Pug Rescue celebrates 15th anniversary

Join in on the fun and excitement of the birthday celebration on March 4.

March 1, 2023

Jani de Beer 3 minutes read

Waiting in anticipation to welcome guest to the facilities for their 15th birthday bash are Alicious Nkonzo (senior animal care-giver, left), Cheryl with Lacey and Malcolm Gaw with Annabella.

What is a birthday without cake?

What is a 15th birthday celebration at Pug Rescue SA without snorts, flat noses and curly tail wags?

On March 4, the animal sanctuary, which has been home to more than 2 400 pugs, will open its doors to its loyal supporters, donors and members of the public to commemorate this auspicious occasion.

Founded by Cheryl and Malcolm Gaw, the couple did not think that a comment made in jest would in time become their life’s passion.

“Following the passing of Cheryl’s mom in 2003, in my ignorance I shamefully bought her a pug to offer her consolation through that difficult time,” said Malcolm.

Seen here tending to the some of the pups are animal care-givers Antoinette Vieira (left),Sanelisizwe Nene and Alicious Nkonzo.

“Pugsy eased the heartache and became a fur-baby to us both. Cheryl was so smitten with the pup that she said that she would have a 100 pugs if she had a choice.”

Soon the Gaw’s former Morehill house, became home to an additional five pugs, but it was only when a former employee of Cheryl’s successful sales and merchandising business told her of an abandoned pug, that the Gaw’s love for the breed spiraled into creating a loving sanctuary for abandoned, neglected and surrendered pugs.

“At that stage we were active members of the Pug Club of Gauteng, who tabled a suggestion that we take over the organisation’s rescue arm,” said Cheryl.

“They were rescuing 20 pugs per alum, we rescued 60 in the first year.”

Realising that they needed a bigger facility away from the hustle and bustle of suburban living, the couple bought a plot in Nielson Road, Benoni AH, christening it as the home of their newly founded welfare organisation.

“We lived in a caravan surrounded by military tents, which served as shelter for the rescues, for 15 months,” she said.

“The property was a raw piece of ground where we worked tirelessly to first build proper kennels, or cottages as we prefer to call it. Once completed, we set out to build our home and office space.”

According to Malcolm, many pugs are surrendered due the numerous health issues which plague the breed.

“Pugs are wonderful pets and companions, unfortunately due to irresponsible breeding practices they can suffer from respiratory illnesses as well as joint ailments,” he said.

“In some cases dogs are surrendered to us due to the ever increasing veterinary costs incurred when owning a pug, but the mass exodus of South Africans means that many dogs cannot accompany their owners overseas.”

Requiring up to R300 000 per month to offer specialised and focused care for the pugs means that the Pug Rescue SA team are always busy conjuring up new and exciting fundraising initiatives to generate revenue.

Offering assistance to an Etwatwa resident seeking veterinary care for his beloved dog, soon led to the establishment of the Thanda Inja Project, in 2014.

Having successfully obtained its mobile veterinary license and community engagement accreditation, Pug Rescue’s team offer basic veterinary care including sterilisations and vaccinations, every second Tuesday at the Mbikwa Cindi Community Hall, in Daveyton.

“I am extremely proud of this project. Since its inception we have noticed a change in the community’s attitude towards pet care,” said Cheryl.

“Being able to access quality veterinary care has had a big impact on the overall care of animals in these areas.”

Conducting his morning walk through the facility, rubbing heads and greeting the furry residents by name, Malcolm says that although ensuring that eligible pugs ultimately find caring, loving and stringently vetted forever homes, they are proud of the sanctuary that they have created.

If happy barks and wagging tails is anything to go by, so are the dogs.