OUR MISSION:
Rescue every area Pug in need and provide medical care and place them in a forever home. If no home can be found, we pledge to provide a comfortable and loving place where those Pugs can live out their lives.
OUR STORY:
Our founding Board of seven members previously volunteered with another Pug Rescue in the area. When that Rescue faltered, we recognized the need to fill that void and together, created Pug Nation. We are a registered 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, care, and placement of abandoned, neglected, unwanted, displaced, and abused pugs. Our Board and numerous volunteers are passionate about pug rescue and live by our motto of “one pug at a time”. We feel that through our efforts we can change many of these forgotten pugs’ lives. We rely on the generosity of our supporters through donations and participation in our fundraising activities.
As you might imagine, our facility and medical costs are quite high and the number of Pugs in need keep rising. In order to find our Pugs a home as soon as possible, we have one standing adoption fair per month and also attend many special events in order to get our Pugs as much exposure as possible. We also hold a number of fundraising events, including our annual Pugtacular Festival held in October in Torrance and Legendary Bingo at Hamburger Mary’s in West Hollywood a few times a year. We also are proud to host our Open House every June to honor all who help us. These events and on-line fundraising help provide the money to pay for vet treatments, medicine and loving care at our Pug Station. If you would like to make a donation, find out about the next event, become a volunteer, foster, or adopt your own rescue pug, you are in the right place! You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and twitter; there is always something going on and new pugs needing your help.
TRANSPARENCY:
We are proud to have a three star score on Charity Navigator and our tax returns are of public record. Feel free to view our latest published tax return on the IRS website through the link below. Please note that the IRS is always a few years behind when publishing; if you are interested in our latest return, please email us and we will be glad to send it!
https://apps.irs.gov/pub/epostcard/cor/272615877_202212_990_2024010922200746.pdf
PUG NATION EUTHANASIA POLICY
Pug Nation does not and will never euthanize dogs due to space limitations or behavioral concerns, including aggression. Euthanasia is considered only in cases where a dog is suffering and has no reasonable quality of life, and only after all appropriate medical and supportive options have been thoroughly explored. When concerns regarding a dog’s quality of life are raised, management will meet to carefully evaluate the situation, set aside personal emotions, and make a compassionate decision that is in the best interest of the dog. If it is decided a dog must be euthanized, one of us will personally take that dog to a trusted vet and be with them while they cross over to the Rainbow Bridge.
MEET OUR BOARD:
Gwenn Vallone – CEO/CFO
Gwenn is a founding Board Member who feels very fortunate to be at the facility full-time running operations. She’s rescued Pugs for over 20 years and is a proud Momma of two special needs dogs, Gumpie and Clam. Gwenn has a soft spot for senior and special needs pugs.
Lori Zech
Lori is a founding Board Member who, among other things, puts together our amazing silent auctions and prize baskets and is a lead on our events. She has joint custody of Sophie, a beautiful rescue Pug girl and recently adopted another little cutie, Tootsie. She’s been in rescue for over 15 years as well.
Shirl Ludwig
Shirl is a founding Board Member and can be found wrangling Pugs at many of our adoption fairs. She’s also been in rescue over 15 years and is our go-to person in the San Fernando Valley. Shirl has a growing grumble and loves to adopt or foster our seniors that are most in need.
Jennifer Medina
Jennifer is one of our newest Board Members and she continues to bring great energy to our events, house checks and was a force in creating our volunteer program. She and her husband, David, who helps us out quite a bit, are proud parents of two Pugs Francesca and Cassie. You may have met Cassie at an event or Meet-up—she’s the Pug who runs over everyone’s toes with her wheelchair.
Michelle Nagel – Board President
Michelle is also one of our newest Board Members who has brought a lot of energy to our organization and can be seen at most of our events, working very hard. Michelle adopted one of our sweetest rescues ever, Elsa, and sure does love that little girl. Michelle has infused Pug Nation with new donors and her positive energy is infectious.