Leeds families sought to help care for unwanted pugs

The Pug Dog Welfare Association (PDWA), which is run entirely by volunteers, has helped 645 pugs across the UK since it was formed in 1973.

Lisa Butland, of Scarcroft Leeds, has been the charity's rehoming coordinator for Yorkshire for more than two years.

Lisa said her family got their first pug called Bruce four years ago and adopted a four year old pug called Albert from the PDWA in 2017.

Lisa, who has rehomed more than 60 pugs, said: "It is very rewarding. After the dogs have settled in it is lovely to see how much love the dogs are giving the families and how much love they bring the families as well.

"Pugs are companion dogs. They love to be with people. They will follow you round the house and the minute you sit down they will sit down and cuddle up for the night. They love to be around people, they are very affectionate."

Lisa said the charity is always on the lookout for people to foster and adopt pugs.

Volunteers are also needed to help with fundraising, transport and carrying out home checks.

Lisa, who is chief executive of Age UK for Calderdale and Kirklees, said: "We are particularly looking out for people that will take a bonded pair of pugs.

"We never separate a pair of pugs that are bonded, we always rehome them together."

Sophia Taylor, 32, of Shadwell, has been involved as a volunteer with the PDWA since she and her husband Oliver adopted a pug called Betty two and a half years ago when she was six months old.

Sophia said she wanted a companion for her six year old Husky Cross called Apollo.

Sophia, who works as a self employed nutritionist, is currently fostering a pug called Jake.

She said: "I love it because I get more dogs and I love dogs.

"I get to work with the dogs until they are in a position to go to a full time home and I know that I have helped them get there.

"The charity offers lots of support if you have got any questions."

Like all charities, the Pug Dog Welfare Association's fundraising activities and events have had to be cancelled due to the Covid pandemic.

Click here to donate on the charity's Virgin Money Giving page

For more information on the charity, go to www.pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/