COME FOR THE GRUMBLe,
Stay for the gritty
I’ve spent most of my life in the pursuit of happiness, and it took me a very long time to realize that the one thing that made me feel the most alive was spending time in nature with my pugs. Nothing lights me up more than their companionship and love, and I am so delighted to share the joy they give me with others as often as possible and in as many creative ways as I can. Over the years, every little pug that I have ever loved and cared for has enriched my life experience in ways beyond comprehension, and my own Grumble - Jonas, Fern, and Ivy - are the three little beings constantly at my feet who bring an undeniable sense of passion and purpose to my existence each day.
My quest then became an ongoing mission to answer one simple question - how do I let go of the things that are no longer serving me, to create more space for the life I actually want?
Grumble Farm began as a not-for-profit pug rescue & re-homing organization - a passion project intended to honour the sparkling and effervescent spirit of my pug Chloe, who left this Earthly plane far too soon. With the selfless help of many, I successfully rescued, rehabilitated and and re-homed over 30 pugs throughout Western Canada, sending me down a pug-populated path of deep healing and self-discovery that has ultimately led to the beauty, freedom, and magic that you may experience me sharing through Grumble Farm today.
I hope to tell the stories that have led the pugs and I to the life I share with my partner & the pugs, now - nestled in the forest next to Kootenay lake, caring for Jonas, Fern, and Ivy in their sweet senior years. Stories that are representative of deep courage and resilience acquired through my own tumultuous (and ultimately transformative) dance with cancer; lessons learned from the devastating and tragic losses of things & people dearly loved; the unfolding of a curious relationship between mind & body; and, most significantly, the small moments of hope that were graciously found between the chaos, grief, and pain that offered just enough strength to Keep. Moving. Forward.
In its essence, everything that Grumble Farm has become is the manifestation of a love-drenched vow to stand tall in the face of vulnerability while offering the world something wildly authentic that has been created as an offering of truth. Its existence is living proof of what happens when we choose to live life on our own terms, as creating Grumble Farm has helped me realize that anything is possible.
It hasn’t been an easy path, but I know one thing for sure: all of the pugs I have ever loved have served as my guideposts - my little lighthouses, my Northern stars, and my personal team of comical, affectionate, and stubborn guardian angels (*cough* JONAS *cough*) - along the way. It is my hope that they may be able to help guide you, too.
The Timeline
From puppy Jonas to a life changing diagnoses. From losing Chloe to running a rescue. From pug promenades to Grumble walks. From fundraisers to fosters. So many events have shaped Grumble Farm into what it is today - click the link below to learn about the history of Grumble Farm ♥
MEET THE PUGS
Get ready to grumble
♥ Jonas ♥
Head Chef at the Rainbow Bridge Restaurant
Mummy’s Forever Spirit Guide & Soulmate
Heaven’s Floofmaster Extraordinaire
♥ Fern ♥
#1 Sucky Suck;
Professional Snuggle Pug;
Enthusiastic Receiver of Butt Scritches
♥ Ivy ♥
Ultimate Rope Queen #IvysRope;
Solar-Charged Pug-Slump Model;
Competitive Face Kisser
PUGS & PIZZA? IT’S BEEN DONE.
WE’RE HERE TO SHARE A NEW STORY
MEET THE PEople
BRANDy (AKA GRITTY GRACIOUS)
Writer, Pug Whisperer
I’m Brandy - the girl in front of the keyboard, the voice behind the pugs, and the human responsible for managing Jonas’ tantrums. With a background in both communication studies & evolutionary anthropology, I’m deeply curious about where we’ve ended up, why we’ve ended up here, and the forces-that-be that prevent us from remembering where we came from and what we’re capable of. I’m a truth-seeker, a little bit of an anarchist, and a self-proclaimed humble warrior who’s ongoing resilience in the face of adversity has resulted in the ability to create significant meaning & purpose out of life’s devastating losses. I find peace & inspiration in nature, freedom in defying the 9-5, and infinite joy in rolling around on the kitchen floor with my pugs.
MEET JESSE
Pugtographer, Videographer
I’m Jesse - the photographer, videographer, and drone pilot behind most of the photos & videos on Grumble Farm. I was indoctrinated into the “Pug Life” after meeting Brandy and the Grumble and deciding to move to the West Kootenays together - never in a million years did I expect my experience photographing wildlife would lead me to capturing these little creatures we call “pugs”, but here we are. I’ve been practicing photography for almost 20 years, and have been working as a professional photographer since 2008. Aerial videography & filmmaking has been my most recent focus, and I’m passionate about creating & sharing an immersive experience of nature while exploring my surrounding landscape.
Following along with Brandy’s personal journey has been an inspiration, to say the least. In the face of countless adversities, her gritty and grounded attitude has continued to shine. No matter what the activity – whether she is hosting a pug yoga event, connecting with nature, sharing delicious recipes (crafted by her and her magnificent assistant, #ChefJonie), or anything else – she always gives it her all.
@b04carpediem (Rhode Island, USA)