Pugs, Pugs Everywhere
SEPRA hosts Pugfest 2005

ATLANTA (July 22, 2005)—Pugs are everywhere these days—in movies like “Men in Black,” “Men in Black II” and “The Adventures of Milo & Otis” and in commercials for cell phones, asthma medication, Frontline and dog food. They are the subjects of books, the models for calendars and the best friends of people everywhere. Now, hundreds of pugs and their human companions will join together as Southeast Pug Rescue & Adoption, Inc. (SEPRA) hosts Pugfest 2005 at the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds, 2405 Sugarloaf Parkway, on Saturday, October 29th(no rain date), from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Although there is no charge for pugs, the event costs $5.00 per adult and $2.50 for children under 12.

Pugfest, a popular annual event, serves as SEPRA’s biggest fundraiser of the year raising funds for rescued pugs and pug mixes alike. The event features a costume contest with two categories—homemade and store-bought (just picture all the little “ladypugs,” “puppermints” and “hot dogs”), various vendors selling pug paraphernalia, pet pictures with Santa, pet grooming, a silent auction, a bake sale, raffles and more. In addition, Pugfest offers contests including: farthest-traveled pug, curliest tail, most wrinkles, most gray, best kisser, best trick, most unique pug mix and longest tongue.

   Pugfest vendors offer items for purchase for both the pugs and pug owners. Vendors include, but are not limited to: Colorful Threads (custom embroidery), Custom Pet Feeders (elevated food and water bowls), LickALots (frozen yogurt-based treats), Little Lord Publishing (book: The Adventures of Abbey O’Hagan), Luv Pug Greetings (toys, jewelry, clothes, books and more), Pug Daddy Productions (apparel, accessories and book: Famous Pugs in History) and Telia Fleming Hanks (art, apparel and accessories).

   Although Pugfest welcomes all pugs 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.