It’s been a minute since we turned our metaphorical Bat-Pug Signal on a rescue, so I’m happy to single out Kentuckiana Pug Rescue. KPR, like all the orgs we spotlight, is a volunteer-based, 501(c)(3) non-profit rescue organization. They have made the commitment to assist all Pugs in need in and around Indiana, Kentucky as well as helping out in Ohio and Illinois. They have a solid presence on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and their website is peppered with squishy little Pug mugs to “aww” at.
They have a dedicated group of foster homes who house their pugs until they find loving forever homes. They take in any Pug regardless of age or health issues and generally take in 45 – 75 Pugs per year.
When asked about their greatest success stories, KPR President, Annie Faircloth, said “[that’s] hard to choose! Captain had been our biggest medical case! Currently his bills have totaled over 14k. We pulled him from a shelter in Ohio with a fractured (in several places) pelvis and eye injury. We also were part of a group of rescues who brought Pugs over from China that had been saved from a horrifying fate. Or Lazarus, who was believed dead but showed signs of life when being scooped up with a shovel off a driveway. He was so flea infested you could not determine coat color. He was so weak and anemic, he literally could not support his own body weight. After a few weeks, though, he was happy and healthy and was adopted by a fabulous family!”
Naturally, like all rescues, the biggest challenges they face are finding volunteers, foster homes and raising money. And yet, she feels every drop of sweat is worth it.
“It’s not an easy job but it is a labor of love. There are sad days… but there are more good days so you cling to those happy days to get u to oh thru the rough days!” What she really loves about volunteering is “seeing the joy in the faces of Adopters and Pugs as they placed. It’s a pretty amazing feeling!”
They have a number of events coming up this year. If you’re in the area, or feel like taking a road trip, head on down to the 2022 Fort Wayne PUGfest on Saturday, June 25th. They have a Foster Pug parade, amazingly adorable contests, Pug Races, Costume Contests, raffles and even a Pug Hula. The entry fee is $5 per person or $15 per family. All proceeds go to KPR.
Then they have their annual PUGtoberfest on October 8th. In addition to some of the events at the PUGfest, they have a pie eating contest and a variety of human events, too!
Naturally, in addition to attending events and spreading the word, the best way to help any rescue is to donate. Wither it’s time or money, KPR would absolutely appreciate anything you can contribute. As Annie says, “Rescues depend on the support of Volunteers! Can’t donate money? Give up some time! Transport… Home Visits… working Events. There are many ways to be supportive.”
If you want to learn more about the work KPR does, go to their website and check out their events or look at their pugs, shoot on over to their website. Tell ‘em Pug Squad sent you!
