Our Biggest Rescues

No Pug Left Behind.

In the last 12 years, Pug Rescue of Austin has saved nearly 1,700 pugs. Our Medical Director and resident Pug Whisperer, Signe Corbin, highlights some of our biggest rescues at the Pug Rescue of Austin. We cover some recent cases as well as famous PRA dogs from the past. Some of these stories include graphic details, but don’t worry, these stories all have happy endings!

A major thank you to all of our amazing volunteers, donors, and foster parents. And a big thank you to Brandon Gray (graybeardfilms.com) for doing such an awesome job with filming and editing.

Here are some of our amazing stories…

Broken BonesPugs are troopers, even with multiple broken bones! Several of our rescues have involved pugs hit by cars who come to us with severe fractures that require surgery and tiny plates and screws to reset. These dogs somehow manage to stay pl… — Broken Bones
Pugs are troopers, even with multiple broken bones! Several of our rescues have involved pugs hit by cars who come to us with severe fractures that require surgery and tiny plates and screws to reset. These dogs somehow manage to stay playful through the healing process and are so grateful for their new life.
*Featuring: Cedar (2018), Bumper (2018), Audrey (2021), Franconi (2021)*

Urinary Tract IssuesIt’s not unusual for pugs to be surrendered to us because they’ve been exhibiting naughty bathroom behaviors, and often this is because they have serious urinary tract problems that are causing them pain and discomfort. Often bla… — Urinary Tract Issues
It’s not unusual for pugs to be surrendered to us because they’ve been exhibiting naughty bathroom behaviors, and often this is because they have serious urinary tract problems that are causing them pain and discomfort. Often bladder stones can be diagnosed and treated with diet and medication, but for extreme cases surgery is required to remove massive or unusual stones.
*Featuring: Maple (2018), Calki (2017), Ivory (2020), Valentine (2021), Rocky (2018), Homer (2018)*

Skin IssuesPugs and their wrinkles can be very high maintenance. Skin issues are very common in pugs, especially in Austin, with our multitude of allergens. Some of our most dramatic before and afters have been pugs who came to us with extreme skin … — Skin Issues
Pugs and their wrinkles can be very high maintenance. Skin issues are very common in pugs, especially in Austin, with our multitude of allergens. Some of our most dramatic before and afters have been pugs who came to us with extreme skin infections, and some of these heartwarming recoveries have put us on the map after their stories were picked up by *The Dodo* and *The Huffington Post*.
*Featuring: Skippy (2018), Jerome (2018), Reuben, Briggs (2013), Gypsy (2019), Herschel (2019), Rhodes (2020), Dex (2018), Ralphie (2020)*

Eye IssuesDry eyes are a common pug problem, that often goes undetected until it escalates to cause serious infections and ruptures. Our dedicated foster parents have helped us save many pug eyes, but even the pugs who have come to us with injured e… — Eye Issues
Dry eyes are a common pug problem, that often goes undetected until it escalates to cause serious infections and ruptures. Our dedicated foster parents have helped us save many pug eyes, but even the pugs who have come to us with injured eyes beyond repair have adapted and become wonderful additions to their new families.
*Featuring: Master Po (2014), Jamal (2018), Simon (2020), Chiquilla (2020)*

Dental IssuesIf you’ve ever owned a pug, you know they tend to swallow their food without chewing, but that doesn’t mean their teeth stay in pristine condition. Some dogs come to us without ever having their teeth cleaned which can cause other healt… — Dental Issues
If you’ve ever owned a pug, you know they tend to swallow their food without chewing, but that doesn’t mean their teeth stay in pristine condition. Some dogs come to us without ever having their teeth cleaned which can cause other health issues. We might send them to their new homes with fewer teeth, but they always thank us with fresh puggy kisses when they’re feeling pain free!
*Featuring: Johnny Cash & June Carter (2019), Snowball (2020), Ebenezer (2016-2018)*

Severe NeglectSome dogs come to us with dramatic wounds, tumors and serious conditions that resulted from years of neglect and lack of medical attention. Pug Rescue saves the day by doing whatever it takes, including intense surgery and extensive th… — Severe Neglect
Some dogs come to us with dramatic wounds, tumors and serious conditions that resulted from years of neglect and lack of medical attention. Pug Rescue saves the day by doing whatever it takes, including intense surgery and extensive therapy to give these pugs a life so good that they don’t even remember the pain of their past.
*Featuring: Silver (2020), Elsie (2017), Ike, Fenway (2020), Tubbs (2018), Lucky (2020)*

Spinal IssuesPugs can be very susceptible to spinal injuries. When we are able to intervene early enough, we have had success restoring full mobility. Thanks to amazing doctors, lots of physical therapy, patient fosters and innovative quad carts man… — Spinal Issues
Pugs can be very susceptible to spinal injuries. When we are able to intervene early enough, we have had success restoring full mobility. Thanks to amazing doctors, lots of physical therapy, patient fosters and innovative quad carts many of our spinal injury cases have fully recovered to enjoy a healthy pug life.
*Featuring: Bawb Dawg (2018-19)*

Airway IssuesSome people may think that pug snores are cute, but it’s really just a sign that they have a blocked airway! We work with experts who use sophisticated technology to open up the trachea and nostrils of our favorite brachycephalic breeds… — Airway Issues
Some people may think that pug snores are cute, but it’s really just a sign that they have a blocked airway! We work with experts who use sophisticated technology to open up the trachea and nostrils of our favorite brachycephalic breeds so they can finally get a full breath of fresh air!
*Featuring: Big Blue (2015), Shen, Rowdy, Josie, Bradley, Bullet*

Puppy DiseasesParvo, distemper, pneumonia, we’ve seen it all! Our puppy rescues can be rollercoaster rides, but the outcomes are worth it! — Puppy Diseases
Parvo, distemper, pneumonia, we’ve seen it all! Our puppy rescues can be rollercoaster rides, but the outcomes are worth it!