For many, buying a dog is like buying a car: They want the latest model. The rest, specifically those in the market for something squat and lacking in what could be called traditional beauty, turn to Sherry Vadheim and the 130 volunteers behind Seattle Pug Rescue. According to Vadheim, who has three of her own, pugs are the third most popular breed among Seattle dog-buyers. Unfortunately, they're also given up by their owners at a fairly high rate. Which is where Seattle Pug Rescue comes in. The nonprofit has rescued 1,000 neglected or abandoned pugs since 2004. They'll take a dog off an owner's hands for a few hundred dollars and provide all the needed medical care. But note that not every prospective pug buyer will be found worthy. New owners are put through an extensive series of pre-adoption checks. The best way to ingratiate yourself might be to attend one of the annual fund-raisers. Coming soon: a pug pool party, featuring a pug bikini contest. ?Vernal Coleman 253-655-7847, seattlepugs.com