Chico, Calif.--Pug Sunday is a nonprofit
on a mission. Its goal since 2001 has been to prevent cruelty to
animals, often by finding loving homes for abandoned or unwanted
pugs. Now Pug Sunday is fulfilling another mission--bringing joy to
seniors who love pets as a way of saying thanks
for the help and support
that the group has received.
What better way than to share the love of pugs with seniors at
Amber Grove Place who enjoy having a dog pet or to hug!
Pug Sunday has plans to visit
Amber Grove Place once a month
and hopes to visit other care homes as well.
Here is what it is about, in the words of the president, Sandi Castellano:
About 30 people and their pugs meet regularly the first
Sunday of every month at 1:00 p.m. at the Hooker Oak
Recreation Area in Bidwell Park to socialize.
Through the year, we work to rescue abandoned,
stray or unwanted pugs and place them in loving homes.
We average about seven rescues a
year however in 2010 we rescued 23
pugs. It was insane. I think it had to do
with the economy. People lost their jobs
and their homes and just couldn't keep their dogs.
It's easy to have a pug function because
they don't fight with each other. They're
playful and don't bark much. Through the
years Pug Sunday has grown supporting
itself through various fundraisers such as
yard sales, events with raffles and silent
auctions and pug themed clothing and jewelry.
Its largest source of income, however
is the production of an annual Pug Sunday
in Chico calendar featuring photos of pugs
with local businesses. We have recently started
having an Annual Beer and Wine tasting Event
at The Stansbury House and it has been very
successful. We use this money mostly for medical
purposes for the rescue pug which, depending
on the condition of the pug, can cost us
$500 or more.
Pug Sunday requires prospective
pug adopters to fill out applications and
undergo a home inspection prior to
receiving their pug. They are also asked
to make a $200.00 donation and sign a
contract that obligates them to return the
pug to Pug Sunday should they not be able to keep it.