How do you start a Pug Rescue?

The Pug Rescue organization in Nashville, TN has closed. I am interested in learning more about starting one. Can anyone give me some advice? Pros/Cons. I know nothing so any advice, warnings, encouragement would be appreciated. We currently have two Pugs in our family. I am concerned about what will happen to the Pugs in this area that need help. Thanks for your comments.

I don't have any experience to share with you but there are tons of other people who do and will be chiming in soon. I just wanted to welcome you to PA.

I used to work with Rita at Music City. It's a lot of work. It gets overwhelming. I am about 2 hrs from you in Jackson, TN. I suggest that instead of starting a rescue you could volunteer to foster for SEPRA and talk to Brenda or DeAnna that are here on this borad, or MAPR. MAPR has a rep that lives in Columbia, near you, and she would love another foster home as an option. Her name is Karen Rench and if you are really interested I can provide both rescue's contact info. i have fostered for both and they are both great organizations. I will messge you my cell if you are interested.

Marci

Yep. A rescue can quickly get overwhelming and the financial commitment is downright staggering. Your best bet would be to work with existing rescues, get some idea of what you'd be dealing with. Then if you still think you want to start an additional rescue, you have some background, experience and a network to help you.

Welcome to PA.

northernwitch wrote:Yep. A rescue can quickly get overwhelming and the financial commitment is downright staggering. Your best bet would be to work with existing rescues, get some idea of what you'd be dealing with. Then if you still think you want to start an additional rescue, you have some background, experience and a network to help you.

Welcome to PA.

Yes, I agree with what the others said. I was part of a group that started a rescue here in Vegas, but we luckily had help. There were two ladies who used to run the rescue, and they retired, so they were able to offer us guidance, and had a bit of a network already in place. However, even then, it was (and is) pretty overwhelming. If you can partner with an existing rescue, that would be great. There was A LOT that I didn't know when I got into rescue, and I wish I had been more prepared. If you decide to start your own, you'll need to see about getting your 501c3 status (which is a big pain in itself ), and getting a board, etc. We can all help you, and thank you for wanting to help the pugs in your area. Welcome aboard!

Thank you for considering this! As others said, starting a rescue can be overwhelming - but it can also be done. It depends on how much time you have to commit to it really. If you do really want to start one of your own, many of us can help. I've been running SEPRA now for about 12 years. Took it from a tiny organization to what it is today.

The main thing you would need to start one up is financing. Many new rescues will organize and fund raise before they even consider taking in animals so there are funds to vet them.

If you do want to start one, let us know more and how we can help. Or if you do want to foster or help volunteer with SEPRA, you can let me know. SEPRA and MAPR are trying to take in the pugs from Nashville as of now.

I feel so stupid and want to help out in any way that I can with our local rescue. I know it is overwhelming and I feel if I can be educated that I can help even more.

Three months ago we had two pugs, Saban and Deuce. Then in March we got Clara Belle as a Foster from Sepra. She is a little doll, black with a white spot on her chest and one white paw. Last month we got Lily. She is my youngest sons Pug that had some issues(serious brain and abdominal trauma and lost her sight in both eyes). Our Vet stayed up with her all night the first night she was there and luckily she pulled through. She is living with us now so we have gone from two to four in 90 days. It gets a little hectic at feeding time but they are worth it. Right after we got Clara Belle there was an article in the Nashville paper about a puppy mill that was shut down in the area. There was a picture of two pugs along with the article. I showed it to my wife. She told me "You can't save them all." We got Lily anyway.

Bless you for caring about the puggies! And welcome to PA. There is a wealth of information here, and it sounds like you are off to a good start.

The Doggy Mommy wrote:I feel so stupid and want to help out in any way that I can with our local rescue. I know it is overwhelming and I feel if I can be educated that I can help even more.

Welcome to PA - as I said, there are a lot of knowledgeable people here who are very much involved with rescue. I'm sure that SNPR would love to have you volunteer.

Sounds like you've got your hands full!!!! Did you ever talk to SEPRA and MAPR about helping them with fostering, fundraising, transports, etc? Please post pictures of your gang-- we'd love to get to know y'all better!

Hi! Are you still fostering Clara Belle? My name is Lisa and we met when I transported her to you. I fell in love with her during the drive, do you have any pictures of your gang?

Hi ken,

Its Deanna!! I helped get Clara Belle to you guys. I keep waiting for Heather to tell me the perfect family is coming along for Clara but not yet. That just means the perfect family hasn't found her yet. So glad you guys got Lily also. When I talked to your vet ont he phone to set him up he was so nice and only had positives to say about you and your family.

tigerfan182 wrote: I showed it to my wife. She told me "You can't save them all." We got Lily anyway.

Well bless your hearts (both of you!). I don't know what I would do without my husband's support on this crazy rescue roller coaster that we ride. Every time we get one adopted out or lose one, another one comes along that needs our help. It's a never ending cycle but we wouldn't have it any other way. You're obviously cut from the same cloth as many of us here on this forum!

I put pictures in my avatar. From left to right - Deuce, Saban, Clara Belle and Lily.

Hi Ken and thanks for fostering for SEPRA! Love the new avatar.