The Furever team interviewed Larry St. Aubin, Founder and Past President of the breed specific Pugalug Pug Rescue, and a member of the Furever Network. We’ve excerpted a portion of the Larry’s excellent interview here.
From Meet Up Group to Pugalug Pug Rescue
Founder and Past President of Pugalug Pug Rescue, Larry St. Aubin had no knowledge of pugs before his friend gave him a sweet little dog in August 2001. She was hot and nervous, looking for her owner and confused by her new surroundings.
And Larry didn’t quite know what to do to make her more comfortable. After searching out other pug owners in the local park to get advice, he decided that pug owners are a hugely important resource for other new owners like him. Pugalug as a meet up group was born!
As the meet up group grew, Larry was inspired to morph the meet up group into a pug rescue group. He learned why pugs are surrendered, what their needs are, and about the people who work tirelessly and volunteer to transport, foster, and get medical care for the pugs.
Founding a Pugalug Pug
Eventually, Pugalug Pug Rescue reached 1,000 associate members with 40 volunteers and a board of directors.
A woman with her own Ontario pug rescue group called PG Pug Rescue recognized the group’s dedication and wanted to pass the torch for a breed specific pug rescue in Ontario. At the next Board meeting, Pugalug meet up group voted unanimously to become a Pugalug Pug Rescue and became a registered charity by January 2006.
Since 2005, Pugalug Pug Rescue has rescued about 270 pugs. Larry is very proud that his early vision has blossomed into such an accomplishment. After seven years, he stepped down as President but continues to foster and create the annual Pugalug Pug Rescue calendar.
He continues, “Somebody gave me a pug and slowly I got to love her and realized I’m really a pug inside. They bring out the goodness in people and I think that’s what my pugs brought out in me.”
Click the thumbnails to see Ramya, Larry and Odin in action!
Article Written by Robyn Naster.
With Thanks to Pawsway event centre at Toronto’s Harbourfront for supporting the shoot. More about the events and programs at PawsWay here!
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