When I began volunteering with DFW Pug Rescue in early 2012, I purposely signed up for only Transportation because I already had a total of five pets in the house….plenty to handle and properly care for. Then I took on some of the Administrative duties….easy enough….I had the time since I had retired in 2011.

Then, in 2013 DFW Pug Rescue brought in 37 pugs from a breeder release. They needed volunteers to help clean the cages and refill food and water bowls until every pug could be completely vetted and placed in a foster home. I decided I could help with that.

I noticed that every time I walked by one of the upper cages, a small pug would stare at me and trot up to the front of her cage to look at me. I tried not to look too closely at her (because I’m such a softie), but I did have to open her cage to clean and refill food and water, and she would move to the back, always looking at me, though.

Shania2-postMany more foster volunteers were needed for so many pugs. I had never fostered, but filled out the application. I figured I could foster one pug for awhile and asked if I could foster her…she had been named Shania.

And so my story about adoption begins. I am a Foster Failure and proud of it and yes, have the T-shirt! Shania was being treated for demodectic mange, so was on medical hold until that cleared up. At first I thought I was going to have to ask someone else to foster her because Maggie, my female Scottie, did not like having her in the house. But, I kept after it and eventually everyone settled in just fine. As every day passed with her in my home I knew that Shania had chosen me, even though I didn’t think I could add another pet to the house at that time. I took her to the vet for her follow-up appointments, gave her the meds, and when I knew the time was fast-approaching for her to be released from medical hold, I asked about adopting her. I think everyone already knew what I was trying to avoid admitting—–Shania was already home!   

She was 2-1/2 years old and only weighed 10.2 lbs. when we took her into rescue.  She’s now 4-1/2 years old and weighs 17 lbs. And, yes, I learned that a pug rules the household. She sleeps with me! Two other dogs and sometimes one of my cats will join us. I had never had a pug in my life until now, but I’m pretty sure there will be more as time goes by. I love all my dogs and cats (they’re all rescues), but there really is something very special about a pug!   Give fostering and/or adoption a try—you won’t regret it for even one minute.

dfwpug-post-fostering

Shania – Before and After