Pug parents have a very special, and if I dare say, crazy bond. There is just something about being a pug parent to these silly, crazy, full of love, clown like, constantly attached to our sides, bundles of squishiness!
Of course “pug people” being who we are, love to meet up, socialize and get the pugs together! This past May was no exception. Pugs and their humans took over Chicago at an event called #PugsTakeChicago. This is not the first pug event of its kind, having also been hosted in New York, #PugsTakeNewYork. As much as I would have loved to attend a #PugsTake event, it hasn’t been in the cards for me – yet!
Chicago
My good friend and fellow Canadian, Felix the Pugzu, travelled with his mom Tiffany, to Chicago to join in the activities. This is not the first #PugsTake event for Felix, he also made the trek to New York as well! Felix was kind enough to be my roving reporter, my pug eyes on the scene, and give us a glimpse into this wild and crazy fun filled pugtastic event that helps raise funds to support pugs in need and pug organizations.
Miss Edie! We wish you could have been there to enjoy this trip too!!
#PugsTakeChicago was a whirlwind of adventure! Ma and I love our weekends away together so it was a really great time to bond and splurge! (I didn’t even need to use my allowance!) Ma thought it was hilarious that everywhere we went, the people around us just knew we were Canadian! Must have been my tail wag because it didn’t stop!!
Milo, Tinkerbell, Vinnie, Wyatt and Walter – The Pittsburgh Grumble
Plus, we were totally looking forward to meeting up with our old travelling buddies, #ThePittsburghGrumble, and their new addition, hospice foster, Milo! What an energetic bunch; Milo included!
Driving with the #PittsburghGrumble was a long day! But minimal incident and lots of potty breaks made for a pretty easy drive, despite the rain! We arrived a day early to rest and acclimate to the big city! I’ll tell you, my sniffer was working double time taking in all the new smells! There’s lots of train noises and honking… Even big huge planes! But all in all, my first impressions of Chicago was it’s Amazing!
A tongue wagging good time on the Chicago Trolley
On Friday, we were a part of the Trolley Tour! The Chicago Trolley took us around the city, stopping at some landmarks for photo opportunities! The first stop was right by the water and was so windy I couldn’t even look at Ma for a photo or I would blow over! The next few stops were awesome too, but the best part was sticking my head out of the window and making all the people walking and driving by smile! A trolley full of Pugs and a Pugzu is likely to make everyone’s day!
The welcoming Kimpton Allegro Hotel
The Kimpton Allegro Hotel hosted a wine hour for the guests of the hotel! The who’s who of Pug Nation was present and accounted for! I got to briefly chat with Rufus and make funny faces together!
Having a great time with the one and only Rufus!
Saturday was my personal favourite! Dog Park DAY!! WE TOTALLY took over the Lakeshore East dog park! At least 100+ visiting and local Pugs and friends were frolicking around doing what we pups do! We had a pug friend wearing a Go-Pro; what a take! Ma dressed me in Orange so she could quickly scan and find me amidst the crowd! It was AMAZING! And just when I thought it couldn’t get better… the Fido-to-Go Dog food truck popped in loaded with treats and snacks! My DREAM COME TRUE!
Hogan, Freddie, Felix and pug pals, taking over the dog park!
The Fundraiser at the Clark Street Ale House was jam packed with people and Pugs alike! There were line ups to get in! Everyone wanted to be around us Pugs! Together, we raised $4,700 for MOPS Pug Rescue & Adoption, and the Northern Illinois Pug Rescue & Adoption! We have a very generous pug family!
Ma and I wandered around and experienced a Traditional Chicago style hotdog from Portillos with our Pal Leinie Pug!
Theo Chang, Rocco, Hogan & Freddie, Felix patiently for their Pugtinis
In the evening the hotel held a Pug Prosecco Hour! Can you believe we had our very own Bartender serving Pug Cocktails!!? (Consisting of delicious treats topped with Whipped cream and sprinkled with more crushed treats!) How amazing!
A bright and clear day for pugs on a boat tour of the Chicago River
The last and final day of #PugsTakeChicago found us on a tour boat of the backwards flowing Chicago River and through the lock to Lake Michigan! We learned so much about Chicago on our tour! What a historically interesting city! Not to mention, our tour guide told us that we had one of the clearest and most beautiful views of the city skyline that day! Mercury Cruises was amazing!
Thank you so much to the #PugsTakeChicago planners for an amazing adventure for this small town Pugzu! I love that I got to experience Big City Pug life!
Thank you Felix for taking the time to share your experience and report on your pug adventure at #PugsTakeChicago, it certainly looks like you and everypuggy had a great time!
Who knows, maybe one day us Canadian pugs can host a #PugsTakeToronto event, how cool would that be!
June 1, 2017
What a great trip! We also did a dog-friendly Chicago adventure. And it really was an adventure, so much to see and do. Looks like you all had a blast.
June 1, 2017
That looks pugtastic! I would love to do this and always on the prowl for things to do with our pooch. I will put this on our must visit city list!
May 31, 2017
I bet that was so much fun for people who didn’t know about #PugsTakeChicago to see so many Pugs together. I would love to see a large grumble one day!
June 1, 2017
A pug grumble is definitely a site and something everyone should see once in their lifetime 😉
May 31, 2017
Oh gosh, I am in the Chicago area I wish I would have known about this! I would have loved to attend Pug Prosecco Hour!
June 1, 2017
Oh no! It’s too bad you missed this! I’m sure you would have had a super time!
May 31, 2017
Oh my gosh! Chicago is such a fun place too. If only large mutts could have a convention! My pug-parent friends are just as bonkers about their pugs as you are, completely doting and adorable.
June 1, 2017
I bet you could plan a large mutts convention! And yes, pug parents are completely bonkers LOL!
May 31, 2017
What a cool event! I can only imagine how much fun this was for all that attended. I hope that Edie gets to make the trip sometime!
May 31, 2017
It’s always a great time when you get to meet up with your pug friends! One day soon Edie and I will make it!
May 31, 2017
Your pugs are so adorable. Why didn’t I know about #pugstakechicago or #pugstakenyc . I’ll have to research this. Love all the photos too. My favorite is the one with the gentleman at the front of the Kimpton hotel.
May 31, 2017
How fun! What a fabulous idea and so great that funds are raised to support MOPS! Hopefully Edie will be able to make one of these trips, soon.
May 31, 2017
Nothing like having a great time and being able to help others along the way. And yes, one of these days we will make it!
May 31, 2017
Planes and trolleys and boats! Oh my!!! What a whirlwind of an adventure. Looks like you and your squishy-faced friends had an absolute blast in Chicago. Such a great city to explore.
May 31, 2017
Unfortunately I wasn’t able to attend, that’s why Felix was able to do the honours and share his experience. But one day I will go!
May 31, 2017
Wow – looks like it was a great event! So much fun! Penny wants to know if anyone would have noticed a slightly taller, darker girl in attendance? BOL
May 31, 2017
Ha! I’m sure Penny would be more than welcomed 🙂
May 31, 2017
That is too hilarious!! I can only imagine how much fun they all had on their tour. The city must have been buzzing!!
May 31, 2017
When pugs show up in a town, everyone knows!
May 28, 2017
Loved meeting you guys! Rocco and I had a great time and hope to see you again!
May 23, 2017
Check out our adventures in Huntsville, AL when you get a chance. I was there for a travel bloggers conference and only one of two with dog blogs….
May 24, 2017
I will definitely take a look!
May 23, 2017
Love this event and love that dogs were allowed on the sight seeing trolley… will check out Chicago with Victor some day (hopefully soon). Were there only pugs at the event?
May 24, 2017
This was an event that gathers, celebrates and raises funds for pugs, but I’m sure if a non pug were to show up they wouldn’t be turned away 🙂 Pugs love everyone!