Winter /Spring 2009
The Pug Post A PUGlication of Southern Nevada Pug Rescue
To Our Friends and Supporters: SNPR Needs Your Help!
Vol 3 Issue 2 Inside this issue 2
3
SNPR Contact Info
Bubba & Cleo
Upcoming Events Wish List Become a Foster
4,5 Rescue Pug Updates 6
SNPR 2009 Calendar
How to Help Donate by Mail Send check or money order to: SNPR P.O. Box 20875 Las Vegas, NV 89112 Safe, Easy Online Donations Go to rescuepugs.com, click on “Donate” and follow the instructions. We are an all-volunteer, IRS 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All donations are tax-deductible. 100% of your donation is used to pay veterinary vills for the pugs in our care.
Many of you recently received an email from us on the state of the rescue, letting you know that the candle is close to burning out for SNPR. As our flame continues to flicker with uncertainty, we are faced with the hardest decisions we have had to make as an organization. Our budget has been pushed to the breaking point, and we have to take into careful consideration each possible pug intake. As of today, we are only able to operate one day at a time.
As I write this, I am looking into the sweet face of “Mama Cleo,” one of our rescue pugs. Cleo and her son, Bubba, have been in the care of SNPR for a year. With their foster mom out of town, I have the pleasure of spending this week with them. Cleo and Bubba are just two of the reasons we have persevered through the emotional and financial strain of the past three years. A year ago, they were huddled in the corner of a cage at a kill shelter in California, frightened and confused. All they had to look forward to was a quick death. SNPR took these sweethearts into rescue when no California rescue was able to and now they are happy and loved - all they need is a forever home where they can stay together (see page 2 for information on adopting this special pair). Looking into Cleo’s eyes, I know that our rescue efforts are crucial so pugs like Cleo and Bubba don’t have to spend their last days living in a concrete cell, when they have so much love left to give someone. Wondering how we can continue to rescue pugs during these difficult times makes me think about the volunteers who have worked so hard for our mission. Without them, hundreds of precious pugs would not be here today, happy, healthy and loved. That is why we will not turn away any pug in need without first asking everyone we can reach to consider making a donation. We know that times are tough and we are all being affected by the economy, but if each person this newsletter reaches sent $20.00, we would have enough money to be able to take in pugs without concern about their medical expenses. And if each of you bought our 2009 calendar, we would be in a better place financially and you would get a beautiful gift in exchange! Every pug that comes into rescue is examined by a veterinarian, spayed or neutered, and vaccinated. Each pug we take in costs us at least $150.00. Many of our rescued pugs have medical conditions, such as bladder stones, mast cell tumors, or heart problems, and those pugs cost the rescue $2,000 - $4,000 EACH. In 2008, SNPR treated 11 pugs with special medical needs and 80 “healthy” pugs. Their veterinary care totaled $34,870. That, along with a significant drop in donations and fundraising opportunities has left us with no money to continue without immediate help from the community that has supported us all along. For the cost of a night out to dinner, you could change the outcome for the pugs waiting to enter rescue. Please help us, if you can, continue to rescue pugs. Sincerely, Jennifer Mauceri
SNPR
www.rescuepugs.com
SNPR Contact Info Mailing Address: P.O. Box 20875 Las Vegas, NV 89112 Pug Hotline:
(702) 883-0740
Website:
www.rescuepugs.com
Email:
[email protected]
Page 2
Board Members President: Directors:
Jennifer Mauceri
Dawn Boudreaux Saira Chaudry Linda Emma-Link Valerie Killeen Angie Anderson
Visit us on MySpace!
We welcome all comments, suggestions, story ideas, and pug photos. Please let us know what you would like to see in future issues of The Pug Post. Email us at:
[email protected] http://www.myspace.com/vegasrescuepugs
Bubba and Cleo: Still Hoping to Find Their Forever Home We have been blessed to find wonderful forever homes for our pugs, whether they are young, old, or have special needs. That is why we have not given up hope that there is a special home out there for this special pair. Maybe that home is yours!
Cleo
Bubba and Cleo have been with SNPR since January 16, 2008. Cleo is 11 and Bubba is almost 7. They were dumped in a kill shelter in California, and with some help from friends, were rescued from the shelter and then brought to Las Vegas. They are mother and son and we would like to keep them together if at all possible. In the year they have been at their foster home, they have lost some much needed weight and are feeling good. Both love being in the company of other dogs and also get along with cats. Bubba is a sweet and loving dog who just loves to be around people. He also loves to sleep on the back of the couch. Cleo’s idea of heaven is a lap to sleep in. She doesn’t have much sight, but she gets around just fine. If you think you can open your heart and home to this well-behaved and adorable pair, please put in an application at www.rescuepugs.com.
Bubba
SNPR
www.rescuepugs.com
Page 3
Upcoming Events
Bark in the Park
Saturday, February 28, 2009 10:00am - 2:00pm at Paseo Verde Park 1851 Paseo Verde Pkwy, Henderson Event is free!
For more info on this event, visit: http://www.cityofhenderson.com/ parks/special_events/bark_in_the_ park_2009.php, or call 267-4970.
Pug Meet-ups
The District at Green Valley Ranch, Henderson (In front of the Coffee Bean) Saturday, February 21 at 7:00pm Saturday, March 21 at 7:00pm
January Pug Meetup at The District
Barkin’ Basin - NW Las Vegas (In W. Wayne Bunker Family Park at Alexander & Tenaya) Sunday, February 15 at 11:00am Sunday, March 14 at 11:00am
Dog Fancier’s Park - 5800 E. Flamingo Rd., Las Vegas Every Wednesday at 6:00pm, weather permitting
We’re also planning a garage sale and a Pug Luau. Keep an eye on rescuepugs.com - details will be posted soon!
Become a Foster Family Foster homes are essential to the success of the rescue. Fostering is not for the faint of heart, but one of the best rewards is seeing that scared little pug who came into your home leave happy, healthy, and confident—ready to start a new life in their forever home. SNPR covers all medical costs associated with the foster pug, and you just provide the food, treats, a lap to snuggle in, and a warm, cozy place for the pug to rest. If you have adopted from us in the past, you are already approved to foster—just email us at: info@rescuepugs. com and we can add you to our foster list. If you have not adopted from us, visit rescuepugs.com and click on “Adoption Application” to fill out a foster application (specify foster home in the space provided), and someone will call you to give you more information.
SNPR’s Wish List We are in need of:
•Postage Stamps •Harnesses and Leashes •Foster Homes •Pug items, supplies, or certificates to be used as raffle/auction items or event prizes
We greatly appreciate your support
SNPR
www.rescuepugs.com
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Where Are They Now? Rescue Pug Updates SNPR has started a new “blog” (online diary) that will have an emphasis on updates of our rescue pugs. If you have adopted from us and would like to give us an update, please send the update (and pictures) to:
[email protected]. The SNPR Blog address is http://rescuepugs.blogspot.com. We might also feature your pug in our next newsletter! Your donations and support help ensure we have many more happy endings like the following:
Elvis Elvis came to SNPR as a very sick puppy. Unless he had heart surgery, his prognosis wasn’t good. Today, Elvis is a happy, active young pug who is, according to his vet, “healthy as an ox.” Elvis makes regular appearances at our pug meet-ups at Dog Fancier’s park. His mom, Jo, reports that he is a major cuddler, and makes monkey-like noises when she hugs him. He also is best friends with his pug brother, Joey. Elvis and Joey are the July centerfolds in our SNPR calendar (hubba hubba)!
Phoebe Phoebe was one of SNPR’s first rescues after we took over for KC’s Pug Rescue. Over 3 years later, her mom, Staci, reports that Phoebe is healthy, happy, and a very important part of her life. Phoebe now enjoys walks in the park and road trips to Arizona and California. Staci adores her so much that even Phoebe’s snores and pug farts don’t bother her - a sign she is truly “pugged”!
Buddy Kish and Raelene adopted Buddy from SNPR a few years ago. Buddy loves to sleep on their couch and bed, and still behaves very much like a puppy. He loves all his toys and has a brother he loves very much. Buddy also demands nightly treats. SNPR is glad to hear he is living the life all pugs deserve!
SNPR
www.rescuepugs.com
Page 5
Minnie Minnie was adopted in May of 2007 by Ann and Nic. Her mom states that they are each other’s number one fan, and Minnie showers her with kisses every morning. Minnie loves to sleep curled up next to her mom, and has to have her head on her mom’s head or neck - this makes sleep a little uncomfortable! Minnie lives with her sister Lola and her cat brother Osi.
Sophie Sophie was found last year in a field by animal control and was taken to the local animal shelter. She was covered in bumps and the shelter was going to put her down. SNPR took her in and thus began a long road to diagnosis. She was eventually found to have mastocytosis, a rare immune disorder with an unknown prognosis. A year later, Sophie is doing very well, with her bumps controlled by a combination of steroids and Atopica. She is a happy, active little girl and has quickly become the boss of her two pug brothers. What Sophie wants, Sophie gets.
Marley Marley was part of a very special duo that came to SNPR from California. It was their last day at a kill shelter, and their time was up. Thanks to some very special people, and a lot of hard work, Marley and Petey came to Las Vegas. Marley and Petey were both very sick when they arrived at SNPR. Marley had a weak back end, likely from spending most of her life in a kennel. After a few weeks in foster care, it was clear they had to be separated because Marley kept attacking Petey. Marley has made an amazing transformation. When she first came into rescue, she could not walk up the stairs. She is now climbing them with ease. Marley still has a queen bee attitude, and likes to be in charge. Petey is with a great family and is enjoying his life with his bassett hound brothers and sisters. Marley is testament to how love, good food, and a great family can make a world of difference.
Do You Have the 2009 Southern Nevada Pug Rescue Calendar Yet?
With the help of Petographique, Alex and Claire DeJesus, and a Pug Rescue angel, we were able to produce our first ever SNPR calendar! It is BEAUTIFUL, and every page has multiple pictures of pugs on it! The quality is that of any high quality calendar you would buy at Petsmart or other retail stores. The difference is your ENTIRE purchase price will go to the expense of vet bills and rehabilitating the rescue pugs in the valley. The calendars are $15.00 each. *Mention this newsletter and purchase any number of calendars for $10.00 each! They make great gifts. To order, send a check or money order for the number of calendars you wish to purchase plus shipping to: SNPR, P.O. Box 20875, Las Vegas, NV 89112, or order online at: http://www.rescuepugs.com/calendars.htm. Shipping fees are as follows: 1 calendar - FREE shipping 6-8 calendars - $8.00 2-3 calendars - $3.00 9-10 calendars - $10.00 4-5 calendars - $6.00 10-25 calendars - $15.00
Please email
[email protected] to request other shipping or pick up.
Southern Nevada Pug Rescue P.O. Box 20875 Las Vegas, NV 89112
Giving Pugs in the Vegas Valley a Fresh Start