by Yasmin | 18 Oct, 2023 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories, Volunteering
My involvement with PDWRA started in 2017 as a first-time adopter. We were willing to take on a pair of pugs, who turned out to be the beautiful, 7 ½ year-old litter sisters, Tasmin (Taz) & Millie.
With the name of Tasmin (on the left), I knew she was meant for me!?
Having taken a serious break from my career managing international recruitment programs for a global tech company, it made it possible for me to devote the time needed for our new additions, and due to this, along with the following volunteering developments, I never returned to my career!
The following year, I was approached by the trustees and asked if I would join the core team as a Voluntary Area Coordinator (VAC) for the busiest, South region. It was full-on, learning on the go, in practical, policy and process terms, as well as accelerating my understanding about this most special breed. Before I knew it, I had matched and rehomed 50 gorgeous pugs and another volunteer, Natalie, was brought onboard to help me.
I oversaw every step of the often emotional and difficult journey for those handing over their pugs, managing the enthusiastic waiting list of adopters until pugs were successfully matched to them, also providing advice and support to foster carers across the 10 counties particularly over pug health and welfare matters. Also, organising volunteer transport generally at short-notice, I soon became an expert at using the AA route planner and the very important motorway service station locations, one of which we collected our precious girls from!
Unfortunately, it wasn’t long before I discovered a sinister lump developing on Taz which was discovered to be an aggressive Mast Cell Tumour. She went through surgeries and chemo as she deserved to live longer than that terrible disease had originally planned for her. It was a demanding time while still looking after the South region’s rehoming, nursing Taz and making many vital decisions for her though with the confidence of her specialists at Fitzpatrick Referrals Oncology, where I felt we were living for a while due to the frequent appointments & emergency trips in between. We couldn’t praise or thank them enough for all their expertise and personal support throughout it.
We decided to adopt another beautiful soul, Dottie, so that Millie would have a familiar companion, and sister, in the future, as she’d always known that.
Sadly, we lost Taz 6 months later, after she’d been with us for just under 2 years. At this difficult time I had to take a break from the ‘on-call’ role of a VAC, though it remained joyful and satisfying to see how the pugs I had placed, got on in their forever homes through our internal Facebook group for PDWRA adopters and fosterers, with parents I had known as names on an application form!
We were asked to foster short-term on a few urgent occasions, for bonded-pairs as there are generally fewer homes able to accommodate two, also Millie doesn’t generally welcome new pugs to our home! However, we overcame that, and ‘failed’ as fosterers twice, by adopting 2 pairs of boys, Percy and Benny in 2020 (above) then Bob and Frank (below) 2 years later, after we sadly lost Percy to lymphoma.
They were only supposed to be with us as an emergency for a few nights but before we knew it they were so settled and we couldn’t bear for them to go through another move.
During these years we’ve experienced dentals for all, numerous eye-ulcers, 2 types of cancer, seizures, a heart-murmur, arthritis, pug myelopathy and a little biter who looks like butter-wouldn’t-melt, and is 95% transformed!!
Whether adoptees or foster pugs, they were all overweight when they arrived, 2 of the boys were obese, so weight-loss management became a familiar experience too. We learn so much from what this exceptional breed throws at us!
After the break as a VAC, I was asked if I’d consider returning to help a few others with PDWRA’s Social Media, most importantly Facebook which I’ve managed it since, mostly on my own, for 4 years. It’s a 7 day/week commitment, gathering and producing content relating to the charity’s work and achievements, as well as covering only a sample of the many heart-warming pug rescue and adoption stories that our followers and supporters enjoy to hear about, so much.
Our following has increased considerably, from 23,000 to 36,000 and queries and comments from the public need to be responded to whenever they arise, so it’s been really useful having gained the knowledge I have from my roles in the charity.
Managing the Website publishing side too, alongside Facebook, I’m able to draw on our invaluable technical expert Steve, whenever needed, and also work closely with PDWRA’s digital marketing agency’s owner, Robin, a pug owner and supporter, who volunteers the agency’s services to produce our bi-monthly newsletters.
I was also invited to serve as a Trustee (2021 – 2022), on top of these daily operational roles, though I had to step back after a year to re-balance my volunteering workload against my home-life especially due to our expanded and ageing grumble.
My husband, Ian, also volunteers whenever needed, as a regular Transporter at the weekends, so he meets many other wonderful volunteers and adopters across the country. Often I do too when our home near to the infamous M25 is a handover point, so I get to meet a fair number of the newer pugs on their journeys, which I also follow their progress and adventures for our published success stories.
It’s meant long hours, juggling plates and learning never stops, but has been so worthwhile and satisfying, for all the pugs that desperately need us!
This article is dedicated to our beloved Taz & Percy.
Both with us for too short a time, only 2 years, respectively!
For latest vacancy information for specific volunteer roles, please go to:
Vacancies | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
If you would like to volunteer locally to you, please see details of the 3 options; transporting, home-checking or fundraising, and to apply at:
Volunteering for PDWRA | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
If you’re considering fostering, please see more details and apply at:
Fostering | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
by Yasmin | 15 Oct, 2023 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories
It’s International Pug Day (Pugtober 15th)! Created to help pugs in need and encourage people to help take them out of shelters and into loving homes.
This is exactly what PDWRA do, throughout the UK. So, on this day of celebrating this wonderful and adorable breed, apart from spoiling them in your usual way, you can help us do what we do, in various ways. Please see the website links, below:
Here’s a lovely selection of our Facebook followers’ pugs that were shared with us for National Pug Day, all gorgeous and gratefully received!
You can see more on our page – https://www.facebook.com/PDWRA/
We rely solely on the help of volunteers and kind donations from people like you. Thank You!
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/adopting-a-pug/
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/fostering-a-pug/
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/volunteering-for-pdwra/
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/donating-to-pug-dog-welfare/
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/friends-of-welfare/
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/fundraising-events/
#pwdwa #pugcharity #pugwelfare #pugadoption #pug #pugs #pugsofinstagram #internationalpugday
by Yasmin | 13 Oct, 2023 | Blog, News, Pug Health
By Helen McKee. (MRCVS)
PDWRA Vet Advisor.
I have been asked to write about pet insurance as it can be quite a minefield out there, as with any insurance.
We ask that all people who adopt a PDWRA pug take out insurance on their pug. The reason for this, as no doubt you have picked up from the previous articles, is that pugs are prone to a large number of health conditions, most of which can be very expensive to investigate and treat.
It can cost at least £3,000 for corneal graft surgery, an MRI, or a work up for a metabolic problem, not to mention BOAS surgery, hence the need for insurance.
For example, our daughter noticed that her (white) PDWRA pug had suddenly slowed down having always been fit despite being 10 years of age. Blood tests by local vet revealed some significant abnormalities and we asked that he was immediately referred.
He was seen by the referral practice the next day, and through investigations, including a CT scan and needle guided biopsy, was found to have abdominal tumours that had spread to his lungs (metastases). The total cost of both the primary and referral vet fees was £3,500.
Whilst our daughter is devastated, she was able to find out quickly, (and with little expense as she was covered by Petplan), exactly what was wrong with Prince and whether he could be treated (he had palliative care).
This is the value of good insurance.
And there’s the rub!
What is good insurance? As with any insurance, it’s important to read the small print. I have recently heard of someone being caught out; there was a cap on the amount per condition (£500- useless for a pug) rather than a total that can be claimed annually not based on a condition, which left the person with a very large bill to pay!
The type of insurance that best suits pugs and the conditions they are prone to (that may need ongoing life treatment) is cover for life (rather than 12 month).
Watch out for insurance companies that dictate where a dog is referred (normally cheaper practices that may not be the best option for your pug), one of which is ‘Animal Friends’ insurance, and remember cheaper might not be the best option.
Our previous insurance company of choice was Petplan; they have good lifelong cover with a range per annum (we chose the mid range cover of £7000) with no cap per condition and they pay out promptly. However, recent experience has shown that they are not always the best choice for rescue dogs with a history of medical issues (good for puppies with no previous medical records); they now put blanket exclusions on any condition mentioned.
One adopter mentioned that their adoptive dog had previously been overweight and Petplan excluded all respiratory and cardiovascular conditions! And Petplan can make it really difficult to lift these exclusions; it normally needs your veterinary practice to write to the Underwriters (which takes forever!) who finally make a decision. They don’t automatically lift exclusions; you have to be pro-active and contact them after the length of time they decide the exclusion can be lifted.
As a result we have insured our most recent PDWRA pug with ‘Many Pets’. They have had good write ups recently, and with their top cover of £12,000 per annum, all pre-existing conditions are covered. Their other life cover policies automatically lift any exclusions after 2 years as long the medical records show no veterinary treatment for that condition during that period.
Another pet insurance that has been recommended to me is ‘More Than’ though I have had no personal experience using this company.
In summary:-
- Take out a ‘Life Cover’ policy.
- Use a company that doesn’t have a limit on amount per condition, but has an annual cap.
- Make a considered decision on how much cover you would like per annum (we chose £7,000 per annum; our first pug used the whole premium for 2 years running up to the age of two which Petplan paid without any issues).
- And finally, read the small print!
This article is dedicated to the very special and beautiful boy Prince, 23-3-13 to 29-8-23.
For other pug health information and articles please see:
Pug Health & Wellbeing | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
by Yasmin | 10 Oct, 2023 | Blog, News, Volunteering
By Volunteer, Jackie:
I’ve been asked to write something about a day in the life of a foster mum. I don’t have any magic formula for fostering, and don’t deviate from a tried and trusted method, if you can call it that, and which must be well known to all our fosterers out there – routine!
I’m retired and don’t have many family calls on my time, so can arrange the day very much to suit the pugs and myself (which I do).
Each day feels more or less the same as all the other days, perhaps the only difference between myself and many of our fosterers is that I would foster on an industrial scale. That is, if I could get away with it, so my “mentor” keeps a close eye on me!
(It’s quite a sizable grumble here, but always room for one (or two), more). How true I’ve found the 3/3/3 rule is, when introducing a newcomer, you can more or less guarantee it with the routine in place.
That’s 3 days to start to trust you, 3 weeks to relax, 3 months to make themselves fully at home and take over!
Whilst acknowledging that all pugs are different in character, they seem to respond positively to the repetition of the day, same time for meals, walks, treats and naps. This in turn generates order, so a newly introduced foster pug will soon pick up on what is going to happen and when. It not only sooths them, but makes my day more manageable.
The only exception to this is meal times, which as you all know, is of paramount importance to a pug. Although there’s a strict order in which bowls are placed, (and they all have their own designated feeding space), it can look, and often is chaotic!
I’m a big fan of getting the pugs out for a walk, if they’re capable and want to. Some go out in the buggy (twice a day), others for a walk (three times a day), across the many safe open spaces I’m lucky enough to live near. This breaks the day up for them, keeps them healthy, and provides an opportunity to socialise with other dogs.
So many fosters come in with mobility issues, and as a consequence, have endured very restricted lives, so it’s wonderful to see them enjoying unexpected freedom. Even the “wonky” ones get an opportunity to run about, as much as they are able to, with the confidence of walking in the safety of the pack.
So, with pug walks and meals to provide, working in the garden with the pugs around me, and doing a bit of PDWRA business in between, my days drift uneventfully by …..
We wouldn’t describe it quite as modestly as Jackie does. We couldn’t do what we do without such experienced and willing volunteers like her!
If you would like to foster please see more details and apply at:
Fostering | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
by Yasmin | 8 Oct, 2023 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories
We appealed for a home for Daphne last month. A typical vibrant, fun-loving and playful 5 year-old pug who had originally lived happily with another female pug. She was surrendered to us, now showing the early signs of constrictive pug myelopathy affecting the mobility in her hind legs.
This condition is not unusual in pugs, due to their anatomy and development of their delicate spines.
It wasn’t long before Daphne’s adopter came forward and within weeks was transported to her wonderful new home by her devoted fosterer, where she is settling in so well!
New Mum, Shirley, confirms how happy Daphne is and describes herself as her slave. Daphne is enjoying getting anything she wants including whenever she demands a walk. Though she really enjoys her breakfast she always wants Mummy’s too!
Shirley says “Daphne is so very special. She makes me smile every day. I can’t tell you how much I love her already. My little wobbly girl will be having the high life here!”
Daphne’s characteristic wobbly back legs are even looking a little stronger too from her daily walks.
Adoring Mum, is also somewhat of an artist. She draws dog portraits donating a portion to charity. Here’s her loving portrait of Daphne!
Daphne couldn’t have found a better home. There’s no looking back for this lovely girl!
You can see videos of Daphne enjoying the beach and playing with her toys here: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/could-you-adopt-young-daphne/
To find out more about Daphne’s condition, our veterinary adviser Malcolm McKee has written an excellent article that can be found at: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/spinal-conditions-in-pugs/
If you would like to adopt a pug like Daphne, or any of those we have in our care, please apply at: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/adopting-a-pug/
by Yasmin | 4 Oct, 2023 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories, Volunteering
Article by Volunteer Nicola, a Veterinary Nurse and Director of Tenderpaws Vets in West Wickham, Kent.
My passion is pugs! I’ve grown up with them and in some way or another have supported Pug Welfare through those years. That leads me to say I have 8 pugs! 3 black, 4 fawn and 1 white called Charlie. Each have special needs and requirements 😂. All have different characters especially Charlie.
The circumstances around Charlie’s surrender were difficult, as he was terrified of men and would start fights with the other dogs in the surrenderers’ home. He’s a wonderful pug though, and I wouldn’t be without him!
I recently took in another troubled dog which wasn’t able to settle in a previous foster placement and showed signs of aggression. Eventually I found him a fantastic home where there were no other dogs and he’s very happy now.
I’ve fostered many pugs for the PDWRA but I’m generally a hopeless fosterer and have kept most of them! Over the years I’ve also helped with transporting pugs and continue to help out with problem solving both at home and at work.
As well as helping out the PDWRA in the practice wherever I can, I also do home checks and make follow-up visits for pugs placed in adoption.
I feel as though I’m privileged to be able to help a charity which gives vital love, care and support to many needy pugs!
Nicola.
If you feel you could foster or volunteer as Nicola describes, please see further details at the following webpages:
Fostering | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
Volunteering for PDWRA | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
by Yasmin | 1 Oct, 2023 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories
It’s the 1st October, National Black Dog Day!
On the same date each year, it’s a day to celebrate black dogs, originally created to raise awareness of how they were often passed over in rescue shelters and to break the historic stigma surrounding their colour.
However, we know black dogs make just as loving and loyal pets as any other colour. Why wouldn’t they? In fact, they’re unique in character and very special. Black pug owners will know that!
Here are a few gorgeous black pugs that have featured in our rescue news and stories:
by Yasmin | 26 Sep, 2023 | Blog, Pug Health
With the weather starting to change and Autumn drawing in, it’s a good idea to remind ourselves of the potential hazards to keep an eye out for, some quite serious, in order to keep our pugs safe.
- Not only do piles of leaves hide what’s beneath them, they can develop bacteria and mould. If your dog ingests these it can lead to gastrointestinal upset.
- Likewise, mouldy discarded foods can contain lots of different toxins, in particular on dairy products, bread or nuts, which can cause dogs to quickly develop muscle tremors or seizures.
- Fermenting fruit, produces a natural alcoholic compound, which is toxic. If your dog eats such fruit, they are likely to suffer from sickness and diarrhoea, and also, may run the risk of having a toxic reaction to the natural alcohol produced by the fruit as part of its fermentation process.
- Fruit stones, cherries, damsons, plumbs or similar if chewed produce cyanide, if swallowed whole, can cause choking or obstruction.
- Acorns or horsechestnuts (conkers) can lead to sickness and diarrhoea, and if ingested in large quantities are toxic. They are also a choke hazard or can potentially become lodged in the gut causing a blockage, so make sure that your dog doesn’t eat any!
- There are hard to identify, dangerous mushrooms, where signs of poisoning vary dramatically from stomach upset or blood in the stools to neurological effects such as hallucinations or fits, kidney or liver failure. The symptoms may present very suddenly or be delayed by days.
- Poisoning from spring bulbs like daffodils, tulips or crocus are most likely to occur from being eaten in autumn when they are planted, or when they begin to flower in spring.
- Fireworks can contain hazardous chemicals which can be poisonous to your dog. Initially these poisons can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, tummy pain and/or bloody stools. More severe effects may include seizures and the chemicals may also affect your dog’s breathing, kidneys and liver. Don’t let your dog into your garden unsupervised around Bonfire Night and other seasonal celebrations, without checking first that none have fallen into your garden.
- Chocolate sales rise around Halloween, but remember it contains a stimulant called theobromine, poisonous to dogs. The amount of theobromine differs depending on the type of chocolate, dark chocolate having the most in it. Theobromine mainly affects the heart, central nervous system and kidneys. Signs can occur from 4 to 24 hours following ingestion where you may see vomiting, diarrhoea, restlessness, hyperactivity, rapid breathing, muscle tension, lack of coordination, increased heart rate and possibly seizure.
- The worst of all the chemical spills is antifreeze, (ethylene glycol) which can leak from a car’s radiator. Ingestion is very dangerous. It is sweet tasting and very palatable to dogs, though even a relatively small quantity can cause serious kidney damage or be fatal. The first signs of intoxication can be that your dog appears ‘drunk’. If you know your dog has ingested ethylene glycol or you have any concerns, contact your vet without delay. The prognosis is poorer the longer it takes to initiate treatment.
So please be extra vigilant, and if you suspect your dog has been affected in any way. Contact your vet as soon as possible to discuss symptoms.
For further related information, see:
PDSA:
https://www.pdsa.org.uk/what-we-do/blog/caring-for-your-pet-in-autumn
&
https://www.pdsa.org.uk/what-we-do/blog/vet-qa-how-do-i-keep-my-pet-safe-from-de-icing-products?
The Kennel Club:
https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/health-and-dog-care/health/health-and-care/a-z-of-health-and-care-issues/poisons-in-your-garden/
&
https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/health-and-dog-care/health/health-and-care/a-z-of-health-and-care-issues/acorns/
Dogs Trust:
https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/dog-advice/health-wellbeing/at-home/poisonous-to-your-dog
by Yasmin | 14 Sep, 2023 | Blog, Volunteering, Fundraising
Meet Lynn, one of our super PDWRA fundraisers.
Lynn lives in the lovely South West of England with her husband Geoff, and their family of five male pugs.
Lynn and Geoff first became fosterers for the PDWRA in early 2019, taking on with welcome arms, two foster pugs with substantial needs who consequently never left!
Last year, they kindly took in another blind foster pug who was also adopted.
Lynn has always had an active voluntary role in her local community. Her repertoire spans from organising the yearly village pantomime, supporting the local cat rescue, and lucky for us; fundraising for the PDWRA.
Throughout the summer weekends, Lynn attends the local rallies with her family, and raises much needed funds for the PDWRA by holding Teddy Tombola’s. She raises hundreds of pounds each time, regularly received by us throughout the summer.
So even before a well deserved break for the autumn, Lynn has organised a fundraising pantomime, producing and directing it, donating nearly £1,200 to PDWRA this time.
Lynn’s grandaughter has learned to use the sewing machine and even makes bow-ties, see pic of pug in one!
We cannot thank Lynn enough for her enthusiasm and dedication to our cause.
Thank You So Much Lynn. You really are a Superstar!
To find out a bit more about why we need to continually fundraise, and how you can help, please go to:
Fundraising & Events 2023 | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
To Donate, please go to:
Donating to Pug Dog Welfare | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
by Yasmin | 10 Sep, 2023 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories
Following our social media appeal to find a forever home for 1 year old boys Pogo and Pete, a number of interested applicants came forward and very quickly their future Dad was identified, happy to take both of them!
PDWRA’s next task was to transport the boys, who were located in NI, across the Irish Sea to the mainland. Thanks to the generosity of our Volunteers, only 2 Transporters were involved – Karen, who brought them all the way from NI to mid Wales, where volunteer, Claudia took over and transported them to a temporary foster home for a few nights until their Dad returned to England from his summer holiday.
Pogo and Pete are now settling in as enthusiastically as everything they approach (like scaling fences!), and we hope, looking forward to their upcoming training sessions in pug good manners!!
We are proud of another successful and heart-warming life story enabled by our network of volunteers and star adopters and fosterers.
Pogo and Pete are in a wonderful home, used to taking on pairs, and will have the best life we could imagine for them.
Their original Appeal:
Pogo & Pete are each looking for their own forever homes! | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
by Yasmin | 2 Sep, 2023 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories
**Great News Update**
Daphne, adopted & completely at home! | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
APPEAL POST:
Meet Daphne. She is looking for her adoptive home.
At 5 years-old, Daphne is a typical fun-loving pug. She is comical, sweet, playful and affectionate. She adores people and has previously lived with children.
Daphne has also previously lived with another female pug, and is currently in foster with a small dog and bitch. She has shown some dominance towards the submissive male, but this has improved during the time they’ve been together.
Daphne could live as an only pug, or potentially share her home with another pug, ideally a well-balanced, steady one who can manage bossy moments if they arise, though she is likely to settle into a new canine relationship with patience, time and boundaries.
Daphne has the early symptoms of constrictive pug myelopathy. This affects the mobility in her hind legs however, she runs and plays, and can manage stairs. She is fully continent.
To find out more about Daphne’s condition, our veterinary adviser Malcolm McKee has written an excellent article that can be found at: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/spinal-conditions-in-pugs/
If you are interested in offering Daphne her forever home or have any questions, please email directly: janemac001@nullbtinternet.com
To formally apply to adopt her, you will need to complete an application, referencing ‘Daphne 23135’ at: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/adopting-a-pug/
If you are already registered with us and are interested in adopting Daphne, please speak to your PDWRA Area Coordinator directly.
by Yasmin | 31 Aug, 2023 | Blog, News, Events
It’s this Sunday, September 3rd, for all pug lovers!
Everyone is welcome.
Please contact the PDC secretary Joanne, to let her know that you are coming: secretary@nullthepugdogclub.com
by Yasmin | 26 Aug, 2023 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories
The purpose of International Dog Day is to celebrate all dogs, mixed breed and pure, and to raise awareness about their needs, especially the ones that need to be rescued.
It was created in 2004 by animal welfare activist and pet lifestyle expert Colleen Paige, now celebrated every 26th August, all over the World.
PDWRA have special reason to celebrate all those we have Rescued and Rehomed. Please see some of their stories at: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/category/rescue-stories/
Some ways to celebrate International Dog Day are:
- Adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue group such as ours
- Volunteering at a local animal shelter or dog charity
- Donating to a dog-related cause or organization
- Taking your dog for a walk, hike, or swim
- Playing with your dog and giving them treats and toys
- Teaching your dog a new trick or skill
- Taking your dog to a groomer or spa
- Sharing photos and stories of your dog on social media
- Thanking a dog hero such as a service dog, therapy dog, or police dog
If you would like to Donate towards our rescue work, please go to: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/donating-to-pug-dog-welfare/
Thank You!
by Yasmin | 15 Aug, 2023 | Blog, Rescue Stories, Volunteering
It never ceases to amaze me as to how diverse the hobbies and occupations of PDWRA applicants are – everything from constructing shepherds huts, supplying articles for film sets, raising rare plants, to tinkering with vintage racing cars.
Steve, in his workshop in the wilds of the Sussex Downs, makes guitars.
He combines this hobby/business with fostering pugs for PDWRA. And he has the ideal set up – he’s home virtually all the time to keep an eye on the pugs.
There are beds set out in his workshop so they can have a snooze, or a wander round the garden as they choose. When it’s walkies time, he just opens the back gate to a footpath leading to a disused railway line, ideal walking terrain for pugs.
Steve and his wife Joanne first fostered a bonded pair of pugs, a mother and daughter combination, who earned the name “the bulldozers” for their considerable pulling power. They both fell in love with the pugs and Joanne went on to adopt them as a surprize for Steve. They already had 4 pugs (and a bichon frieze who thinks he’s a pug), who have various disabilities that require managing, but the girls just stole their hearts.
They are now fostering a young male pug surrendered in a very poor state and who is gradually being brought back to health. Despite the challenges this brings, he has thrown himself wholeheartedly into the fostering role, rewarded by seeing the changes to this unfortunate boy, brought about in a few short weeks with the right care.
People like Steve, who can combine their interests with volunteering for PDWRA are the backbone of the charity and our thanks go out to them.
By Jackie,
PDWRA VAC for Steve & Joanne.
If you could offer a caring, foster home to a pug in need, please apply at: Fostering | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
by Yasmin | 13 Aug, 2023 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories, Volunteering, Fundraising
A Celebratory Day for Quinn, made special by our PDWRA Volunteers who helped Quinn through all his hurdles and milestones, who would likely never had seen this day!
In the happiest of photos from the day, holding Quinn at the back, is PDWRA VAC Jacqui, with volunteer Wendy holding Nugget, Quinn’s companion and another PDWRA pug. Quinn’s devoted Mum Kellie, is at the front with Ralf, not a PDWRA pug, but happily joining in the festivities!
Kellie is forever grateful to his angel PDWRA vet nurse, Helen, campaigning & fundraising volunteers as well his amazing local vet team and volunteers, who never gave up on the mighty Quinn.
Quinn will still need ongoing monitoring and tests along with medication which remains costly, in addition to those for all the other pugs in our care. Only recently Quinn had some lumps removed, more unexpected surgery, and fingers-crossed they don’t return.
This is why we continue to ask for donations, however small, to contribute towards his vet costs.
Donating to Pug Dog Welfare | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
Thank you!
The Mighty Quinn! | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
by Yasmin | 9 Aug, 2023 | Blog, News, Rescue Stories
Tully was surrendered to the care of the PDWRA with another pug from an ex-breeder. She had thankfully been rescued by him at the beginning of the year from an abusive owner. Unfortunately after a little while, fighting was developing in the pack at Tully’s new home so we were called with the request to rehome her.
Tully, is such a beautiful, intelligent, innocent young girl, and was placed in one of our foster homes with 2 elderly PDWRA pugs who would be less reactive. Tully was neutered in the meantime.
Still under 2 years of age, naturally energetic and loving, Tully showed absolutely no signs of aggression there.
Tully’s fosterer thoroughly enjoyed her company as she settled very quickly into their routine and with the two senior pugs. She seemed to know not to bother them, has pretty good manners and with some extra training would be a perfect little pug. She knew the word “sit” but that was about it.
Meanwhile, a previous PDWRA adoptive couple in another region of the UK had not long lost their beloved pug, Gertie, to cancer. They were bereft as Gertie was such a fundamental part of their lives, giving her Mum a new lease of life following some poor health.
Also, having set up a local pug-meet group in their area, Gertie was well-known to the whole pug community there.
We weren’t sure whether they were ready to consider another pug so soon after losing Gertie, but they were asked as it might have helped with their grief, and they said yes, feeling that Gertie had sent her to them, while they still had so much love to give.
Tully was in the right place at the right time for Gertie’s parents. It was like fate. She is a perfect match for them and they are delighted. Tully too, is in her perfect home, one that her original, kind-hearted rescuer couldn’t offer himself!
Gertie will never be forgotten. They plan to hold a fundraising walk, in her memory to benefit other PDWRA pugs.
PDWRA is solely funded by public donations. We are extremely grateful for any form of fundraising towards pugs in need, in our care.
Fundraising & Events 2023 | The Pug Dog Welfare & Rescue Association (pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk)
