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© Sarah Hinckley & the Montpelier Times Argus
Mr. Pugsley did it again.
The 6-year-old smutty Pug walked away with the crown for the curliest tail on Saturday at the sixth annual Green Mountain Pug Rescue Social. For the third time in six years judges chose Mr. Pugsley for the top honor.
"I think his coloring catches their eye," said owner Carlene Hillsgrove, of Danbury, NH, standing next to partner Allan Fligg, with 7-year-old Pug, Samantha. "These are the first two we've had (and) now I've got a house full of Pug stuff."
At least a couple hundred Pugs brought their possessors to Top Notch Field to preen, prance and perform for treats, rewards and each other. Since the Vermont-based rescue was started in 2002, at least 500 Pugs have been adopted out throughout New England.
"We're already in the 80s for 2008, and we've still got three months to go," said Phil Douglas, who was emceeing the event. "We'll undoubtedly adopt more out in 2008 than in any other year."
Like many owners of the smooshed-face sweeties, Green Mountain Pug Rescue founder Karen Powers, of Lyndonville, came by her first Pug inadvertently. She blames acquiring a 13-year-old Pug from a New Jersey pound on her husband. The family pet lived to be 17, and Powers and family have been on a mission for the last six years to join as many abandoned or milled Pugs with willing owners as possible.
"I have four Pugs – three of them adoptions," said Powers. "I've probably fostered about… my husband lost track at 80. I've always prided myself on remembering who the dogs are, but there are just so many."
Powers estimates more than 50 people volunteer for Green Mountain Rescue, collecting captured Pugs from other states – rescuing many from puppy mills, shuttling them to veterinary appointments and fostering the Pugs. There is no hub for the rescue organization, volunteers are essential and high gas prices have not inhibited their cause.
"I thought when we hit $4 (per gallon), I thought we'd see a lull, but we haven't had that problem at all," said Powers who holds down two jobs and oversees the rescue in her spare time. "It's a lot of fun and it's just a labor of love. I truly started this for more of an education and fun events."
When she started the rescue six years ago, Powers never imagined it growing as much as it has. The gathering on Saturday, the largest one yet – perhaps due to the great weather – was proof. Powers works with other states throughout the country to help with their Pug rescue efforts.
"We've become the premier Pug rescue to go to," she said. "It's been amazing. We've had people come and go on our board, but volunteers just keep coming. We have fosters all over New York, Vermont and New Hampshire. We wouldn't be able to do this without foster homes."
Fostering can be dangerous for some; sooner than later the temporary pet becomes a permanent Pug.
Rosemarie Provetto, of Ferrisburgh, was first introduced to Pugs 10 years ago when her 16-year-old son wanted one.
"I wasn't very thrilled with the idea, to be honest with you," said Provetto, holding her latest Pug, 3-month-old Caesar in a newly purchased puppy sac. "I've had dogs my whole life and they're the best breed. They are beyond imagination the only breed I know that gives you this unbelievable love."
For just under a year, Provetto has volunteered for the Green Mountain Pug Rescue - GMPR. She still owns her son's Pug, Rocky, and has added eight more to her brood.
"I tell people, 'if you get a Pug, you won't just get one,'" said Provetto, who typically drives the rescue Pugs to the veterinarians. "I do think nine is a bit much."
Her fascination is not unique. Many people are gifted, left or adopt a Pug and fall in love. Nancy Boardman of Arlington, sitting next to the show arena with her Pug, Posey, is another one.
"I've got five, she's my third," said Boardman, who is a member of GMPR. "You can't just have one – you know that."
Posey's tail is nearly a full circle atop her rear, seemingly a good candidate for the Curliest Tail Competition. But she and Boardman are just observing the contest – one of six different ones throughout the day.
"I thought the competition was too stiff," said Boardman, who admits the Pugs in her house were not adopted from GMPR. "I would have, but they just seem to come to my door."
Other events at the Pug Social included; a Pug wedding, Pug races, contests for the best wrinkles, curliest tail, Pug costume, Pug kissing, best Pug trick, the oldest Pug and the Pug who traveled the furthest to the social. Several puppy-focused vendors were set up at the social, a raffle took place and food was available from the grill.
What makes Pugs so special?
There are several things, the owners claim. Provetto says the breed has a great sense of humor. Hillsgrove claims they are very smart but stubborn dogs. Boardman echoed the sentiments of other owners; all Pugs seem to get along.
But, watching Moe, a swimmer Pug, jump to the edge of his pen and bark at a passing large-breed dog, it is obvious they are aware of outsiders.
John Deuth of Roxbury, Conn., sported a T-shirt with a large photo of his Pug on the front with, "My best friend is Smoochi," written below.
"Pug people, it's a different breed, it's a different breed of people," said Powers.
For more information about Green Mountain Pug Rescue, go to www.gmpr.org.
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Posted on Thu Sep 25, 2008 3:51 am by PugNews |
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