A crowd of about 30 pug admirers gathered outside the large portable fence as their dogs partied together. For the past eight years the club called “Pug Sunday” has met to socialize themselves and their dogs. On the first Sunday of each month they meet in Hooker Oak Park in Chico at 1:00p.m.. The long red fabric tunnels attract the more adventurous pugs to dash through the tubes. Clearly the dogs are happy to participate in the meet and greet session, but other people in the park are easily attracted to the pug-antics as well. One woman from Lake Tahoe visited the Pug Sunday group as her child participated in sports. She said there were no pugs to be purchased locally and was happy to see the joyful assembly, later that day she made contact with the Pug Sunday founder to help her find her own pug.
The group is the brainchild of Sandi Castellano, who as longtime president obviously loves her job. She has owned pugs for 14 years. Everyday her dogs provide lots of entertainment and a reason to laugh. Sandi recalls a painful time in her life when she was ill. Her pug supplied plenty of sympathy and would lie alongside her as she healed.
The American Kennel Club describes the pug by the phrase “multum in parvo,” which means a lot of dog in a small space. They are recognized for their even tempers, playful personalities and their outgoing, loving dispositions. They are colored either in shades of fawn or black. Their square body weighs around 14 – 18 pounds, a perfect size for apartments, but they will adapt to any environment.
Pugs are one of the oldest known breeds, dating back to 400 BC. They were pets of the Buddhist monasteries in Tibet. The pug has one reason to live: to be near people and to please them, making them the ultimate family
companion dog.
Not only is Pug Sunday a social and educational network for the pug owners, but it serves a more important function; to rescue unwanted, stray, or abandoned pugs and to foster them until suitable new owners can be found. Unfortunately “rescue” connotes a negative image, but Sandy assures me that not all adoptable dogs have been abused. Many times a dog is released to the care of the club members because of economics, relocation, or members of the family who have allergies. One of the rescue dogs, named “Put Put,” was an older dog and had been used for breeding. The dog was treated for heartworm and was restored to good health; a wonderful retired couple adopted him and they thoroughly enjoy each other’s company. Since 2002, about 30 pugs have been fostered and adopted through Pug Sunday club members.
To give the foster pug the best opportunity for a healthy life, each dog is spayed or neutered, and inoculated for DHLP and heartworm. Depending on the dog’s need, treatment or advanced medical care
is given.

Pug in a cage

The club raises funds by creating a $10.00 pug calendar, with an adorable pug photograph decorating a page for each month. Who wouldn’t be attracted to a face surrounded by wrinkles, large dark eyes and oh-so-soft dark furry ears?
In addition to the monthly get-togethers, two special celebrations require a little extra planning. On October 4th a pug Halloween party encourages the honored guests to dress in costume. Prizes are awarded for the various categories: the cutest, the scariest and the most original.  The public is invited to attend the party and cheer for their favorites.

For more information contact Sandi by phone at (530) 343-4774 or email at sandi95973@sbcglobal.net. The organization’s colorful website with holiday photos and more club and adoption information can be found at www.pugsundayinchico.org.

By Carlyn Melf