Guardian Angels Pug Rescue

by Karen Fetter

Superman is not the only person who can rescue those in danger, especially when it comes to rescuing dogs, -- pug dogs to be exact.

Patti Levay is the sole owner of the pug rescue facility 'Guardian Angels Pug Rescue,' located in Latrobe, Westmoreland County. No matter the reason, Patti does not turn away a pug dog in need. Her facility arranges help for any pug dog in need that Pattie can possibly get to, and works to place it in a loving new home.

'I have always been a dog lover, especially with pugs,' said Patti. 'I never planned for this to happen but I know that I was meant to save these dogs.'

How does Patti do it alone? She is not sure herself, but it is obvious that she has a heart of gold. All of her time and care is given for free and by no means does Patti skimp. These dogs don't just feel rescued, but loved.

From the time Patti saves a dog, she gives the animal a new place in her pug bungalow. The bungalow is a small building next to her house that at one time held up to 34 dogs! As you walk inside she has four gated kennels that can hold two to three dogs each. Each kennel has a door to the outside, a bed, food dishes, a blanket, and toys. On the other side of the bungalow are separate kennels for the other dogs who either need special attention or who have trouble socializing.

Each dog receives the same treatment including medicine, monthly baths, non-violent television, and the thermostat being set at 76 degrees to counteract the cold air from the doggy doors. She even pays for surgeries if needed. In addition, Patti enrolls the dogs in obedience classes and spends five minutes of quiet time in her rocking chair each night to put the dogs to sleep.

Patti likes to think of her facility as an adoption agency in addition to a rescue shelter. Guardian Angels is not a kill shelter that only keeps a dog for a short time and then disposes of them if they are not adopted by a new home. In fact, her adoption process is quite lengthy so she is assured that the pet is placed in a trusting and loving home.

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Situations that Patti has been exposed to include abuse, neglect, divorce, strays, and loss of owner from a nursing home. Once Patti receives a dog she tries to place it within six months. If a situation occurs where she can't find a home, she just keeps the pet as her own. She even has had some cases where she received 'designer dogs' that were not pure pugs, but Guardian Angels still accepted them. Designer dogs occur when people mix two different breeds such as beagles and pugs to create a pugle. Although Patti does not feel such breeding is right, she still does the rescue. When problems arise with a rescue, the pug is never the one to suffer.

Patti finds out about endangered pugs in a variety of ways. She constantly checks the Internet to make sure she can rescue any pug in need. She also gets referrals from those in the community who have worked with her or know of her pug rescue allegiance.

If you are interested in adopting a pug dog you can begin the process by calling Patti at 724-537-3466 and then completing an application with references from two friends, one family member, and one veterinarian. She also inspects the house to make sure that the environment is safe. Once this process is approved by Patti, she gives the pug away.

'There have been times where I had to drive five hours to meet new owners,' said Patti. 'I will do anything for these dogs. I never cry while I am handing the dog over. I save that for when I come home.'

For more information about how many dogs are available check out Patti's website at www.guardianangelspugrescue.com. If you are interested in adoption, consider giving Patti a donation for her hard work and care for the dog. Otherwise she does not charge for the service. The donation would help her continue on with such a caring program. She is always in need of dog food and bathroom carpets to put in the kennels.

How did Patti start something as specific as a pug rescue? Her efforts began 15 years ago when a friend told Patti of a pug in need. Once she saw the environment that the dog was in she knew that saving the life of the dog was important to her. And, or course, Patti loves the pug breed.

Over the years, her reputation has grown and she has become known for her 'pug rescues.' The most dogs she ever took care of at once numbered 34 and the least amount 10. She currently has 25 dogs and 5 puppies. The ages of her pugs cover a wide range with the youngest being one month old. Her greatest goal now is to find homes for these five new puppies.

In addition to her rescue service, Patti has a dog grooming business called Precious Pets Grooming. This business is also a joy for Patti and it helps her maintain her giving lifestyle for pugs. Consider adopting a pug today and call Patti Levay at 724-537-3466.