Mommy went upstate to help raise money for PDE Research!

So, yesterday my mommy went "upstate" all by herself! I am so proud of her...for a few reasons:

1. She tried something new.
2. She helped a friend.
3. She helped raise money for PDE Research

Mommy's friend, Eev, started a fund for PDE Research. All the monies raised go directly to Dr. Kimberly Greer (Texas A&M) who is currently the only person devoting their entire research to PDE. The fund is not yet a 501(c)3, but Eev is working on that!

So, what is PDE? PDE stands for Pug Dog Encephalitis. This is a horrible disease that affects only the Pug breed which means very little funding exists to support those who wish to do research. And this means there are very few answers to the thousands of questions pug lovers have. Researchers "believe" it is passed genetically, but until more money is raised and more folks are willing to allow an autopsy/necropsy of their dearly departed PDE affected pug we will be left with very few answers.

There are currently no tests for PDE and very few veterinarians know anything about this deadly disease that haunts the Pug breed. Symptoms are similar to epilepsy and inner-ear imbalances, but currently no amount of medication and/or treatment can save a pug's life if s/he has PDE.

Many folks think, "My pug is happy and healthy and I do all the right things so s/he definitely doesn't have PDE." Sadly, nothing in this world is 100% guaranteed. As there are no tests for PDE, pugs are regularly bred and sold by backyard breeders and puppymills to uneducated families and pet shops without a second thought to the potential of their being a PDE "carrier" (in addition to the multitude of potential health issues)

So, how can you help?

1. Do NOT ever purchase pug puppies from pet shops
2. Do NOT purchase pug puppies from a breeder without doing extensive research into both theirs and their adult pug's histories
3. Spay/neuter your pug!
4. Help raise awareness of this horrible disease by educating yourself, friends and family
5. Help raise funds for more research by donating directly, purchasing items that donate to PDE research and attend events that benefit PDE Research

What if my pug passes away from PDE?

Please consider all the lives you could save by allowing Dr. Greer and her team to autopsy/necropsy your pug. Dr. Greer's dedicated team takes great care to guarantee that all pugs are handled with the utmost care and love. Comprehensive reports are included when your pug's cremated remains are returned to you.

Your pug does not have to die in vain! S/he can leave a legacy of knowing that s/he potentially helped to save the lives of thousands of other pugs.