Pugapalooza - and Percy - in today's Chronicle Herald

I was happily surprised to be reading the Chronicle Herald today when I saw Percy and Krystle Sutton's photo and an article about the upcoming Pugapalooza this weekend. I think the photographer really caught the essence of Percy's eyes - that's for sure! Percy is so cute.

Pug lovers, pets to gather for beach bash and fundraiser

DARTMOUTH — They’re small in stature and have funny little noses, but the pugs of metro have it going on.

Not only do they have regular meet and greets throughout the city, they have their own beach bash coming up this Saturday dubbed Pugapalooza.

And that’s the way it should be, says pug lover and organizer Krystle Sutton, who will be at the event with her own Percy.

"They’re a great little dog," she said. "They’re a lot of fun to watch."

Sutton said this is the first time such an event has been held here and she and others thought it would be a fun day for the dogs and their owners alike.

Hosted by Pug Pals of HRM and Nova Scotia Pugs, the beach-themed day will include a barbecue, games and dress-up contests for the pooches. Donations will also be collected on behalf of the Metro SPCA.

Pugapalooza runs from noon to 4 p.m. at Fetch Inc. in Burnside.

Sutton said the event is an offshoot of the monthly get-togethers attended by herself and other pug owners around the city. "We get them together and just let them run around," she said.

She said 30 to 40 people usually show up for the gatherings, so she’s expecting a good turnout for Saturday. As of last week, more than 70 people had said they would attend Pugapalooza.

Sutton said 14-month-old Percy is her first pug, but probably not her last.

"I always, always, always wanted a pug," said Sutton, who works for Capital Health.

As an apartment dweller, she wanted a small dog but one with personality.

"They’re a great companion dog," she said.

Sutton said if all goes well on Saturday, Pugapalooza could become an annual event. For more information, see www.novascotiapugs.com.