Pugs are like potato chips. You can’t have just one.
So say the pug owners who gather every Saturday morning in the backyard of Deb Dworman’s Oak Park home to feast on the love emanating from these bobbled-eyed, barrel-chested dogs.
Anywhere from six to 12 pug owners and their dogs attend the pug play date, where a dozen or more pugs frolic while their “parents” sip coffee and discuss all things pug. Occasionally, they have to pause to break up a fight over a carrot, stop an over-amorous puppy or pick up the occasional pug pile.
The pugs, too, know one another and, to be sure, the pack greets each new arrival with the customary tail sniff before play commences.
“I have a shirt that says ‘Crazy Pug Lady,'” said Sara Marzullo, mother to Rocco, Ruby and Ralph. “There are health issues with pugs and their owners are very dedicated to them because of the love you get in return. There are no casual pug owners.”
If you are a pug owner and Dworman spots you walking your dog, she is likely to stop and invite you to the pug party.
This article has been updated to correct Deb Dworman’s name.
If you have an idea for a “Friends and Neighbors” feature, email photographer David Pierini at david@oakpark.com.