Marissa McClellan always wanted a pug, but when she finally adopted one from One of a Kind Pet Rescue in Akron last year, it was love at first snort.
“After seeing a pug personality, it’s easy to fall in love,” McClellan said.
McClellan’s passion for pugs was the driving force behind One of a Kind’s Pug Fest on Sunday afternoon that drew hundreds of enthusiasts together to raise money for the roly-poly pooches.
McClellan organized the festival to raise money for the pet rescue in Akron as well as Ohio Pug Rescue, a foster care and placement program specifically for the breed. Half the proceeds from the event went to each organization.
“We jumped on board right away,” said Terri Nass Reeder, the executive director of One of a Kind. “The more we partner, the more they get into homes.”
About 200 pugs of all shapes, sizes and colors, and many of them dressed up in costumes, waddled around One of a Kind’s outdoor area and mingled with dogs of other breeds whose owners came to check out the fest.
“I can’t believe this many pugs came,” McClellan said. “This is far beyond my expectations.”
McClellan held contests for the cutest pug, best name and best costume, and she brought along two young fellow fanatics to help judge.
Her cousin Lauren Teeling, 11, loves the breed so much that she asked for money to donate to the Pug Fest for her birthday this year instead of presents. And 9-year-old Gio Steeber, McClellan’s family friend, helped make posters just for the event.
“Pugs are my favorite dogs,” Gio said. “I’ve seen so many cute pugs today.”
Tiffanie Mohler drove an hour from Byesville with her pug Winnie, who won the costume contest dressed as a mummy.
“Owning a pug is a different kind of experience, that’s for sure,” Mohler said. “There’s a love for a pug I never thought I’d have.”
While attendees browsed food and dog item vendors, participated in the raffle and listened to the local band The Dreemers play “pug rock,” the pet rescue was open for those looking to adopt a pet. Ohio Pug Rescue also had a booth at the festival for people who specifically want to adopt a pug.
One of a Kind currently has four pugs available for adoption.
“I don’t know why I’m addicted. I don’t know if it’s the snorting, the snoring, I don’t know,” said Penny Gray, who wore a wolf hat while her three pugs — Bella, Boston and Genevieve — were dressed as the three little pigs. “Once you’ve had one, it’s like potato chips. You can’t have just one.”
“Really for me, it’s just being able to squeeze their faces,” McClellan said. “They all look like biscuits or croissants. It’s hysterical.”
Theresa Cottom can be reached at 330-996-3216 or tcottom@thebeaconjournal.com.