Ruby would probably not be alive - and certainly wouldn't be mobile - without the assistance of New Zealand Pug Rescue. Watch her in action. Video by Stuart Munro.
Ruby the seven-year-old pug dog is excited to visit her friends at Southern Rangitikei Vet Services in Bulls.
She runs around the reception area, blissfully receiving pats and cuddles from the vet clinic's staff, ahead of her appointment to have dental work done.
What makes Ruby different from other dogsis that she walks with the help of a pink wheelchair which clips around her tummy with a harness. Ruby's back legs don't work due to a degenerative condition.
Ruby would probably not be alive - and certainly wouldn't be mobile - without the assistance of New Zealand Pug Rescue, an off-shoot of the Wellington Pug Dog Club.
Brenda Gordon, the coordinator of New Zealand Pug Rescue, who has owned pugs for 30 years, said the organisation rescues pugs from all over the country.
She took Ruby in from the South Island six weeks ago, when her previous owners found themselves unable to care for her anymore.
"The organisation was set up in the 1990s because pugs were becoming very popular, and with any breed of dog, when you have popularity, the spin-off is that you have to have something set up for rescue.
"The more that are bred, the more that end up in the wrong homes."
Some people think they can adopt a dog then give it up when they no longer want it
Ms Gordon said the pug was a trendy breed, and were seen by some people almost as a fashion accessory. However, pugs are full of personality, and very sociable with a strong need for company, and a stubborn streak.
"You cannot have a pug and then leave it alone in the yard all day while you go to work. You will find yourself with a very unhappy dog, and a very naughty dog."
They can also be prone to physical issues such as problems with their eyes, spine, legs and kneecaps, which Ms Gordon blames on poor breeding.
"It's not that they're inbred, it's that some people are breeding dogs with health problems that really shouldn't be bred. Responsible breeders will do the proper health tests before they breed any dog."
Ruby the pug dog is given a check-up by small animal vet Amber Cunningham at Southern Rangitikei Vet Services.
Dogs come to Pug Rescue for a variety of reasons: a marriage break-up, moving homes, being no longer able to care for the dog.
"We're quite a disposable society. Some people think they can adopt a dog then give it up when they no longer want it.
"I would tell anyone who is thinking of getting a dog of any breed to research carefully so you know exactly what you're getting yourself in for."
Ms Gordon said Ruby had been in her wheelchair for just three weeks, but was adjusting well and growing in confidence.
The wheelchair, which was imported from the United States, cost just under $500 and was paid for by donations made through the organisation's Facebook page. Nearly all of Ms Gordon's funding comes from donations.
One other dog at Pug Rescue with the same condition as Ruby also has a wheelchair. Ms Gordon also has two blind pugs. In total, she has around 15 dogs, half of which are her pets or dogs that cannot be rehomed, and half of which are pugs looking for the right home. "It's like a full-time job - there's never enough time to do everything."
"She has very high needs and you couldn't ask someone to take a dog like her on. It wouldn't be fair to her to place her in a home then have it not work out. At least with me she will be safe and cared for."
