DFW Pug Rescue Corporation, Inc.

Brooke is one of our long-time fosters, and she doesn’t sugarcoat it.

“Sending a foster off is very hard emotionally, some much harder than others. There are many tears shed.”

Over time, she’s created traditions to help with the goodbye: packing a tote bag with their favorite food, treats, and toys, taking one final photo at the front door, and naturally… stopping for a Dairy Queen Blizzard after drop-off.

“Once the new family sends an update and pictures of them acclimating and having fun, a weight is lifted and that feeling of joy floods your body that makes this whole process worth it. All you have to do next, is check your email and see all the homeless pugs waiting behind bars to find a comfy foster home to decompress in. Welcoming a new foster really does take the sting out of missing the previous ones.”

Brooke says fostering is not about keeping every pug. It’s about helping them through a transition and giving them a safe place to land after difficult circumstances.

“I try to remember, fostering each pug is for THEM. To give them a safe place to land after going through a tough time and so they don’t have to stay locked in a kennel during their transition period. I can handle a little heartache if it means giving them a second chance at a happy life.”

And honestly, her “sleep away camp” comparison might be one of our favorite descriptions of fostering yet.

“It’s fun to think of your house as “sleep away camp” until their forever family comes to take them home. Sure, they love the camp and the camp counselors, but are also happy to go to their own home, have their own family and their own bed.”

Every foster who walks through Brooke’s door leaves a little piece of themselves behind, and every one teaches something new.

“My favorite part of fostering is getting to meet all the different pugs and learning their personalities… no matter the circumstance, these pugs will nestle into your heart.”

If you’re in the DFW area and have room to be a soft place to land for a pug in need, we’d love to have you join our foster family. 🐾

Apply to foster: https://www.dfwpugs.com/become-a-foster

Fireworks can be overwhelming for dogs 🎆🐾 A little preparation can make a big difference! Here are 5 tips to help your dog stay calm during fireworks.

1. Keep Them Indoors: Fireworks can trigger panic and cause dogs to bolt. Keeping them inside reduces the risk of escape and injury.

2. Check ID & Microchip Info: Even the calmest dogs can get spooked. Make sure tags and microchip information are up-to-date to help ensure a safe return if they get loose.

3. Create a Safe Space: A quiet, familiar spot gives your dog somewhere to retreat and feel secure when the noise starts.

4. Mask the Noise: TV, white noise, music, or even laundry (with some loud bulky items) helps soften the sound of fireworks and reduce anxiety.

5. Exercise Early: Extra activity earlier in the day helps release energy and can lower stress later in the evening.

Bonus tip! Thundershirts, calming treats, or anxiety wraps work best when introduced before the event, not during. Get them ready ahead of time to have a safe, happy night.