Faces That Only a Pug Owner Could Love

They’re so cu-u-u-u-te! OK, so they have a smashed-in face, but pug dogs are just the sweetest little loves. Yes, they are. . . .

So much for being objective. Most pug owners are anything but about their babies, and there’s a whole group of them getting together Sunday at Brookside Park in Pasadena to celebrate their favorite breed at the Great Pug-Out.

The Pug-Out is a fund-raiser for a nonprofit organization of really serious pug-lovers called Little Angels Pug Rescue. What this group does is find homes for pugs that have found their way into animal shelters or must be given up by their owners.

Sherrie Woodbury, the group’s executive director, estimates that up to 70% of the dogs the group takes in need veterinary care of some sort, from shots to surgery. With 10 to 20 pugs a month needing homes, that’s a lot of vet bills for the seven or so volunteers in the L.A. area.

Thus the Great Pug-Out. Besides contests to determine the best-dressed pug or the pug that does the silliest trick, there will be a parade for young pug owners to show off their dogs, a hot dog cart, a pet photographer, a pet psychic and an animal behaviorist who will answer questions for a nominal fee.

All money raised will go to care for rescued pugs.

Pugs are encouraged to attend. If you don’t have one, that’s OK, too. “Other breeds (of dogs) are welcome as long as they don’t eat small dogs,” Woodbury said.

Festivities run from noon and 4 p.m. Admission is a donation of $10, or $15 for families.