by Yasmin | 21 Jul, 2024 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories
Rebekah’s Story – Part 1: Skye!
We first heard about PDWRA when out walking our two pugs Betsy & Bella 14 years ago. We had bought them both as puppies from a not so good breeder (we knew we shouldn’t but we couldn’t leave them behind, we even went back for her breeding bitch when the breeder was ‘done’ with her & gave her a lovely home with a friend).
Anyway, one day out walking we bumped into a lady who stopped to fuss our pugs. We got chatting about pugs, as us pug people do & she told us about PDWRA. We thought you sounded amazing, but having two poorly pugs ourselves we already had our hands full.
When Betsy was just age 7, she sadly passed away & Bella became very lonely.
We wrote a sincere letter to PDWRA explaining the many health issues we had encountered with our pugs (epilepsy, cancer, vision loss, eye ulcers, food allergies etc) & how we felt that we had enough experience to take on another. We also shared how lonely & withdrawn Bella had become.
We received a phone call from a lovely member of PDWRA who said she would do her best to find us a pug. A little while went by & we didn’t hear anything.
Then on 14th April 2016 I had a dream that we had a new pug. I woke up the next day so sure that today was THE DAY! I kept my phone in the back pocket of my jeans so that I didn’t miss the call. Sure enough, at 4pm, PDWRA contacted me to say that a pug had just come in who needed a home & would we be able to collect her that evening at a half way point between where she was & us. By 6pm we were in our car waiting for our new family member!
I will never forget the lovely Rachel who pulled up with a very scared pug in her car. She told us that the pug was called Skye & that today was actually her 1st birthday. She told us a little bit about her back story, how she had been kept in a crate (which she filled end to end) & was already on her third home. We were told that she wasn’t toilet trained. That she didn’t love a walk or to socialise. That she mostly just loved her crate & considered that her safe space.
We transferred her from Rachel’s car to ours, keeping her in her crate to begin with. On the journey home, Skye became increasingly anxious. Her panting became so extreme that we pulled over & took her out of her crate.
I tried to calm her on my lap but she continued to pant & whine. Eventually, she turned to see our 4 year old daughter sitting in her car seat. She fought to get across to her. I will tell you at this point as parents you are always careful of introducing small children with a new dog! Skye gently sniffed her face, allowed herself to be stroked & then rested her head down on our daughter’s lap & settled down to sleep. She stayed there for the rest of the journey home.
When we got home we put her crate in the living room with the door open so that Skye could enter it whenever she wanted to. She never even glanced at it again.
The settling in period between her & Bella was a bit tetchy. Our Bella was tiny (5kilos whilst Skye came weighing 9kilos) but mighty. Skye had to learn that Bella was the boss but once she’d learnt to ‘ask’ if she could enter the dog bed, play with toys etc all was fine.
Learning to settle with humans was a little harder. Skye was wary. She had a broken rib which had reformed oddly & was (is still) very nervous of roads. We are unsure if there is a link there.
She would allow us to touch her but would cower to the ground. With our daughter however, she was a different dog. They instantly became best friends. With love & careful coaxing from our daughter she learnt to cuddle & be cuddled. We learnt quickly that she was always supposed to live with children. We have a woodland behind our house & we swear she can sniff out children playing in it. She will always go over & sit patiently by them awaiting a fuss.
Skye LOVED a walk from very early on. We just think she hadn’t been walked! Grass was a novelty & she couldn’t get enough of it. She would sit by the front door & ask for another walk multiple times per day. She still loves a walk in the woods daily. There is a little stream in there & she has also been known to jump in & have a swim. She loves to race with our daughter & also learnt to pencil roll on command – something which is now her favourite activity & being the grass obsessed dog she is, she cannot see a patch of grass without dropping into a roll.
She was also toilet trained in a matter of days. We think that no one had previously taken the time or patience to show her. In fact, she is the most trainable, well behaved pug we’ve ever had! Our daughter taught her to jump through a hoop, over a skipping rope & through a tunnel. She is also partial to a bit of fancy dress on special occasions.
Skye has seen 4 pugs come & go through our family home. She is always the biggest & accepts her fate in the ‘pug tower’ as they all climb on top of her & use her as a pug pillow.
We just celebrated Skye’s 9th birthday. The walks are less frequent (now 1-2 per day) & she has moulded the top of our sofa to perfectly squish around her body for her daytime snoozes which have gotten longer.
But once out in the woods she is still like that 1 year old puppy who can run super fast (faster than any pug we’ve known, even keeping up with a local greyhound!).
She loves us whole heartedly & has even slowly learnt to trust strangers & now loves a chin tickle.
Here’s to many more years with our lovely Skye!
Rebekah.
Please see Part 2: Mabel & Pixie!
Rebekah’s Story – Adopting Mabel & Pixie! | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
by Yasmin | 10 Jul, 2024 | Blog, News, Pug Health
Written by Malcolm McKee.
PDWRA Vet Advisor.
Pictured above, with his grumble, before the loss of Lily (February ’23) and Missy (May ’23).
Most orthopaedic problems in pugs affect the hind limbs (back legs) rather than the fore limbs (front legs). Fortunately fractures (broken bones) and tumours (cancers) are very uncommon.
The two conditions that most commonly cause lameness and stiffness in pugs are hip dysplasia and medial patellar lunation.
Hip dysplasia
This is an inherited condition that causes the ball-and-socket hip joint to develop abnormally (excessive laxity) and leads to secondary osteoarthritis (also referred to as degenerative joint disease).
Lameness and/or stiffness involving one or both hind limbs may be evident and affected Pugs are often reluctant to exercise and have difficulty jumping. Common features on examination include muscle atrophy/wastage (especially the gluteal muscles around the hip) and pain when the hip joint is extended (limb pulled backwards).
Radiographs (X-rays) are necessary to confirm a diagnosis of hip dysplasia. Typical abnormalities include deformity of the femoral head (ball) and pelvic acetabulum (socket) and changes consistent with osteoarthritis (such as new abnormal bone formation – referred to as osteophytes).
Pugs that are lame/stiff will generally warrant medical treatment. Key aspects include: (1) weight control (2) exercise regulation and (3) analgesics (pain killer medications).
Dogs that are overweight should be placed on a diet, with calorie intake restricted, and their weight regularly monitored. The likes of a piece of cucumber should be given as a treat, rather than biscuits or table scraps.
Exercise should be regulated in a semi-controlled manner. Twisting, turning, jumping and climbing should be avoided. Small, frequent, regular walks, on the likes of a flexi-lead are preferable to long walks tearing around off the lead. Dogs will often have a threshold regarding the duration and type of exercise, beyond which lameness and stiffness will increase. It is important to recognise these limits and stay within them.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most common medication used in dogs with hip dysplasia and secondary osteoarthritis. If they are effective (less lame/stiff), the dose of drug should be reduced to the lowest possible to maintain the benefit, and if possible halted.
Paracetamol may also be considered in more severe cases, as well an the injectable Librela.
The majority of pugs can be managed satisfactorily with medical/conservative treatment. Those that aren’t may be candidates for surgery. Replacing the arthritic hip joint (referred to as a Total Hip Replacement, or THR), is preferable to cutting the head (ball) off the top of the femur (referred to as an Excisional Arthroplasty). Hip replacement surgery is a very specialised (and expensive) procedure – in experienced hands, it has a high success rate.
Medial patellar luxation
Also referred to as “slipping of the knee cap” (medial refers to the fact that the patella or knee cap dislocates onto the inside of the stifle/knee joint).
Affected pugs typically have a hopping gait/lameness, especially if the patella is slipping in and out of the groove in the femur (thigh bone), within the joint. A careful examination enables the abnormal movement of the patella to be detected. The severity of the condition is graded from 1 to 4, with 4 being the most severe.
The reason the patella luxates (dislocates or slips) out of the groove on the femoral bone is that the femur is deformed (referred to as femoral varus) and the hind limb bow-legged to some degree.
Radiographs (X-rays) are not necessary in order to diagnose medial patellar lunation – as mentioned previously this is based on a thorough examination. The main reason to obtain radiographs is to assess the degree of deformity of the femur bone, in dogs where surgical correction/“straightening” is being considered.
Many pugs with medial patellar lunation may be managed conservatively with weight control, exercise regulation, and if necessary NSAIDs (as low a dose as infrequently as possible). Dogs that fail to respond satisfactorily may be candidates for surgery.
Surgery aims to stabilise the patella within the femoral groove using one or more techniques. In dogs with mild deformity of the femur (and associated low-grade patella luxation), it is not necessary to correct the deformity (straighten the femur). In contrast, pugs with severe deformity of the femur (Grade 4/4 patella lunation), require the deformity to be corrected by cutting and straightening the bone (a bigger and more expensive operation).
All patellar luxation surgeries in dogs are intricate, especially in dogs as small as pugs, however, the success rate is good when performed by experienced surgeons. Following surgery it is important that exercise is severely restricted until bone and soft tissues have had a chance to heal.
Unfortunately hip dysplasia and patellar luxation are not uncommon in pugs. Both conditions are relatively easy to diagnose and the majority of dogs do not require an operation. The outlook in those pugs that have surgery is generally good, albeit the training and skill of the surgeon are important factors.
Malcolm McKee.
BVMS, MVS, DSAO, MACVSc, MRCVS.
Another very interesting article by Malcolm about spinal conditions common in pugs should be read, at:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/spinal-conditions-in-pugs/
by Yasmin | 25 Jun, 2024 | Blog, News, Pug Health
The UK recorded its hottest day of the year so far on Tuesday 26th June, as yellow heat health alerts remain in place for millions around the country.
Temperatures peaked at 28.3C (82.9F) in Wisley, Surrey, and could rise to 30C (86F) in some spots this week, forecasters say.
Scotland and Northern Ireland also recorded their hottest temperatures so far this year – although Wales did not break its previous record set in May.
So here are our usual reminders & tips to help you & your pugs get through it comfortably & safely!
- Make sure your pug has constant access to fresh water – day and night.
- fresh fruit, chilled or frozen, make ideal refreshing & healthy treats to help keep them hydrated.
- Make sure your pug has constant access to shade and cool surfaces.
- Remember to move sources of shade as the sun moves around gardens.
- Provide cooling jackets and shallow paddling pools to enable your pug to cool down, and remember that carpets do not help pugs cool down, so indoors, provide cooling mats and swap them for a spare cool mat regularly to ensure they are cool.
- DO NOT rely on fans alone to cool your pugs down as they are not as effective on pets as they are on us.
- Plan your walks
- Walk your pug in the early morning or late in the evening if the temperatures are cool enough and try to stick to shaded areas.
- If the mornings/evenings are still warm – DO NOT walk your pug!
- Particularly if they are overweight, have health issues, are elderly or very young.
- The Seven Second Test
- Tarmac can get very hot in the sun – hold your hand against the tarmac for 7 seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand DO NOT walk your pug as they could burn their paws.
NEVER leave your pug in a car on a hot day – even if it’s just for a couple of minutes, or even if you have left the windows open. Pugs can die in hot cars in minutes!!!
It is important to know what to look for, where HEATSTROKE is concerned, also what to do in an Emergency!
For more information on this, please see: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/seasonal-hazards-for-pugs/
Also, so far this year the grass & tree pollen count has been very high, so this may also be having an impact on allergic pugs.
Atopic Dermatitis (Itchy skin!).
by Yasmin | 23 Jun, 2024 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories
Our pugs play such special roles in our lives. And on pug parents’ Stef and Tom’s Wedding Day this week, Frank couldn’t help but share the spotlight!
Congratulations!
It melts our hearts seeing adopted pugs having their best lives in their very best homes.
Frank has happily been part of their lives for years already, overcoming the dreaded cancer through their love and devotion.
Stef adopted Frank from PDWRA after sadly losing her young pug Baby, at the tender age of 6, following a lifetime of illness and complex conditions. She naturally hoped that adopting an older pug who was fit and healthy would be free of the health troubles he previously faced with Baby. However, less than a year after his adoption she noticed a large lump on the side of his leg and so a similar round constant vet trips and sleepless nights began again.
Frank faced multiple operations to remove the tumour that sadly kept re-appearing, leading to several rounds of chemotherapy that were unsuccessful. So, the tough decision to remove Frank’s Leg was made and recovery was slow for him but Frank has proved that she made the best decision.
He is the true definition of a fighter and not once during his countless rounds of chemo and treatments did he feel sorry for himself. Stef has always felt blessed that she was chosen to take care of Frank after he was rescued from his previous life.
Nothing has prevented them from having a full and adventurous life together and they always will.
For other Rescue & Adoption stories please go to: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/category/rescue-stories/
If you would like to adopt, please see: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/adopting-a-pug/
by Yasmin | 15 Jun, 2024 | Blog, News, Volunteering
Our Volunteer Area Coordinators (VACs) are integral to everything PDWRA does. They are each responsible for an area of the UK, managing the surrendering, health care, fostering and rehoming of pugs in need.
Scotland is managed by Sandra, who has been the VAC there for 5 years, after first becoming involved with the charity as an adopter and fosterer. She more recently has been supporting the North of England also.
By Sandra:
I have been a Voluntary Area Coordinator (VAC) for 5 years covering Scotland.
I am a pug mamma to 5 pugs four fawn and one black – having gotten my first pug Olly who is now 16. He’s getting on now and everything is starting to stop working as it should except his hearing which is finally tuned to the doorbell ringing or the fridge door being opened! Their ages range from 16 to 2 years old.
I became involved with PDWRA as an adopter – adopting Elvis seven years ago then becoming a fosterer and have fostered many pugs over the years. Fostering is very rewarding, caring for a pug for a few weeks or for a few months then seeing them go on to their forever home. I have handed over lots of pugs to their new pug mum & dads. This will have been the first time they have met each other. Seeing the instant joy and the love between them is a great feeling.
Currently in Scotland and in parts of Northern England we do struggle to find homes with no other dogs or providing for special needs, behavioural or disabilities.
We also need volunteers to help with transporting pugs.
I have met some wonderful people involved with the Charity and our fantastic adopters, foster carers and transporters who we could not do what we do, without their support.
Sandra.
PDWRA VAC Scotland & North of England.
If you could adopt a pug, please see: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/adopting-a-pug/
If you could foster, please see: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/fostering-a-pug/
If you could volunteer, including transporting pugs occasionally,
please see: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/volunteering-for-pdwra/
by Yasmin | 13 Jun, 2024 | Blog, Rescue Stories
By Lesley – pictured here with Boo & Luna!
My partner James and I both knew that we wanted to get a rescue dog when circumstances allowed. Both of our families had had dogs before, mine all working dogs (collies and spaniels) and James’s family had always had Westies.
We both knew that we wanted to adopt a pug because we loved the breed but really wanted to get a rescue.
I had experienced a period of very bad health and was awaiting surgery in June of 2021. I was due to start a part time job after my surgery so we decided that, when I was healed, we would be in a position to be able to think about getting a pug.
We googled pug rescues in the UK and the PDWRA came up. They seemed like a wonderful charity so once I was recovered from my surgery and my health was starting to improve we applied to become fosterers / adopters!
We went through the application process and home check and waited to hear from the charity, thinking it would be at least a few months before we heard anything. Imagine our surprise when two weeks later we got a message from Annette at the PDWRA asking if we wanted to foster two girl pugs with a view to adopt. We saw the pictures of Boo and Luna and their adorable smiles and couldn’t say no!
They arrived on the 3rd August 2021, and we were a little shocked by how poorly they were! They were both at least 2 kilos overweight and had problems with their breathing.
The first night was very hard. Boo’s breathing was so loud that it was like someone was sawing wood in the same room! I was in tears because I had no idea how to help them and felt so powerless.
Our contacts at the PDWRA were amazing though, and helped us through every day (and some nights) when we had questions and gave us lots of advice on their care. We put them on a diet and exercise regime and, gradually, we started to see a real difference!
They started to show us their lovely personalities. Boo was the first to get cuddly, whilst Luna was the first to get playful and loves back scratches. They both love cuddles, walks, treats and of course teatimes!
Eventually Boo was able to have the BOAS surgery and now breathes so much easier! Luna also had to have a cancerous lump removed from her leg but it hasn’t recurred thank goodness!
Luna and Boo took a long time to get to full health but by February of 2022 they were ready to be adopted, ….. but we weren’t ready to let them go. They had left their paw prints on our hearts – so they stayed with us 🥰
We love taking them on adventures and holidays with us. We introduced them to the beach and Boo got her first non-bath time zoomies, while Luna enjoyed sniffing all the seaweed.
We absolutely adore them and have both improved our lives immeasurably. They seem to love to be by my side all the time, and James can always tell where I am by where they are!
My health still has its ups and downs but they are always there to cheer me up with their cuteness and give me cuddles. I can honestly say that they are my soul dogs and we love them more and more every day.
If you’d like to find out more about their adventures you can follow their Instagram page @ouradventurepugs. We always love to make new friends!
https://www.instagram.com/ouradventurepugs/
by Yasmin | 8 Jun, 2024 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories, Volunteering
Naomi’s is another story of wanting to help out the Charity by fostering, and then falling in love with her charge in the process!
Always keen to share photos of her beloveds with us, here are Naomi’s responses to questions we put to her about her experience with PDWRA and Petey pug.
Q. How did you first hear about the PDWRA?
Since owning my first pug Romeo and realising how special the breed is, I have always had a desire to help pugs in need. I’ve been an animal lover since I can remember and had various pets. I think I get it from my Mum!
Q. How did you come to make the decision to adopt through the PDWRA?
My pug Romeo was 10 years old and my Chihuahua 9 years old and I wanted a companion that could walk a little further (although the seniors got pushed round in their doggy pram also). I had bought my home now with a good garden, and knew I had the space and with great work life balance it was something I could finally commit to.
I applied and passed the checks with PDWRA VAC, Ronnie, who now I consider a dear friend through meeting from the charity. Ronnie contacted me and said can you help… I got back to her later that day and said yes. One day later I set off to pick Petey up and his sister also…. I didn’t intend to adopt him at this point just wanted to help and give something back. We still keep in touch with Petey’s sister and send her gifts and chat to her mum online.
Q. When did you adopt Petey?
When Petey came to me, he needed to be neutered before rehoming, so we developed a bond and when he returned from the vets and needed help to recover from his operation I started to think, OMG, can I let this handsome chap go to a new home?
I put this to the back of my mind for a short while but after my precious pug Romeo passed away on Petey’s 2nd Birthday, I just knew that this was a sign to keep him. So, we made the arrangements with the helpful and caring Ronnie, and he has been a valued part of my life and family since then. He is my soul dog and best friend.
Q. What made you decide to adopt?
Handsome boy, big brown puppy dog eyes and the pug head tilt, true to type characteristics. His happy demeanour, loving personality, needy pug personality and the fact that he follows me around all day every day!
Q. Can you tell us a little bit about Petey?
Petey was a misunderstood Pug, he is 100 miles an hour and a bit of a crazy loon but he is such a happy pup and loves his walkies, paddling pool and naps with me.
Q. How did you find the adoption process?
The process was straight forward and I cannot thank Ronnie and the PDWRA enough for lining me up with my best friend <3
Q. Is there anything you think prospective adoptive or foster parents should know?
I feel people need to give it time. Dogs can take different time frames to settle and some have been through more than others… time and love go a long way.
Q. What has life been like since adopting Petey?
Honestly, he makes me so happy and I take him everywhere with me… this year alone he’s been to Northumberland, Scotland, Newquay, Newbury, Newark and more … I love taking him on days out, new walks and adventures with me.
I haven’t looked back at all. He really helped get me through a tough time of losing my senior pug, whilst he hasn’t replaced Romeo he has become a vital part of my life and I hope to foster and maybe adopt again in the future.
He’s become quite the celebrity and is a brand ambassador for ‘All About Dogs Shows’, ‘Dogfest’ events and so much more and is regularly treated from brands alike to; new dog beds, toys, harnesses and much more!
Thank you, for Petey!
Naomi.
Naomi has occasionally volunteered in other areas for the charity when she can. Last year she took Petey to Crufts, to help man our stand at the world-famous event!
You can also follow Naomi’s Petey, and his fur sibling’s adventures on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exploreypaws/ , Facebook and TikTok: @Exploreypaws.
by Yasmin | 6 Jun, 2024 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories, Volunteering, Fundraising
This year marks the 40th anniversary of Volunteers’ Week, where the first week of June, each year, is a period for celebrating the invaluable contribution volunteers make to their causes, and society, every single day!
The PDWRA could not do what they do for Pugs in Need, without OUR DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS.
Enormous THANKS goes out to each and every one!
Our Volunteer contributors include:
Regional Volunteer Area Coordinators, who manage the whole rehoming process for each surrendered pug, from counselling those giving them up to ensuring they are thriving wherever they’re placed.
In-house Vets, providing highly experienced, breed-expert, supervision of the healthcare needs for pugs in our care.
Fosterers, who provide immediate, caring homes for each surrendered pug during their transition or rehabilitation.
Approved & trained Home-checkers who visit & assess all potential homes for our precious pugs.
Approved Transporters country-wide, provide the generous & trusted network for our pugs to reach their new homes, safely.
All year round, PDWRA’s Facebook Mega-Auction group raises thousands of ££s to help with pug vet bills. Managed by a trio of dedicated volunteers, presenting an amazing array of unique, donated, auction lots or special raffles prizes, to be won. All safely wrapped & dispatched to you!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/242845766241493/
Across the country, Local Fundraisers, through crafts & hobbies or small businesses or events, raise awareness of our charity & provide essential donations for PDWRA.
PDWRA’s small Comms team manages its website & social media daily, emailing regular newsletters to engage with supporters, ensuring they are kept informed about the charity’s work, requirements & achievements. All of our appeals for pug homes have reached new applicants so that ALL of those pugs in need, have found their forever homes.
Every single person that kindly & generously volunteers their time, at Events or behind the scenes, whether it’s administering microchips or paying vet bills, is invaluable in helping our cause: PUGS, that need our help for safe, stable & healthy futures.
Without ALL of YOU we could not do what we do!
If you would like to volunteer, please look at these webpages:
Locally: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/volunteering-for-pdwra/
or
Centrally: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/volunteer-opportunities-at-pdwra/
by Yasmin | 4 Jun, 2024 | Blog, Rescue Stories
Written by PDWRA VAC, Jackie.
How heartbreaking a decision it is, to let go of your pug, and then face the difficult task of finding a good home where it can be loved and cared for. PDWRA Volunteers understand how difficult and traumatic an experience it can be, which is why we help surrenderers through it compassionately and without judgement, to minimise the impact of that painful parting. Reassuring them also, that they will go to the best home possible from our vetted waiting list.
We can provide initial feedback on how their pug is progressing in the first few days and assure them they’re in trusted hands, thereafter our focus is fully geared towards the pug’s needs, and forever placement, or any rehabilitation requirements if needed.
When a surrender call is received we take as much information as possible about the pug; whether they’re compatible with children, cats, other dogs, what their diet is, their sleeping arrangements and walk routine. Whether there are any medical or behavioural issues which need to be addressed. All this information is collated to form a picture of the pug so that we may find exactly the right foster placement.
The foster period varies depending upon the pugs needs – some may be ready to move on to their forever home within following a satisfactory Vet Health Check and Fosterer’s Assessment. Others with more complex issues will remain in foster care for longer until they’re pronounced ready to move on to a waiting home. A relatively small proportion will remain in Long-Term foster care, for their lifetime due to ongoing, multiple medical needs which the charity will support.
Foster pugs are treated as part of the family and participate fully in family life, taking into account any special needs they may have. A trip to the beach – the foster pug goes too. Movie night with the children – the foster pug has a front row seat. Just chilling out with the family – definitely. Chicken Nuggets on the menu – no chance!
This is one of our fosters on his way to a tennis lesson with the daughter of the house – Anyone for tennis ?
Hoping you enjoyed these few photos which illustrate well how surrendered pugs are taken great care of!
By Jackie.
Anyone that wishes to discuss the surrendering of their pug, in confidence, please contact the Volunteer Are Coordinator for your area at:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/surrendering-your-pug/
If you would like to foster, short or long-term please read more & apply at:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/fostering-a-pug/
by Yasmin | 2 Jun, 2024 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories
You may remember the special appeal for Luna, the young pug looking for her forever home with no other dogs.
Well, she found one with Faye, and didn’t have to wait too long!
As soon as Faye saw our post, she applied. She has adopted from us before, is an experienced dog owner and was looking for a challenge!
This little lady has been as good as gold (well mostly), and loves being the centre of attention as we knew she would.
Special thanks go to her foster carer Tina, for taking such good care of Luna whilst in foster and preparing her for her forever home.
Luna has been renamed Sandra by Faye, and she says this about her:
” Our beautiful Sandra has been a part of our family for 2 months now & has settled right in. We utterly adore her. She’s our perfect pug princess, pocket rocket!
She is doing really well, still a bit reactive on walks but nothing we can’t handle. She has settled right in & very much ‘rules the roost’ even barking at my eldest son in the morning until he gets out of bed & gives her cuddles.
She spends a lot more time with my Mum who sadly lost her dog and asked if Sandra could be her therapy pet, a role Sandra takes very seriously! ”
Young Luna needs a No-Dog Forever Home!
by Yasmin | 30 May, 2024 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories
Bruno and Pixie are 7 year-old siblings, and we’re still looking for the right home for them.
Changes at home affecting working hours made it difficult for them to be looked after as well as they had been used to.
Both are neutered and are fully housetrained.
Brother Bruno (fawn) is the more reticent of the pair, and can take a while to trust new people. He’s a sensitive (responsible) soul, who enjoys attention once he’s used to you.
He responds well to exercise, enjoying longer walks than his sister and gets very excited when allowed to run around on the beach or in the woods.
Bruno is particularly loving and also protective of Pixie.
Pixie (black) is a very tiny bundle of joy. No amount of fuss and attention is too much for her, and she gives little regard to personal space!
Pixie’s also a little less interested than Bruno in walks and exercise!
Rehoming requirements:
As bonded siblings, we’re naturally looking for their forever home together.
They have good tolerance for other dogs, and would probably prefer a home where they are the only dogs, although they should be ok to live with the right resident dog, a relaxed, sociable one.
They are compatible with cats and would suit a home with children of eight years and over.
The pair are used to sleeping together in a dog bed downstairs.
If you feel you have the right home for this pair, please reference ‘Bruno 24071 and Pixie 24072’ on your adoption application form.
Please apply at: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/adopting-a-pug/
Thank you!
by Yasmin | 27 May, 2024 | Blog, Rescue Stories
After losing her first pug a year and a half ago due to spinal issues, Lisa’s heart was broken.
A few months passed, and Lisa decided it was time for a new pug to enter her life. After doing some research Lisa discovered the PDWRA, not long after she saw ‘Reggie’s appeal and reached out to our volunteer Area-Coordinator, looking after his case, expressing her interest in adopting Reggie. Lisa’s application was a success and almost a year later it’s like Reggie, who is now 8, has been there since he was a puppy!
When Reggie first arrived, he didn’t even know how to play properly and would tear toys apart. He was cautious around other dogs, likely because he was attacked by a bigger dog in his previous home.
Reggie was also not used to being on furniture, having been kept in a cage overnight. So, with the help of Lisa’s love and patience, Reggie gradually learned to trust and enjoy his new life.
Now, Reggie is a gentle, happy soul who loves getting on the bed and sofa. He’s also become a local celebrity at Cafe Nero and around town. Lisa has done wonders to help Reggie feel safe, especially around other dogs, using treats from his daily food allowance, to reinforce positive behaviour in him.
Lisa feels incredibly supported by the charity and loves the sense of community among adopters and fosters. She says their lives have been so much nicer with Reggie in the house and wouldn’t change a thing. Lisa is grateful for the group and would definitely adopt another pug from the charity in the future.
Here’s to another celebration of “Happily Ever After!” with Lisa and Reggie finding each other in this way.
If you too would like to adopt a pug, please find out how to, at: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/adopting-a-pug/
You can read other pug rescue stories here: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/category/rescue-stories/
by Yasmin | 24 May, 2024 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories, Fundraising
Would YOU like to own a UNIQUE drawing of any of your furry friends with a generous donation towards PDWRA pugs in Need?
For the £15 charge for each drawing, which includes post & packaging, Shirley generously donates £10 to PDWRA! Such beautiful bargains!
Talented artist Shirley, who adopted from us late last year has kept herself busy since January taking orders from our supporters.
So far this year Shirley has donated over * £1,060 * from the proceeds of her skill-full pencil drawings. She’s still going strong every week with a running total of over £200 for the month of May.
Coming to the end of her Order list, Shirley would welcome as many as she can handle to keep her busy after her early morning exercise each day with her pug Daphne!
We cannot thank Shirley enough! 👏 Recipients of drawings are so happy with their personal artwork of their beloved subjects, unsurprisingly!
To find out more about Shirley and her inspirational drawings, please read:
by Yasmin | 21 May, 2024 | Blog, News
Calling all pug lovers in Scotland and the North of England!
We are always in need of more adoptive & foster homes across the country as we are receiving an increasing number of pugs being surrendered for rehoming.
However, as we receive more applications from some regions over others, we are currently short in Scotland & the North of England to meet the needs of pugs in our care, which naturally vary considerably.
Our amazing volunteer transport network will take them safely to wherever they need to be, though it becomes more difficult when the best matched home when needed, is too far away for a realistic and comfortable journey for the pugs.
Their welfare is always paramount! 😊
So, whether you’re able to offer a loving forever home, add a companion to your grumble or have room for a bonded-pair where others haven’t, or offer the time & care to those with medical or special-needs, short or long-term, we welcome all!
Please read further details on our webpages and apply online here:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/adopting-a-pug/
or
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/fostering-a-pug/
or, for transporting, or maybe home-checking:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/volunteering-for-pdwra/
Thank you!
by Yasmin | 14 May, 2024 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories
Meet 7 year-old siblings, Bruno and Pixie.
They have come to us following changes at home regarding working hours, making it difficult for them to be looked after as well as they had been, and deserve to be.
Both are neutered and are fully housetrained.
Bruno (fawn) is the more reticent of the pair, and can take a while to trust new people. He’s a sensitive soul, who likes attention once he becomes familiar with you.
He responds well to exercise, enjoying longer walks and gets very excited when allowed to run around on the beach or at the woods.
Bruno is particularly loving and also protective of his sibling Pixie.
Pixie (black) is a very tiny bundle of joy. No amount of fuss and attention is too much for her, and she gives little regard to personal space!
She’s also a little less interested than Bruno in walks and is sometimes reluctant.
Rehoming requirements:
We’re looking for their forever home together.
Bruno and Pixie have good tolerance for other dogs, and would probably prefer a home where they are the only dogs, although they should be ok to live with the right resident dog, a relaxed, sociable one.
They are compatible with cats and would suit a home with children of eight years and over.
This lovable pair are used to sleeping together in a dog bed downstairs.
If you feel you have the right home for them, please reference ‘Bruno 24071 and Pixie 24072’ on your adoption application form.
This can be found at: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/adopting-a-pug/
Thank you!
by Yasmin | 11 May, 2024 | Blog, News, Pug Health
The weather is warming up (at last!), and it’s surprising how soon it can affect our pug’s daily lives, long before summer officially arrives! So it’s a good idea to be prepared for it, replacing cool mats, purchasing cool jackets, changing schedules to supervise them or shifting walking or exercise times.
As a brachycephalic breed, pugs are particularly prone to heat sensitivity as they can’t cool down effectively when they pant due to the reduced space in their noses (narrower airways and shorter muzzle).
It has been found that up to three-quarters of heat-related illness in dogs seen by vets is caused by exercise in high temperatures, so please don’t take risks!
Also, if they are overweight, try to get them trimmer before it gets even warmer as they will struggle more, and likely exacerbate any other health issues they have.
Please see advice & tips on this at: FIT not FAT! | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
So, here’s a reminder of our Top Tips to keeping our pugs cool in warm/hot weather enabling us to enjoy the good weather when we have it!
- Make sure your pug has constant access to fresh water – day and night.
- replenish water bowls often so that it is cool, and ice cubes can be added to help.
- frozen fruit is a good natural source too.
- paddling pools will help to cool them down and are fun too!
- Make sure your pug has consistent access to shade and cool surfaces.
- Remember to move sources of shade as the sun moves around gardens.
- Provide cooling jackets and shallow paddling pools to enable your pug to cool down, and remember that carpets do not help pugs cool down, so provide cooling mats to help your pug cool down indoors and swap them for a spare cool mat regularly to ensure they are cool.
- DO NOT rely on fans alone to cool your pugs down as they are not as effective on pets as they are on us.
- Plan your walks.
- Walk your pug in the early morning or late in the evening if the temperatures are cool enough and try to stick to shaded areas.
- If the mornings/evenings are still warm – DO NOT walk your pug!
Remember, no dog has ever died from missing a walk, but dogs die from being walked when it is too warm, particularly if overweight, elderly or very young.
- The Seven Second Test
- Tarmac can get very hot in the sun – hold your hand against the tarmac for 7 seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand DO NOT walk your pug as they could burn their paws.
- Avoid travelling with your dog in a car when it’s hot
- If a journey is absolutely necessary, make sure they are in the shade, have air flowing around them and can access drinking water.
- Cooling mats are useful also when travelling on warm days.
- Make regular stops to check on them.
NEVER leave your pug in a car on a hot day – even if it’s just for a couple of minutes, or even if you have left the windows open. Pugs can die in hot cars in minutes if conditions are against them!!!
HEATSTROKE
This is an extremely dangerous condition that can develop if a dog gets too hot. Normal body temperature tends to be between 38-39°C (100.4-102.2°F), this can rise a bit if they are unwell with a fever.
If your dog’s body temperature goes above 40°C (104°F) they are at risk of heatstroke, which can cause seizures, organ damage, internal bleeding, coma and even death. Heatstroke is more dangerous the longer it lasts, so the quicker your dog is cooled down and treated by a vet, the better their chance of a full recovery.
It’s important to be aware of the SIGNS OF HEATSTROKE, which include:
- Excessive panting
- Difficulty breathing
- Increased heart rate
- Drooling
- Foaming at the mouth
- Bright red or very pale gums
- Bloody Diarrhoea
- Mild weakness/Lethargy
- Stupor
- Collapse & Seizures
- Vomiting, bloody also
- Drowsy and uncoordinated
If your pug experiences any of these symptoms, please seek the advice of your vet immediately.
Further information can be found at these useful sites:
Heatstroke in dogs – PDSA
Heatstroke in dogs | Dog health | The Kennel Club
Pug Health & Wellbeing | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
Pug Health & Wellbeing
