by Yasmin | 31 Mar, 2021 | Blog, Fundraising
Thanks to all our pet-loving VIP club members, who have been raising charity Lifelines donations for PDWRA at Pets at Home.
https://vip.petsathome.com/
We’re able to redeem vouchers to spend on pugs in need from your shopping points! 🤗🐾
If you haven’t yet joined, to help raise valuable funds while you shop, please join the VIP club & set us up in Charity Lifelines (The Huntingdon store is PDWRA’s account). Thank you! 💝🐾
by Yasmin | 27 Mar, 2021 | Blog, News
We are recommending pug owners check their registration details at Petlog. There have been reported issues following an upgrade to their computer systems.
If your details are no longer correct please follow their instructions & Frequently Asked Questions (faq’s)
Petlog are reassuring customers that their 24/7 reunification service is running as usual and all customer’s pet details are securely registered on the Petlog database, to help reunite lost pets. This is especially concerning for owners as pet thefts are on the increase.
If you can’t see your dog registered correctly you may need to verify your details to complete the new set-up. Fill in the ‘can’t see my pet’ form and they will review the details to ensure your account is updated accurately.
Further information including a step-by-step guide to navigating your online account is available at: https://www.petlog.org.uk/FAQS
Petlog’s customer service team is available via email at: info@nullpetlog.org.uk or on Tel No: 01296 336579
If you need further assistance regarding a PDWRA pug’s registration, please contact Andrea by email at: Microchips@nullpdwra.org.uk
by Yasmin | 25 Mar, 2021 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories
We last saw Tommy thriving from the dedicated love & care from his highly experienced fosterers, so much so that he isn’t moving anywhere, they have adopted him! 🎉💝🦴
With his new brother, he is so enjoying life in the way it was meant to be, supported by our generous donators, his hydro & physio therapy, specialist equipment & vet treatment could be provided. He came to us at only 8 months old suffering from his abnormal spine development & consequent mobility issues.
While now, Tommy doesn’t rely on wheels, enjoying short walks on concrete with his boots, always enthusiastically trying to keep up with his brother.
It’s the best possible news we could hope for, for all his family.
Thank you to everyone involved, Tommy is home! 🎉💕🐾
Tommy’s Progress!
by Yasmin | 24 Mar, 2021 | Blog, News
Retirement of Alison Mount and Janet Thomson & Appointment of New Trustees
At the end of 2020, Alison Mount and Janet Thomson retired from their roles in the Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (PDWRA). Both individuals have supported the charity for decades, backing its growth and development, sharing their knowledge of pugs as a breed, and raising the profile of the charity in the wider pug owner community.
Alison, Trustee and Chairman during her service, is well-known in the ‘pug world’ and has been an integral part of the PDWRA fabric, in particular, in relation to the wonderful Friends of Welfare program. Janet, has held the position of President during her long service and more recently became Acting Secretary, following the departure of Lynne Kellow, who relocated overseas. The PDWRA would like to offer their warmest thanks to both of them for their dedication and time over the years.
New members to the Trustee team:
Under the Chairmanship and stewardship of Chair and Legal Advisor, Charlotte Hill:
Paula Parke – Acting Secretary, Lead Voluntary Area Rehoming Co-Ordinator (VAC) for the South East also Operational Practices and Communications.
Joanna Tudor – Communications, responsible for Instagram, alternative media and print communications.
Yasmin Tompkins – Communications, responsible for Social Media content, Facebook & website publications.
They join current Trustee members:
Robin Coulter – Treasurer
Andrea Slater – Responsible for Microchips, the Friends of Welfare program and the Online Shop.
The Trustees are also supported by a wide framework of regional coordinators, who facilitate local pug rescue/surrenders and assessments for forever homes; and a fundraising team which runs the Facebook Mega Auction amongst other crucial initiatives. The PDWRA could not operate without their support.
PDWRA Trustees
Ms Charlotte Hill (Kent) – Chairman and Legal Adviser
Mr Robin Coulter (Staffordshire) – Treasurer
Ms Paula Parke (Surrey) – Acting Secretary
Ms Andrea Slater (Manchester)
Ms Joanna Tudor (London)
Ms Yasmin Tompkins (Surrey)
Veterinary Advisers
Mrs Helen McKee BVSc MRCVS (Devon)
Dr W Malcolm McKee BVMS DSAO MRCVS (Devon)
by Yasmin | 23 Mar, 2021 | Blog, In Memoriam
Hetty
“We are heartbroken that we had to say goodbye to our little girl Hetty last week after a short and unexpected illness.
Adopted 5 years ago, along with her Mum Bo, who will miss her greatly.
She had the cutest face we have ever seen on a Pug, and we have seen a lot of Pugs in our time!!
We miss her so much and are so very sad and empty inside.
We will love her and miss her cute little face forever.”
Hetty & Bo’s Mum, Lyn. xx
Hetty with Mum, Bo
If you would like to pay tribute to your sadly lost and beloved PDWRA pug on this dedicated web page,
by Yasmin | 23 Mar, 2021 | Blog, Fundraising
The PDWRA thanks all of you who remember to raise FREE donations for us while you shop online, with over 4,600 retailers to choose from now.
It’s simple and only takes 2 minutes to sign up:
https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk
Retailers include M&S, Boots, John Lewis, Tesco, Argos, Boden, Tu clothing, eBay, notonthehighstreet, & so many more!
https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/pdwra/
Thank you for selecting & supporting Pugs in Need! 🐾
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.” 💝🐾
