PDWRA Fosterer and Transporter Helen talks about her experiences of volunteering
Our fosterers are a hugely important part of the work we do as a charity. When pugs are surrendered to us, they will usually need to be placed in a safe temporary home so that they can be assessed and any medical needs can be addressed. This is where our fosterers come in.
Fosterers like Helen deal with all kinds of situations and pug temperaments, and during their stay will compile a comprehensive report of a pug’s character, quirks and any special needs. Helen also often helps out with collecting the pugs that end up in her care, or transporting them to their new forever homes. Sometimes, they even come with surprises, such as having an unexpected litter of puppies…
These are Helen’s thoughts on her role…
How did you first get involved with the PDWRA?
I first got involved 3 years ago. I had lost my little pug to diabetes and really missed him but wasn’t quite ready to own one again, so thought about fostering and found PDWRA online. I first approached another rescue but was very disheartened by their lack of enthusiasm when on the video call for my home check. Then I found PDWRA who were so thrilled that I had approached them for fostering and in the home check they loved my garden and couldn’t wait for me to foster, totally different approach!
How long have you been a volunteer?
This is my 3rd year and I’ve fostered 21 pugs. We’ve had bonded pairs, we’ve had singles, we’ve had traumatised ones and we’ve had ones that have had babies. So yes. 21 in total!
What role do you perform?
I’m a foster carer and also help out with transport where I can.
What does it involve?
we assess them ready for adoption. Many pugs come into rescue because of illness, neglect, changes in family or from families that were just not aware of their needs. We provide love, stability, medical care and reassurance, preparing them for a permanent home. As a fosterer we help the rescue learn about each pug’s personality and needs, so that they can find the best possible match for adoption.
Every foster reminds me of how resilient dogs are and how much a little bit of kindness can change their lives. I cry every time that I say goodbye to them when they have found their new home but when I see the photos of them settled, my heart bursts and that’s why I do it.
Why pugs?
I just love the breed and their personalities, they are needy, affectionate, stubborn, attention seeking, hilarious, loyal and make the best facial expressions as they understand every word you say to them.
Do you have any stories that stick in your mind?
Definitely Maisie and pups! It’s the one that sticks out because it was a surprise. And then you’ve got to make a makeshift whelping box out of a draw from a double bed until you can get your partner to rush into work and make one for you. Bless her, that was a big surprise but it was lovely. We had a lot of sleepless nights, a lot of tag teaming sleep, but she was a beautiful mum and she did really well.
What’s your thoughts on the PDWRA?
Their work often goes beyond simply rehoming, they help dogs recover physically and emotionally, which I have experienced recently. In simple terms, they genuinely put the dog’s wellbeing first. The level of time and care that they put into matching dogs with suitable adopters, supporting foster carers and transporters, is hugely commendable.
Jackie has been my coordinator since I have been fostering and she has been a huge support with every dog that I have fostered, her passion and empathy toward each pug is evident in everything she does. As a coordinator, she goes above and beyond to ensure every pug feels safe, loved and cared for, as do the whole of the PDWRA. Her dedication, patience and constant support make the fostering process smooth and reassuring for everyone involved.
Really, I don’t think of it as a charity. I think of it more like an extended family, because we’ve all got the same views and it’s really nice that everyone can come together and do so much good.
Why should people volunteer?
Volunteering to foster is the most meaningful way to change a dog’s life without needing to adopt permanently.
If people were looking to foster, then I would definitely think about fostering for the PDWRA. The group of supporters that have been built up by the rescue feels like a true family, built on compassion, teamwork and their love for pugs. We all feel connected, valued and supported, and when you see the photos of the pugs in their forever home it makes me burst with pride that we all did that together.
If you would like to apply to volunteer for the PDWRA, please click here.
