Dave Hester About…Pugs (and people)

THE WAG recently caught up with Dave Hester, aka “The Mogul” from A&E’s hit TV series Storage Wars.

Known for his somewhat provoking behavior at storage auctions, along with his signature bidding cry “YUUUP,” Hester unveils a more gentle and subtle side when addressing his candid passion for dogs.

We’ve seen Pinky and Violet, your two pugs, make a cameo appearance with you on Storage Wars where you were a regular for 11 seasons. Tell us about your girls. They are sisters and came from a litter of nine. We actually went to get one dog and came home with two. They weren’t from a rescue. I wasn’t tuned into rescues then but have since become involved with pug rescue groups and would definitely get a rescue next time. We follow and support the Pug Queen Rescue. She rescues from Asia, Mexico, and all over the world.

So do you dress your girls up in ruffles or little doggie dresses?

I don’t, but their mama does. They don’t like wearing clothes and try to get them off. I have taken them out before when they were dressed up though.

What is it about dogs that give you a kick? Their personalities. Like Pinky and Violet. They are sisters, but they are completely different dogs.

What’s one lesson that you have learned from dogs? Loyalty. There’s very little loyalty in this world. That’s why so many people have dogs.

Which of these causes do you believe deserves more attention—harsher punishment for animal abuse or a need for regulation of rescues? Definitely harsher punishment for animal abusers. There are good people and bad people and the bad people need to be dealt with.

You’ve been auctioneering for nearly 30 years. About how many auctions do you have per month? About 10—mostly storage auctions, personal property, and estate.

Do you still have your stores? No. I sell a few things online but no brick and mortar places.

OK, so let’s talk Storage Wars. I’m going to name a few members of the pack and you tell me what breed of dog you would associate them with.

Jarrod? Chihuahua. (No pause on that response.)

Darrell? Hmmm. What breed is the most whiney?

Dan? An English Bulldog. (No hesitation on that one either.)

Laura? French Poodle. LOL, I could have guessed that.

Barry? Hmmm. Let’s see. It would have to be one that is rather…or kinda ummm—yeah, an Afghan Hound!

And you? What breed do you most associate yourself with? Pugs, of course!

Why that breed? Loyalty, loyalty, loyalty.

They say that if you want to know the truth about someone, ask a kid or a dog. Do you believe that to be true? YUUUP!