New CBC doc 'Pugly: A Pug's Life' looks at the short-snouted pups and their owners
'The motto for pugs is multum in parvo — a lot in a little,' says rescue worker
A new CBC documentary explores how the popularity of pugs has exploded in recent years.
One woman in the documentary who works with a pug rescue says she loves them for their bold personalities.
"The motto for pugs is multum in parvo — a lot in a little," explained Blanche Axton, foster co-ordinator at Pugalug Pug Rescue.
"They're a very bold, in your face, 'Hey, how do you like me so far?' kind of breed. And I think it appeals to people — it certainly appeals to me," she told The Current's guest host Matt Galloway.
The brachycephalic dogs are the subject of a new CBC Pov doc called Pugly: A Pug's Life, which explores their popularity, but also the health problems they are prone to.
The short-snouted canines are predisposed to numerous disorders including eye, respiratory, and skin issues.
Axton says that significant life changes in a family such as a divorce, an illness or a death can lead to the dogs being abandoned, but she also sees pugs surrendered due to their health problems.
The dogs are given up due to "illness in the animal itself, that the owner can't afford," she said. "In some cases, they can't even afford the diagnostics to figure out how serious it is."
To explain the world of pug owners, breeders and the dedicated people who rescue them, Galloway talked to:
- Michael McNamara, filmmaker and screenwriter who has also directed more than 100 hours of award-winning film and television.
- Aaron Hancox, filmmaker award-winning Toronto-based producer.
- Blanche Axton, has run Pugalug Pug Rescue as the foster coordinator for the last 30 years while working a day job as a social worker in a detox centre.
The documentary is airing on CBC-TV tonight, Friday 11 Jan., at 9pm local time, and 9:30pm in Newfoundland, or is available online on the CBC Docs POV site.
Click 'listen' near the top of this page to hear the full conversation.
Written by Lito Howse. Produced by Alison Masemann.