Richmond Pug Meetup

We spoke with Meg from Richmond Pug Meetup about the cool pug events that they do in Richmond, VA.

Why was Richmond Pug Meetup established?

RPM was established in 2005 by Robin, who had recently moved to Richmond with her pug, Sumo. Robin was familiar with pug meetups in other cities and she thought to start one here in order to meet some people in her new city. She and her pug moved away in 2006 but RPM lives on. Nicola and her pug, Tanner, ran the group next and I took over in 2009 after her pug sadly passed away.

What meetups do you have and how often are they?

We hold Pug Meetup on the first Saturday of the month plus a few special events throughout the year like RVA Pug-O-Ween or participating various Dog Jogs or attending a ‘dog night’ a Squirrels or Kickers game. I’ll bring a baby pool to one or two of our Summer Meetups and turn it into a Pug Pool Party. And our December Meetup has become a Holiday Sweater Party for pugs and people alike, which is a very festive and funny sight to see. Having people walking by stop to take pictures of our pugs is very common.

One of your bigger meetups is RVA Pug-O-Ween. Tell us more about this cool tradition.

RVA Pug-O-Ween is our biggest event for sure. It’s held the end of every October and this year will be our 9th Pug-O-Ween. I started the event the first year I was Organizer sort of to have an excuse to see all our pugs in costumes. Not all breeds cooperate with costumes but most pugs are easy-going enough to be cool with it. It has turned into a really fun time event with loads of creative costumes and lots of spectators. We hold a costume contest with trophies and prize baskets (always with Best Bully Sticks included!) for winners. Previous winners have included Stinkpug, Claw Machine, VW Pug, Mr. T., Chia Pug, and Spaghetti and Meatballs. After the costume contest, we hold a Fastest Eater Competition, too. After all, no one loves eating like a pug does!

What is the group’s goal for the future?

It’s about the pugs at RPM and pug goals are just to chill and be loved (well, and eat). So we are sticking with their goals. More pugs always make thing better, so it’s great to see new pugs at Meetups as the word about our group gets around Richmond and surrounding area. Pugs are such a funny and friendly breed, getting them together just makes sense.

How can our readers in the Richmond-area get involved?

Last year was the 2nd year we held our Pug-O-Ween at a local brewery and that worked out great. We had more non-pug owners/spectators attend since it wasn’t at a dog park which can be awkward if you have no dog. So if seeing a bunch of costumed pugs sounds cute to you, then you should check out our Pug-O-Ween one year because it really is. We love finding new pug owners to join our group so if you know someone with a pug, ask them if they know about us.

Do you have social media or a website where our readers can find you?

We are on it all and have a website, too. You can’t keep pugs off social media!

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