Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a Pug from PRoNE? All potential adopters must fill out an application and have a follow- up phone interview. You will then be placed on our waiting list. For more info click “Adoption” on our website. How long will it take to get a Pug after I am put on the waiting list? It depends. Pugs are not placed on a first come, first served basis. Each Pug’s health and behavior is carefully evaluated during his stay in one of our foster homes. Then the Pug is matched to a compatible individual or family. The wait for a Pug is determined by how soon a Pug that is a good match for the applicant arrives at PRoNE. Can I come by to see all the available Pugs? No. PRoNE does not have a central location housing our Pugs. We are an all-volunteer group and the Pugs are in our foster homes throughout New England. When a potential adopter is matched to a Pug, a visit is arranged. Can I specify the type of Pug I want regarding sex, color, age etc.? The PRoNE application does include a section for your preferences. Be aware that if you will only consider one type of Pug, it may take longer to get one that both matches your preference and will be a mutually beneficial pairing. Can I adopt a puppy? PRoNE rarely has puppies or Pugs under one-year-old. You can contact the Patriot Pug Dog Club, which sponsors PRoNE, for a breeder referral through their website: www.patriotpugdogclub.org The Pug Dog Club of America also has a breeder referral. www. pugs.org Another method of meeting reputable breeders is to attend a dog show. PLEASE DO NOT BUY A PUPPY FROM A PET STORE. Pet store puppies are supplied by puppy mills. These puppies are not bred for good health and stable behavior, but only for profit. You are not “saving” a puppy by purchasing one at a pet store but rather you are perpetuating the cycle of supply and demand which prolongs the misery of the breeding dogs at the puppy mills. *Reputable breeders would never sell their puppies to a pet store. Why does PRoNE charge an adoption fee? PRoNE relies on adoption fees, donations, subscriptions to our quarterly newsletter Pug Phoenix, and fundraising events including our annual Pug Social to cover our yearly expenses. The largest expense is veterinary care. Prior to adoption, every Pug is evaluated by a veterinarian, and if necessary, brought up to date on vaccinations, spayed/neutered, and treated for any medical conditions. * In 2007, the veterinary cost alone of the 113 Pugs rescued was $33,000. What are Pugs like as pets? The typical Pug is a very loving, devoted, and humorous family member. Pugs are happiest when spending time with their human family. Pugs have been bred for millennia to be companions for humans and they take that job very seriously. In a perfect Pug World, they would be with their humans 24/7. What type of environment should Pugs live in? Pugs are basically indoor dogs though they should get some fresh air and outdoor exercise each day. They cannot be left out in extreme weather. Brachycephalic breeds (flat-faced) like the Pug are susceptible to heatstroke in warm to hot weather. What physical features of the Pug need attention? Brush the coat to keep it clean and reduce shedding. Nose roll and wrinkles should be free of debris to prevent infection. The outer ears should be free of wax and dirt. Some Pug’s require eyedrops for lubrication. Nails need to be kept trim. If your Pug is scooting across the floor on his rear end, his anal glands may be full. A veterinarian or groomer can help you with some of these issues. Do Pugs shed? Don’t let that short coat fool you. Pugs shed quite a lot. Double- coated Pugs shed more than single-coated Pugs. More fawn Pugs than black Pugs are double-coated. Be prepared to have Pug hair on furniture and clothing. A good vacuum cleaner is a must and keep plenty of lint rollers on hand. Pug people have been known to buy furniture and clothing in colors similar to their Pug. How much does a Pug eat? The advantage of having a small dog is a low food bill. Your veterinarian can advise you on how much food should be allotted daily to your Pug as if differs based on age, size, shape and weight. Don’t rely on dog food labels for daily amounts as they are too generous and you’ll end up with an overweight Pug. Be aware that “eating” is one of the Pug’s favorite activities and if you give in to those big pleading brown eyes for another helping or one more cookie, you are setting the stage for an overweight Pug which can lead to health problems such as a diabetes. How active are Pugs? In comparison to other dog breeds, Pugs are at the lower end of the activity scale but even the most diehard couch potato needs daily exercise such as walks and interactive playtime. There are exceptions to every rule and some Pugs have done very well in dog sports such as Agility. Do Pugs like car rides? Most Pugs enjoy accompanying their human for car rides. To keep your Pug safe during the ride, he should be restrained in a canine car seat, canine seatbelt or a travel crate. WARNING: Never leave a dog of any breed unattended in a car in warm or hot weather. Even in mild weather with the windows cracked open, the temperature in a car can rise rapidly within minutes causing heatstroke which can be fatal. Is it expensive to own a Pug? It depends. It can be, especially if the Pug has medical issues. On the plus side, one of the benefits of owning a small dog is that the supplies needed (i.e. crates, pet beds, etc.) are smaller and less expensive than items for a large breed dog. However, every potential dog owner needs to consider the basic costs of dog ownership such as: routine veterinary care including vaccinations, heartworm prevention, and flea and tick prevention; food; food bowls and water bowls; collar and leash; dog bed and/or crate; toys; grooming supplies; housetraining and cleaning supplies. What medical conditions are potential problems in the Pug breed? Just like people, some Pugs are healthier than others. Pug owners should be aware of the following potential problems: Pugs and other brachycephalic breeds (flat-faced) are more likely to develop breathing problems, eye conditions or have eye injuries. Other conditions to be aware of include: hip dysplasia; luxating patella (dislocated knee joint); diabetes (mostly occurring in overweight Pugs). |
| PRoNE pug Gizmo July 2007 |
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