Pug Rescue encounters surge in neglected dogs
Posted on Friday, September 5, 2008
BROOKE McNEELY Northwest Arkansas Times Kingston, left, and Bedelia are two of the 13 pugs that were given up by a local breeder to the Pug Rescue of Northwest Arkansas. The organization is looking for foster families as well as people willing to permanently adopt the dogs.
An increase in neglected animals may be linked to a weak economy, according to one animal rescue organization.
"People are having to downsize from homes to apartments, and they can't afford the pet deposit, if they even allow pets," Reta Parton, president of the Pug Rescue of Northwest Arkansas, said. "A lot of people are having to reduce their overhead cost because of the economy."
Parton said the Pug Rescue of Northwest Arkansas is currently seeking homes for 19 male and female pugs, ranging in age from 14 months to 8 years old. Some are fawn and some silver.
"We did have 23, but fortunately, we found four families this week," she said. "Normally, we only have about five to eight pugs at one time."
Parton said the recent surge in neglected dogs came from a breeder who could no longer care for the animals. Similar scenarios throughout Northwest Arkansas are becoming a common occurrence, she said.
"Pugs can be expensive through vet bills," she said. "If you keep them on a good diet and be cautious with their eyes, they're no more expensive than any other dog."
Located in Springdale, the Pug Rescue of Northwest Arkansas started 12 years ago as a home-based operation. The organization has since expanded to include foster care.
Keeping dogs in foster care enables caregivers to find the best "forever home "match available, Parton said.
"The foster parents find out how the dogs relate to other people and animals," she said. "You never know what their perks might be. For instance, we had one pug who was afraid of tile floors. The foster parents help identify their personalities to make the transition seamless."
Nicole Cody, a Springdale resident, is currently fostering two of the organization's 19 homeless pugs. She began fostering neglected dogs for the first time earlier this year.
"I hesitated at first because I have a little boy, and I was worried he'd get attached," she said. "He did take the first one really hard, but through fostering, you learn that you're going to have to let them go. Your job as a foster parent is to love them and care for them until they find their forever home. For me, the most rewarding part, is knowing that they'll have a better home and hearing about their progress."
Cody and her son, who have two pugs of their own, have fostered nearly eight neglected dogs this year.
The family is one of several foster homes for pugs across the state.
Because the Pug Rescue of Northwest Arkansas does not have a shelter, Parton said the organization relies heavily on foster care, donations and volunteer work. On Oct. 11, the group will host its biggest fundraiser of the year - Pugfest 2008. The event will take place at J. B. Hunt Softball Park at the east pavilion and will feature goody bags, games, silent auction items, contests and numerous other festivities.
Parton said events such as Pugfest enable the organization to provide neglected pugs with adequate medical care.
"When our pugs come in, they go immediately to a vet to be checked out before they go into foster care," she said. "We have them spayed, neutered and make sure all their shots are up-to-date. We get as much family history as possible. That way, before you accept a dog into your home, you'll know if it's going to be expensive."
Adoption fees range between $ 100 and $ 300. Pugs can be adopted from out of state, but transportation must be provided by pet owners. All adoptions require a completed application, reference checks, a home visit, an adoption fee and a contract.
"A pug is almost like a child," Parton said. "We call them our little fur babies. They want to be with you all the time. They have the most wonderful facial expressions. You can always tell if they're happy or nervous. They're just balls of energy that really touch your heart."
For more information about pug adoption, fostering or fundraising events, visit the Web site at www. puglover. petfinder. com or call Parton at 751-6947.
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