by Yasmin | 2 Feb, 2024 | Blog, Rescue Stories, Fundraising
This is adopter, Shirley’s, drawing of Daphne, who we appealed for a home for, last September. By October they were inseparable!
Shirley is an extremely talented artist also, and has been raising money for other dog breed charities, raising over £10,000 just by drawing people’s dogs. She has now offered her talent to raise funds for PDWRA!
In January alone, Shirley graciously donated a remarkable * £135 * from the sales of eight distinctive and original drawings so we are sending a heartfelt thank you to Shirley for her incredible contribution!
Our pug owners are absolutely delighted to own such personalised artwork featuring their beloved furry companions!
Shirley will draw anything with four legs! 😄
So, if you’re interested in supporting the PDWRA and acquiring these unique personal drawings don’t miss the chance to make a difference with your purchase. Please join our Mega-Auction fundraising facebook group to find out more:
PDWRA Mega Auction For Pugs In Need | Facebook
Here are links to their Happy-Ever-Story!:
When Shirley met Daphne! | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
Daphne, adopted & completely at home! | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
by Yasmin | 27 Jan, 2024 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories
** GOOD NEWS UPDATE, Feb’24: Skye has found her Forever-Home and is settling in well! **
COULD YOU ADOPT SKYE?
Skye is the sweetest, most delightful young pug who unfortunately has been kept in a flat, never walked outside or properly socialised.
She really needs an experienced adopter, willing to invest in helping her to understand the world outside especially, and enjoy her life the way she’s only just starting to!
Skye’s fosterer of a few months, says she has no social skills outdoors so barks at every dog and human she sees. She can be encouraged to relax but only for a short spell and will start barking again. She is simply nervous and doesn’t understand normal social cues.
Skye is neutered and has lived with older children, and a cat, and currently in foster, is living with a female pug of a steady nature. She is fully housetrained and used to be crated with toys to sleep.
Skye does love being outdoors though, for good long walks or chasing a ball which she’d do for hours, also acts as a good distraction technique when people are nearby.
She’s very fit and a destroyer of toys, and can be quite growly in her play. She has a good appetite and now sleeps along with her fosterers pug at the foot of the bed.
It takes Skye a while to settle down and feel comfortable with visitors who stay over, so short-term visitors will be barked at a lot! She can growl at people if they are doing something she does not like with her, although she has not nipped at all, however, young children would not be recommended to be resident in the home.
Skye is a lovely, sweet little soul who’s funny and an absolute delight, who enjoys her cuddles and toys. She isn’t a dominant but has a big personality!
So, if you, or anyone you know, could offer this lifeline to Skye, reaping all the rewards pug-owners are so familiar with, please contact your local PDWRA VAC to discuss further if you are already registered with us,
or apply here, referencing Skye 23214 : Adoption | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
Thank You! 💝🐾
******
For other Rescue Stories, and Appeals for Homes, please see: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/category/rescue-stories/
by Yasmin | 22 Jan, 2024 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories
** GREAT NEWS UPDATE – by Feb’24 Rosie & Pepper are settling into their Forever-Home! **
Rosie & Pepper are Adopted! | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
COULD YOU ADOPT ROSIE & MUM, PEPPER?
This is 4 year-old Rosie (white) and her Mum, Pepper (black) who is 6 years-old. They are looking for their Forever Home together.
They have been very well cared for and lived with children of various ages as well as other dogs, though are untested with cats.
They are very bonded and Dad was a panda pug hence their respective colouring. Rosie relies on her Mum, often looking for reassurance from her and will search for her when she’s not around. They are fed separately though, as Pepper can dominate & take young Rosie’s food.
Both gorgeous girls have been spayed, Rosie has also had BOAS surgery- now well-recovered and very healthy.
They enjoy their walks and are great off lead, with good recall. Equally they love quiet time on the sofa too. They love cuddles and kisses and are playful, happy-go-lucky pugs. Both are incredibly loveable and sweet natured and would bring a lot of joy to their new home.
Could you offer Pepper and daughter, Rosie, their forever home together?
Please apply, quoting Reference: Pepper 23220 & Rosie 23219 at: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/adopting-a-pug/
If you are already registered with us to adopt, please speak to your PDWRA Area Coordinator directly.
Thank You!
Rescue Stories | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
Blog | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
by Yasmin | 21 Jan, 2024 | Blog, News, Pug Health
With the low temperatures last week did your pugs get a chance to have fun in the snow, like Margo & Alfie? or did they prefer to stay warm & toasty indoors?
The latter would be recommended now Storm Isha is on its way….. with strong winds and heavy rain affecting nearly the whole country. More severe near coastlines.
Storm Tips:
- Be alerted to local weather warnings, news & reports.
- Ensure microchips are up-to-date and use ID tags with your contact number in case they get loose.
- Keep them away from floodwater which is dirty as well as containing floating or hidden objects.
- Secure your home and make it cosy as you would when there are fireworks. Make a den if it helps.
- It may be worth preparing an emergency kit of pet supplies & medication in case you need to evacuate quickly. Notes on pets with regular medications is always useful in case you need help from others.
Please see further tips & advice for pug safety in winter conditions:
https://www.pdsa.org.uk/what-we-do/blog/keeping-pets-safe-in-stormy-weather?
The Big Chill is Here! | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/health-and-dog-care/health/health-and-care/a-z-of-health-and-care-issues/winter-dangers-to-dogs
by Yasmin | 16 Jan, 2024 | Blog, News, Pug Health
The Big Chill is definitely here! ❄️
We’ve been warned it was coming and temperatures have dropped considerately with widespread frost predicted.
Please see some useful guidance on when’s too cold, to take them out:
Here are some reminders to help your pug brave the cold if it’s not too hazardous to take them them out.
– Beware of thin ice.
– There will be more salted roads & paths where our pugs can burn their paw pads and it’s not always easy to tell where salt has been. Clean their paws including between their toes, once home to remove any potential residue.
– Take care when using antifreeze, remember others will be too. 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.
Body-care:
– Do kit them out in warm outerwear, that fits well, not too loose or too tight to restrict their movement.
– Use winter paw protection if needed, this could be in the form of dog dry skin creams/ balms, or doggy booties.
– Inspect pug paws regularly to check for cracked pads, broken nails or snow/salt damage.
– Brush your pug’s coat regularly to distribute natural oils to the skin and prevent dry patches.
– If it’s windy, don’t forget to protect their eyes, either by extra lubrication gels and consider if on a beach, where sand can scratch them causing lasting damage without urgent treatment.
Margo & Alfie having a quick play in the snow.
Keep your dog safe during winter | The Kennel Club
It’s Getting Cold Outside!! | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
Winter Tips for Outdoors! | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
Seasonal Hazards for Pugs | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
Have fun and play, while staying safe!
Margo says so!
by Yasmin | 14 Jan, 2024 | Blog, Rescue Stories, In Memoriam
RIP My Beautiful Mr Bentley, my first best little friend, my everything.
06/03/2011 – 19/12/2023
Taken from the summer with his tortoise friend Ziggy who is my daughter Beth’s.
We rescued you, Bentley, at 18 months old from PDWRA but really you rescued me. You gave me a new lease of life. You gave me so much love, joy and funny times.
You guided my rotties and kept them in check. They were scared of you at first but they are sad looking for you and it’s heartbreaking to watch. My home is quiet and lonely without you and you’ve left a big hole in our hearts.
Our family grew, where Bentley had another brother, Otto, the son of my other two rotties. They all loved him and miss him so much.
You loved to get out and about in your little car that we bought you last year, so you wouldn’t be left at home missing out on any fun.
There is no real goodbye as I will see you again. You are only gone when you are forgotten and you will never be forgotten.
You were beautiful from start to end and I love and miss you so much, it hurts.
Thank you for everything Bentley. Love is forever.
Thank you PDWRA for bringing him into my life, they were the best years ever!
Always tell your animals how much you love and appreciate them. They are precious and only here a short while. Remember, we are their everything!
Kerry.
******
To pay tribute to your sadly lost and beloved PDWRA pug on this, our dedicated In Memoriam web page:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/category/in-memoriam/
please email your story, or whatever you would like to say about them, with photos,
to: yasmin.t.pdwra@nullgmail.com
by Yasmin | 5 Jan, 2024 | Blog, Rescue Stories, In Memoriam
Tribute to Minne & Bugsby by Adrian.
We adopted Minnie and Bugsby as a bonded brother and sister pair of Golden Oldies in 2020. They’d been badly neglected prior to rescue by PDWRA and each had their share of health issues accordingly including having the grand total of three teeth between them!
We’d had dogs all our lives but they were our first Pugs and our introduction to all those wonderfully unique Pug traits that we learned to love and cherish.
Minnie was a sweet gentle soul, totally food orientated with the ability to appear like a silent wraith behind you in the kitchen even though you’d left her sleeping blissfully in the lounge. Despite no teeth she ate anything!
Her brother Bugsby was the antithesis of his sister and the original grumpy old man. He didn’t like cars, vans, bicycles, pedestrians or basically anything that moved so taking him for a walk was an adventure. But they both loved their cuddles and slept on our bed from day one. We loved them both very dearly.
Sadly, we lost them both in 2023 and they left an enormous hole in our family. RIP both and run free. We will never forget you.
Adrian.
******
To pay tribute to your sadly lost and beloved PDWRA pug on this, our dedicated In Memoriam web page:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/category/in-memoriam/
please email your story, or whatever you would like to say about them, with photos,
to: yasmin.t.pdwra@nullgmail.com
by Yasmin | 4 Jan, 2024 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories
** NEWS UPDATE: 8th JAN’ 2024 – We’re delighted to say that these beautiful girls have been adopted! **
We still welcome anyone interested and able to adopt a bonded-pair of pugs, as we consistently have them arriving into our care: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/perfect-pairs/
Iris and Ebony are in foster with us waiting for their perfect adoptive home together.
They have quite different characters, but are compatible, well-bonded and equally delightful. They can live with children and other sociable dogs, though are untested with cats.
Iris is a five year old white girl, who:
* Enjoys play with other sociable dogs.
* Enjoys the great outdoors, and would like a garden.
* Is quite humorous, loving, affectionate and outgoing.
* Is an emotional rock to Ebony.
Iris will:
* Eat other dogs faeces, so you’ll have to be quick!
* Bark sporadically at the TV, a common pug trait!
Ebony is a three year old black girl, who:
* Is also suited to live with other sociable dogs, though would prefer male dogs if there are any within the home.
* Needs support in sharing a lap around other dogs.
* Takes time to warm to new people and situations.
* Is affectionate, loving and needy once bonded.
* Enjoys walk, and likes her home comforts.
* Can bark when Iris barks.
If you are interested in offering Iris and Ebony their forever home or have any questions, please email Voluntary Area Coordinator, Jane, directly: janemac001@nullbtinternet.com
If you are not registered to adopt with PDWRA, please submit an application referencing ‘Iris 23204 & Ebony 23205’ at: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/adopting-a-pug/
If you are already registered with us to adopt, please speak to your PDWRA Area Coordinator directly.
Thank You!
by Yasmin | 1 Jan, 2024 | Blog, News, Volunteering, Vacancies
** CURRENT VACANCIES as of JANUARY 2025 **
We have a number of key opportunities for dedicated volunteers to join our busy charity, from Trustees to front-line Area Coordinators.
*************
For the following vacancies, if you, or anyone you know, may be interested, and have the skills, experience & time to commit, please contact : secretary@nullpugwelfare-rescue.org.uk
Trustees
We are looking for more Trustees, with new members who wish to offer strategic advice or financial planning expertise.
PDWRA is a Registered Charity run entirely by volunteers including its Trustees, who ultimately exercise control over, and are legally responsible for the charity.
Working among the board of Trustees and Officers, you will be contributing to its fulfilment of its duties and responsibilities while pursuing its aims & objectives.
You will be developing long-term strategies and ensuring compliance with the charity’s governance and procedures, able to attend regular, remote meetings and be able to draw on experience in a similar role or management position.
Fundraising Manager
As a charity that is entirely dependent on donations, fundraising is critical.
As the Head of Fundraising, you will guide the charity in how to get the most from available schemes and opportunities, and to support volunteers who wish to fundraise for the charity.
Working closely with the Trustees, you will be developing and overseeing a cohesive strategy for current and future development of its income.
This is a key opportunity to make a tangible difference to PDWRA, where the cost of living challenges and rising vet healthcare costs impacts our charity greatly!
Volunteer Area-Rehoming Co-ordinators (VACs)
Our VACs are at the forefront of the charity. They are at the receiving end of calls from the public who wish to surrender their pugs to the PDWRA. VACs guide and counsel them through the process and ultimately oversee the rehoming of their surrendered pug.
The positions are held across the UK and support is always needed to take in more needy pugs.
You will be dedicated to a specified area of the country, working remotely, coordinating all activities and other volunteers, required to support the rehoming of surrendered pugs from your area.
This includes:
- Being available to receive or return calls as a matter of urgency, to advise and reassure the public surrendering their pugs
- Managing adoption, foster and volunteer applications for your region, providing support once onboard
- Working with all other resources within PDWRA according to PDWRA guidelines and legal requirements
- Organising the demands of the role, with commitment, responsibility and flexibility
- Helping to promote pug rescue work and achievements of the PDWRA
This is a demanding, yet highly rewarding role where full training and support will be given, with reviews, to ensure you will be confident and knowledgeable to perform this vital role.
As lot of our work is carried out remotely, so you do not have to live in the region that you will be managing.
If you feel you have the skills and the time to contribute to rehoming pugs in need in this way, please email: secretary@nullpugwelfare-rescue.org.uk
Full Job Descriptions & Application Forms will be sent for all of the Vacancies above. Thank You!
Interviews occur on an ongoing basis and all successful applicants will require a Disclosure & Barring Check.
For experiences of being a VAC, please see:
Interview with Paula: An Experienced Volunteer Area Coordinator | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
&
Paula – Volunteer, Trustee & Lead Area Coordinator. | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
Multi-Role Volunteering, by Yasmin | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association
An Interview with Voluntary Area Co-ordinator, Cara. | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
A Day in the Life of Fosterer, Jackie. | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
Interview with Jane, Voluntary Area Co-ordinator for the South West. | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
Interview with Lisa, VAC for East Region. | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
by Yasmin | 31 Dec, 2023 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories, Volunteering
As we welcome a New Year in, we would like to say a huge Thank You to everyone who has supported, volunteered, and contributed to PDWRA throughout 2023.
Thanks to your unwavering support, PDWRA has reached a significant milestone this year – its 50th anniversary!
We would like to acknowledge and appreciate the immense support from adopters, fosterers, volunteers, donors, fundraising teams, and everyone who has worked tirelessly behind the scenes at PDWRA.
Once again, thank you for your contributions and for making a positive impact on the pug community.
If you would like to donate to support our work, please go to: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/donating-to-pug-dog-welfare/
You can also read our blog posts throughout the year by following: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/blog/
by Yasmin | 28 Dec, 2023 | Blog, News, Pug Health
It’s approaching New Year’s Eve and we know what to expect! For some of us also, it may be the first time you’ll be experiencing how this affects a new pug in your home.
Sufficiently 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: A variety of anxiety relieving products contain pheromones, and can be an effective way to help your pet stay calm. Comforting jackets also are like a big hug! There are so many products around so do research them.
Otherwise:
• Walk them before it’s dark.
• Feed your dogs before fireworks are expected to begin, as they may be too stressed to eat.
• 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.
Further Advice & tips can be found at:
• https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/health-and-dog-care/health/health-and-care/a-z-of-health-and-care-issues/fireworks
&
• https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/seasonal-hazards-for-pugs/
&
• https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/pug-health/
by Yasmin | 25 Dec, 2023 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories, Volunteering
We would like to wish everybody volunteering and supporting PDWRA, a Very Merry Christmas!
Enjoy our festive compilation of Happy Pugs in Happy PDWRA Homes.
As always, we can’t emphasise enough, our enormous thanks to everyone involved in helping and supporting the PDWRA.
Without your continued support we wouldn’t be able to do the work we do, so a very special thanks goes out to all of our amazing dedicated, volunteers, whose work often takes up a huge amount of their time and energy, and juggling with the rest of their lives.
Thank you so much, you’re all very special and very much appreciated!
As our celebratory 50th year comes to an end, we look back on yet another incredibly busy year of rescuing and rehoming Pugs in Need.
May you all have a very Happy Christmas!
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/volunteering-for-pdwra/
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/category/rescue-stories/
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/category/news/
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/blog/
by Yasmin | 23 Dec, 2023 | Blog, In Memoriam
Benny joined us at the age of 5 in May 2019.
He was the most loving beautiful boy who brought us nothing but joy in the 4 years he was with us.
We sadly lost him in October this year after a short battle with cancer. He was only 9.
We all loved him dearly and miss him so much.
From his ever-loving family.
******
To pay tribute to your sadly lost and beloved PDWRA pug on this, our dedicated In Memoriam web page:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/category/in-memoriam/
please email your story, or whatever you would like to say about them, with photos,
to: yasmin.t.pdwra@nullgmail.com
by Yasmin | 19 Dec, 2023 | Blog, Rescue Stories, Volunteering
Like many of our foster applicants, Paula had recently lost her beloved pug. At this time, she didn’t want to make a long-term commitment to another pug, but she did want to make a difference in a pug’s life.
After consulting with her family, Paula decided to take in Trixie, a 7-year-old pug who had nothing to her name when she arrived with PDWRA. No harness, no lead, no bed, or blanket! Fortunately, one of the PDWRA transporters made a generous donation to ensure that Trixie would have the essentials she needed upon arrival at Paula’s.
Typically, it takes a few days for a pug to feel comfortable in a new environment. However, Trixie took an immediate liking to Paula and follows her everywhere. Paula’s granddaughter, Carla has taken a liking to Trixie as well, and the two are inseparable. Although the family were initially worried about Trixie around Carla, it quickly became apparent that the two had a special bond, with only Carla being allowed to pet Trixie while she chews on her antler.
Trixie was struggling with a host of medical issues, including fleas, infections, and an urgent need for a bath. Caring for a pug with multiple health needs can be overwhelming, but with the help of her vet, Paula was able to nurse Trixie back to health.
In some cases, a full understanding of the pug’s background is not possible. As Paula experienced, fosterers need to be prepared for any eventuality. However, with a willingness to adapt to the needs of the pug and with the assistance of PDWRA, fostering can be a truly rewarding experience. It’s heart-wrenching to say goodbye as they move to their forever home, but knowing that you’ve made a difference in their lives is priceless.
When asked about her experience with first-time fostering for PDWRA, Paula had this to say: “Fantastic! It’s so rewarding to help out a pug in need. I couldn’t wish for a more loving companion.”
If you are able to foster, short or long-term, please see our fostering section, where you can apply also!
Fostering | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
by Yasmin | 18 Dec, 2023 | Blog, News, Volunteering, Fundraising
This year, the PDWRA Mega Auction Facebook Group successfully raised an incredible sum of £17,000.
This achievement would not have been possible without the commendable efforts of Pippa, Catherine & Carolyn who work tirelessly behind the scenes to raise these much-needed funds for PDWRA pugs.
Pippa, in addition to volunteering for the Mega-Auction (MA) is also a race marshal and has attended F1 at Silverstone in that role. She travels the country attending many high profile events in her capacity as a marshal.
Carolyn is a pug enthusiast and shows her pugs at professional dog shows. Meanwhile, Catherine creates the beloved Pugtatoes as well as fabulous hand-made greetings cards, to raise funds for PDWRA.
We are very grateful to each of the team for their dedication and labour-intensive efficiency at what they do!
We’d also like to a give a special thank you to Mandy Kiss, who makes regular donations of her highly-sought-after knitted pugs in various outfits, that have raised £3,000 alone this year!
The Mega Auction is closing for a well-deserved seasonal break, RETURNING on 25th January 2024, and it will feature some fantastic antique and vintage collectibles.
Don’t miss out and make sure to join the group if you are not a member already. We have 5,500 members.
Meanwhile Catherine’s Marj, would like to wish all our donators and supporters a Very Merry Christmas!
If you have any items you would like to donate, please contact Pippa, Catherine or Carolyn via the Mega Auction Facebook Group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/242845766241493/
Facebook: Log into Facebook
To see other areas of fundraising or ways you may be able to support us in this way, go to: Fundraising & Events 2023 | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
by Yasmin | 18 Dec, 2023 | Blog, News, Fundraising
The PDWRA 2024 Calendar is still available. HURRY to GET YOURS NOW for the NEW YEAR!
Last of the stock is available to order for the New Year, Jan’ 2024!
Please Pay via PayPal: https://py.pl/1CrrrV
At Only £12, including 1st class postage, it’s a great way to support PDWRA too!
For further information on Fundraising and why we rely on it, please see:
Fundraising & Events 2023 | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
