According to Cheryl Gaw, who has encountered quite a number of the squashed-nosed dogs, that’s exactly what you can expect from a pug.

Over the years, Gaw has saved over 2,500 pugs in South Africa. She and her husband sold their house and lived in a trailer for a time, making significant lifestyle changes to assist as many dogs in need as possible.

In 2010, they founded Pug Rescue South Africa in Johannesburg due to the overwhelming number of dogs in their home. Gaw, who is 63, mentioned that it “was never part of the plan” when they considered their retirement. “Naturally, the pugs took precedence,” she remarked.

The center is now sheltering almost 200 pugs, the most recent group that has faced difficult circumstances and requires assistance. Some were left behind, others are unwell, and many were surrendered by owners who could no longer care for them.

A rescued pug strikes a pose for a photo at Cheryl Gaw’s home in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Tuesday, January 14, 2025.Alfonso Nqunjana/AP

Gaw’s journey with pugs began in 2008 when her husband, Malcolm, surprised her with one as a present. While at a pug club, they were approached with the opportunity to foster “a couple” of pugs. In their first year, the Gaw family took in 60 pugs temporarily, and at one stage, they had 19 living in their home, creating an overwhelming amount of fur in their small space.

“They’re often referred to as the clowns of the dog world, and they have a knack for making you laugh,” Gaw stated while discussing her breed. “They love to be around you all the time. They’re truly a wonderful and affectionate breed, although you’ll always find some hair on you.”

The staff at the rescue center work hard to maintain organization. The daily schedule begins at 5:15 a.m. when the dogs wake up and leave their cottages, which are grouped by their “age and personality,” according to Gaw. This is followed by breakfast, medication for those who require it, bath time, playtime, grooming, midday snacks, an afternoon rest, more playtime, dinner, additional medication, and finally, all the pugs are returned to their rooms between 6 and 7 p.m.

Occasionally, conflicts occur. The annual veterinary expenses for the center are close to $40,000, and it involves an ongoing effort of rescuing, rehabilitating, and then finding new homes for the animals, as new pugs continue to come in regularly.

“The operation continues,” stated Gaw.

Many pugs are in need of new homes for a specific reason. Their characteristic short snouts can lead to respiratory problems and other health concerns, such as eye and ear infections, according to her. The veterinary expenses for a pug can be significant, and Gaw advises potential owners to research thoroughly and secure a solid pet insurance plan: “You’re going to need it.”

Many of the pugs have arrived at the Gaws because their owners are unable to pay for veterinary care. She emphasized the need to be ready for their issues, as well as the shedding, which she feels is particularly important to mention.

“They lose a significant amount of hair,” she noted. “You can brush them continuously, yet they will still shed.”

Ref: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/01/29/africa/south-africa-pug-rescue-intl-latam/index.html