Pugs in the Park

Loud panting masked the sounds of children playing in the park while shrieks and screams filled the thickening fog around us. The frantic noise overtook all silence and chaos ensued.

No, this was not a scene in a horror film. This was the sound of fifty feisty pugs, chasing, playing, and wrestling underneath the misty San Francisco sky.

It was almost impossible to hear anything over the heavy, intense breathing as the plumped pugs chased and played with one another atop the grassy field that is Alta Plaza Park. What exactly was a pack of pugs doing in the park all at once? They were celebrating the event known as “Pugs in the Park,” the first Sunday of the month dedicated to the unusual, “so ugly it’s cute,” breed of dog. Bizarre, yes. Fascinating, definitely. Adorable, absolutely.

Upon my arrival, I met Mosley, a small and spunky pug with a 49ers handkerchief tied proudly around his neck-rolls. This pug was naturally curious, running, jumping, bouncing and playing throughout the park. He didn’t seem to slow down, which in combination with his incessant exhales, made me think he might need to borrow my inhaler.

Next, I stumbled upon Ruby, a chunky pug with a face full of grey. Her undeniably regal status and charm lured in fellow park-goers as many approached her for a little rub on the neck. Not letting the attention get to her head, Ruby sat nestled in the grass soaking in the constant flow of adoration.

Ruby’s undeniable lure reeled in park-goers, making her fellow canine friend, Beckham, a little jealous. Beckham was a living caricature of the iconic pug breed. With a disproportionate belly-to-leg ratio, he could barely sit or stand without the assistance of his owner. Underneath his aging whiskers were four paws nearly invisible due to his rotund physique. His face was smashed, as his nose seemed as if someone had pushed a button into his skull, making breathing a little difficult. However, nothing stopped good old Becks from waddling around the park, looking for someone to give him some love.

 

For some pugs, this was their first time to the monthly jamboree. Others were regulars who frequent the park every month for some fun in the sun with their fellow squished-face, furry friends. If “animal therapy” is a form of stress relief, then Pugs in the Park might just be cure for the midterm blues.