The team at Leashes Optional [LO] live for heartwarming Pug stories and greatly enjoy engaging with fellow Pug enthusiasts on our website and Facebook page Pugs Are Awesome. Earlier this week we had the pleasure of virtually meeting Charles Wright, a proud Veteran of the United States Navy, currently residing in DC.

Charles recently adopted a rescue Pug from Pug Partners of Nebraska and shared his wonderful adoption story with us. In an effort to praise the organization that connected him with his new Pug named Lincoln and showcase his positive experience with pet adoption, Charles created this video that tells their beautiful story.

Enjoy!

[LO]: In your YouTube video, you mention that it would have been Rico's (sp?) 10th birthday that day. Can you tell us who Rico is and maybe shed some light on that for us?

Charles: Rico was my first pug and my first dog. Unfortunately he was attacked by another dog and passed away 4 years ago. So I had to take some time to emotionally heal before I was ready to get another dog. I found it pretty symbolic that on the day of what would have been his 10th birthday, I was on my way to pick up my new adopted friend.

[LO]: What made you want to adopt and how did you come across Pug Partners of Nebraska?

Charles: I wanted to adopt because I felt like it was the right thing to do. For obvious reasons, I am partial to pugs and it was only in the last couple of years that I learned of breed specific rescues. I have been following the Pug Partners of Nebraska on Facebook for a couple years now after a friend had suggested I follow them. It was through them that I learned about the joys and advantages of adopting/rescuing. I also learned about the horrible conditions dogs are forced to live in at puppy mills and how detrimental it is to their physical and mental health. There are so many sweet loving pugs out there and after reading and seeing so many rescue stories, I was inspired to adopt.

[LO]: Tell us a little bit about Lincoln, how he got his awesome name, and what his personality is like!

Charles: Lincoln is an owner surrender and that's about all I know of his back story. He is the most docile and loving pug I've ever met. He is a typical velcro Pug and follows me everywhere. He is gentle, playful, and a terrific companion. He came with the name Lincoln which I imagine had something to do with the city in Nebraska (where he's from) and I decided to keep his name because it's unique, it ties us back to my hometown, and it connects us to DC and President Lincoln. Plus, Lincoln is a very strong, stoic and compassionate pug, just like his namesake!

[LO]: It looks like you and Lincoln live a very active life. What has been your favorite adventure or memory together so far?

Charles: I have only had him for a little over a month, and so far our favorite adventure has been walking the trails of Rock Creek Park. I let him off the leash and we hike through the wooded areas. He mostly stays to the path so I don't have to worry about him getting hurt. Its important that both of us take time to connect with nature.

[LO]: Can you tell us about your experience working with Pug Partners of Nebraska?

Charles: Working with Pug Partners of Nebraska (PPN) was an absolute joy. Not only are they a top notch professional organization, they are the sweetest people to work with. I give them so much credit for the good work they do and for being an all volunteer group. They do what they do because they love Pugs, its really that simple. They have no other motives. They always post “Happily Ever After” photos of the dogs they place in “fur-ever” homes and I wanted to do something special because I was so inspired by my experience working with them and overjoyed with Lincoln. So I made a video to show Lincoln in his new home and to give them a video/story to use to promote their organization.

[LO]: What advice do you have for people looking to adopt a Pug?

Charles: My advice to anyone looking to adopt is TAKE YOUR TIME. You are taking on the responsibility for another life and it should be the right fit. You don't want to rush these kinds of decisions and PPN is very big on placing the pugs in the right home on the first try. It's best for the dog the less times they are displaced. Especially the ones with a broken past. Its OK to be completely honest about what kind of dog you want (active, chill, special needs). PPN did an excellent job of matching me with a dog that would fit my lifestyle. Be patient and when it is meant to be, the right dog will come along and you will just KNOW it.

LO: Is there anything else about your story, or Lincoln, that you'd like to share?

Charles: Lincoln and I have brought so much joy to each other in just the first few weeks together. He is my new best friend and I could not be happier with the match that the PPN made for both of us. I have had such a good experience with the adoption process that I highly recommend everyone consider adopting. If you insist on getting a puppy, do a little research about where the dog is coming from and the conditions in which its parents are living/breeding. Puppy mills will only survive if there is a demand for their puppies. There are plenty of breeders who breed dogs in a healthy way so try to seek them out. The responsible breeders are usually more concerned about the home you are taking the puppy to, and not just your payment method.

LO: Do you have a Instagram account so people can follow your adventures with Lincoln?  

Charles: I have instagram account and the adventures of Lincoln and Charlie have JUST begun: charleshwright

It's encouraging to know there are people like Charles in this world. So many dogs living in shelters are overlooked for puppies, as the latter tend to be more sought after by potential adopters. Sadly the adult dogs are left waiting and hoping someone will take a chance on a pooch that has grow to their full size. Charles was able to see beyond that and we couldn't be happier.

We're pleased to pass this encouraging story along and hope you share it and help convey that puppies are not the only pets deserving of a forever home. Pet adoption can be a very a rewarding experience for all parties involved and we hope that each of you consider this option when you're ready to invite a new pet into your lives.

For more information about Pug adoption, please visit Pug Partners or Pug Partners of Nebraska‘s Facebook page.