Roswell resident and proud pug mom, Randi Tucker, is raising funds for the Southeast Pug Rescue & Adoption, Inc. (SEPRA). Fundraising will be accomplished by collecting any old cell phones (no accessories or chargers), empty, brand-name inkjet cartridges and silent auction item donations. 

Chandler

SEPRA is participating in a program by Cash For Critters (inkjet cartridges) and Pace Butler (cell phones), and Tucker encourages everyone to donate these items by bringing them along to PugFest, SEPRA’s biggest fundraiser of the year.  PugFest is held on Saturday, Oct. 27 (no rain date), at the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds, 2405 Sugarloaf Parkway, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., and costs $5 per adult and $2.50 for children under 12 (no charge for pugs). For those not attending PugFest, donations can be made at Silk (in Midtown), Hsu’s and Pacific Rim (downtown) restaurants from now through October 25, or by contacting Tucker directly.

Tucker is also collecting silent auction item donations such as pet products from Precious Pets, skincare products from Dead Sea Premier and gift certificates from restaurants like Silk, Soleil and Petite Auberge. Any local business with products or services to donate should contact Tucker through randi@rescuepug.com or by calling 404-432-6680. In addition to the silent auction, PugFest also features a bake sale, raffles, professional pet pictures, pet grooming by Top Knots N Bows, lunch sales by Classic City Deli, a pug parade, a costume contest with two categories—homemade and store-bought, and “best of” contests including:  oldest pug, farthest-traveled pug, curliest tail, most wrinkles, most gray, best kisser, best trick, most unique pug mix and longest tongue.

In addition to the fun and fundraising is safety, by way of a microchip clinic. For $25 per pet, SEPRA will insert microchip ID’s under the dogs’ skin and register them so that if they are ever lost or stolen, their owners can be found. The owners can register the dogs with the national data bank as well, offering double protection.

PugFest also features vendors with items for purchase for both the pugs and pug owners. Offering art, apparel, accessories, autographed books, embroidery, elevated food and water bowls, treats, toys and so much more, vendors include, but are not limited to: Bloomin' Tails Pet Boutique, Hollywood Pets Photography, Jeanette Chisolm Photography, Just Dogs Gourmet, LaLa Lumpies, Lick A Lots, author Lisa Eman, Precious Pets, Pug Daddy Productions and Telia Fleming Hanks.

Although PugFest welcomes all pets under 35 pounds and over four months old, with current rabies shots, NO adoptions or pug sales will be allowed at PugFest! Humans should keep their pugs on a harness or leash at all times and bring water, blankets and chairs to the event. Several nearby, pet-friendly hotels offer lodging specials for PugFest attendees. For a complete list and contact information, please visit SEPRA’s website at www.rescuepug.com. For more information on SEPRA, PugFest or the vendors, visit the website, email info@rescuepug.com or call 770-887-9741.

About SEPRA:

SEPRA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that rescues, fosters and adopts out pugs and pug mixes. The organization is a fully licensed shelter by the Department of Agriculture; however, SEPRA does work solely out of private foster homes. The organization is run exclusively by volunteers, and, therefore, every dollar donated to or raised by SEPRA goes directly to rescues and administrative fees, like the website, brochures and newsletters. SEPRA pays no salaries or wages to any officer, member or volunteer.

SEPRA hosts a website at www.rescuepug.com that features adoption, foster, volunteer and donation information and applications, new news, pug health warnings, pug photos and a marketplace. In addition, it offers babysitter information, forums for tributes and rescue stories, pug poems and much more. The website also includes links to various other fun and informative pug-related websites. For more information, email info@rescuepug.com or call 770-887-9741.