ON Sunday, 17 February from 10am to 2pm pug lovers from around Durban will converge at Crawford North Coast for one of Pug Rescue South Africa’s major fundraisers.
The organisation was founded by Cheryl Gaw who lives in Gauteng but whose passion for the breed has spread far and wide.
Gaw said she started Pug Rescue South Africa in 2008 due to her love of the Pug breed.
“My husband and I owned six Pugs when one winter day after work my then sales manager told me that there was a Pug at her daughter’s aftercare and no one is claiming him. We collected him and found his owners but they were not able to continue to care for him. This is where it all started.”
The Durban fundraiser, said local convener and Durban North resident Ravitha Singh, was able to raise the profile of Pug Rescue South Africa and to highlight that it was not just Pugs that were helped, but all breeds of dogs.
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So far, the non-profit organisation has rescued 1874 Pugs.
While the organisation’s primary focus is to rescue, rehabilitate, re-home and offer sanctuary to all pugs in need in South Africa, Gaw said there was a dire need amongst all animals despite the breed.
“Currently there are many people emigrating and not taking their animals with them. We also have families falling on difficult times financially and are having to downscale. Sadly way too many complexes are not pet friendly and this adds to the pressure that rescue organisations are under to take in and to care for these animals. We currently care for 164 rescues, amongst them are Pug crosses, Foxy cross, Maltese, Ridgeback cross, a Chow cross, an Afrikanis, a French poodle to mention a few.”
Gaw advised anyone thinking of adopting a Pug to remember that the dogs were bred to be companions and are in your space constantly.
“They also shed lots of hair and they are inside dogs. They are not swimmers and therefore need to be kept away from pools. They are not really great around moving vehicles either. They demand attention but are the most adorable, loving little dogs you can ever wish to own. They are happiest to sit on your lap all day and sleep in your bed all night,” she said.
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She added that they were not able to find a more centrally located spot to host the fundraiser.
“We receive amazing support from Durban and for this we are really grateful. Our venue for this fundraiser is at Crawford in Tongaat and we are so grateful to the school for accommodating us. Sadly we have not had any success in finding a more central venue. If any Durbanite is aware of a safe and central venue we would love to hear from them. Please enjoy a drive and a fun day out and help us support animals in need. We also conduct an outreach project where we take veterinary care to impoverished communities. We hope to see many Puggers at our fundraiser on 17 February.”
Pug Rescue SA Durban Yappy Fundraiser
Date Sunday, 17 February
Time: 10am to 2pm
Cost: Dogs R5 or a large tun of Husky in Gravy
Adults pay R30, children pay R10
Venue Crawfrod North Coast Watson Highway, Tongaat
Contact Ravitha on 083 775 3536
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