Pug Rescue of San Diego County Plans 'Pug-K' Walk-A-Thon Fundraiser June 20, 2009

Pug Rescue of San Diego County, an all-volunteer non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing unwanted, neglected, abandoned and relinquished Pugs, is hosting their second annual Pug-K on Sat., June 20, 2009 at Tidelands Park in Coronado. Registration and check-in begins at 9 a.m., walk begins at 10 a.m. While other non-profit organizations have 5K walks or 10K runs, Pug Rescue of San Diego County is planning a more paw-friendly course of just 1K.

The Pug-K was very popular last year, and participants are encouraged to register early. Registration fees are based on the number of Pugs who will participate in the Pug- K: $30 for first pug, if registered and paid for by June 10; $35 for first Pug, if registered and paid between June 11 to the day of the event (June 20); $10 for each additional pug. Additional donations are welcome.

After the Pug-K walk, there will be a barbecue lunch available for a nominal fee. For Pugs with extra energy, there will be a fun agility course demonstration where the Pugs can join in! Thank you gifts will be given to all who walk, as well as refreshments. Pugs and their persons can access registration information and further details at Pug Rescue of San Diego County's web site, www.pugsandiego.com.

The biggest challenge faced by Pug Rescue of San Diego County is the large increase in the number of Pugs that are relinquished to the organization. In 2008, they took in a record 103 pugs, and so far in 2009, they have received 56 Pugs in the first five months of the year. In past years, they have assisted an average of approximately 75 Pugs. They attribute this increase in large part to the state of the economy. Many people have lost their jobs, others have lost their homes. When this happens, sometimes there is not enough money to go around and the pets are relinquished.

According to the organization, nine out of 10 Pugs who enter Pug Rescue of San Diego County need some sort of medical attention in one way or another. Relinquished Pugs live in foster care until their forever home is found. Funds raised from the Pug-K will help the organization continue to provide medical intervention and comfort in foster care to the Pugs relinquished to Pug Rescue of San Diego County.

Learn more about Pug Rescue of San Diego County, an all-volunteer organization, at www.pugsandiego.com or call 619-685-3580. Join other San Diego Pugs online on Twitter and Facebook.

Official Website: http://www.pugsandiego.com