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PugHearts of Houston Blog

What a Week It Has Been!!!!!

Sunday, 28 February 2010 14:29 by cindyr

I sat down tonight and thought about what I wanted everyone to know about this last week.

This week has been a roller coaster ride. I started the week feeling really down and frustrated. This is not an uncommon feeling in rescue, but one that we often do not like to talk about. I was thinking about the fact that we had 96 pugs in foster care. We had a $22,000+ vet bill and several pugs boarding at the vet waiting for a place to learn to be a pet again. I spent a fair amount of time sitting in the floor with the pugs in my house. I needed something to make me believe again, in rescue and in myself.

Wow...did I ever get that. On Tuesday, I received a call from a local vet's office. A puppy mill owner was closing out and I was told he had 12-15 pus that needed to come into rescue. This was NOT good news considering the number of pugs already in our care. I was not sure we could even make this happen. PugHearts prides itself on the ability and willingness to take any pug, at any age, in any condition. I did not think we could do that in this situation. I started with an email to the board and then to our list of supporters. I called San Antonio pug rescue and Pug Rescue Austin. The response was overwhelming.

You are all incredible. The response was immediate and beyond anything I could have dreamed. Offers to foster have been coming in, transportation help and support for what we do have poured in. The monetary donations have allowed us to pay down our vet bills.

The puppy mill did surrender thier pugs and tell us that they are no longer breeding pugs. Sadly, he stated he is moving on to Bulldogs. I will fight this as hard as I can. No breed should have to deal with the life of a breeder's commodity. They should be warm, loved, in a house and part of a family. I will do all I can to fight him on this point.

Update on the pugs surrendered:

There were 11 pugs totoal. 9 females and 2 males.

San Antonio pug rescue took in 9 of the puppy mill pugs. They had 17 pugs in their care prior and has the space to care for that many. They are getting the pugs in their care into their vet tomorrow. We are very greatful for their assistance and know that the pugs are in good hands. Pug Rescue Austin is working to find foster homes for a few of the ones that San Antonio took.

PugHearts took in 2 pugs; a male and a female. The male is a 4 year old that has spent his life in a kennel helping to produce puppies. We have named him Deisel. The female is 5 years old. Her feet are spread from standing on wire crates without towels, paper or solid foundation. She has multiple cysts between her toes. The sadest part is that she is showing signs of either a neurological or psychological issue. She makes odd movements with her head and circles, almost continuously, in her crate. We named her Diamond.

PugHearts will do all than we can for both of these babies. They will get all of the medical care they need and we will find fosters that will allow them to learn to be pets and give and accept love.

We thank you all for your support. We are successful because of each and every one of you that support PugHearts in the work that we do.

I am honored to be allowed to be a part of this group.

Cindy

 

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Wow...3 years old.

Sunday, 21 February 2010 05:40 by cindyr

I have sat down to write this entry several times now. February 14th was our 3 year mark. That's right, PugHearts is 3 years old. It does not seem possible that we have been doing this for 3 years already.

I can still plainly remember the day that Richard and I met, so that I could see Alfie. It was a beautiful January day. Alfie looked so happy and loved. I wanted that for all of the pugs that wander looking for love and care. I starting thinking and asking questions. My husband would tell you that is a dangerous time. PugHearts was born on that day. We officially started on Valentine's Day 2007 (What a better start date for PugHearts, right?) and off we went.

On the date of our birthday, we have rescued a total of 516 pugs (with a few imposters in the mix).

We currently have 96 pugs in our care looking for new homes. That is the hard part. The numbers keep going up and the medical issues of those we are helping are getting more severe and costly. One of the things we are most proud of is that we will take any pug, regardless of their condition. I do not want to change that, but there are times it is hard. The money has to come to pay the bills, the adoption have to happen to allow space for the next needy pug. This is where the public and our wonderful volunteer group becomes so critical. There is always a need for transports from shelters to the vet, foster homes so that the pugs can heal, learn and become ready for their new lives, people to promote us and talk to their friends and families about rescue and why it is so important and above all else...there is a need for people to adopt and love our fosters for the rest of their lives. This is the ultimate goal.

 

Lexi is a senior that is looking for someone to love her and play with her for her golden years. Lexi came to us with a ruptured kidney that had to be removed. She acts like a young dog now.
  

Allie is blind and needs someone to help show her the way. She is a lover and a cuddler that will totally trust you once you form that bond with her.
  

Addison came to us VERY pregnant and delivered within the week. She is a sweet girl that craves love and attention from her people. She is being a good Mom, but will be very happy when it is time to be a pet.
  

Yoda is a diabetic that takes 4 units of insulin twice a day. He is a great guy and takes his medicine well.
  

Eric is a young male that came to us skinny and full of parasites. He is learning to be a good boy and is preparing to make a family very happy.

Why do I show you these pugs? Because I want you to understand that we rescue all ages and all sorts of medical needs. We have youngsters, seniors and everything in the middle. If you are looking for a great match for you and your family...we probably have it.

So please...spread the word, donate your time and/or money, foster a pug in need, or provide a forever home to a pug that is looking.

We are successful only when we work as a team. You are a part of that team.

PugHearts and our fosters need you.

Thank you.

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