Dog Days of Summer

Look at all the fun the dogs get to have at Curly Tail Pet Sitting!  CTPS specializes in creating a calm, welcoming environment for dogs in day care or boarding.  They stress exercise, socialization, and manners!  Go to www.curlytailpetsitting.com for more information!

Pug Rescue of Austin – Donation Rewards Program

It’s been a tough year for Pug Rescue of Austin.  We started off with quite a bang when we rescued Puggo De Gallo, a pug who’d been attacked by a wild animal, contracted MRSA, and later needed a surgery to remove an obstruction.  Because of all that, we started the year $6000 in the hole.  In June, it was looking like we were finally able to pull out of the hole and get caught up on vet bills, when suddenly we had to rescue 16 dogs in a little over two weeks.

Summer time is dumping season.  People no longer want their older dogs and trade in for a new puppy.  Females that were never spayed start giving birth from irresponsible breeding and the puppies are dumped at the shelter.  Sadly, school is out and people are vacationing and some how rationalize abandoning their dog for summer time fun.  With all this going on, we are back in the hole again – about $10,000 in the red.

We are desperately seeking donations to help cover the costs of veterinary bills so that we can continue to rescue pugs.  To make it easier to donate, we are now offering a rewards program for reoccurring donations!  Take a look at the options below:

Sign up for Recurring Monthly Donations:
Membership Rewards Program

MOST VALUABLE PUG (MVP)
Donate up to $100/month and receive:
–a free tote bag
–a free tune up at the next Pug Tune Up for up to two pugs
–a 2011 PRA calendar
–the first 3 people to start an auto withdrawal for $100/month and continue for at least 6 months will receive a 30 min session (with full resolution digital files included) with Diana Lott of Diana M Lott Photography (the beautiful pug photos throughout our website were taken by Diana Lott)

TOTALLY IMPORTANT PUG (TIP)
Donate up to $50/month and receive:
–a free tote bag
–a free tune up at the next Pug Tune Up for up to two pugs
–a 2011 PRA calendar

VERY IMPORTANT PUG (VIP)
Donate up to $25/month and receive:
–a free tote bag
–a free tune up at the next Pug Tune Up for up to two pugs

PRETTY IMPORTANT PUG (PIP)
Donate up to $10/month and receive:
–a free tote bag

**All prizes will be awarded after 6 months of consecutive auto withdrawal**

To download the reoccurring donation forms, please go to www.pugrescueaustin.com/donate.  As always, if you prefer to make a one time online donation, please click here.  Any amount, great or small, helps us pay our vet bills so that we can continue to rescue pugs from area kill shelters and owners who abandon them.

Thanks for all your support!

Pug Rescue of Austin’s New Website

PRA’s been rescuing pugs for over a year now and we felt it was time to give our website a makeover.  Please take a moment and go to www.pugrescueaustin.com.  Feedback is appreciated!

Viggy and Ninabelle Whip It Good!

Viggy, still currently for adoption, and Ninabelle, a former rescue pug really nail Devo’s “Whip It!”  This video was taken by Sharon, Nina’s mom and Viggy’s foster mom.

If you are interested in adopting Viggy, the fawn pug on the left of the video, go to www.pugrescuaustin.com and apply!  He’s a great little pug that’s been waiting for a forever home for almost a year now!

Public Service Announcement for Pug Rescue

One of our long time volunteers, Sylvie Resendiz, created a PSA for PRA.  It’s a short video that highlights some of the sickest and most neglected pugs we’ve ever rescued.  Please take a look, it’s only a couple of minutes in length.  To continue to be able to help these pugs, we need your donations.  Our rescue bills average $4000 – $6000/month.  The smallest amount helps, so please donate if you can.  To donate, click here.

Enjoy Sylvie’s amazing video!

The Twins Go At Their Bones!

Dolce and Gabbana are breaking in their brand new dog bed with some fresh, raw meaty bones.  Not only do these bones keep them occupied for hours, but they clean their teeth and freshen their breath!  Raw meaty bones can be found at most dog food stores that sell grain free and healthier versions of kibble and raw food.  You can also find them at Whole Foods and other natural food stores.

Raw Meaty Bones (RMBs) are a safe and easy way to keep your dogs’ teeth clean and tartar free.  Despite myths, raw bones DO NOT cause intestinal problems.  Cooked bones DO splinter and cause issues, so it’s essential that only raw bones be given to dogs.

Nowadays canine dentals are becoming far too common and vets are recommending them to dog owners sometimes once or twice a year.  No matter how safe a surgery your vet says it is, surgery is surgery and therefore very serious and should be avoided at all costs.  Pugs in general do not always do well under anesthesia so RMBs are the best way to prevent the need for a dental.

When a dog is not on a species appropriate diet (ie when a dog eats kibble), their teeth have a lot of tartar build up which can lead to bad breath, bacteria growth in the mouth, tooth decay, poor jaw and teeth strength, and infection.  The best way to avoid all of these problems is to feed a species appropriate diet, also known as the raw diet–a diet consisting of raw meat, bones, and offal.

RMBs can be given inside or outside to your dogs and entertain them for hours.  My pugs grind away on the bones for days.  The grinding and gnawing motions scrape the tartar off their teeth better than sprays, doggy chews, teeth brushing or any of the other “teeth cleaning” products out there.  RMBs are a safe, cheap, and effective way to keep your dogs’ teeth white and their breath fresh.

For more information on raw feeding and RMBs, go to www.thewholedog.org, www.aspenbloompetcare.com, and www.rawmeatybones.com.

Viggy Needs A Home

Viggo was rescued from a shelter in Brownwood Texas on July 29, 2009. He’s a young boy of 4 years old and quite handsome. Viggy is heartworm positive and will begin treatment soon. UPDATED: Viggy has completed HW treatment as of 02/08/2010 and will be neutered soon. Viggy is taller than most pugs but still very sweet and cuddly (we are calling him 1/4 boxer ) He would benefit from an active owner as he needs a little more exercise than a normal pug. Viggo is still intact but will be neutered before adoption. He’s up to date on all shots. Visit www.pugrescueaustin.com, to apply for adoption

Heeler Mix Needs A Home***UPDATE – Sojo has found her forever home!

Sojo was surrendered to one of Pug Rescue’s volunteers on Feb 1st. She’s part Blue Heeler and part Australian Shepherd and still needs a forever home. Sojo’s family moved to California and unfortunately didn’t take her. She’s a beautiful little girl with stunning ice blue eyes and very soft fur. Sojo is about 2 years old and in great shape. She’s up to date on vaccinations and is HW negative. She loves to get out and get lots of exercise. She’s currently being leash trained to improve her walking manners. She’s crate trained as well.

Sojo is a quarky little girl. She’s excited to meet new people but also timid. However she warms up fast, and is just so sweet. She loves staring out the window of her foster home and watching the cars go by (she doesn’t bark at them). Her foster home is currently working on fixing a bad habit she has of put her front paws on her human as they are walking by. Sojo would do best in a calm environment where she can get lots of exercise and love. She will need regular runs, walks, or hikes with her master. She also would do best with someone who understands her breed.

Go to www.pugrescueaustin.com if you are interested in adopting Sojo.

Axel Needs A Home – Sara Sanctuary

Recently, some friends and I visited Sara Sanctuary, a no kill rescue organization located in Seguin, Texas.  Sara Sanctuary has nearly 1000 animals including dogs, cats, horses, donkeys, feral pigs, roosters, chickens, guineas, and more.  Out of all 1000 animals, we all fell in love with Axel.  His an American Staffordshire terrier mix that is the official greeter at Sara Sanctuary.  He and his 6 siblings were abandoned at Sara Sanctuary’s gate on December 7, 2007.

He’s allowed to roam freely as he’s proven himself quite the escape artist when confined to one of the fenced in areas.  He can scale the 8 foot wire fence without any trouble and we actually got to see that for ourselves.  Axel is amazingly calm and gentle with adults, children, and other dogs.  He does, however, love to give the horses a run for their money.  He’s non aggressive but definitely a playful guy. When it gets hot, he loves to cool off in the little pig pond! This handsome boy is a sweet, sweet lover! He is the biggest baby there is, loves to cuddle! If you feel you can provide a loving home for Axel, he is available for adoption at www.sarasanctuary.org.  You won’t be disappointed!

Trouble Needs A Home!

Trouble was surrendered by his owners to Town Lake Animal Center, a local kill shelter in Austin. He’s 8 or 9 years old and really not living up to his name. He’s a sweet boy that loves to cuddle. He had some health problems when he came in but so far nothing that can’t be healed with short term medication. He gets along with other dogs, cats, and people. He is not neutered yet but will be soon.  Interested in Trouble?  Go to www.pugrescueaustin.com and fill out an application!