Articles

by Janet Warner
LouisvillePetPals.com Staff

Event Column

Pugtoberfest 2006

LOUISVILLE, KY, October 7, 2006 -- Pumpkins pop up on porches, the leaves crunch under foot, the local German Club is stocking up on hearty autumn brew, and we all know it’s Click to view
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time for: Pugtoberfest!

By all means, visit the local beer gardens and taverns for the traditional Oktoberfest, celebrating the harvest (mostly of hops and barley), but this year Louisville Pet Pals went for the Pugs. This event celebrates all things Pug and features the finest examples of this loveable dog breed in the area. Sponsored by the Kentuckiana Pug Rescue, a non-profit organization and held on October 7, dozens of Pug lovers and their dogs attended this event at the National Guard Armory in New Albany, Indiana.

Demonstrating the traits that make Pugs such great companions; particularly the love, devotion, and extreme tolerance, most canine attendees of Pugtoberfest arrived in costume. The variation of attire rivaled the annual human parade that arrives at one’s door on October 31st. Creativity was rewarded in the Pugtoberfest costume contest as these distinctive dogs strutted their stuff for the judges! More fun was to be had with doggy games, yummy food for the two legged and four legged, as well as raffles and the ever popular silent auction.

The money raised by Pug lovers will be used by Kentuckiana Pug Rescue (KRP) to rescue, care for and place unwanted, abandoned, neglected, and abused Pugs. The organization exists to give these dogs a second chance in a loving and caring forever home. KPR takes any Pug regardless of their age, temperament, or medical condition. All pugs receive medical care and treatment (if needed), are spayed/neutered prior to placement, receive heartworm and fecal testing, and routine vaccinations. Last year KPR, an all volunteer group, placed over 120 dogs and provide over $40,000 in medical care.

Homeless pets are everywhere. And they are homeless for a variety of reasons. Pugs, like dogs of all kinds, find themselves seeking a forever home. Pugs are surrendered to KPR from breeders because they stop producing thus having outlived their “usefulness.” Often, pugs are surrendered due to health problems that people either cannot afford or just don't want to deal with the issue. Usually, these health issues result from irresponsible breeding, so KPR does its best to educate people about the importance of rescue work and having all pets spayed or neutered. Pugs also come to them from people going through divorce and cannot take them to a new residence, their children have allergies, a new baby comes along and there is not enough time and attention to devote to the pug. Sometimes an owner of the dog dies and the family cannot keep it... the list goes on.

The work of a breed rescue is endless and requires support in both time and money. KPR works year round to provide fun events for Pug lovers (but other critter lovers can attend too) that will raise funds for their extensive efforts. In addition to the annual events like Pugtoberfest and the up coming Pugapalooza in May, KPR has hosted ‘Pugs in the Park’, ‘Puggy Pool Party’, and ‘March in the Pugs’. Be sure to check out all of KPR’s happenings on the Louisville Pet Pals event calendar. To help even further, KPR needs foster homes, transports, and volunteers for events. Donations of all kinds are greatly appreciated from food to merchandise for future silent auctions. The KPR has lots of ways to help. Check out the “Pennies for Pugs” fund drive and lots of other ways to help on their website http://www.kentuckianapugs.com

I wish to apologize to Kentuckiana Pug Rescue. This article should have been posted over a month ago. Unfortunately, my laptop crashed and it took a while to recover the photos. Better late than never?

Brad Nelson
Technical Director