Written by Margaret:
“We got our first pug, Lola, for my daughter in August 2014. I didn’t know much about the breed before we got her and decided to learn more so that I was better equipped to take care of her. It was then I found out about prevalent health conditions and the challenges they face due to the way they are bred. This led me to look at how many were surrendered, as I was sure it would be high due to the fact that they were such a “fashion accessory“ at that particular time. I wasn’t wrong!
Lola was lonely after my great Dane died in January 2015 and a short time later, I decided it would be a good time to think about getting her a friend. I first heard about the PDWRA after googling ‘Pug Rescue Organisations’ and decided to register to be considered to adopt.
I received the phone call with details about Winston in May 2015. I remember it clearly; I was on holiday in Lanzarote at the time. I was told he was a “special-needs Pug”. He had had two thirds of one of his lungs removed, he had a collapsed trachea and he passed out whenever he got excited. His tongue was too big for his mouth and he was prone to choking. Because of his ailments, he couldn’t be walked. He could only be let into the garden to “do his business” and he could sit and get some fresh air here. I didn’t know what to say… I told Emma, the regional coordinator at that time, that I would speak to my husband and get back to her. My husband thought Winston would be too much work because of his health conditions but I was sure I could manage him, my thoughts were that “if I didn’t take him who would?” I didn’t want him being left without a forever home.
The night Winston arrived, we were waiting at the front door expecting a poorly, frail pug to be lifted in to us. What a surprise we got! He bounded out of the car and came running to us. We thought they had brought us the wrong dog! The coordinator who had collected him from his previous owner thought the same. The rest is history…
He still has his challenges because of his health issues but I know how to manage them. I know how far he can walk, what to feed him, he has his cooling coat, his fan. We have a fan on for him 24hrs a day, 365 days a year. The car temperature has to be at 18 degrees or less. I need to keep him cool as if he overheats he pants, and this causes him distress because of his reduced lung capacity. We ignore him when we come back home, to stop him getting excited and passing out.
It’s happened once in all the years we have had him. I know his breathing patterns and as soon as I hear a change, he’s off to the vet for a check-up. I just know him so well and know if he’s not 100%.
Winston was born in Latvia. He’s such a loving dog, I call him my doggy soulmate as we have such a special bond. My husband adores him just as much as me. We were definitely meant to be together.
This is his fifth home and I just cannot fathom how anyone could ever have parted with him. I am sure his health issues had something to do with it because of the expense and time dedicated to administering his medication.
Winston is loved by all who meet him. He’s quite a character and loves his visit to the vet where he is quite the celebrity. He loves holidaying with us in our motorhome and loves nothing better than having a swim in the sea!
My nickname for him is “Winston the Wonderpug! “. He amazes me every day as despite his compromised health he is up for any challenge! It’s just as well I know his capacities!
We found the adoption process very easy. A telephone interview with Emma, a home visit to check that ourselves and our home were suitable to rehome this precious Cargo, and within a few days we were told our application to adopt Winston had been successful.
The main thing that I would relay to prospective adopters or foster parents is to make them aware of the common health issues that Pugs are susceptible to, and the monetary commitment that this brings.
It’s essential that you know the breed inside and out to make you aware of any change to their behaviour which might indicate something that needs investigating. That aside, if you are on your toes and know your pet well, the rewards that you will reap in return are amazing. They really are the best breed ever!
They have the most amazing personalities and the love and loyalty that they afford you, far outweighs the extra effort that is required to keep them healthy and safe.”
For other Rescue Stories, please see: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/category/rescue-stories/
or if you would like to Adopt a Pug in need, like the Wonderful Winston, please apply at:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/adopting-a-pug/
