NW Pugs: A Pug Parent Community

Walking into the sparse warehouse-like building, we are a bit early and only a few pugs are sniffing about. Toni, the meet-up organizer, welcomes us with a smile. A table with individually wrapped dog toys and treats sits just behind her. Toni runs an efficient and well-organized event. After signing the liability form and paying our entry fee, we find a spot against the wall and wait.

Slowly the room begins to fill with curled tails and squashed faces. Off leash, the pugs begin exploring their surroundings and the new people to meet. Pugs are known for wanting a lot of attention and haven’t met a human they didn’t want a pet or a smile from. They all take turns bounding in and out of the laps of the other pug parents pausing only to exchange ‘get to know you’ sniffs. Eventually one loses it and starts to race around the room tail tucked low, head high in the air, resembling something of a rabbit or hare. It’s amazing how fast they move in this position. The other pugs scramble to follow, but it is a short lived burst of energy. They all race to find an open lap to take a breather. Although the pug parents are simply sitting and observing, there is a certain amount of energy expended watching all the activity. 

For the next hour, every pug belongs to every human and every human is connected by a pug. As the pugs bound in and out of laps the pug parents exchange knowing smiles and a silent exchange of understanding. This special, unique breed has unique characteristics that all pug parents know and love. Throughout the time together names are exchanged and stories of how each pug parent came to be are traded.  Pug parents swap feeding tips, vet referrals and funny pug anecdotes. For this group, Saturday afternoon is spent with a community built on their love for their pugs.

Click to enlarge picture. Photo by Mike Reyna