Why the Hollow?

Pug Hollow Sanctuary started with one pug and an epic battle against an autoimmune syndrome that should have killed him.

At three years old Edgar T. Post was a happy, healthy young pug when one day he suddenly wasn't. There wasn't anything concrete about his behavior that made his owner think he was sick but something just wasn't right. A trip to the vet and a full blood panel revealed that Edgar was in massive liver failure.... and had Addison's disease... and was hypothyroid. His immune system had turned against him, and it was destroying vital parts of his glandular system.

The vet cautioned the owner that they could try to treat the pug, but to expect at most 6 to 8 weeks with the dog before euthanasia became necessary. The owner refused to accept that timeline.

Eleven years later. Edgar T. Post is a grey muzzled old man. He suffers from typical old pug complaints such as arthritis, loss of hearing, and limited vision. He eats a very special diet due to food allergies. He has a full blood panel every 6 months. His last blood work was 100% perfect.

Edgar doesn't know he's sick, or that he's lived eleven years past the prognosis for his condition. He thinks he's a pampered, spoiled rotten pug who commands attention wherever he goes. Edgar's huge personality and friendly, polite demeanor draws admirers in flocks. He has visited shut-ins, nursing homes, sick children and even been a spokespug for a theater company during their Shakespeare in the Park productions.

And without the innovative thinking of a wonderful veterinarian, and the dedication of a whole family of crazy dog people, Edgar would never have had the chance to bring so much happiness to so many people.

It is because of Edgar that his owner and his owner's family began taking in small dogs that otherwise would have no chance at any sort of life, no matter how long or short. Eventually they applied for non-profit status and Pug Hollow was born. Whether a dog needs rehab to be adoptable, a home that will provide the medical care needed to keep them comfortable and happy, or just a loving hospice home to make their transition out of the world, they find it in the Hollow.

Most of the small dogs they help are unadoptable, and will live out their lives either on the farm or in a foster home. A few are healthy enough to need a forever home of their own.

Pug Hollow is 100% donation, and fund-raiser funded. Adoption fees cover only the vetting for the animal adopted. Without donations, word of mouth and the help of a few amazing vets, Pug Hollow would be unable to care for the dogs that we do. We hope that you'll become a Friend of the Hollow and help in any way that you can.

Edgar T. Post in 2006, six years after diagnosis