Cheryl Gaw shares a playful moment with some of the 2,500 pugs she has rescued over the years, all at her home in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Life with a Pug: A Little Chaos, Endless Love
Expect fur everywhere, boundless energy, and zero respect for personal space—that’s the pug experience, according to Cheryl Gaw, a woman who knows these lovable, squishy-faced companions better than most.
Over the years, Gaw has dedicated her life to rescuing more than 2,500 pugs across South Africa. She and her husband went all in on their mission—selling their home, moving into a trailer, and completely reshaping their lives to help as many dogs as possible.
What started as a personal mission soon became something much bigger. In 2010, Gaw and her husband officially founded Pug Rescue South Africa in Johannesburg—simply because their home was bursting at the seams with rescued pugs.
“This was never part of the plan when we thought about retirement,” says Gaw, now 63. “But, of course, the pugs won.”
Today, the sanctuary is home to nearly 200 pugs, each with a story of resilience. Some were abandoned, others arrived sick, and many were surrendered by owners who could no longer care for them. But here, they find love, care, and a second chance at happiness.
Gaw’s journey into the world of pugs began in 2008 when her husband, Malcolm, surprised her with one as a gift. Not long after, at a local pug club, someone asked if they’d consider fostering “a couple” of pugs.
That “couple” quickly turned into a full-blown rescue mission. In their first year alone, the Gaws provided temporary shelter for 60 pugs, with a staggering 19 pugs under their roof at one point—more fur than their home could handle!
The Clowns of the Dog World
“They’re the clowns of the dog world—they’ll make you laugh every day,” says Gaw, offering a peek into the delightful chaos of life with a pug. “They’re always in your space, lovable, and, yes, you’ll always have hair on you.”
At the rescue center, there’s never a dull moment. The staff works tirelessly to maintain order in the midst of all the joy and fur. The routine starts early: at 5:15 a.m., the dogs wake up and emerge from their cottages, grouped by age and personality, as Gaw explains. The day flows from breakfast to medications for those in need, followed by bathtime, playtime, grooming, and snacks. After an afternoon nap, it’s more playtime before their evening meal, another round of medications, and then back to their rooms by 6 or 7 p.m.
While the schedule helps keep things organized, the work isn’t without its challenges. Occasional scuffles break out between the pugs, and the center’s veterinary bills add up to nearly $40,000 a year. Rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming are constant processes, and new pugs are always arriving.
“The operation doesn’t stop,” says Gaw.
There’s a reason so many pugs need a new home. Their signature short muzzles may be cute, but they often come with breathing problems and other health issues like eye and ear infections. Gaw warns potential pug owners to be prepared for hefty vet bills and recommends securing a solid pet insurance plan: “You’re going to need it.”
Many of the pugs the Gaws rescue have been surrendered because their owners couldn’t afford the rising costs of medical care. Gaw advises prospective owners to understand the breed’s unique needs, including their notoriously heavy shedding.
“They shed an enormous amount of hair,” she laughs. “You can brush them all day long, and they’ll still shed!”.
