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
by Yasmin | 10 May, 2024 | Blog, Rescue Stories, Volunteering
Dot’s journey began with a unique challenge—she was fully blind. But to Tracey, this was not a barrier just an opportunity to make a difference in Dot’s life. Being the only person willing and able at the time, to take in Dot due to her condition, Tracey welcomed her into her home, not knowing the profound impact Dot would soon have on her family.
For Dot, life hadn’t been easy. Previously in a home with larger dogs, she had faced injuries and trauma to both her eyes causing her sight loss. Despite her challenges, Dot exuded resilience and a zest for life. Described as a “fantastic tough and a sassy bundle of fun,” Dot’s personality captured Tracey’s heart from the start.
Initially intended as a short-term foster, Dot’s presence in Tracey’s home soon became permanent. She settled in quickly, becoming the first long-term foster pug for Tracey. This means PDWRA will always be there for support whenever needed, especially for Dot’s healthcare costs.
Despite her blindness, Dot navigates the world with remarkable independence. She understands commands like “step up” and “step down” and stops on cue to avoid obstacles. Her ability to adapt and thrive in her environment is inspiring.
Dot’s impact extends beyond Tracey’s family. With all of Tracey’s children having autism, Dot has become more than just a pet—she’s a source of comfort and joy. Particularly for Tracey’s son who struggles with his emotions, Dot has been a calming presence helping him regulate his emotions. He is also first one up in the morning to make sure Dot is cared for. She has also helped Tracey’s other son overcome his fear of dogs.
She’s a spirited bundle of joy, independent, resilient and is partial to pulling the washing out of the washing machine when Tracey is trying to load it!
Dot’s resilience isn’t just limited to her physical challenges. Having lost 24 teeth, she fearlessly tackles life head-on, always picking up the biggest bones from the shop. So, from pulling out laundry from the washing machine to snuggling up on blankets, Dot’s playful antics bring laughter and warmth to her home.
With patience and understanding, Dot has flourished, proving that every dog deserves a chance at a happy, fulfilling life.
As Tracey aptly puts it, “fostering a dog like Dot requires time, patience, and love—but the rewards are immeasurable!”.
If you would like to offer a pug like Dot a loving home, by fostering short or long-term, please apply at: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/fostering-a-pug/
by Yasmin | 7 May, 2024 | Blog, Pug Health, Rescue Stories, Volunteering
Eight year old Tilly came into the PDWRA’S care a few months ago due to her owner’s illness. She was described as a nervous dog who would only allow her owner to touch her, without attempting to bite!
When Tilly came to us, it was immediately apparent she was severely visually impaired due to pigment covering her cornea in both eyes. This was a result of the (untreated) condition ‘dry eye’.
Tilly was very scared initially and difficult to handle, which we suspected was due to her near blindness and very little social exposure.
Tilly’s skin was also in poor condition due to allergies, and unfortunately she had four masses on her skin. We had them removed and they were found to be varying grades of mast cell tumours.
Our foster carer worked hard on Tilly’s nervousness and with treatment, her skin and eyes became more comfortable, but unfortunately Tilly developed two further mast cell tumours.
Thankfully, since then, Tilly has had no further reoccurrence of her tumours, and she is unrecognisable compared to how she was when she came into the Charity’s care. She is happy, well adjusted, sociable, and loving life.
A wonderful outcome for Tilly, and for her foster carers who love her dearly!
If you would like to foster pugs in need like Tilly please see: Fostering | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
To find out more about mast cell tumours, please read: Mast Cell Tumours – by PDWRA Vet Advisor, Helen. | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
by Yasmin | 29 Apr, 2024 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories
Rupert (fawn) and Algy (black) are a bonded pair of brothers who are looking for their forever home.
They are 3 years old, neutered, healthy with no medical issues, fully house trained and tolerant of cats!
A key reason for their surrender was friction between Rupert predominantly and the remaining male dog in the household. There was a lot of marking and humping, which has not been a problem whilst in our foster carer’s home suggesting that a no-dog household, or one with a female would be better-suited.
The other reason for their surrender was an increase in working hours in the home. Rupert & Algy respond best to a routine and are fairly calm and relaxed pugs apart from when the harnesses appear for their walks – then they go mad! Once out of the door they calm down and get on happily with their walk.
Being boisterous when excited, they need to be fed separately, so also a home with children over 5 years old would be recommended.
Rupert
Rupert is the more confident of the two, outgoing and inquisitive, also the more sociable around dogs, while Algy tends to stand back and let Rupert take the lead. Rupert likes to kick a ball around the garden and loves walks away from the roadside.
Algy
Algy is definitely the more laid back, but where Rupert leads, Algy will often follow.
Any resident dog would preferably need to be female as Rupert is likely to show dominance tendencies as described, when confronted with another male in the household, other than his brother Algy.
So, if you could take this contrasting & compatible pair into your hearts & home, please apply! Go to: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/adopting-a-pug/
Reference: Rupert 24037 & Algy 24038
If you are already registered to adopt with us, please speak to your local PDWRA Area Coordinator directly.
Thank You!
