What Is Pug Rescue SA?
Pug Rescue SA is a non-profit organisation working tirelessly to rescue, rehabilitate, re-home and offer sanctuary to pugs in South Africa. Pug puppies are marketed as cute, luxury pets. However, due to bad breeding and a number of other health complications, these adorable pooches may suffer from breathing difficulties, arthritis and eye disease. Elderly pugs and those with health issues are therefore often abandoned or surrendered to animal charities which are not able to manage their specific needs. This is where Pug Rescue SA steps in to save the day. They rescue in
excess of 240 pugs per year. Plus, their sanctuary in Benoni is home to a number of
'honorary pugs', including a lovable Spaniel named Rusty.
Pug Rescue believe firmly that every dog deserves a loving home. Their main goal is to re-home as many rescues as they can to the right homes, making extremely thorough checks into potential adopters. However, if a pug is too sickly to be re-homed or a suitable placement is not found, Pug Rescue SA will not euthanise the animal, as their policy is
"the right to a quality life for all." They will even travel countrywide to rescue a pug in need, no matter the cost. Their passion and dedication to these animals is exemplified at their sanctuary, which is designed to meet all the needs and demands of fussy pugs. With custom-made cot beds and splash pools to keep active pugs cool, Pug Rescue SA truly is a puggie haven.
COVID-19 Complications
Pug Rescue frequently host
'Spoil a Pug' events at their venue in Benoni to raise funds and support for their rescues. Pug lovers are invited to visit the pugs, play with them and help with their daily hygiene routine. Each visitor is given one pug to spoil for the day with treats and cuddles. Pug Rescue also host regular pug 'play dates' where pug owners can bring their socialised pets along to interact with the rescues.
When I visited a few months ago, I was blessed to spend the day with undoubtedly the most energetic pug I have ever met, Odi. This little guy ran me around for an hour straight before settling down for a tummy rub. While I am not currently able to adopt another dog (I have four rascals at home already), it was a pure delight to spend a morning giving love to animals in need.
During the lockdown period, I have frequently thought of
Odi and his pug pals. While I know that they are being well taken care of, I am also acutely aware of the dire circumstances which Pug Rescue SA may face in coming months. Their vet bills often accrue into the thousands, as do food and other supplies, such as winter blankets.
How Can You Help?
There are a number of ways you can help see Pug Rescue SA through the lockdown period and beyond. But, before we get into that, we must mention that before the lockdown began, a number of rescues were taken in by loving families. Once the extended lockdown has ended, Pug Rescue hopes that they will be adopted into these homes permanently. However, there may be some tough times ahead for those left behind. Here are a few of the ways you can contribute to their continued health and safety from under lockdown:
Back A Pug
Pug Rescue is registered on the
Back a Buddy platform. You can either donate directly to the organisation or back one of their associated projects. So far, their
COVID-19 fundraiser relief campaign has raised R13 826! This project is dedicated to covering their veterinary bills, which can exceeded R70 000 a month. Donate to the campaign
here.
Direct Donation
You can make a direct payment to
Pug Rescue SA via EFT. Not only will you be helping the organisation keep the pugs safe, warm and well fed, but your contribution may also benefit the caregivers who work seven days a week to see to the rescues every need. Find their
banking details here.
MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet
If you aren't already registered with
MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet, now is the perfect time to do so. With this card you can give back to a number of different charities, including Pug Rescue. Each time you make a purchase at Woolworths, Engen or another participating retailer, a percentage of your purchase value is given back, on your behalf, to the school or charity you choose at absolutely no cost to you! All you have to do is present your MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet card at the till. You can also sign up to the
Woolworths online store using your card during the lockdown period. So, while you have your groceries delivered, a pug gets to enjoy a tasty meal, too! Sign up for
MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet here.
Sponsor A Sanctuary Pug
There are a few pugs who cannot leave the sanctuary due to medical reasons or behavioral problems. You can sponsor any one of these sanctuary pugs through the
Pug Rescue SA website. Many of these deserving creatures have battled through hardships to find their way to the sanctuary. Help them enjoy a quality life and the special love, care and attention that Pug Rescue SA dolls out, for the rest of their days.
[caption id="attachment_110320" align="aligncenter" width="660"]
Honorary pug, Shirley[/caption]
For More Information
Click here for more information on ways you can assist Pug Rescue during the lockdown period. Also follow them on
Facebook for updates on the pugs and what their sanctuary is in need of during this time.
Looking for more animal shelters and NGOs to support during lockdown? Click here.
