9/24/09 We want to thank everyone who attended the event at Lili! It was such a great evening!Li out did herself with an amazing buffet and the weather couldn't have been better for an evening outdoors. Our silent auction was a huge success. We want to thank all of the generous businesses and individuals who donated items for the auction. The total amount raised for the evening was nearly $2700.00! That will go along ways towards Vet expenses for Pugs in need!

9/20/09 We hope to see many familiar faces at the Fundraiser at Lili Patisserie and Cafe in Sellwood on Sunday, September 20th from 6-9pm. The last several years have been so busy for PPR. With the downturn in the ecomony donations are down, while the number of Pugs coming into rescue continue to increase. This fundraiser is a great way to help Pugs in need while enjoying a wonderful evening in the company of other animal lovers. Also in attendance will be adorable foster Pugs looking for homes of their own.
Lili Cafe is an incredible treasure in the Sellwood area. Li, the owner, in addition to being a wonderful and kind person, is a talented chef. She is preparing an array of delicious small plates for dinner along with a great wine selection and other beverages. All of this for $20.00 per person while supporting Pugs in need. How can you possibly go wrong!

We have exciting items for the silent auction. A few of them include gift certificates from such notable shops as Canoe (if you haven't heard of Canoe it is a beautiful home furnishings shop with Mid Century Modern style, Gift certificates for enticing dinners, Wine and many Pet related items.

We hope to see you all there and please remember to RSVP!

Now more than ever, Pacific Pug Rescue needs you! Just into our third year, we are headed toward our largest number of fosters in foster care at one time - just a few short of the 21 we ended with last November. Last year the number of pugs that came into the rescue nearly doubled that of 2007. As we are soon nearing our highest number of pugs currently in foster care, it is essential now more than ever, that we recruit volunteers, donations and forever homes for the pugs currently in foster care. If you or someone you know is considering adopting or fostering a pug in need, please don’t hesitate any longer, contact us today!

Why I Foster -
There are many experiences in my life that led me to fostering, but the human-animal bond is what keeps me volunteering for PPR. My first dog as an adult was a pug. She taught me a great deal about pet ownership from raising a puppy to experiencing many expensive medical problems. Through the many ups and downs her and I have endured, she gives me great happiness. The human animal-bond is one that should be treasured and all living creatures should experience. Not every dog is so lucky. Finding them that special home where the pug and the human can love each other unconditionally is priceless.
To be honest, it is not always easy being a foster parent. From the beginning to the end there are emotional ups and downs. They are just like innocent children, and you are there to show them what a stable loving home is like. They come to you anxious and scared. On top of this, many have health or behavioral issues that need to be dealt with. After being cared for, it does not take long for their true personalities to shine! You love them and they love you. This is probably the first time in their life that they are completely happy and healthy! Yes, it is very hard to let them go, but once you find that perfect home you can help another pug in need. No matter what the pug’s age, behavior, or health issues, there is always a great home waiting for them. I have been so happy with all of the adoptive pug parents that it makes it easier to let them go. I once read about fostering children that the most successful foster children are the ones that can learn to trust and love again after being abandoned, neglected, or damaged in another emotional way.
Working in the veterinary field, I have worked with severe neglect cases and wanted to help animals not only at my job, but also in my personal life. I was working full-time and going to school full-time and did not have anytime left over to devote to volunteer work. Instead I would personally talk clients out of “convenience” euthanasia and find rescue organizations to take in the animal. Although I would be reprimanded for interfering in the situation, I found out that in the long run it was worth it. Co-workers told me that there are too many homeless pets and that a pet with behavior or medical problems is a lost cause. A follow-up call with the rescue organization that took in the animal was found to be a success. The pet’s medical problems were treated and a loving home was found. When I graduated, I found myself drawn to PPR.
Involving myself in an organization like this has connected me with other like-minded people. Their love for pugs and other animals is truly amazing. There are not many animal rescues that go to such great lengths to help a helpless animal. A pug is never turned away, all medical needs no matter how expensive are met, and a loving home is always found. There are a lot of animal rescue groups out there, but I feel that PPR is most deserving of any type of help one can give.

3/2/09 - Since coming into rescue...Jojo has doubled her weight and is now a feisty 8.5 pounds. She is constantly on the move. She absolutely hates collars, harnesses or anything that restricts her in any way. It's funny to watch her try to scratch or roll the apparatus off. She starts to scratch at it...catches a glimpse of her tail and is totally distracted!

She loves to chase the mini tennis balls I found for her. Nothing more fun than honing those hunt and capture skills.

Jojo will go to the vet tomorrow for a comparative bile acid test. At that point we should be better able to determine her adoption schedule. While she may always be a "special needs" pug, those needs are so easy to maintain and the reward Jojo returns makes it more than worthwhile
Lois



1/13/08 - JoJo is growing like the proverbial weed. She is a very enthusiastic diner! She barely knew how to eat when she arrived and she is learning to keep her food in the dish. It's been like trying to contain a popcorn popper in full gear when she tries to capture her kibble.

The biggest challenge with a puppy that has a liver shunt is keeping their little system free of the toxins she body naturally manufactures and the liver doesn't clean. This means she must have a food very low in protein and fat...yet will give her nutrition needed for her to grow.

There are current plans for her to have an ultra sound the first part of Feb. in order to see what kind of shunt we are dealing with. The ultra sound will help us decide if JoJo is a good candidate for surgery or if her condition can be managed with diet and medications.



12/27/08 - A 4 month old puppy has entered rescue, and thus begins JoJo's saga:

It started as most rescue stories do, a plea to take a dog that has become burdensome. JoJo was sold as a healthy puppy, but after discovering she was a very sick puppy needing more care than her purchasers were able or willing to give...JoJo was returned to her breeder who turned her over to rescue.

She's a frail little girl, living life in a haze as the poisons in her system didn't allow her to think right. She only weighed 4# 15oz. We knew what her immediate needs were because her angel JJ had trained us well. She arrived in her foster home very sick, but there was a spark there, a spark that was screaming for help. And that's the spark any rescue or foster looks for. Without the spark, we can't help, but with it, we can work wonders. She so demonstrated the classic signs of a liver shunt it was hardly necessary to do any tests, but we learned later that her previous vet had done tests and she is a confirmed liver shunt baby.

We immediately put her on a special diet to help clear the toxins in her blood and she is on medications that help maintain a lower level of toxins. Her care will be lengthy and expensive, but she is so worth it. In just one week or proper diet and medications, she is a totally different puppy.

It's far too early to have a certain prognosis for JoJo...so she's just being loved and allowed to grow as a puppy should. If you'd like to help JoJo in her fight please see our home page for info on how to donate.

KPTV was kind enough to air a story on Pacific Pug Rescue recently. To watch the story go to Pacific Pug Rescue news story.

As a foster home for Pacific Pug Rescue for the past 2.5 years, I must say that fostering has been an extremely rewarding experience. I am not going to say that it is always easy, or that it takes virtually no effort. From the rescued Pugs’ point of view, I am their caretaker and I am responsible for their safety, for taking care of their needs – both physical and emotional, for basic training, or re-training for that matter, and in some cases restoring their faith in mankind. This work does not come without effort. Sometimes it is hard. Pugs are dogs, after all. They do dog things. They shed, they do dog business, they need food and water, they need exercise and attention, and sometimes they need medication or special care. They will often kiss you or make you laugh. Because even after all a rescued Pug may have experienced in their life, be it loss or change, neglect, abuse or abandonment, they still love unconditionally. And it is this beautiful gift of unconditional love that keeps me fostering. There is nothing better than helping each amazing little creature to find his or her forever home. I look forward to each new foster Pug with a renewed sense of faith that there are wonderful people who want to continue to bestow nurturing and love upon these special little friends and companions for the remainder of their life. This is why I love being a foster home for Pacific Pug Rescue.

If you are interested in helping a Pug in need, please contact maria@pacificpugrecue.org
We can answer any questions you may have about being a foster home for Pacific Pug Rescue.

9/16/08 PugFest was a huge success! We had a great turnout despite the heat. Pug lovers are a dedicated bunch! Thanks to everyone involved for making this event so enjoyable. We are looking forward to PugFest 2009!

9/11/08 Only a few days to PugFest! We have added many exciting vendors and raffle items! There should be something for everyone! Many people have inquired whether they can bring their Pugs. . .of course, the more the merrier! We hope to see you all there!

8/18/08 Pacific PugFest is coming together nicely! This fundraising event held on Sunday, September 14th from 1-5pm at Dogs Dig It 1132 SE Salmon in Portland should prove to be a fun filled afternoon for the whole family! Our vendors so far include Sellwood Dog Supply, Evanger's Dog Food, Groliani's Gourmet Treats, Four Paws Consulting and Studio Creations Photography! Studio Creations will be available to do potraits of you and your Pugs! Some of the great raffle vendors include Dogs Dig It Daycare and Bernies Southern Bistro! There will be food by Nancy's Kitchen plus plenty of beverages. We will have an "ask the experts" booth, Pug contests and plenty of off leash play time for the Pugs and other four legged friends! Admission is $10.00 per person and kids under 13 get in free!


7/14/08 We will be having a big fundraising event this year called Pacific PugFest. The date is set for September 14th from 1-5 pm at Dogs Dig It Daycare in SE Portland. We will have great food, beverages, fantastic vendors, entertainment and most importantly lots of Pugs in attendance! Be sure to check back frequently for more details!

10/12/08 During the first week of October, we took in nine Pugs. It has been an extremely busy year. We have taken in 96 Pugs so far this year. We are in desperate need of foster homes. If you have ever considered fostering, please contact us for more information.

8/18/08 Yesterday we had two new arrivals! Mack, a 15 year old male Pug. He is a nice boy but does have some rear weakness. Also, Misty, a sweet 13 year old female. Both Mack and Misty will be seeing Dr. Velardi on Wednesday for their exams, dentals, and Mack will need to be neutered. After that, they should be ready to find new forever homes!


7/28/08 We have had several new arrivals this week. Mazy and Harley, a sweet 6 yr old pair of Pugs came to us from a shelter in eastern Oregon. They will be getting dental cleanings this week and then they will be ready for adoption. Wednesday, a cute two year old female just came in yesterday. She has an appt tomorrow to be spayed and she will be ready for her new home soon.

7/14/08 We picked up four new fosters yesterday! Bailey, an 11 month old Pug/Chihuahua/Poodle? mix. Very cute girl! She will be on the web site very soon. Lenny, a 5-6 year old fawn male who was a stray and was turned over to us by Bonnie Hayes Shelter. Lenny has an injury on his lip and one of his back legs appears to be a bit sore, so he will be visiting Dr. Velardi this week. Also, we picked up Dixie and Daisy, a daughter and mother. Dixie is a cute and spunky 2 yr old black and Daisy is a 6 yr old fawn girl who is a bit thin and has some skin issues. Both girls where pretty infested with fleas. They will be seeing the Vet tomorrow and we will get them on the road to feeling better.



7/7/08 Wow, busy week! Four new fosters. . .Clancey, Bacchus, Kukai and Iggy. Clancey is a four year old happy go lucky little guy and Bacchus is cute little cuddlepug! I am sure these boys will find loving homes quickly. Kukai is a sweet black 2 yr old Pug who is as gentle and sweet as they come. Iggy, a 3.5 yr old fawn is another fantastic little guy who loves to play fetch. All of four of these Pugs seem to be happy and healthy.

7/1/08 Wanda is doing well! It appears that her mange has cleared up. Her treatment was completed before we got her into foster care. She is missing some hair but that will grow back in time. She is a busy little bee who is ready for a new loving home! Henry is doing well in his foster home. Despite the weakness in his back legs, he plays fetch and likes to swim. He has such a great personalitly and the cutest little face. He is having an Xray done tomorrow so we should know a bit more about his condition soon.

6/27/08 I met Frank, the 6 month old Pug/Corgi mix we just got into rescue today and what a hoot he is! Anyone looking for a great family dog, Frank is your guy! He is quite a handful, but a fun handful. He will be neutered on Monday and then ready for adoption.

6/25/08 It's been such and incredibly busy year at PPR I thought I would update everyone as we get new Pugs into our rescue program. Yesterday we got two new Pugs in - Henry, a 7 yr old fawn, came from Savehaven Humane Society in Salem. He is a cute little guy, but has a bit of weakness in his rear legs. He will be going to Vet soon to get checked and scheduled for a dental. He'll be looking for loving without too many steps! Little Wanda, a one year old black female, also came in yesterday. She has a case of demodex mange, and will be undergoing treatment for six weeks or so before she is ready for adoption. She is a small and sweet cuddlebug! Tonight, we will be getting a Pug mix named Frank. He is a 3/4 Pug, 1/4 Corgi. He is a pup at only six months old. He will be looking for a home once he is neutered. More to come on Frank. . .

12/23/08 Sadly, JJ passed away after a second liver shunt surgery. Our deepest sympathies go to JJ's family, the Haley's. Below is a memorial from his foster mom, Lois.

JJ has gone to the Rainbow Bridge and now runs free with so many others already there! What a grand celebration they all had when the newest star joined them!

It was necessary for JJ to have a second surgery as the first shunt failed. This was done last week and he was never able to recover. The greatest gift of love possible was given to him when his forever dad allowed him to leave this earth and run free!

To say he was special is so trite, this boy was above and beyond special. He departed this world leaving behind a huge family that stretched across this country and even the world! He was truly a celebrity!

He entered this world in a crack house among people who saw him only as a dog but he departed this world from a castle surrounded by those who loved him beyond words and he left behind only unconditional love as his legacy. Even though his little body was harboring problems that would have turned the sweetest creature to sour vinegar, but in spite of it all he showed us a spirit of peace and love beyond our human comprehension.

His is a rags to riches story in all aspects. He was such a little fighter and he did not lose his fight, no, JJ didn't lose anything, tis those of us who truly loved and cared for him that suffer a loss, not him....he has gained angel wings and lots of new friends.

As his foster mom I take great comfort in the words By: Carol Kufner
Look not where I was
For I am not there
My spirit is free
I am everywhere

In the air that you breathe
In the sounds that you hear
Don't cry for me Mom
My spirit is near

Smile at my memory
Remember in your heart
This isn't the end
It's a brand new start


8/18/08 JJ has been adopted!! A wonderful Vet and his family met JJ at the adoption outreach last month and decided he would be the perfect addition to their family. What better home for JJ than a Veterinarian! Congratulations JJ, Steve, Sarah, and Lillian!

7/28/08 JJ attended an adoption outreach over the weekend and was a big hit all around. He participated in the doggie costume contest -check him out on youtube



7/14/08 JJ is feeling great and being such a puppy . . .Lois (JJ's foster mom)reports "JJ's getting better and better with his behavior...when he feels like it!! LOL I know he knows the words, but sometimes life is just too exciting to listen to that woman!!! I've never been around such a talker. Sometimes when he heads off where he knows he shouldn't be and I call him back...he just plants those little paws and gives me holy WOO WOO!! Talk about sassy!"

7/10/08 JJ had his staples removed yesterday and his doctor is pleased with JJ's progress! JJ gets to hang out with his three Pug foster sisters for a few more months and he loves being the only boy!Now we just wait until his blood test in September to see how successful the surgery was.

7/7/08 JJ continues to do well! He is as vocal and playful as ever and has even found a new pair of shoe laces to attack (Lois's house guest)! JJ will be having his staples removed tomorrow and in a few months he will have another blood test that will show how successful his surgery was, so for now he gets to hang out in his foster home and play, play, play!

7/1/08 JJ's foster Mom, Lois, reports that JJ is doing great. He is alert and playful (maybe a little too playful) He has a shoe lace fetish and he howls and barks while trying to get near Lois's shoes! He is wearing an E-collar to protect his incision areas but that only seems to slow him down a little. He is already stealing bones from his Pug foster sisters and getting into all kinds of Puppy mischief!


6/27/08 JJ is still doing well today. He is a bit sleepy, so the Surgeon thought it would be a good idea for him to stay in the hospital until tomorrow, but hopefully he will be back with Lois, his foster Mom by tomorrow afternoon!

6/26/08 JJ came through surgery with flying colors! He had a large liver shunt which the surgeon corrected and he was also neutered at the same time. He will be in ICU for a few days and will hopefully go home on Saturday or Sunday.

6/23/08 JJ goes in for liver shunt surgery on Thursday, June 26th. JJ is such a funny and sweet little guy we are so excited to be able to give JJ a chance to live a full and happy life. Please keep JJ in your thoughts on his big day! I will be updating with progress reports on JJ so feel free to check in and see how he is doing.