Sadly, some people feel that adopting a rescue dog is just taking on somebody else's problems.  However, the majority of pugs do not come into rescue because they had behavior problems.  They are surrendered by their owners due to major lifestyle changes, such as divorce, illness, or a move.  Financial difficulties which prevent the owner from being able to provide necessary medical treatment also play a part in many surrenders.  Some Pugs come from puppy mills, where they were used for breeding.  Once they are no longer able to make money for their owner, they are  discarded. 

Some Pugs that come into the rescue may need work on their manners, socialization or housebreaking.  Remember that these are all things that a puppy will also need.

Pugs that come to KPR almost always spend time in a foster home, with an experienced volunteer, before being placed with their adoptive family.  During that time, the foster volunteer evaluates their personalities, learning if they get along well with other dogs, cats, children, etc., so that each Pug can be matched to the ideal family.  Foster parent(s) will also, if necessary, work on any behavior issues, such as housetraining.
 

Of course, the number one reason to adopt is to provide a loving home to a dog that has either never had one, or can no longer be cared for by their owner. Other reasons to adopt a rescue dog ~

• What you see is what you get. You don't know what type of Pug you’re going to get when you buy a puppy. Will they grow up to be a Pug that wants to play all the time or one who likes to lay on the couch all day?  When you rescue a Pug, you know what the Pug’s personality is like and whether it fits with what you want in a companion.

© mpa photography

• Training. Puppies love to chew as they are cutting teeth.  When bringing home a puppy, you can expect to lose some socks, a shoe or two, and possibly wind up with holes in the furniture and unwanted scratches and teeth marks on chair legs.  An older Pug can usually have the run of the house without destroying it.  Older Pugs will most likely have a longer attention span than a puppy, which will also aid in the training process.
   

• Housebreaking.  When you buy a puppy, it's like bringing home a baby...completely untrained. An older Pug can be much easier to housebreak than a puppy. Older Pugs have more control (larger bladders) and can be far more trustworthy with being left alone while you are at work. Plus, the Pug you adopt will most likely have spent time in a foster home, where they have been housetrained or at least have a good start.  However, it is wise to remember that any Pug can have an occasional accident.
   

• Fewer vet fees. Rescue Pugs have had physical examinations, have been spayed or neutered, have been tested for heartworm, and are up to date on shots. When you buy a puppy, you pay for the Pug AND for puppy shots, spaying or neutering, and any other basic medical expenses.
   

• Simply...A Good Feeling.  Opening your heart and home to a Pug in need, watching them blossom with love, care and stability, is an extremely rewarding experience.
   

• Support. When you adopt a rescue Pug from KPR, we are there to offer support for as long as you need.  Should you encounter problems, help is just a phone call away.

If you would like to be considered as an adoptive family and/or foster family for a Pug in need, please read about our adoption and/or foster care process and fill out the appropriate applications.