Pugly: A Pug’s Life

Pugly: A Pugs Life tells the story of Gunner, a two-year-old pug in the care of Pugalug, Toronto’s Pug rescue network led by self-professed “Crazy Dog Lady” Blanche Axton. As she prepares Gunner for adoption, we meet a growing community of “squishy-faced dog” devotees with big personalities, following their stories of triumph, humour and heartbreak. Will Gunner and Tawnie find homes? Will Titus catch his train? And who will be the first to cross the finish line at the legendary “Running of the Pugs”? And how many will run in an entirely different direction? Blanche calls them “the manifestation of joy on 4 legs”. We just call them Pugly.

Directed by Michael McNamara and Aaron Hancox. Written by Michael McNamara. Produced by Markham Street Films. Genre: Documentary, Human Interest, Animals

Canadian Premiere: Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema
Awards: 2020 Writers Guild of Canada Screenwriting Award - Best Documentary Script Nominee, 2020 Canadian Cinema Editors - Best Editing in Documentary Short Form Nominee

Original Broadcaster: Canadian Broadcasting Corporation Canada Watch it Now: CBC Gem
First Broadcast Date: January 11, 2019
International Sales & Distribution: Beyond Rights

“The makers of the homegrown favourite Catwalk are back with a look at another adorable furry craze... find out why everyone is falling for these loveable little hounds and living the pug life.” – Blog TO

“This cute companion piece to Catwalk shares the stories of a group of Torontonians eager to fight for the rights of pug dogs... McNamara and Hancox highlight another side of the special relationship that people have with their four-legged friends.
– Pat Mullen, POV Point of View