Thank you to everyone who has responded with donations and applications to foster pugs following our major rescue effort this week. Volunteers are still coordinating and transporting the 37 pugs taken in recently, the largest rescue campaign in the history of Dallas Fort Worth Pug Rescue. Tia, the 3-year-old whose intestines were partially outside her body, underwent a 2.5-hour emergency surgery yesterday morning and doctors say she is doing well so far. Our crisis team responded to the call to take in all of these pugs and has been working around the clock with the vets, techs, and volunteers to help get these little ones ready for their vaccinations, for spay and neutering, and for treatment for chronic skin conditions.

Our basic veterinary costs are going to be substantial, but we believe every one of these lives is precious and worth saving. Veterinary and rescue transportation costs stand at $19,700 today. We have divided up the pugs between five different vet clinics and each is receiving vaccinations and a thorough exam to ensure they are healthy enough for spay and neuter. Fortunately we received some welcome good news - the first small batch of pugs tested has been found to be heartworm negative.

Besides the cost to spay and neuter 37 pugs, provide urgent dental care to 20 who need it, and funding Tia's lifesaving surgery, there has also been the challenge of naming almost 40 pugs! Mrs. Puff, Barney, Bonita, Pearl, LollyPug, Mungo, and Carlos are all newly named according to their personalities. We will be sharing more pictures of these little ones on our Facebook page in the future.

Rescue leaders thanked Creekside Pet Care Center of Keller, Texas, hospital manager Kim Grisham, and Dr. Fisher for all they have done to help us bring these pugs to safety. Thanks also to Westcreek for helping us provide boarding for the largest influx of rescues we have ever experienced in such a short period.

"Sometimes opportunities present themselves and you have to take a leap of faith," said DFW Pug Rescue Director Sue Chapman. "A few days ago we were presented with the possibility of rescuing up to 75 pugs. The directors made a rapid decision - We would do this." Most of the pugs are under 5 years old, shy, and curious about this new world that awaits them, she said. "We have over 31 pugs that need foster homes quickly."

Please open your hearts and help us to nurse these young pugs back to health, and give them the happy, healthy lives they have always deserved.