by Yasmin | 15 Dec, 2024 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories
By Natalie.
As an owner of many a pug mug, key ring or phone case, it was no secret to family, friends and colleagues that I was mad about pugs and loved the breed and their fantastic characters. So when my colleague explained that her friend was fostering a pug from PDWRA that needed a home, I was immediately interested! I saw a video of Chubbs, a 2 year old pug, slightly overweight and with a few health issues and it was love at first sight!
We arranged to meet Chubbs in his foster home. His friendly demeanour was obvious to see straight away. He was so well socialised with the other dogs and his foster family. He was extremely keen to introduce us to his toys ‘Froggy’ and ‘Bear’ that he had brought with him from his previous home.
We asked lots of questions to find out as much as we could about Chubbs to fully understand what he required and make sure we were best suited to him and him to us! Chubbs suffers with epilepsy managed by medication and this was also explained to us in detail.
The team at PDWRA and his foster home gave us space and time to make our minds up (which included some gentle persuasion of my partner!) after which we decided to go ahead!
The process included a home visit by a PDWRA volunteer to confirm our home was suitable and the completion of some paperwork and within two weeks Chubbs came home to his forever home!!
We were offered lots of support by the charity and we knew that Chubbs would need time to settle into his new home and way of life.
Fortunately Chubbs settled quickly into life with us. He loves walks, cuddles on the sofa and socialising with other dogs and adults and with a strict diet, he wasn’t so Chubbsy anymore!
Whilst Chubbs was the first addition to our family, when our two children came along Chubbs embraced them and six years later the kids love playing with him, taking him for walks and indulging him in his favourite activity after eating….cuddles on the sofa.
Chubbs has had his fair share of health issues over the years but he has always loved a trip to the vet-we joke that he thinks of the vets as his own spa retreat! He is very popular with all the staff due to his loveable ways and fantastic temperament.
I have always continued to follow the work of the charity and I would say to anyone looking to add a pug to their life to consider PDWRA. I wouldn’t think twice about rehoming another pug from the PDWRA and would love to in the future.
As with rescuing any animal, I would say do your research, ask questions and make sure you are in a position to meet the pugs needs before saying yes. I would definitely advise investing in some comprehensive pet insurance and a decent vacuum for all the extra pet hair!!
In our case it has been a wholly positive experience. Chubbs has changed our lives for the better and we couldn’t imagine our lives without him in it!
For more stories like Chubbs’s please see our rescue stories at:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/category/rescue-stories/
by Yasmin | 11 Dec, 2024 | Blog, News, Pug Health
It’s that time of year again where there are plenty of temptations which are potentially hazardous to our furry friends, particularly celebratory foods and treats that are being brought into the home.
As well as the festive greenery that may make your dog very ill, tempting foods which we may think are a treat for them can actually cause a great deal of harm, including hidden ingredients such as seasoning & spices.
Vets will treat 75% more cases of dogs eating foods that are poisonous to them in December, so it’s important to be aware of what to avoid and ensure others including visitors know about them too:
FOOD
– Christmas cake, mince pies and Christmas pudding.
– Foods containing grapes, raisins, sultanas & currants.
– Chocolate, boxes lying around, tempting foil coins on the tree.
– Traditional turkey, goose & chicken where cooked bones can easily splinter.
– Sage and onion stuffing, gravy, anything with onion, chives, garlic, celery.
– Do check for hidden seasoning ingredients in sausages, a particular Christmas treat from a roast dinner.
– Other foods, such as certain nuts, blue cheese, fatty and salty processed foods.
– Xylitol sometimes marketed as birch sugar, used in artificial sweeteners and sweeteners of products such as peanut butter, is toxic to dogs.
– All alcohol.
OTHER
– Particular festive greenery and plants may make your dog very For a comprehensive list that are dangerous to dogs, see this: poisons in your garden article.
– Oils from pine needles may be irritating to the mouth and stomach, causing excessive dribbling, vomiting and diarrhoea if chewed. Needles are also sharp so could cause physical injury in your dog’s mouth and throat.
– Potpourri is made up of various dried plants and flowers to create fragrant decorations. Depending on their toxicity they may cause, at the very least, vomiting and diarrhoea.
– Take care when using antifreeze (ethylene glycol). It tastes sweet so is tempting for dogs but can be lethal if ingested.
– Watch for dogs drinking out of puddles too as they may be tainted with antifreeze chemicals.
– Some snow globes contain anti-freeze and if broken, are a serious danger to your dogs.
– Salted roads & paths can also burn their paw pads.
Frostbite:
Ice and snow can build up in the fur between their pads which is not only uncomfortable but increases the risk of frostbite. If your dog raises its paws, stops walking or whines it could be a sign that their paws are too cold.
When cold, a dog’s body limits blood flow to their extremities (paws, tail, ears etc.) diverting to keep their vital organs protected. This puts their extremities at risk of being damaged by the cold. If you’re concerned about them having frostbite contact your vet immediately.
So, on very cold, icy or snowy days, try to keep the time they spend outside to a minimum, and consider using a coat or paw protectors to keep them warm.
If you do buy a coat make sure it fits well so that it doesn’t restrict their normal movement, either through being too tight or too loose. If you’re outside in the cold and your pet starts shivering, or appears very tired, then get them home as soon as possible. If they are very unwell, get worse or continue to be unwell, contact your vet immediately.
However, some smaller or short coated dogs feel cold in the winter nip, so it may be a good idea to buy a well-fitting coat that will help keep them warm and dry on walks.
The dark mornings and evenings mean that you’ll most likely be taking your dog out for a walk when it is dark or gloomy, and you should think about how visible your dog is to other people when out walking in low light. Reflective collars and jackets are a good idea, and there are even some bright LED collars and tags available to help make your dog easier to see by other walkers and road users.
Christmas can be stressful for pets. The change in routine, visitors, children, loud music and decorations can all confuse or over-excite them. Planning ahead can help minimise stress for pets and ensure they have a happy Christmas, too.
A few things to consider include:
- Sticking to their routine as much as possible – their meals, exercise, bed and toilet break routines. Consistency helps them feel more secure plus they expect it!.
- Introduce new people carefully, at your dog’s own pace.
- Give them somewhere cosy and quiet to retreat to, away from all the excitement, leaving toys or familiar items to help keep them comforted.
- Don’t leave them alone too long – it’s easy to become distracted at such a busy time.
Likewise, if you’re spending Christmas away with your dog/s take something that smells familiar, like their bed, or favourite toys and chews to help keep them entertained and feel secure. Also, plan for them if they’re not going with you.
- Keep the number of an emergency vet on hand in case of accidents or if your pet eats something they shouldn’t.
- If your pet is on medication, stock up before the holidays so you don’t get caught out.
Most of all, have a very safe, comfortable and very Happy Christmas for All the family!
For a lot more information about pug health, please see:
Seasonal Hazards for Pugs | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
&
Pug Health & Wellbeing | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
by Yasmin | 9 Dec, 2024 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories
Many of the pugs rescued by the PDWRA come to us from quite dire situations, and this was certainly the case with Buzz and Woody. Adopted by Nikki around 2 years ago, it was one of those traumatic surrenders where they were never taken out and lived a completely miserable life.
Nikki told us in a quick update on Buzz and Woody;
“As you know Woody settled in being the youngest quite easily and minus the behaviour issues has been comfortable around us. Buzz however, being the oldest and probably been through a lot more of a tough start as he was used as a stud dog, hasn’t been so trusting.
It’s been a long couple years of work but these last couple of weeks we have noticed Buzz settling and being a lot more playful and joining in with the puppies and other dogs in the home including wanting a fuss and cuddle. Before, he used to run to his bed or the corner of the room and hide when you tried to stroke him or raised a hand. Yesterday he let me groom him without any issues and actually seemed to really enjoy the attention.
Buzz has been coming up on the sofa and napping on me and is very quick at coming over when called to get a fuss and treat. It’s been so rewarding to see this massive change in him, one that I didn’t think we would ever see and just came to accept he’d always be scared and jumpy.
He loves kids and when my son’s mates come over, rather then hiding as he once did, he’s more intrigued and excited at who it could be.
Walks are still a little difficult when he’s on a lead and the same for Woody. Neither of them are any good on the lead as they just go in circles and tangle you up, which means now as they do stay close and have good recall it’s easier to keep them off the lead to walk the countryside lakes.
I guess healing has no time limit and hopefully Buzz comes more and more out of his shell to become the dog he should have been at the start 🙏❤️🤞”
We can’t thank people like Nikki enough for what they do for pugs like Woody especially, & Buzz, but it’s a win-win situation all round!
To read a variety of rescue & adoption stories, please go to our webpage:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/category/rescue-stories/
If you would like to know more about adopting through PDWRA, please read our webpage:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/adopting-a-pug/
by Yasmin | 8 Dec, 2024 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories
Victoria on Howie.
I have always loved dogs and have owned various breeds my whole life but my love affair with pugs started in December 2016 when an elderly neighbour had to go into hospital and needed someone to look after her little black pug. Pugsley came to stay for Christmas, and it was love at first sight. I could not get over her quirky habits and how friendly and cuddly she was. When the time came for her to go back to her owner, I just couldn’t stop thinking about what great little dogs pugs are, and over the course of the next six months I did lots of research into the breed and came across PDWRA.
I was contacted by the VAC for my area almost immediately after submitting my application form and within a few weeks a home check had been completed and I was an approved adopter. It was then a case of waiting for the right dog to come along. In late October 2017, I got the call I had been waiting for. A bonded pair needed re-homing and I jumped at the chance. Howie (fawn) aged five and Moog (black) aged 11 arrived on 9 November 2017 via a volunteer road train travelling across the country with the final stop being Reading services on the M4 where I was ready and waiting for them. The rest as they say is history!
I used to work in a rehoming kennel so I would always choose to adopt rather than buy a puppy and after nine months of reading and preparing, I took the plunge and completed the online form to adopt from PDWRA. I am of the opinion why only rescue one if you can have two so stated on my form that I was happy to take a bonded pair. I can still remember now how excited I was when I clicked the submit button.
Howie is the most loving dog I have ever met. Never before have I known a dog that likes cuddles so much. He has classic pug traits – barking at animals on the tv being one as well as barking at other dogs when we are out and about but despite being a bit highly strung, he is my soul mate in dog form.
Howie originally arrived with his first wife Moog who he had been with his whole life. When she passed away, we thought it only right that we look to PDWRA to help us find him a new girlfriend. In March 2019, we agreed to foster Minnie and see how she got on with Howie. Needless to say, we became failed fosterers and it was a love match (well more so on his side, she took some time to come around to his adoring ear washing and constant stalking). They became the best of friends and spent five very happy years together before we very sadly and suddenly lost her in late October this year. We are all missing her very much.
Howie was five when I got him and he is now 12 years old and a double widower, but he is still young at heart, enjoying his walks and chillaxing on all the cushions on the sofa – oh boy does he really love a cushion! He can’t hear very well, and his eyesight isn’t what is used to be, but he is still enjoying life as my numero uno.
The adoption process was really easy to navigate from completing the form online and paying the registration fee to the home check followed by the payment of the adoption fee and then the exciting part, the collection of the pugs. The VACs and volunteers are always so helpful and knowledgeable and the majority of the people that helped me adopt Howie are still actively involved with the charity even now, many years later.
I think anyone considering adopting or fostering a pug should be aware, if they are not already, that they are not your average dog. In fact, I am not sure that we can call them dogs as they are like no other. One big thing to be aware of is that when people say that they are a companion breed multiply this concept by at least three and that is how much attention a pug needs alongside most of them having zero concept of personal space!
They snore like nothing you have ever heard before and my goodness me do they shed their fur (well the fawn ones do due to being double coated, the blacks less so). However, they are small dogs with the biggest personality and so much love to give. I have been both an adopter and a fosterer (albeit it failed) as well as having a stint as a VAC and it is the most rewarding thing to see a little dog come into their own upon being taken in by PDWRA. Pugs are not without their health conditions, and it is important to note that many have issues that will require long term medical care, but my experience is that the charity are brilliant at providing advice and guidance on this and ensuring that any health conditions are identified early on.
My partner Tom and I cannot thank PDWRA enough for bringing Howie (and our other beautiful black girls) into our lives. Howie is literally our first-born child, and he is the best big brother to our two year old human child (I am pretty sure that I probably have more photos of him than I do of my daughter!). We wouldn’t change him for the world and sincerely hope we have a good few more happy years together.
If you would like to foster or adopt, please go to our webpages:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/fostering-a-pug/
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/adopting-a-pug/
by Yasmin | 6 Dec, 2024 | Blog, News, Pug Health
Pugs have a number of significant eye conditions caused by extreme breeding creating the squashed appearance of the face. This has resulted in a shallow orbital cavity (the bony area where the eye sits), large palpebral apertures (the exposed eye) and prominent eyeballs. This together with reduction of corneal sensitivity in pugs, leads to a significant number of serious eye conditions, which are mainly due to the exposure of the eyeball and the reduced protection it has.
Because of the number and complexity of these conditions, I’m dividing the article into 2 parts (the 2nd will be in the next newsletter).
The 1st topic is as follows:-
Corneal Ulceration and Associated Conditions
Corneal ulceration (top layer of cornea is absent) can result from trauma (due to the vulnerability of a pug’s eye), hairs rubbing on cornea, or a dry cornea due to inability to close eyelids and/or lack of quantity/quality of tears. And as pugs get older, their cornea becomes more friable (and thus more prone to ulcers) so extra care and attention is needed with an aging pug’s eyes.
Unlike other dogs, when a pug has a corneal ulcer, it is potentially an eye threatening condition.
A pug’s cornea is poor at healing, so when the cornea is damaged, it is imperative to get your pug to the vet as soon as possible.
The ulcer needs to be treated intensively, and it is important your vet does this, rather than treat in a way they would a non-brachycephalic dog.
This can involve use of anti-inflammatories, along with a good quality antibiotic drops and serum or equivalent products. Drops need to be used multiple timer an day, and check ups very frequent to ensure the eye is responding to treatment.
Corneal ulceration can rapidly deteriorate to what its known as a melting ulcer without (and even with!) intensive treatment hence the frequent check ups required.
If not monitored closely, an ulcer can quickly result in a ruptured eye when surgical intervention to save the eye is too late.
If possible, as soon as a corneal ulcer is diagnosed, if you have access to an Advanced Practitioner in Ophthalmology, I would advise seeing them so the pug has the optimal treatment from the start.
A melting ulcer is where the lining of the eye (corneal stroma) starts dissolving due to bacterial and/or enzyme activity and needs intensive treatment or surgical intervention.
Non-surgical options include use of a specialised contact lens.
Sometimes the ulcer remains superficial and non-healing and the vet may suggest debridement of the edges of the ulcer to stimulate healing.
When an ulcer becomes deeper, the internal structures of the eye starts to bulge out through the cornea, which is a condition known as a descemetocele.
This is a photo of Quinn, a long term foster pug with the Charity, who recently developed the condition despite intensive treatment of the eye ulcer.
This is an ocular emergency, and will require immediate surgery if the eye is to be saved.
If the membrane breaks down, the eye will rupture (incredibly painful) and immediate surgery to remove the eye is the only option.
When an ulcer is rapidly deteriorating, surgical intervention allows the best outcome to save the sight in the eye.
If the dog has little/no sight in the affected eye, an option may also be enucleation (removal of the eye).
The most common surgery is a corneal graft, where a healthy part of the cornea is used to cover the damaged cornea. It requires a specialist to perform and is expensive, but well worth it in preserving the sight in an eye.
Another graft type uses the conjunctiva (conjunctional graft). This procedure is used when there is not enough healthy corneal tissue to use use for a graft. The conjunctiva is thicker and less translucent than corneal tissue so can reduce vision, so the preferred method is to use the cornea if at all possible.
Quinn had conjunctival graft surgery as there was too little non-damaged cornea to use for a corneal graft. His eye is recovering nicely though vision significantly reduced.
Photograph 6 weeks post op.
Following both graft surgeries, close and intensive management and monitoring is required for several weeks, to ensure the graft has been successful and the eye is healing appropriately.
Once the eye is healed the vet may recommend some ongoing maintenance treatment of the eye, for example, keeping the cornea moist by use of lubricants.
I personally think that all pugs potentially have dry corneas (and therefore an increased risk of eye ulcers), so I use a lubricant on all my pugs twice daily. A non-expensive eye lubricant that can be used as a preventative (rather than to treat a specific condition) is Carbomer which can be bought quite cheaply on Amazon.
I hope you have found this article informative, without being too technical. Part 2 of this article is available here.
The take home message is, if you notice your pug squinting, take him/her to the vet as soon as possible as it’s most likely there is a corneal ulcer, which is a potentially eye threatening condition.
Helen McKee (MRCVS)
Veterinary Advisor for the PDWRA
For more information on Pug Eye Conditions, please see: Eye Problems | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association
by Yasmin | 1 Dec, 2024 | Blog, News, Fundraising
** UPDATE 10th Dec – SOLD OUT!! **
The PDWRA 2025 Calendar is available to order now!
With “Thanks” to all pug parents who submitted their delightful photos.
A limited number of calendars have been printed so please get your order in Now!
At Only £12, including 2nd class postage, it’s a great way to support us too!
Please email any enquiries about the calendars to:
secretary@nullpugwelfare-rescue.org.uk
The gift to yourself to last the whole year!
Thank You.
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/fundraising-events/
by Yasmin | 29 Nov, 2024 | Blog, News, Fundraising
Whether you’re buying Christmas presents, next months’ dog food or next years’ holiday or even annual insurances, you could take advantage of Black Friday discounted sales while supporting PDWRA at the same time!
Here’s How – and it doesn’t cost you a penny! The donations are made by the brand.
With over 7,000 retailers – including Tesco, Pets at Home and Amazon – you can easily join the PDWRA supporters who have already helped us receive over £4,450 through Easyfundraising.
All you have to do is sign up for Easyfundraising, select The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association, create your profile and shop!
https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/create-an-account
https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/pdwra/
For other ways to help PDWRA via shopping or recycling, please see:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/fundraising-events/donate-while-you-shop-or-recycle/
by Yasmin | 23 Nov, 2024 | Pug Home Appeal, Blog, News, Rescue Stories
👏 ** TERRIFIC NEWS UPDATE: Cindy & Sid have found their HOME TOGETHER! ** 👏
**********
ORIGINAL APPEAL:
Cindy and Sid are a bonded 6 year-old sister and brother. They are both neutered and looking for their forever home together.
They both love children and are sociable around other dogs, more so Sid. He can be quite needy and looks to his sister, liking being near to her. Cindy is the more dominant of the two, and would be better suited in a home with no other female dogs.
Both are well behaved on walks when meeting other dogs and people.
Cindy has had corrective surgery to address breathing problems she’s had in the past and now experiences no discomfort.
Sid has a condition called Dry Eye which will require regular application of eye drops, (funded by PDWRA as it’s a pre-existing condition), other than that they are both healthy and happy pugs who enjoy a life of walks, cuddles and a nice cosy bed to snuggle in.
Despite being bonded, this doesn’t stop them from individually seeking human attention (competing!?), so you can expect to be snuggled from both sides!
If you are able to offer them their forever home together, please apply, referencing Sid 24157 & Cindy 24158 on your adoption application form.
Please do so at: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/adopting-a-pug/
If you have any specific questions relating to the pair, please email Jackie at: west-mids@nullpdwra.org.uk
Thank you! We are always in need of new homes for bonded-pairs.
If you are already registered with us, please speak to your local PDWRA Area Coordinator directly.
by Yasmin | 21 Nov, 2024 | Blog, Pug Health
As winter and Christmas approaches, pugs have to watch their waistline, as we all do! However, they rely on us to manage this.
So, here’s a seasonal reminder from our PDWRA Vet Advisor, Helen:
Pugs can put on weight so easily that sometimes we can be unaware that they’ve gained weight. Pugs need to be slim, contrary to how many people perceive pugs. You may not have realised that the first pug photographed above, is overweight compared to the second photo of a pug with the more ideal, healthy looking body .
Keeping your pug slim is so important for it to be as healthy as possible. Pugs suffer from many health issues (for example, breathing issues, bad legs and spine) all of which are exacerbated when a pug is overweight.
Body Condition Score (BCS) is the best way to check if your pug is the right weight, rather than its actual weight. BSC 5 is ideal.
Please follow this link for further useful information that can help you to keep your pug slim and fit, providing the foundation to be as healthy as possible.
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/pug-health/fit-not-fat/
Other useful information on your pugs’ wellbeing:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/pug-health/
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/seasonal-hazards-for-pugs/
by Yasmin | 18 Nov, 2024 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories
Written by Kathryn.
I first heard about PDWRA when I attended a pug meet up with my first pug Belle that raised money for the charity. I followed the Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/PDWRA and in 2021 during the Covid pandemic I decided to apply to foster, as my circumstances had changed and I was working from home.
Within a couple of days, I heard from my local PDWRA VAC and had a virtual home check. A couple of weeks later I got a call to ask if I could foster a very special pug called Eric, who had some complex health needs. I was supported through the whole process by the VACs and other PDWRA volunteers from all over the country.
In August 2021 my Belle became poorly and we found out she had a huge tumour on her lung, she passed peacefully with all of her family around her (and Eric). Eric was there to help me through the first few days and in September 2021 Eric found his forever home that could cater for his special needs. He will forever hold a special place in my heart.
I was left without a pug, my home was soooo clean but my heart was empty. After the first night in bed alone I knew I had to contact my VAC to ask if there were any pugs who needed a home. The next day I spoke with some wonderful volunteers from around the UK and by the weekend I found Minnie.
From the minute we picked her up she fell in love with my dad, she stared at him the whole way home. Minnie helped me to feel happy again, she is full of character, she adores babies (human and animal), hotdogs and crunchy leaves. She hates horses on TV or dogs barking. The vets love her to the point where I’ve even been given a discount for free cuddles 😂.
The following year we decided to get a boy puppy and Minnie became his foster mam. She will always be the boss but she is the best cuddler and playmate to Eddie and she lets him use her as a pillow.
Volunteering for PDWRA was one of the best things I have ever done. It has been an emotional rollercoaster at times but I have met some of the most amazing people who have given me some of the best advice and the support has been second to none.
Even 3 years on, I know I can reach out for advice if I need it. I am so grateful to all of the volunteers involved in bringing Minnie into my family, she is and will be forever loved.
By Kathryn
If you would like to volunteer, or foster, please apply at:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/volunteering-for-pdwra/
or
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/fostering-a-pug/
by Yasmin | 10 Nov, 2024 | Blog, News, In Memoriam
Here is adopted Margo, reflecting, as we all are today on Remembrance Sunday.
Lest we forget …..
They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.
To All the Men, Women and Loyal Animals who sacrificed and served together.
We will remember them.
by Yasmin | 29 Oct, 2024 | Blog, News, Pug Health
It’s that time of year again when we can anticipate, and prepare for fireworks during the winter months, likely to begin at Halloween, for Diwali, traditionally Bonfire night right through to the New Year celebrations!
As many as a third of all dogs will become stressed or react towards them.
It may also be the first time some of you will be experiencing how this affects a new pug in your home.
In advance, you may consider:
- Desensitising your pets to noise: Playing fireworks noises quietly using sound CDs, while rewarding calm behaviour, can help them become accustomed to the noise. Play them in the run up to firework season, to help them see they need not be afraid.
- Anxiety relief products: Anxiety relieving products containing pheromones are an effective way to help your pet stay calm, also comforting jackets are like a big hug! There are so many products around so do research them.
When nights for fireworks are expected:
- Walk your dogs before it’s dark.
- Watch out for spent fireworks on the ground or under blown & scattered autumn leaves.
- Feed your dogs before fireworks are expected to begin, as they may be too stressed to eat later on.
- Make sure your house or garden is escape-proof, as they can bolt or go missing. (Check their microchip registration is up-to-date!)
- Keep windows and curtains closed, the lights on and turn the TV on to play music to help drown out the noise.
- Create a safe, cosy place for your dog to settle before it gets dark. Dogs enjoy cosy dens.
- Keep them entertained to take their mind off the noise.
- Comfort and reassure them.
- Do not leave them alone at home or elsewhere.
- For Halloween, take precautions to make trick/treaters aware that you are not participating, so that the doorbell isn’t rung throughout the evening. We all know how our dogs react to that!
Classic FM’s Pet Classics | Classic FM is back this year, to help calm pets and their owners during the bright lights and loud bangs outside during fireworks season
Special sessions on Classic FM, will be playing soothing classical music for all pets and animals who might feel anxious, stressed or scared, providing an audio sanctuary for the nation’s animals .
Charlotte Hawkins will host the first programme on Saturday 2 November and Dan Walker on Tuesday 5 November, in his first appearance on the programme designed to help relax your furry friends on Bonfire Night.
Both shows will be broadcast between 5pm to 9pm to coincide with the busiest evenings for firework displays. Record them, to use for those other similar nights.
Further Advice & tips can be found at:
by Yasmin | 17 Oct, 2024 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories
*** GREAT NEWS UPDATE! Bunty & Bobby will be moving to their Forever Home soon! ***
****
Bunty and Bobby are a 6-year-old bonded couple, in need of their forever home. They have always lived together, and would need to stay together.
Bunty is a black female pug, and Bobby a long haired blonde male Chihuahua.
Both are sociable with people and other dogs and have previously lived with children and a cat.
Bunty & Bobby are affectionate and enjoy their cuddles. Bobby especially thoroughly enjoys being groomed.
They enjoy their daily walks though can show some on-lead reactivity in the form of barking at other dogs whilst out on them. They will also bark to alert of someone at the door, or other suspect indoor environmental sounds.
Support will be given to any potential adopter to help improve these behaviours if it’s needed.
Bunty has been on a weight loss journey that her foster carers have begun, which will need to be continued to her target weight range, and more defined waistline! Other than this, both dogs are in good health.
Bunty and Bobby are ideally looking for a home with children of 8 years+, due to Bobby’s delicate, tiny size, and can live either as an only couple, or with other kind and friendly small dogs or cats.
If you feel you can offer the perfect home for this adorable pair, please reference Bunty 24198 & Bobby 24199 on your adoption application form.
Please apply at: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/adopting-a-pug/
If you are already registered to adopt with us, please contact your local PDWRA Area Coordinator directly.
by Yasmin | 15 Oct, 2024 | Blog, News, Volunteering, Events
It’s real! – The 15th October every year is dedicated to celebrate the Pug, originally conceived in the USA in 2012, was created to help pugs in need by encouraging people to take them out of shelters and into loving homes.
This is exactly what PDWRA does, throughout the UK.
So, on this day of celebrating this most wonderful and adorable breed, apart from spoiling them in your usual way, you can help us do what we do, in a variety of ways. Please see the website links, below in case you can offer to help in any of these:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/adopting-a-pug/
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/fostering-a-pug/
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/volunteering-for-pdwra/
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/donating-to-pug-dog-welfare/
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/friends-of-welfare/
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/fundraising-events/
We rely solely on the help of volunteers and kind donations from people like you.
Thank You!
Proudly posted on our Facebook. page on National Pug Day! :
by Yasmin | 14 Oct, 2024 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories
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.
Lisa
If you would like to volunteer to home-check or transport, please see: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/volunteering-for-pdwra/
or to foster: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/fostering-a-pug/
or if you would like to become a VAC, or consider other specific charity roles available, please see: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/volunteer-opportunities-at-pdwra/
by Yasmin | 13 Oct, 2024 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories
Cody’s story, by Yvonne.
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.
Yvonne and Rob.
If you could provide a forever home by adopting a pug in need, please apply at:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/adopting-a-pug/
If you would like to help a pug along its journey by fostering, please apply at:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/fostering-a-pug/
