Campus Chronicle

Issue date: 5/31/05 Section: News

Media Credit: Lindy Carrow/Chicago Flame Four-month old Wilson and Lawrence reach for a sniff - or a kiss - in the arms of their owners, Jennifer and Mike, at the Pug Party in Lincoln Park.

Dogs are man's best friends, and nowhere is this old saying exemplified more than in the gatherings of pug owners from the greater Chicagoland area for their twice yearly "Pug Parties."

The creation of professional freelance bookkeeper Ben Friedman, the idea of getting together pug lovers from around the area struck him in 1993 while he was working as the manager of a bar in Lincoln Park. He would bring his pug, Knuckles with him as he tended the bar, and the sociable dog became a fixture at the bar. A birthday party held for Knuckles became the seedling for the "Pug Crawls."

The first official "Pug Crawl" was held in 1994 and drew only a few devoted pug owners and their dogs. The people and their pugs traveled from bar to bar like a traditional pub crawl, and dubbed the event a "Pug Crawl."

The events started to get bigger and bigger as pug owners started to travel from the suburbs and further for the twice-yearly "Pug Crawls." The event has been featured on Wild Chicago and Animal Planet.

Now, the events, held in the spring and the fall draw between 1,000 and 1,800 people and as many as 500 pugs. The number of people has gotten so big that a pub crawl is no longer possible, and the "Pug Party" was created. Now, the "Pug Party" features entertainment, food, drink, and music. In the past, the Jesse White Tumblers, bluegrass bands, classical bands, and a pug fashion show have provided entertainment for the participants

The most recent party, held on May 21, featured a traveling mariachi band and belly dancers as well as food and, of course, a "Pug Pen" where the dogs can socialize and play. This event drew between 1,500 and 1,800 people and about 500 of their furry friends.

Fundraising for the Northern Illinois Pug Rescue, an organization that deals with finding homes for abandoned, unwanted, or stray pugs is also done at the Pug Parties.

Any person is welcome to attend the Pug Parties, but the events are "P.O.P" - Pugs Only Please. The next Pug Party is scheduled for sometime in September; for more information visit www.pugparty.com.

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