I first came to know Paula after she became a customer of Arf & Win. She has since continued to be a great support and, after sharing some beautiful pictures of her bulldog crew with me, we started chatting. She has dedicated her time to fostering and adopting bulldogs and has given us her honest account of what its like.
Paula, firstly, you have the cutest bulldog duo! Tell us a bit about them?
Thank you, Hunter Hugo is 5 1/2 years old and was born into rescue with Geordie Bullies Springboard, when his mum was handed in pregnant. The breeder didn't know this because they didn't think she had been compliant when they were trying to mate her. Hunter, his brothers and sisters were born and we were so lucky to be chosen to be his pawrents. He's laid back, so soft and goofy. He loves going on walks and will run around for hours! Luna Mae is just 3 and we privately rescued her at 5 months. She had dermodex and was emaciated. She was bred for money and colour but not health and her life would have been pumping out puppies if we hadn't have stepped up. She's now a very happy, sassy and beautiful little girl who's built for comfort not speed!!!
You fostered Nova Rae from The Edward Foundation who had a particularly tough start in life, tell us a bit about that?
Nova has now gone to her forever home but she was a swimmer pup so her muscles in her legs
hadn't formed as they should and were splayed out looking like she was swimming. Her breeder didn't want her so The Edward Foundation took her at 7-8 weeks old and rehabilitated her with a special tunnel that the puppy walks up and down several times a day to get the muscles working the right way. She's now an 8 month old perfect bulldog puppy.
How did you get into rescue and what was it about bulldogs that drew you to that breed?
We saw all the neglect and greed surrounding bulldogs and wanted to do something to help. I found The Edward Foundation, newly formed then by De and Marion and knew we wanted to be part of this. I had female staffies up until one day I saw a very cute male bulldog who needed a home quickly. As soon as I saw him I was in love with him and Oscar was our first bulldog who ignited and started our bulldog journey. He was the best boy ever and we lost him during the pandemic in May 2020. He was very special like they all are.
It's crazy that you have Luna Mae who is a very 'desirable' bulldog colour that people pay thousands for and she's from rescue... what are your views on the current state of rescue?
Rescues are absolutely bursting at the seams and most of the dogs have lots of medical problems due to neglect, over breeding or abuse. It's just so sad what some of these beautiful souls go through but they still have the capacity to love us unconditionally.
What would you say to those who are unsure of going down the rescue route?
Do it! Adopting bulldogs is the single most amazing thing we have ever done alongside fostering.
What are the pros and cons of owning a bulldog?
Pros, you will laugh everyday and cons are that they can be expensive medically and they know just how far to push you to the brink of insanity before they turn into a loveable house hippo again.
What has it been like when you have introduced the "new" bulldog to your current crew? Any tips on the most successful way?
It's always a little of the unknown but we follow the rules the rescue sets. This includes, meet outside on neutral territory, go on a walk, let them interact outside, separate with a baby gate if needed, but the biggest is to allow the new dog time to decompress. It's so important as they have most likely been through a traumatic time, even if it's just moving away from a family they have known, so they need to be given time to adjust and not rushed.
Can you give any top tips on how to be a great bulldog owner?
Patience I think is key, they are loveable, stubborn idiots most of the time but they give so much love, laughter and joy in return so it's totally worth it.
Thanks so much Paula. If you are reading this and think that fostering or adopting a bulldog could be for you then head to www.theedwardfoundation.co.uk for more information.
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