Milwaukee Pug Fest

The Ninth Annual Milwaukee Pug Fest, scheduled for Sunday, May 19, 2013 from 10:00 am – 4 pm at the Milwaukee County Sports Complex, 6000 W. Ryan Rd in Franklin, has dual objectives:  fun and raising funds for pug rescue.

Milwaukee Pug Fest is a celebration of pugs, a six-hour love letter to the chunky, snorty and sweet-natured breed.  Attracting more than 1,700 pugs, pug mixes and other “smushie-faced breeds” with their owners in tow, the Fest’s attractions include pug races, a talent and costume contests, exhibits, demonstrations, vendors, silent auctions, and services such as an animal communicator, pet portraits and nail trimming.  There will also be breakout presentations by leading Veterinarians from Wisconsin.  Behind the Pug Fest’s merriment, however, lies a much deeper purpose:  to raise funds for cash-strapped pug rescue organizations.  The event will host twelve Pug Rescues from the U.S., Canada and South Africa.  Other smushie-faced breed rescues include the French Bulldog and Boston Terrier Rescues.

Local animal shelters will be educating the public regarding puppy mills and on spay/neutering.

“The current economy woes don’t just affect people – it affects their pets, too,” notes Rick Kopaczewski, President of Pug Hugs, Inc., the non-profit organization that puts on the yearly Pug Fest.  According to Kopaczewski, displaced former homeowners often find themselves without a home they may share with their treasured pets, or simply unable to pay for veterinary care.  “We’re seeing a record number of relinquished and abandoned pugs across the nation.  What we desperately fear is that some of the local rescue groups will be forced to turn senior pugs or those with health problems away to face uncertain futures at animal shelters.”

In its ninth year in operation, the Pug Fest’s attendance has skyrocketed to more than six times its first year turnout.  Attracting pug aficionados from not only the Milwaukee and Chicago areas but across the Midwest, the nation, and Canada, the Milwaukee Pug Fest is the largest pug festival in the world.  “We are very fortunate to have been able to garner so much support and interest from the public.  Even people who don’t have pugs show up to support Pug Rescue.”

The 2013 Milwaukee Pug Fest is sponsored by PETCO Foundation, Fromm Family Food, Lakeshore Veterinary Specialists, and the Nowitzki, Martin, Dixon & Associates office of Ameriprise Financial Network.  Pug Hugs, Inc. is a Wisconsin non-profit corporation with 501(c) (3) tax-exempt status organized and administered entirely by volunteers.  Its mission is to rescue Pugs as well as increase awareness of responsible pug ownership, care and breeding. To find out more, please visit www.milwaukeepugfest.com.