In an extraordinary tale of dedication and love for pugs, Cheryl Gaw has transformed her retirement plans into a full-time mission of rescuing these lovable, wrinkly-faced dogs in South Africa.
Since 2010, Gaw and her husband Malcolm have rescued over 2,500 pugs through their organization, Pug Rescue South Africa, located in Johannesburg. The journey began in 2008 when Malcolm gifted Cheryl her first pug, leading to an unexpected path that would change their lives forever.
What started as a simple request to foster "a couple" of pugs quickly evolved into hosting 60 dogs in their first year alone. At one point, the Gaws had 19 pugs in their home – an arrangement that proved challenging due to the breed's notorious shedding.
"They are known as the clowns of the dog world, and they can make you laugh," says Gaw, now 63. "Always in your space. They're just an amazing, lovable breed. And you always have hair on you."
Today, their rescue center houses nearly 200 pugs, following a strict daily routine starting at 5:15 a.m. The dogs are grouped by age and personality in cottages, with their day filled with meals, medication, baths, play sessions, grooming, and rest periods.
The operation faces considerable challenges, including annual veterinary bills approaching $40,000. Many pugs arrive at the center due to their owners' inability to afford medical care for common breed-specific issues, such as breathing problems and frequent eye and ear infections.
To support this mission, the Gaws made substantial personal sacrifices, including selling their house and living in a trailer home. "Of course, the pugs won," Gaw reflects on their unexpected retirement path.
For those considering pug ownership, Gaw emphasizes the importance of proper research and pet insurance. "You're going to need it," she warns, adding that prospective owners should be prepared for the breed's characteristic heavy shedding: "You can brush them all day long, they still shed."