FBRNetwork News

A Smoky Tale

2012-02-19T08:36:00.000-08:00

Our volunteers have a great time supporting each other. Here's a story about Smoky, a spinal surgery boy who has been slow to recover. His foster mom says:

"A Smoky Tale

Once upon a time there was a special little froggie, Smoky. This special little guy was unable to walk but that didn’t stop him of dreaming about running through the park with his new best friend Mr. Cheeks.

One day, he heard about a magical parade – Muses – that would roll in his new city during Carnival. This parade krewe handed out hand decorated SHOES.

Smoky was convinced that if his new foster parents would get a magical, sexy shoe then he would be cured!

So he told his family of his plan and as luck would have it, FBRN volunteer A. was IN Muses.

So they made a sign with Smoky’s plea and held it up high when A. rolled by… and she threw JUST THE SHOE for Smoky.

He isn’t quite walking yet, but he’s getting closer and the shoe is definitely working its magic."

We know shoes are magic. Look what they did for Dorothy!

We know someone who is keeping a good thought for young Smoky. She calls herself

The Frog Princess

Facebook Auction Underway!

2012-02-18T10:21:00.000-08:00

If you are not already one of the billions of facebook users on the planet, it would be worth it to join up just for this event! It's a Facebook Auction fundraiser for FBRN!

Go to www.facebook.com/FrenchBulldogRescue to see all the donated goods and services. Bid high! It's all going to care for sick, injured, homeless frogs.

Rollo (Piglet) 2003-2012

2012-02-18T10:16:00.000-08:00

For FBRN supporters and friends of long-standing, we are sorry to bring the news that little Piglet, a victim of the European puppy mill import trade, has passed away, suddenly, at his home.

Here is his page and the story of his time in FBRN. Scroll to the bottom of the page to read his story.

His family had a necropsy performed and learned that Rollo died of a tumor on his heart. His death was instant and painless.

Our heart goes out to Rollo's family and his many, many friends.

Roar of Thunder!

2012-02-16T09:26:00.000-08:00

Thunder before, poor guy.

Our very favorite ugly mug frog is feeling SO much better now that his entropion has been addressed and all his little nooks and crannies and stanky wrankles have been dried up and cleaned up and are all better.

Still before. Entropion is a condition where the eyelashes are turned in against the eye, causing constant irritation, and, frequently, scarring to the surface of the eye.

There is NO doubt that your donations and good wishes have made this happy fella even happier. Of course his foster mom had a lot to do with it, too. Here he is a few days after surgery. Please note the twinkle in his eye. Also note the absence of infection in his big ol' wrankles. Same dog.

Thunder is definitely feeling better. Maybe not so thunderous. Maybe he's feeling a little slumberous. Don't believe it? Take a look.

It's the sleep of the comfy and the just, that's what that is, and he gets to sleep so comfily* because he has such great sponsors, supporters, and pals. That would be you, in case you were wondering, points out

The Frog Princess

*In our kingdom, we get to invent new words. Anybody have a problem with that? We thought not.

Remy Wants Love

2012-02-14T07:23:00.000-08:00

Happy St. Valentine's Day!

The dashing and personable FBRN grad Remy has put together a St. Valentine's Day plea to all FBRN's friends and supporters.

Don't push, no shoving! There's plenty enough of that boy (and that winebox) to go around.

Remy, we'll be your Valentine!

The Frog Princess

Rolling Along

2012-02-09T13:49:00.000-08:00

Our beautiful hospice girl, Rolla, continues to enjoy her life, though she is losing some function in the caboose area. Here's a note from her foster mom:

"Rolla is doing good for the most part. Her spirit is still high and you can tell she enjoys her life, more so around breakfast and dinner time. LOL She is still on her daily medications of Lasix and Theopholyne. She has a slight on and off cough, but that is expected with her condition, but her breathing is good. She is losing muscle mass in her back end and is having some difficulty walking at times. Her balance is not as good as it once was. She no longer does the stairs going down, not because she doesn't want to...I won't let her. I would carry her to the moon and back if I had to. She is still great going up, but the going down part is harder for her.

Her back legs don't work as well going down. We have stairs (three steps) for the couch and the bed so she doesn't ever have to jump, but sometimes she just chooses to jump down or look at me with those wide eyes and I have to pick her up.

I have also noticed that when we are outside she gets a little stunned with her poo (bowel movements) as they start to come before I think she is ready. A couple months ago the vet stated that she has symptoms of Ataxia and I am no vet, but from my research is seems more like degenerative myelopathy.

Overall, she is still the happy little creature I grow to love more and more every day!!! She is a big blessing in a little body."

We also perk up and enjoy life just a little bit more when the chow bell rings. She has that in common with

The Frog Princess

PS Thank you to our supporters! Your donations are making it possible for our foster families to provide loving homes and hospice care to dogs with terminal or untreatable conditions.

Adventuresome Frenchie!

2012-02-08T09:56:00.000-08:00

On the occasion of her sixth birthday, FBRN grad Lolo (Merlot), accompanied her family on a camping trip in the Colorado mountains.

Frenchies are great city and apartment dogs, as we all know, because they are rather compact, and because they generally do not require a great deal of exercise.

This is not to say, however, that a Frenchie cannot enjoy an adventure in the great outdoors! Plenty of Frenchies enjoy a hike through the forest and up hill and down dale! Some terrain can be tough on even the most active dog's paws. Volcanic rock, glacial shale, summer snowfields are all hard on paws. Lolo's family was prepared though, and they trained her to be carried in a baby carrier for when the shale got too sharp or the ice and old snow threatened to do damage to Lolo's pads.

But on safer paths, Lolo hiked up and down the Colorado mountain and even spent some time guarding the campsite against the predations of wild animals. Bears. Porcupines. Chipmunks. They all want Lolo's kibble. The price of dinner is eternal vigilance.

But eventually, even the most active, eagle-eyed Frenchie will need a nap.

Happy birthday to Lolo! from

The Frog Princess

FBRN Grad Remy

2012-02-08T08:21:00.000-08:00

FBRN grad Remy is well bred.

Sincerely,
The Frog Princess

Truffle and Brulee

2012-02-08T07:02:00.000-08:00

For those supporters and friends of FBRN who have been around a long time, Truffle and Brulee are familiar faces.

Surrendered as an older bonded pair 5 years ago, they spent years on our available page without a nibble. When they got quite old and started suffering from age-related ailments, they were moved, together, to the hospice page.

Truffle and Brulee were a happy old couple and they enjoyed their lives in the warmth of Florida.

In early January, at the cusp of turning 15, Truffle--the dignified brindle girl in these photos-- passed away in her sleep. Two weeks ago, Brulee--a clownish, outgoing cream--died of pneumonia.

Certainly, these were two old dogs, and there may be nothing remarkable in their passing away within a month of each other. But they were very bonded, and we wonder if Brulee wanted to be where Truffle went.

These photos were taken at Truffle's last birthday party. We love the expression on Brulee's face as she watches Truffle sing "Happy Birthday" to himself and dig in to his cake.

Wherever they are, we hope they are together, celebrating every day.

Our heart goes out to the wonderful foster family who cared for these two wonderful frogs for all these years.

The Frog Princess

Have a Heart!

2012-01-18T17:29:00.000-08:00

In recent years, FBRN has seen an influx of dogs with varying degrees of heartworm infestation. Most of these cases were strays from Texas and puppy mill dogs from Missouri. Most recently, FBRN took in Emeril, a dog with such advanced heartworm his abdomen is distended from built-up fluids. Though he looks great in this video, the outlook for Emeril is very bleak. He is a hospice case, and he will live with us until the parasites kill him. Cajun and Alabaster are also terminal hospice heartworm dogs. Aiyana and Can Can are on their second rounds of treatment. Sybhan is on her first round of treatment in foster care. Dulcinea was successfully treated and is now on our available page.

Heartworm is carried by mosquitoes. It’s especially prevalent along the coasts, waterways, and in warm parts of the country, where mosquitoes live year round.

Most caring dog owners who live in heartworm country already know about heartworm prevention.

Dulcinea out and about in the backyard.

We want to be sure that everyone knows about it. Virtually the entire US, and even lower Canada and Alaska, has seen cases of heartworm. Wherever there are mosquitoes, there’s the risk of heartworm. Think your dog doesn’t spend enough time outdoors to be at risk? If you have slapped a mosquito while barbecuing in your backyard or you’ve been kept awake by the buzz of a mosquito in your ear on summer nights, your dog is at risk. Don’t be complacent; at the risk of preaching to the choir, it’s your responsibility to safeguard your pet’s health.

Please, call your vet and ask about heartworm preventatives. If your dog isn’t already on prevention, test to be sure your dog doesn’t have heartworms already, then give the medicine as your vet recommends. Heartworm prevention costs about $6 a month.

Alabaster patrols the grounds!

Prevention is especially important, because heartworm treatment for dogs who have already been infected is dangerous to the dog. The worms living in the dog’s pulmonary arteries are killed and their bodies decompose and travel through the dog’s system before being eliminated.

Can Can would like to know who you are looking at.

As you can imagine, fragments of worm carcass can create problems of their own as they move through your dog’s body. Not to mention that the treatment is very toxic and the dog must endure crate rest for long periods.

Because the treatment is effective only for the worms in the final stages, and doesn’t affect the larval stages of the worms, it’s not uncommon for the treatment to have to be repeated, as in the case of fosters Can Can and Aiyana. And when heartworm is advanced, as in Emeril’s case, treatment is useless, because the damage to the heart is irreversible.

Currently we have half a dozen dogs in our care in varying stages of heartworm infestation and heartworm treatment. We test every incoming dog for the disease, because Frenchies are generally a bit less active than most breeds, so the symptoms of moderate to advanced heartworm infestation—exercise intolerance, coughing on exertion, wheezing, etc.—aren’t always apparent. At your dog’s annual check up, your vet will probably recommend a heartworm test, even if your dog is on the preventative. We recommend that you test your dog for heartworm every year.

Heartworm treatment wears poor Aiyana out

Heartworm is preventable. That’s the reason we are so frustrated to see so many cases and why Emeril’s case is so tragic. Please be sure your dogs are on heartworm preventative. And tell your friends.

For more information on heartworm, please visit the American Heartworm Association website: http://www.heartwormsociety.org/

(This information first appeared as a home page on our website 1/4/2012)

Wake Me When It's Spring

2012-01-15T16:17:00.000-08:00

Rossolyn is in no mood to play up for the camera. Who can blame her? It's miserably chilly in most parts of the country. There is snow where there shouldn't be snow and no snow where people are pining for it. Here in the kingdom, the daffodils are foolishly sticking their toes out of the ground, daring Jack Frost to nip them but good.

We are with you, Rossolyn. Plump up the pillows and pull up the covers and put out the lights.

ZZZzzzzzzz,

The Frog Princess

Happy Holidays to You, Too!

2011-12-02T05:07:00.000-08:00

Remy, FBRN grad, is having a holiday adventure.

We hope your holidays are less, how shall we say? Eye-popping.

Festive greetings from

The Frog Princess

Vino, Vidi, Vici!

2011-11-26T11:55:00.000-08:00

Vino ate a rock. It got stuck somewhere on the way out and a kindly vet removed it. Sadly, the digestive tract Vino was trying to landscape didn't take too kindly to having a rock applied to it, and for a while he was having some problems.

Problems of an embarrassing nature.

And after he ate a rock, he got stones. In his bladder. What the hey!

Possibly he loves rock and roll. Maybe his daddy was a rollin' stone.

(We sincerely apologize for that. We are a bit loopy with the tryptophan.)

But time heals a lot of wounds, and Vino's guts are doing pretty well. He's got a special diet, and although he's got to be watched so he doesn't make any more mistakes (leave the landscaping to the professionals, Vino!), with regular check ups, the boy is bound to make somebody happy.

His foster mom sent an update and some photos recently. Take a look at this mug. How can he still be on the available page?

Somebody isn't paying attention.

"Vino continues to do well and moved to the available page; he has not had any GI or urinary issues so I'm hoping the worst is over for this great little guy. He loves his foster siblings and with 3 young adult Frenchies in the house it is quite a party sometimes! I caught them in a mellow moment and had a photo shoot."

Listen, if you want a handsome, happy, good boy to add to your collection, or you are in the market for a single frog to slather serious amounts of spoiling on, Vino is your guy.

Get over to his available page and check him out before the whole world gets an eyeful.

Full of helpful directions today, we remain

The Frog Princess

New York/New Jersey/Connecticut What Are You Doing Today?

2011-11-12T04:53:00.000-08:00

Don't forget! There's big fun at Bryant Park today:

This Saturday, celebrate the holidays with Carlos the French Bulldog and a few of our FBRN grads in NYC at the event of the season – Family Day with Christmas Feet!

2008 FBRN grad Chicklet will be giving Frenchie Kisses Under the Mistletoe and we’ll be selling treats generously donated to us by Bubba Rose Biscuit Company! 2008 grad Shelby (FBRN stage name Flower) will be strutting her stuff down the runway during Ada Nieves' very special "Noah's Ark meets the Nutcracker" holiday fashion show!

Family Day with Christmas Feet is from 12 – 4pm and the fashion show starts around 3:45. There is free ice skating, Broadway performances and, of course, a reading of Christmas Feet by Author Maureen Sullivan & Illustrator Alison Josephs.

This is a FREE event, it is VERY child & dog friendly. Bring the whole family, dress in festive array, SUPPORT RESCUE and HAVE FUN!

Citi Pond at Bryant Park – 42nd Street between 5th and 6th Avenues – NYC

Alena in 3-D!

2011-11-11T10:14:00.000-08:00

Poor Alena! This girl has been having a series of skin infections since she arrived in FBRN. The lastest one is the worst her foster mom has seen, and it is terribly frustrating because Alena's hair was just starting to come in on her face and feet after her bout with demodex.
Here's a note from foster mom:

"Poor Alena ... she has been 2 steps forward, 1 step back all along. The positive is that her forward is greater than the back ... but still.

Currently she is having a REALLY nasty skin flare up. She had some itchies when she came to me, but this is by far the worst in her 10 months with me. She is bumpy, raw and has to wear long sleeves and a turtle neck to stop her ripping her skin apart. She is off to see the vet again today, as I am just not able to get it under control.

Other than the skin, she is still our happy girl. Loves to go to work, loves to eat EVERYTHING. We call her compost bin .. she happily snacks on veggie scraps that would otherwise go into the yard waste bin."

Some Frenchies have a thing for vegetables and fruit. Most frogs love bananas. After a visit with her vet, the foster mom wrote again to say,

"Good news from the vet ... she was given a strong anti-fungal shampoo, strong anti-itch pills and antibiotics ... and after just 2 days she is improving. I've never seen her skin so bad, so I'm hoping it's just circumstantial and we can get it under control quickly."

Since Alena is such a favorite among our friends and supporters, we thought you'd like to hear about her latest comeback! Sure, her skin is a horror show, but Alena has all the tools to see it through, in the painfully worked metaphor of

The Frog Princess

Tomah of the WI 4 update

2011-11-03T10:25:00.000-07:00

Here's a wonderful update on Tomah (now Raji) of the WI 4. We are celebrating the anniversary of the day we brought them into FBRN last year, and you can see more photos on the home page of the website when it is updated this week.

This is what the French Bulldog Network said of my dog’s history when I made out my adoption application for him last December. Quickly, by the end of December, FBRN told me he was mine. In January and freezing cold weather, I met his foster mom in Northern Wisconsin and a 34-pound cream pie gentleman with the most expressive eyes I have ever seen was put in my arms. So polite he was, not making a peep and content to lie on a pile of blankets the 4 hours it took to get home. On a potty stop, I noticed he peed standing straight up and then I remembered he could not bend those crippled back legs of his.

The next day, I took him the pet store for the proper food and other necessities. We walked in together very slowly and headed for the dog food aisles. Less than half way into the store, he sat down and looked at me, showing me his weariness and that he wished to go no further. The rest of our shopping had to be done with him in a grocery cart, but he didn’t seem to mind. Again, a gentleman of the highest quality.

As the cold winter days and weeks rolled by, we got to know each other. He found out what it was like to sleep with his legs outstretched and how the world looked without a wire cage separating him from the world. He came to understand that when I left, I would come back to feed and water him, and so he stopped gulping most of his water down whenever he saw me get my coat. He learned the goodness of popcorn and tissue massage, and what it was like to be sung to, and he learned that he was Home.

To get him more active without taking him out in the cold, I began walking him down the long hallway in my apartment building. So together we took out the garbage every day. Soon he was looking forward to these little lunchtime trips, and as he got stronger, I asked him to step up the pace. This he gladly did, despite his clumsiness and discomfort. The days went by, and we gradually began running up and down the hallway together. Though it tired him, he insisted on continuing up and down as fast as his legs would allow. I was so proud of him, and told everyone I knew.
It wasn’t long before Spring came, and suddenly one day he ran up the hallway at such a fast pace I could not keep up. Again, I was bursting with pride and from his expression, so was he. Not long after, he jumped up a single step. No small feat for a dog with weak hips and stiff back legs. Soon after, he was jumping down that step too.
Time and love, I learned, heals all things. Now, he and I go to the pet store and he is either ahead of me on his leash, or veering off, trying to head down an aisle that is of more interest to him than to me. No grocery cart needed. He jumps up three steps like a dog without any physical limitations. He loves his acupuncture treatments, which have allowed him to function with lower doses of Rimadyl and Tramadol. Now when he goes outside, he runs, though slowly, to the long wild grass that grows at the edge of his yard. And best of all, he runs to me or to almost anyone he sees to get a touch and a kind word, to catch up on all the love he missed.

My Raji now knows what it’s like to be a dog. After being completely silent for 4 months, he warns me with sharp barks that a bicyclist or hiker is approaching on the road. Any canines trespassing in his yard, beware! You will be thoroughly checked out or loudly yodeled at if physical contact cannot be made. And though he still can’t lift his leg on a tree or a fire hydrant, he can actually squat a bit to let others know what belongs to him. How far my boy has come!

On a hot, breezy summer day at lunch time, I watch Raji walk into a shaded spot of grass. He stops and slowly sits and thinks for a bit, then suddenly flops over on his side. He rolls up on his back and falls back on his side. He rolls again and balances on his spine for a moment. A third time, he makes it all the way over! He rolls over and over again, snorting and stretching his little legs out as far as they will go. I think of him when his four legs were weak and splayed, and how tired he got after only a few steps. And as I watch him roll, I wonder if he will ever take this simple pleasure for granted.

Looking at his expression of satisfaction and contentment when he gets up, I believe he does not take anything for granted. He is a gentleman, grateful for anything I have to offer. He never lets me forget that I am important and appreciated.

He is a Rescue Dog, after all. I’m not sure whether rescue dogs forget their past, but I know they don’t dwell on it. They have the gift of enjoying the moment, instead of dwelling on bad experiences. Raji is a shining example of what love and rescue organizations like FBRN will do for a dog. They found him, they rehabilitated him, and they picked me to make his story a happy ending. I am thankful, I am honored, and most important, I am loved.

I wish you could have experienced all of this with us."

We don't know about you, but after reading this note, we feel we have experienced some of Raji's milestones. He's a lucky Frenchie, in the opinion of

The Frog Princess

We Have 13 Dogs in Texas

2011-10-29T09:04:00.000-07:00

And that's a scary number. It's scary because all our foster homes are full, and there is no room at the inn for other needy frogs.

We are having to turn dogs away because we don't have enough volunteers to foster homeless dogs. It's not just FBRN, either. Other rescues have a lack of foster homes, too. We need help.

Twilight is going to be available soon. And that is a good thing because right now she is sucking all the cute out of Texas.

This here handsome devil is Boudreaux. He wants you to throw the ding-dang ball, already!

Our worst nightmare is that someone will sell their dog on Craigslist or sell it through a want ad and the dog will wind up in a puppy mill. There's a dog we are hoping to bring in from a different part of the country and that is her story. Once a pet, she was acquired by a miller, whose mill was recently raided.

How could they tell she was a pet?

Her original collar and tags were still on.

This is Loretta, a blind puppy mill girl in our hospice program. She's never gotten over her past. We love her anyway.

If you have ever considered volunteering for FBRN, please email our volunteer coordinator today to become a foster home, transporter, or volunteer at events. Our main need in Texas (or nearby states! We could use volunteers in AR, LA, OK, KS, NM) is fostering, but we will gladly accept any help that is offered.

Email our volunteer coordinator at fbrnvolapps@gmail.com.

These 13 are lucky. They have a place with us. If you can, please help us help a few more, pleads

The Frog Princess

This is the youthful and charming Bonaparte, waiting for the perfect kitty-free empire to rule.

A True Scary Story for Hallowe'en!

2011-10-25T10:03:00.000-07:00

This is a true story that happened to one of our volunteers and her rescue frog, Louie. Please read it, commit the lessons to memory, and if you live in an elevator building, take the advice to heart.

"I am writing this today, still shaken up and very much embarrassed by an event that could have turned tragic in an instant had we not had someone watching over us last night…

I want to share the experience with everyone here because in the same breath of guilt and shame, I also feel the old adage… If it could happen to me, It could happen to you too…

Louie and I went out on our walk with our roommates (one 2, one 4-legged), and met up with our neighbor and her dog for the usual evening constitutional. We finished walking and processed back to the elevators to go up to our respective floors talking and carrying on along the way. As the doors opened and the 5 of us went in, Louie of course, was lagging behind sniffing and looking for his last gecko of the evening. Now, this is his normal routine and I know to accommodate him for it; stand in the threshold of the elevator and coax him to “Come on” until he finally gives it up and grudgingly schleps into the lift with me, and we can proceed.

Last night however, the other two adults and dogs went in before me, and I was bringing up the rear with my back to the outside where Louie was still investigating – I stopped on the threshold of the elevator, knowing he was still out there and that I needed to hold the door, and about to turn around to call him on but still chatting away with the girls. Suddenly, I felt the doors graze my backside and in the milliseconds it took for me to throw my hand behind me to stop the door, the doors were closed!
Not necessarily a big deal, you say…unless one of the people has already pushed the buttons to select the floors! Well you guessed it…one of them had!

At this point (and remember, it’s only been maybe 10 seconds total from walking in, to door closing) the elevator is moving and I am flipping out, but quick to think: I immediately began pulling the slack from inside the retractable leash out to the end, stepping on it and yanking with all my might trying to break the mechanism inside so that it will break free from the plastic handle and can just be pulled through the doors and down the shaft to the first floor…thus eliminating the danger of my dog being hung or crushed/pinned by the force of the pull into the door jam/ceiling. This isn’t working – everyone is screaming – the other two are pushing every button on the elevator trying to get it to physically stop, but of course there isn’t one.

The elevator does end up stopping seconds later on the 2nd floor, where our neighbor lives. I fly out and down the stairs, around the corner to see Louie sitting in front of the elevator doors and looking confused as to why he was there by himself – approximately 1.5-2 feet of slack away from the line being pulled taught enough to begin to lift him off the ground…

I damn near fainted and threw up all at the same time. I of course unhook his harness from the leash and snatch him up and proceed up the stairs to the 2nd floor where the others are still freaking out, holding the elevator and waiting. We cut the cord with scissors, went back down to retrieve the part that was stuck in between the ground and second level and pretty much collapsed onto the stairs from the trauma. All the while, Louie is blissfully ignorant of the entire affair and still alertly keeping a watchful eye out for the geckos…

The moral of the story is: THANK GOD we were with my neighbor who lives on the 2nd floor and the elevator stopped that quickly instead of proceeding up to the 4th. If that had happened, I honestly don’t know what would have happened to Louie based on the laws of Physics…

He could have been crushed or had broken ribs, punctured lungs…God only knows due to the force of the pull and being pinned to the door jam/ceiling. Undoubtedly the line would have broken from tension and force at some point, but at how many feet it would have had to have gone up/how many seconds he would have been pinned, no one knows. Then, I’d only have been able to hope that he would have fallen the 8 feet and landed on his feet, but that isn’t guaranteed either, nor is the fact that just landing on his feet wouldn’t have still jarred his spine or caused him to hit his face, etc, etc, etc, down the long list of horrible things that could have happened…

The lessons learned from this miracle experience are that 1) we don’t get in the elevator without Louie being right there too and 2) you never push buttons for your destination until all parties are safely inside – had the buttons not been pushed and the door closed, the ‘Door Open’ button could have easily been pushed and the doors would have opened with no one worse for the wear since the machine hadn’t already been given the ‘Up’ command yet.

Like I said, it was scary as Hell to think that my negligence could have potentially had TRAGIC consequences for my favorite friend, Louie. It’s embarrassing and I’m ashamed to admit that I was so careless, but at the same time…I wanted to share it in hopes that those of you fellow dog owners who use elevators with your dogs on a daily basis will get a quick jolt of reminder for how dangerous the situation can become if you aren’t always, always on the ball."

She's absolutely right--this scary and horrible story could happen to anyone. Please take special care around elevators and even escalators; be sure to pick up your dog before getting on an escalator so his toenails or dangling collar or tags don't get caught in the treads! More buildings are allowing dogs to come inside, and dog owners must become aware of the hazards to dogs of buildings' automated parts.

Hoping you learned a little something today, as did
The Frog Princess

Tonto!

2011-10-22T10:58:00.000-07:00

Sometimes we just can't grasp why a Frenchie who is healthy and happy and loving just doesn't catch the eye of a potential adopter.

Tonto is one of those frogs.

He was dropped off at a shelter by his owner's family following his owner's death (Note to self: Be sure to put directions in will for care of our Frenchies should something happen to us!). Apart from a desire to be the cock of the walk, Tonto is a great dog!

In his foster family there is an uneasy peace going on--occasionally there are dust ups between Tonto and the dominant girl--but thanks to very slow introductions and an experienced foster family, there have been no serious fights. That's Little Miss Lemon-Sucker on the bottom step in the photo to the left, there. If you have a submissive female and you are willing to do slow introductions, Tonto might be the boy for you.

Take a look at Tonto's bio. He's on the lookout for his kemosabe. It might be you, counsels

The Frog Princess

Here's a Beautiful Original Piece of Art You Can Own!

2011-10-12T09:02:00.000-07:00

Look at this gorgeous painting offered as a fundraiser for FBRN! Santino Nava has donated this 16x20 unframed piece featuring a black masked fawn. This is not a print, it's an original!

Our thanks to Santino for the generous gift!

Clear Your Schedule!

2011-10-11T12:50:00.000-07:00

It's time for the Second Annual Family Day with Christmas Feet at Citi Pond in New York's Bryant Park!

Saturday, November 12th from Noon to 4 pm!

Alison Josephs and Maureen Sullivan, author and illustrator of Christmas Feet, another wonderful book about life with Carlos the Frenchie, will be on hand to chat and so will representatives of FBRN and other great organizations. Plus free ice-skating, and a chance to meet Broadway stars and canine celebrities! See a doggie fashion show with your pooch--and you should dress up, too. Click here to learn more!

Everyone had a blast last year--we hope you will take a day and come to the city for this event. It's a great opening for the holiday season, proclaims

The Frog Princess

All around the world

2011-10-06T09:54:00.000-07:00

it's all about a boy and his dog. His frog dog.

This photo was taken on a train by one of our supporters when she was vacationing in Japan in August. We don't know what it is advertising, but we think the ad designers picked a pretty effective model.

Pardon the bit of glare.

Anyone read Japanese? asks

The Frog Princess

Have You Never Been Mellow?

2011-09-26T17:16:00.000-07:00

Sorry about any inadvertent earworming the title of this post may have caused. DeeDee, one of our favorite, most sparkling personalities, gets plenty of time to mellow out with her Bullmastiff foster sib Juliet and her lab sib Isaac.

In these photos, DeeDee sought out the company of these sleeping dogs to lie down with them. Knowing their foster mom, she did *not* get up with fleas, no matter what the proverbial wisdom might claim. DeeDee spent the last month or so recovering from palate surgery and she is doing just fine. Here's a note we got about her recently:

"DeeDee continues to be her sweet, adorable self. In the weeks following her surgery she has become more playful, and frequently engages my husband and sons in her favorite game. It involves nibbling gently on their fingers, rolling on her back, waving her paws in the air, darting off, and then charging in for a repeat performance. She also enjoys playing a combination tug and fetch game. Her stuffies now cringe when they see her coming.

She seems to get a little saliva in her airway after assaulting her stuffies or chewing on a bone, but is able to clear it after a minute or so by coughing."

These retired breeders really pull out all the plugs in terms of charm and joie de vivre when they get to be part of a family. From livestock to life of the party, that's what we say! OK, we don't say that, we just made that up, but still, it's a pretty fair assessment of the shift in attitude many of our older girls experience once they are released from the workaday life of having and feeding puppies.

And at the end of the day, once the performance has ended, there's nothing wrong with a little c*tnapping in and amongst the bullmastiffs.

Mellow is as mellow does, sighs

The Frog Princess

De Soja Delights!

2011-09-16T16:56:00.000-07:00

DeSoja is doing really well in her foster home. Though she was unable to undergo spay surgery because she went into her heat cycle, she is continuing to learn about life in a family atmosphere. Here is an update from her foster mom:

"Throughout the month we had many visitors in our midst and some extended time with family and friends at the beach house. DeSoja was definitely a little rattled by the necessary adjustments and revolving door of new faces. She is still a very tense and anxious little girl and I do my best to show her the patience, love and trust she so desperately needs. I notice she has come to seek out assurance and comfort with Onyx and Belle before anything else and that is a wonder and a joy to watch her interact more with them. They are both very accepting of her to the pack and seem to instinctively know she needs support.

They are very good therapists. She plays with them in a rather awkward way, and initiates their interaction occasionally. Onyx is such a pleaser; I think he knows it is a good thing and I praise him alot for giving little Soja the boost she needs. Belle just really likes to be in the middle of everything. George only seems to notice if she leaves a little kibble in her bowl and then he is right on it. Soja is pretty persistent about letting him know it is still hers, though, but not in a snarky way. She just pushes herself between him and the food dish.

She has come a long way in nearly two months, but I do worry about her “worries”. I so want her to be a happy and secure little frog. But maybe she is feeling a little more confidence in her life here because she actually showed some insistent barking and a rather uncompromising stance to a neighbor’s dog who visited the beach house last weekend. I had to put her behind a gate with Onyx and Belle to calm her down. I’m going to try to get her out away from home, just with me, now and then, to build her confidence and to see how she does especially when we encounter other dogs.

Her physical health is improving and after consult with the vet this week, we have agreed she is ready to be spayed. The surgery is scheduled for next Friday, 9.9.11 and my nerves are already on edge about it. I am a little concerned she could come into heat any time before then, though. Let’s hope that doesn’t happen. My vet offered to pick her up on Thursday and take her into the clinic so I wouldn’t have to drive her in on Friday, but I declined. I know she lived in a cage so much of her puppy mill life that I want to avoid having to crate her if at all possible.

She is a delicate little soul, so timid and afraid of anything new to her. She still doesn’t want eye contact and doesn’t like to be held, but will stand for it a little bit more if I insist. She isn’t very treat driven so it makes reinforcement that it is good to be loved in that way a little difficult.

I am thrilled each time she comes to me for a little lickie on my hand. Sometimes when I am in the kitchen she tentatively comes up and steals a little lick on my leg, too.

I am beginning to think about what the future looks like for Soja…but one day at a time for this fragile mill girl."

One day at a time, one cookie at a time, one walk along the sandy shore at a time. De Soja will be nestled in her adoptive family's arms before you know it, wagers

The Frog Princess

Kobee

2011-09-14T18:56:00.000-07:00

Kobee has been in foster care almost a year. He is well-loved by his foster family, but they would like to continue to open their arms to other needy fosters, so they are looking for a forever family that will love Kobee as much as they do. Here's a note from Kobee's foster mom:

"Kobee is definitely a blessing. This little guy came to us after being abandoned and not well cared for, but you'd never know anyone was ever mean to him, because from the first minute my daughters and I picked him up he showed us that all he wanted was a family to love him.

"He shows his love in so many ways. First when he sees you in the morning or when you come home from being out, he marches, yes marches, excitedly and happily to your feet for you to give him a hug and belly rub. If it wasn't for his diligent patrolling of the back yard throughout the day in evening, who knows how many squirrels, crows, and frogs would have taken over and run us out of our own house. We thank him for that!

Kobee is a friend to all. Not only does he love me, my husband, and our children but he has a Great Dane brother, Great Dane sister, Pitbull brother, American Bulldog sister, his cat, and his bird, and any other foster that comes to stay.

"Kobee came to us a young sprightly little guy full of life and love to give. Kobee also came with a special need; he is totally incontinent. He is on meds that he takes easily when stuffed in a piece of cheese to keep him "regular." Kobee wears a diaper with a very stylish diaper cover on to help keep it in place since he has no tail to help. He knows his routine and stands proudly while getting dressed, he even lifts each leg to put in the hole!

If he's outside sunning or monitoring the backyard, he runs free of his diaper. Incontinence is simply managed and doesn't take away one ounce of Kobee's big heart. Though this condition may seem like it could be a lot to take on or hard work, it isn't in the least.

"This little guy just wants love, plain and simple."

Well, that makes him 100% normal and just like any other Frenchie in the love department, in the expert assessment of

The Frog Princess

Dilly, dilly

2011-08-30T10:34:00.000-07:00

Lavender came to us all smelly and balding thanks to a nasty bacterial skin infection and legions and hordes of yeasty beasties all attacking her poor hair follicles. She's feeling a little better, though she's not yet out of the woods, not out of the dark, not out of the night.

Here's a recent report we received from her ever-lovin' foster ma:

"Oh the Lavender! Well, unfortunately her skin is not continuing to improve as we had hoped.

When they first brought Lavender home, she was so odoriferous they nicknamed her Stinky. That's a pretty good stink-eye she's throwing around there, don't you agree? We feel sure we'd have perfected our own stink-eye if someone had applied so rude an appellation to our own personage. Stinky, indeed!

Her yeast will just not learn to take a hike. With baths, meds and lots of lovin' she can't clear up enough for her spay. We are on a food trial, and it's a bit tricky to get her to eat that hypoallergenic food; today was the first day of 4 that she was okay eating without looking at me funny. She continues to itch on the white side of her face and three of her feet.

I had to pick up the throw rugs around the house because she thought they made useful belly rubbin' rugs. She had a MRSA culture done, but we haven't heard any results back yet. We're hopeful the derm vet can be avoided.

"Despite the itchies, her social skills have been wonderful. She came in from the shelter thinking she was going to be the alpha girl, and she is now a playful and social little girl. She shares her toys (loves her stuffies), shares nyla bones, plays without becoming rough and growly, and she is no longer rude when another dog approaches me. Being protective was to much work with so many dogs in the house, I suppose.

"Her potty manners have improved and she's using the dog door; however occasional reminders are needed when exiting her crate and after naps. If the weather is inclement, forget it! She will sit outside the dog door and wait for you to walk away and sneak back inside instead of running out, doing her business, and coming back inside. Jeez!"

We are completely in synch with young Lavender's feelings about having to piddle whilst raindrops beat down into our vulnerable ear canals. How would YOU like that? The least you bipeds could do is offer the shelter of an umbrella for the few little minutes it takes a froglette to heed nature's call. They are YOUR floors, after all, and you are the one who wants them kept so dry and clean, chides

The Frog Princess

Benny the Frog's Ninth Natal Anniversary

2011-08-24T11:53:00.000-07:00

Infamous tomato thief and 19th hole lounge lizard Benny the Frog made time in his busy schedule to allow his mom to prepare a home-grown celebration in his honor.

Benny is a 2003 FBRN graduate.

In his working life, he often serves as an adjunct to his mom's duties as a Humane Educator for an east coast animal control office. He gets to accompany his mom to schools and other locations to teach children about the responsibilities of sharing one's life with a rotten, no-good, tomato-stealing, golf cart-riding frogdog.

His mom tells us that sometimes, when Benny the Frog is feeling ornery, he will refuse to charm the children, and instead turns his back on them and fantasizes about living on a desert island with his beloved Fiona, maybe paddling lazily through a lagoon full of cherry tomatoes, each more delicious than the last.

Happy birthday, Benny the Frog! We love you and your glorious rottenness.

The Frog Princess

The Value of a Formal Education

2011-08-23T18:46:00.000-07:00

Licorice's foster mom sent us a little essay about her experience with the formerly naughty boy. She had great success with him as they went through classes together. Licorice has found a family of his own now. Here's her essay:

"Licorice came into FBRN as Bullet, and he probably should have been renamed Fonzie. He was dressed in black, knew rules didn’t apply to him, tried to intimidate other dogs and left his mark anywhere he thought they might pick up the message. But he had a heart of gold, and just needed to learn some social skills so he could move on to his forever home.

He was an easy people dog, if you could get past the wild leaps across the room onto your head, or the
grooves the leash dug into your hands when walking him in public. It became apparent that if this boy
had any hope of being adopted he needed to get some formal education, he needed to learn to interact
with people and dogs in a polite way. So he was enrolled in a basic obedience class.

Licorice swaggered into class, jumping at all the dogs and grabbing the lead in his mouth and screaming
if pressed to do something he chose not to. It was a rough ride, but with the help of knowledgeable
instructors, patient classmates and increasingly tough collars, Licorice graduated. (Yes, we finally went
to a pinch collar, and found the tool that got his attention. After the first night wearing it, he wore it
inside out but showed appropriate respect.)

The beauty of this was discovering that he was a smart boy who wanted something to do, wanted to
learn, wanted to please his foster mom. He moved on to two sessions of advanced work, and was
very dependable with all of the basic commands. In addition to the usual cute pictures, his available
page showed a graduate sporting a snazzy mortarboard, a calm dog doing a group down-stay, and a handsome boy heeling beside his trainer on a loose lead.

At any given time, FBRN has dozens of very cute dogs vying for the perfect forever home. How does one choose? In Licorice’s case, the successful applicant was attracted to him because he had some obedience training. He was able to move into a home where he will be exercised on a leash, and handled by two very responsible young men of 7 and 11 years. His new owners are so impressed with his accomplishments that they are considering adding a CGC (AKC Canine Good Citizen Certification) to his
resume.

Dogs no longer wander in packs searching for their next meal, so they need some replacement activity
or they get bored. That boredom is often behind all sorts of destructive behavior and the reason so
many dogs find themselves in rescue, wondering what in the world they did to be abandoned. So whether your dog is the love of your life or a foster looking for a forever home, consider training. It might be just tricks, basic civility, or competing in dog-sports such as rally or agility, but working with your dog is the best way to solidify that all-important bond. Try it, you and your dog might really like it."

It's almost time for kids to go back to school. Maybe it's about that time for you and your frog, too? suggests

The Frog Princess

Vela Goes Shopping!

2011-08-20T10:37:00.000-07:00

Some of our dogs are more fashion-conscious than others. Vela has an entire wardrobe and never tires of making trips to the boutique for another outfit.

Here she is with her best friend and fashion consultant, Spock.

When she's adopted, she'll need a small walk-in of her own.

Let's face it, some girls just have more style-sense than others.

And some girls just have that oo la la!

Not everyone can pull off every look.

But Vela has an advantage.

She's French!

Check out Velamint's page and see if she might be the girl you've been waiting for.

Just be sure you are prepared to put some mileage on your Canine Couture credit card, advises

The Frog Princess

Too Hot for Walks--But Not for Ice Cream!

2011-08-14T15:59:00.000-07:00

Kees and his foster buddy are finding the dog days of summer too darned hot--sweltering, even!--for sidewalk strolling. So when Mom and Dad ask if anybody is up for a trip to the ice cream parlor, guess who is bounding out to the horseless chariot to get a licky-lick of frozen custard?

Here's a note from Kees's foster mom, who took these photos on a recent outing:

"Kees' health has been quite stable for the last few weeks...knock on wood. He did have an allergy outbreak requiring 2 rounds of antibiotics, we are trying everything to keep his sores healing (no steroids for this guy).

We were out for our weekly trip to run errands and the DQ, it has been too hot for any walks so this is the kids' extracurricular activity....and a few licks of a vanilla cone. Kees has his spot on the console, on the job watching for my husband to come out of the store."

Our regular readers know that Frenchies cannot be outside in high temperature weather, and none of our readers would dream of leaving a Frenchie in a car on a hot day, but it never hurts to remind folks that even 5 minutes is too long. Better to leave your frog at home in the air-conditioning than risk an unwanted adventure like this one, advises

The Frog Princess

Everybody's Getting in the Act!

2011-08-11T09:18:00.000-07:00

Our chip-in fundraiser is going much more slowly than we could wish. However, we are so impressed with our volunteers' willingness to go above and beyond to raise funds for us! Here, FBRN grads Ava and Manny snoopervise their people's lemonade stand fundraiser.

Have you posted our chip-in widget to your blog or facebook page? Please consider asking your friends to help support our efforts to get back to rescuing Frenchies!

We're not yet halfway to our goal, but we have only 9 days remaining.

Thank you for helping promote this fundraiser! Stay cool and hydrated with some refreshing lemonade, advises

The Frog Princess

Treats from China Still Suspect!

2011-08-01T12:25:00.000-07:00

One of our volunteers mentioned that her vet had seen two dogs with Fanconi-type kidney failures this month. Unfortunately, both young dogs died. They had both been eating dried chicken-strip treats imported from China, recently purchased from the US's largest discount chainstores.

You may remember that in 2007, there was a wave of dog deaths resulting from treats manufactured in China, involving melamine. It appears that the problem with death and illness has been ongoing, though it hasn't been publicized, and in recent months, a rise in dog deaths in Canada resulted in this post: http://news.vin.com/vinnews.aspx?articleId=19077.

If you purchase your dog's treats from the supermarket or large discount chains, be sure to look very, very carefully at the packaging. Though the bag may say in larger lettering, "Manufactured in the US," it may say elsewhere, "Made in China" in very small letters.

The vet in the article cited above suggested feeding your dog small quantities of fresh vegetables and fruit (excepting onion, raisins, grapes, etc.) or single cheerios-type cereals. Don't be like the enthusiastic dog-owner who switched to carrots for treats and whose nauseated dog presented the vet with a one-pound pile of carrots in the exam room! Let your Frenchies fill up on fruits and veggies between meals, but don't top them off!

Here's a photo of FBRN grad Norm (formerly Albee), anxiously awaiting his healthy, homemade dinner. Poor guy looks about ready to keel over from the pangs! He's weak, weak from the hunger!

We could eat a little something ourselves, now that we mention it, considers

The Frog Princess

Walt Wizney is FAMOUS!

2011-07-31T10:24:00.000-07:00

Lookit Walt Wizney on the news today, helping to teach people all about two kinds of mange.

Here's poor Walt before, on his first day at FBRN. See the lesions on his back and the elephant skin on his poor paws?

And here's a recent photo of Walt enjoying some sunshine and green grass after 6 weeks of treatment with FBRN.

We do good work, people! Why not join the dozens of Frenchie-loving supporters who have donated to our special chip-in fundraiser? It's one time when jumping on the bandwagon is a GOOD thing, reassures

The Frog Princess

Toulouse Helps FBRN Recover!

2011-07-30T17:56:00.000-07:00

FBRN had a couple of tough months in May and June. We spent deeply into our savings in order to treat some dogs who were in far worse condition than we thought when we committed to taking them in, and also to care for some of our current foster dogs who needed to be boarded at the vet's at great expense because they had very treatable conditions that were contagious or that required 24-hour observation at the vet's. It never rains but it pours, right? Couple these coincidentally expensive and kind of bizarre occurrences with a dip in donations and we find ourselves operating on a very narrow margin. We must build back our reserves.

Fortunately, we have indefatigable and charming supporters and volunteers who are willing to put themselves out in the public eye and to work hard for the rescue and all our nutty, needy little foster frogs.

This is the elegant raconteur and kiss-meister, Toulouse. He volunteered to give ALLLL the laydeez a little licky-licky for a nickel. Or a dollar. Or ten. STEP right up, and GITcher Frenchie kisses here!

We are currently accepting with humble gratitude any funds you can spare to bring our bottom line up to a healthier, greener, cooler place--a place less red and itchy and humid and too ding-dang hot for easy breathing. Please help us! Truly, any amount is appreciated.

Toulouse and his friends at the recent Reliant Show in Houston send you virtual smooches!

With a few thrown in for good measure from

The Frog Princess

Patton is a Big Baby

2011-07-26T13:06:00.000-07:00

Handsome and manly Patton has a secret.

He likes to travel in a baby carrier.

Here's a note from his adoptive mom:

"Just giving you an update on Patton. He's doing great! Having some allerigies and hates the heat of course, but he is a happy little clam. We took him to a party the other night and he got to play with all the other dogs.

"I have included some pictures of him! He has caught a couple toads this summer. He hasn't killed them, but he carries them around in his mouth.

"He has become quite a talkative fellow, it's hilarious when he barks!

"One of our friends gave us this baby carrier thing (I have enclosed a picture of Patton enjoying it) Patton loves to hang out in it, which is kind of weird, I think. When you take him out of it he likes to sit on top of it on the floor."

Nothing wrong with a little snuggling in the snuggli, that's our view. Of course, it might be a little warm for that in some parts of the country, but to each his own!

If you live in Florida or south Texas, you may know all about the bufa marinus, or cane toad, but just in case you are traveling through Florida with your frogdog, remember that those bufas are poisonous. You can read about them here.

And if you live in or near Arizona, you may know about another poisonous toad, bufa alvarius. Here's a photo and instructions of what to do if your dog grabs a nasty toad.

Patton was one of the Gulf Coast 10, a group of dogs FBRN took in a couple of years ago. He's obviously very happy in his new home, thanks to FBRN, our donors and supporters, and his foster mom. If you haven't already done so, consider donating to our chip-in fundraiser. You can click on the last post to go to our chip-in site.

Ten years of do-goodery! That is something to celebrate, boasts

The Frog Princess

Please contribute!

2011-07-21T18:00:00.000-07:00

FBRN is celebrating its 10th anniversary! We are going to raise 30,000 dollars in 30 days--and you can help!

Please pitch in and chip in by clicking on the button below.

With many thanks from

The Frog Princess

Wrangler's Progress

2011-07-19T14:17:00.000-07:00

From a scaly, scabby, itchy, mangy boy to handsome devil in no time flat. See what your donations do?

Wrangler is a much happier and perkier boy today! See those ears? Those are happy perky frogears.

You can read more about Wrangler here, recommends

The Frog Princess

Why Porkchop Can't Have a Kitty

2011-07-16T13:40:00.000-07:00

Porkchop is going to the available page this week. Last week when she was at the vet getting a broken toenail fixed up, her foster dad snapped this photo as evidence that though Porkchop is a very good girl in many, many ways, she is not going to be a good match for a family that has any kitties in the house.

Porkchop's dad says she was trembling with anticipation at the thought of a cat-snack.

This poor woman was prepared to fling herself in front of Porkchop to save her puddytat if need be. That's a good catmom, approves

The Frog Princess

Freud

2011-07-04T13:10:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July! We received some pics of some pooped pups we thought we'd share. Freud's foster mom is reviewing applications, so he's likely to be placed shortly. But we loved these photos and this note. Who says frogdogs are couch potatoes? They are mighty, mighty hunters!

"Well Freud has been with us for almost 2 months now, and he seems pretty happy being part of our family! But, no, we are not going to adopt him! We love him so much, but feel he deserves to be the center of someone's universe. I have spoken to a lot of families over the past week, and just did a home visit. As much as we will hate to see him go, we know he will make another family very, very happy.

Other than that, I don't have much to report! As sweet as Freud is, I can tell you he is NOT PERFECT! On Saturday we were at the dog run, and he and a Jack Russell were chasing a bird that was on the other side of a fence. All was fun and games until the Jack Russell CAUGHT the bird and ran off with it in his mouth, with Freud chasing him! Freud then got the dead bird, and I had to pry it out of his mouth!! Poor little bird! :(

Here are two pics of Freud with my guys - I call them the Three Amigos! This is basically what they do for hours everyday." Freud is the little guy in the middle.

Of course we are not happy that Freud participated in the untimely demise of a bird, and we hope he was ashamed of himself (though we rather doubt it, judging from our experience of dogs with dead things). Still, we are very happy that he is out and about and making new friends--even if they *are* a bad influence!

Enjoy the fireworks, but don't forget to keep the dogs indoors and safe when the neighbors start setting off the noisy firecrackers. If you are having company, be sure to keep dogs crated or closed in a quiet room, so they can't escape during all the comings and goings. Here's a list of suggestions in case your dog is a little nervous around the loud noises that can accompany celebrations on Independence Day.

Planning to keep the drapes closed and the fan on. We'll be getting our nervous boy's Thundershirt wrapped and the Rescue Remedy mixed up and we'll be turning the radio a little louder than usual this evening, and since we wouldn't dream of leaving him alone to freak out, we'll all be enduring the pops, booms, cracks and sweeeEEEEEeeees! together,

The Frog Princess

Starsky

2011-06-21T08:10:00.000-07:00

Canada is not a hotbed of Frenchie activity, so last week we were delighted to hear that one of our Alberta volunteers had been called on to foster a slim young frog.

His name is Starsky, and he was surrendered because he seemed resistant to house training, and he often wet his crate at night.

His owner admitted that finding time to devote to Starsky was an issue, so it may well be that Starsky's house training will improve in foster care. So far, he hasn't had an indoors accident, and he's gotten the hang of the doggy door very quickly.

As you can see, Starsky has some great coloring--very unusual. At just 22 pounds, he is a smallish Frenchie.

Starsky is getting along wonderfully with the dogs in his foster home, but his foster mom is keeping a close eye on him when he's around the family cat. Starsky seems a wee bit too interested in the kitty, but so far he hasn't made any attempts to chase her.

Starsky is a healthy boy, he has a good temperament, and he plays well with other dogs. This is a great chance for some of our Canadian friends to apply for a dog in the western region--doesn't happen often. Starsky should be on the available page soon. Watch for him!

The Frog Princess

A Newcomer to the Parish: Maxfield

2011-06-12T15:31:00.000-07:00

With more energy than a quarter pound of sugar and a jar of freeze-dried coffee, Maxfield came bounding into his foster family's lives!

Here's what his foster mom wrote about the healthy, robust beast:

" I picked up Maxfield tonight here in Arizona, and let me just tell you he is a BIG boy! At 1.5 years old he is already 31 + pounds, and none of that is fat. He is very very tall, and I am sure if he wanted to he could jump over the expen that he is now in, but so far he is just relaxing at taking it all in. He is a little nervous and thereforea little drooly, but he seems to be taking most of it in stride. Maxfield is a sweet, sweet boy and just wants to be loved. His family is making a quick move to Hawaii and are unable to take thier big boy with them. Their loss is our gain, and this big submissive guy will make a wonderful addition for the right family! He is all Frenchie smiles when ever I walk by him, and although he looks a little like a BT in the face he is a Frenchie!

As a joke I think he may be part greyhound! Maxfield was picking up tons of speed doing zoomies around my back yard! He came from condo life, so now my back yard is his personal doggie park , and he seems pretty happy about that. I will keep you updated on our newest FBRN member in AZ but for now we are going to let him decompress for a little while!"

Well, lounging on that purple throw, we can see he's definitely getting the royal treatment, observes

The Frog Princess

Joli

2011-06-11T08:14:00.000-07:00

Thirty seconds of happy Frenchie time, brought to you by the adorable Joli and

The Frog Princess

Pork Chop Is Feeling Great!

2011-06-11T08:07:00.000-07:00

Pork Chop came to us with some serious skin problems. Recently she was spayed, and she came through it with flying colors! Herewith, a note and some photos from her foster dad:

"1. She is doing great since her spay. Like nothing happened. We are now 100% focused on her coat. We have her on a serious course of Interceptor and regular Pyoben baths. I’m hopeful that this combination will help to knock out the mange, fix her skin and help her to re-grow her coat for her furever home.

2. Porkchop has a prey drive. I wish I had photos/videos of her last week at the dermatology vets office. They had some kittens in a cat condo in waiting room…Porkchop was watching it INTENSELY.

I renamed it “cat TV”. Only problem became…she started throwing herself against the glass trying to get to them. Everyone in the vets office thought it was hilarious, luckily.

3. Regarding her prey drive, in some of these photos (staring up at the trees hunting squirrels / watching through the gate for any animal to pass by) it’s pretty obvious.

"We hope that very soon Porkchop will be on the hunt for her furever home. Based upon our time with her, we think the key aspects will be: (i) cats - NO; (ii) dogs – maybe, submissive; (iii) yard – not necessary."

There you have it! A tasty summer treat is making her way to FBRN's menu of tempting offerings. Keep an eye peeled for this juicy Pork Chop, recommends your server

The Frog Princess

Photos from the Frenchie Social!

2011-05-24T08:05:00.000-07:00

A good time was had by all, judging by the photographic evidence!
Thanks to all our volunteers for working to put on this very popular annual event.

Until next year, keep your Frenchies dry! admonishes

The Frog Princess

How to Help FBRN Win $2,500

2011-05-23T10:53:00.000-07:00

Here are instructions for setting up an account for voting for Clyde with a Y for King of the Web. He has just about lost his first place standing. Please only set up one account. Please vote every day through the end of the contest.

Here's where to start.

And then:

It's a little time-consuming, but hey! $2,500!
Then do this:

Almost done!

There you go! And you can get another 10 votes just for leaving an encouraging word on Clyde's page under "Say Something."

You don't have to do another thing with your "campaign," but you get a fresh new 10 votes every day for Clyde with a Y. He's a former foster, living with gusto in the free world. Help him win this one for us, pleads

The Frog Princess

What's it All About, Ralphie?

2011-05-17T10:47:00.000-07:00

Apparently, it's all about schmoozing the crowds on a springtime morning stroll!

Here's what his foster mom said about a recent out and abouting with Ralphie, the wheeled wonder:

"Ralph continues on as King of the World. He's been getting a lot of attention, both positive (yay!!) and weird negative (I think people continue to be afraid of what they are unfamiliar with). Today, Mother's Day, he got gobs of attention on our am walk. People stopping us to discuss and show me pics of their Frenchies. He came home with his head smelling of hand lotions and perfumes. Big player.

He's eating like a champ (are there any Frenchies that don't?). Zipping around inside and keeping himself busy, busy, busy by nosing through the recycling and keeping a keen eye on what the cats are up to and where they're running off to. They've been napping closer to each other as well. Yesterday he got a new black Kong--his new bff-- and a Nylabone Gallileo which he has already made major tooth marks in!

That's pretty much it. Oh, I've been taking lots of pics (which he hates) because I'm determined to get him into the fbrn calendar (full page) this year!"

Oo la la, Ralphie Beefcake! We can hardly wait to see the photos, leers

The Frog Princess

Obi-Wan Might See Again

2011-05-16T11:09:00.000-07:00

We got this encouraging email from a volunteer whose mom had to step in to look after her dogs and FBRN foster when the vol had to undergo an appendectomy. Like most appendectomies, it wasn't planned for or scheduled beforehand, so we owe her mom a big, "Thank you!" for being there for our foster boy, Obi.

This is a long update, but the news is really good! We think you will enjoy reading about Obi-Wan's adventures in what we hope are the last days of his blindness:

"First of all, thanks for the well-wishes after my appendix fiasco. The Frenchies suffered the most because they had to go 10 FULL DAYS without a car ride!!! I swear they all moped, but they survived.

Obi had his visit with the eye doctor yesterday, and she is pretty optimistic that he could regain at least some of his sight with cataract surgery. I loved her, and she charges half-price for rescues, which takes the cost for one eye from $1400 to around $700. She said that a lot of times people can only afford one eye so she chooses the best one after they've been anesthetized and she can really evaluate them in-depth.

The good news is the ultrasound (they hold a little ultrasound wand directly on his eyeballs, and he was such a good boy!) showed that both of his retinas are still attached, which is not always the case in dogs that have had bad cataracts for years, and his cataracts are really bad. He has no sight at all, but his pupils did eventually constrict with very bright light, so that is another good sign.

She said he may not get full sight in the eye after surgery because the retina is often damaged to some extent, but that he would most likely be able have significant enough sight to help him get around much better than he does now.

It would be a huge help for him because the poor boy is REALLY bad at remembering where anything is! He manages to pretty much run into every single wall and piece of furniture every single time he walks anywhere, regardless of the fact that we follow the same routine every single day! His method is to just walk very slowly and use his face as a bumper.

He also can't seem to follow the sound of a voice; it actually tends to confuse him more, but if you reach your hand down, walk backwards and snap continuously, he is much better at following that. It looks a little silly, but it saves his face a few bumps. Someone suggested that I put some perfume on the furniture at his face level to help him identify where things are. It didn't help, but the furniture and his face smell good.

Aside from his sight, his health seems very good. I haven't seen any sign at all of seizures, and I actually forget that he was supposed to have had one or two. He is just a very good, sweet happy boy! He LOVES meeting people and gets all excited and wiggly when they pet him. He gets so worked up that when they stop petting him he starts spinning around and barking, trying to get them to keep petting him, he just can't understand why they would stop!

He really would love to run around and play, it's only his blindness that makes him too hesitant. He hates being left alone and he has the world's most mournful howl to tell you all about it! Luckily he only howls for a short time, he doesn't seem to keep it up the whole time you're out of the room. I keep telling him crying like a little baby girl is not something that a big beefy middle aged man-frog should do, but he doesn't care!

I haven't gotten any good pictures of him lately, so I included one from the first night he was here. This is the look he gave me after I told him there was no more room on the bed, it made me laugh because he looks positively demonic! This is part of the reason he sleeps on the bed now. (I don't think this particular picture should go on the website, it's not his most flattering look!) I'll take some more after he gets his bath, these white dogs are hard to keep clean in the country."

We included the demonic, "What? No room on the bed?!" photo because we can do as we please, and it pleases us to share that funny photo. But we also wanted you to see some less outraged pics of this handsome boy. A very big thank you to everyone who has sponsored Obi-Wan; we thought you'd be happy to learn that he is not going to be pinballing between the furniture and doorframes for much longer, and that's thanks to you! You always come through for our needy beasts. We love you for that, gushes

The Frog Princess

A Special Guest--On Martha Stewart's Website!

2011-05-14T07:30:00.000-07:00

FBRN grad Angus (formerly Pooter) appears on Martha Stewart's Weddings website! Ain't he a handsome devil? Here he is when he was a wee pup in foster care.

We'll get our rescue featured on Martha somehow or other, vows

The Frog Princess

Alena Needs Some Good Thoughts--Again

2011-05-07T09:38:00.000-07:00

We were sorry to hear this from Alena's foster mom the other day:

"
Well, our dear Alena has made such great progress. Her skin no longer itches and her fur is growing back. Her energy level is great and she is very happy ... but today we suffered a setback. I discovered another mass on the original mammary chain - this side was where the very large tumor was first removed when she came to FBRN in November last year. The didn't take the whole chain at the time because her health was so poor, and she needed an emergency spay as well. When I found the tumor on her in January, it was on the opposite side, and they took the whole chain.

So, today, she had the other side taken out. She has been a bit despondent since coming home, and I think she may be confused as to why I left her at the vet to be cut up again. The vet said she did well, and he found a second tumor, so it's a good thing we acted quickly. Alena is such a fireball ... I know she has many years of good life to live yet. She won't let cancer get her down.

Please think healing "pink" vibes for our girl this week while she recovers."

But the photos and news we got in the following days helped us feel a bit better.

"Yesterday Alena got a HUGE package in the mail from Stephanie and Louie L! What perfect timing! She got a beautiful Fido Fleece jacket, a soft blankie and a boat load of treats that are all grain free. She also got a lovely letter from Louie ...Alena was so happy, and the timing was perfect, since she is recovering from yet another surgery.

Alena is doing GREAT! She has her signature sparkle back, and I have to remind her to take it easy. We patiently wait for biopsy results! She is actually even more energetic than ever!

Thank you so much Stephanie and Louie ... you are so kind!"

Alena is bouncing back! Take that, cancer! You can't keep a good frog down! We are sending our most intense and healing vibes in Alena's direction.

Thank you to all who have donated to help Alena over the past few months. FBRN couldn't do what we do without you, acknowledges

The Frog Princess

Ernie has lost his lead!

2011-04-29T16:14:00.000-07:00

Please be sure to vote for Ernie for King of the Web! We have a donor willing to match the $1,000 prize money if we win, but Ernie's lead is slipping.

If you'd like to help, you can go to the King of the Web site and create a campaign. Uploading an image and creating a poster will earn you 35 points to assign to Ernie, and you'll also get 10 points for commenting on the "Say Something" section of his page. Plus, every day you get 10 votes.
Our lead over the next competitor has slipped to less than 500 votes. We need your help and the help of your family and friends to win this contest. Please help us!
$2000 could do a lot of homeless Frenchies a lot of good!

The Frog Princess

PS Please remember that people are only entitled to one account per person--don't try to set up multiple accounts!

Vote for Ernie!

2011-04-24T09:12:00.000-07:00

Vote for Ernie for King of the Web! Register and you can vote 10x a day.

If Ernie wins, FBRN will receive $1,000. We can do a lot of good with that!

Come on!

The Frog Princess

Heartworm: You Should Probably Get Some Preventative This Weekend

2011-04-23T14:32:00.000-07:00

A Good Samaritan acquired Aiyana through a Craigslist ad. You can see photos of this poor dog's condition when the Good Samaritan took her home--emaciated and heartworm positive. Aiyana's kind friend bought her plenty of healthy groceries and prepared her for her move to FBRN and continuing veterinary care for her overall condition and specifically the heartworm.

Aiyana has continued to gain weight in our care and is looking and feeling much better! In a recent update, her foster mom said:

"Aiyana is doing great. She continues to put on weight and is up to 30lbs now. She loves her foster bro and gets along with him so well. They play all the time and do great on walks together. She will be going back to the vet in a week or so to see if she is healthy enough to start on her heartworm meds. There have been no potty accidents at all in the last few weeks so she is doing great with that. She continues to be the sweetest thing ever and loves to give kisses and hugs!!"

Heartworm treatment is difficult and a long haul. At the moment, Aiyana, Alabaster (photo, right), Jelly, Elphie and Goji are all receiving heartworm treatment in foster care. Many of you will remember some of our tough heartworm cases like Gris-Gris Benoit and Muffin and Thalia. Smeagol also has heartworm but he isn't strong enough to undergo the treatment to get rid of them, so he is living with them. Some of the hospice kids--like Pixie--have it or did have it. Bart and Lisa, Harvey, Spangles, Mr. Big, Twila, Violet, Iris, Mouse, Beau, Miz Biz, Crockett, Jolie, and Chumley all came to us with heartworm.

Heartworm used to be something only people in the southern US really worried about. Not anymore. Even areas where heartworm was virtually unheard of, like the Pacific Northwest, are now reporting cases in significant numbers, thanks to the increase and ease of travel, among other things.

Heartworm treatment has changed over the years, and we are very fortunate that even dogs with advanced cases of heartworm, like Muffin and Thalia, have successfully endured their treatment. But treatment is still painful and can be dangerous, and requires an extended period of rest and special care.

Elphie offers a royal raspberry to the pernicious heartworm as she spends her weeks in crate rest while undergoing treatment.

It's important to provide your dogs and cats with heartworm preventative. For some people, heartworm preventative is a year-round obligation, and for others it's more seasonal. For much of the country, now is the time to start your spring/summer preventative treatments--if the robin and the Easter bunny come, can the mosquito be far behind? Sadly, no. And some of those little suckers are going to be toting microfilaria that could kill your unprotected Fido if the larva they deposit into your dog develop into heartworms.

You don't want that.

We'd hate to see it.

Goji gets some cuddles from a friend following his initial dose of heartworm treatment.

Talk to your vet and see about getting a prescription for a heartworm preventative. Somewhere in your area, it's very likely that there's a hungry skeeter looking for a meal. Maybe in your neighborhood. Maybe in your backyard. Maybe buzzing in your Frenchie's ear right this very minute!

(We never hesitate to use fear as a motivator here in the Frog P's kingdom. If it gets the job done, the ends justify the means, that's our feeling.)

Off to be sure the screens are in,

The Frog Princess

Seventh Annual New England Social!

2011-04-21T17:25:00.000-07:00

More Frenchies than you can shake a stick at!

Might as well shake the stick at 'em; heaven knows they won't fetch it, mutters

The Frog Princess

A Little Bit of Hamlet

2011-04-20T11:25:00.000-07:00

Why do you think we call them frog dogs? asks

The Frog Princess

Wallis Uber Alles!

2011-04-17T15:19:00.000-07:00

This adorable young frog has plopped in among our fosters and is making himself right at home. Though he is working through some stranger fear, he's learning the ropes and making progress.
His foster mom had this to say about him:

"There is a new man on the block. Wallis is a family surrender here in Michigan. He is a sweet little charmer who just needs to come out of his shell. Wallis is not ready to look for a family yet because of his aggression toward strangers. Every day he gets a little more accepting of unconditional love and lots of petting.

In the week he has been with us he has already become totally accepting of his crate as a rest and sleep area. He is not at all aggressive toward the other Frenchies or the cats. He does not play yet, but it will not be long until he lets his guard down and joins in the fun, I just know it. He has a little respiratory infection and needs to be neutered. Until that is done we are not putting any pressure on him to drop the aggression. We are hoping it will happen naturally and everything will just be easier when he is fixed.

He does not give my husband and me any trouble but we learned all of the warning signs very quickly. If you are careful with him there is no need to worry. We are also finding that one behavior that looks like aggression is just him lunging at your hand to try to get a scratch. He takes treats like a perfect gentleman-- even green beans.

So far he has been to work a few times and behaves very well. He loves the car ride and visiting everyone. Our office is very fur friendly and everyone knows to go slow with Wallis. He is making more and more friends all the time."

Well, sure he is! He's got the kind of face that makes people stop and stare and want to get to know him. He's the kind of frog that men want to be like and women want to snuggle with. Look at him! Once he learns the world's a fine place, he'll be out there rolling down the avenues with a song in his heart and a twinkle in his wee dark eye.

Feeling a bit woozy and snuggle-deprived all of a sudden,

The Frog Princess

Oh-Dessa!

2011-04-13T17:22:00.000-07:00

Dessa is on the available page this week, and though she needs a little more time with the ins and outs of potty training (no pun intended), she is ready to be a wonderful companion to a fortunate family. Here's what her foster mom said in her April update to our volunteers:

"Sweet Dessa is ready to go to the available page! Oh, we miss her already!!

Her allergies are almost all gone. She will roll on carpet every once in a while, but the constant urge to lick or scratch is gone.

The hair on her almost bald hind end has grown back and in general is thicker all around.

The potty training still needs a bit of help. She is comfortable peeing outside but rarely poops outside - that's usually reserved for the pee pee pads. Also, one of her bad habits is to go up to the edge of the pee pee pad and pee off the side of it. With a face like hers, it's hard to be mad.

Other than all that, she is sweet and loving. Whoever ends up with her is going to feel like they won the lottery!"

She's a very appealing little amphibian, in the opinion of

The Frog Princess

Raffle Winners!

2011-04-08T07:16:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to all of our Spring Raffle winners!

Southeast "Electronics Meets Elegance!" #555

Midwest "Doggie Days of Summer" #248

Northeast "Spring Clean-Up" #237

West "Royal Frenchie Wedding" #118

"Wagging Western Tails" #177

Mid-Atlantic "Wine and Cheese Garden Party" #73

CA/ NV "Frenchie Family on the Go" #122

CA/ NV "Comfort and Joy" #217

Thank you to all who purchased raffle tickets!
Your support is so very much appreciated!

Interview with FBRN President

2011-04-04T11:59:00.000-07:00

Ruth Chiger, FBRN President, gave an interview to the PackPeople website.

The Raffle Is ON!

2011-03-31T06:13:00.000-07:00

Oh, my heavens! iPad! Flip Video camera! Dyson Animal vacuum! Couture doggy gown! Garmin GPS! Hundreds in giftcards for wine and cheese and Home Depot! Martha Stewarts' Frenchie sheet set!
And these are just the tip of the iceberg, friends. Go. Now. Support FBRN and buy some tickets to help us make this year's raffle the best year's raffle ever! It's our biggest single fundraiser, and so many of our volunteers contributed--really, it's over the top and clean down the other side and halfway up the next hill, that's what it is!
And you don't have to be a Frenchie person to appreciate most of the merchandise here--though it doesn't hurt.
We are using our tax refund to support homeless frogdogs. Take a chance! You could win!
And please spread the word.
The Frog Princess

Porkchop Plays Nice

2011-03-28T16:25:00.000-07:00

Porkchop is settling into her foster home, and after treatment for various ailments and disorders, she is feeling much perkier!
Here's what her foster family had to say about her, with links to video:

"I've been meaning to provide a Porkchop update. It has been a little over 2 weeks, as of Saturday. We waited until this past weekend to begin introductions. As we expected, things went very well. I'm actually very surprised (pleased) by the level of playfulness that Porkchop is showing - she is much more playful than I expected, based upon our initial walks. She is clearly feeling better and loves to play with our two. PeaNUT is very happy to have another wrastling buddy...I can't say this strongly enough. Attached are a few photos of the recent activities around our place. For those who prefer movies, I have uploaded a couple to YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11aVE4D2SVY and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L31WntQWNLQ

Regarding her health:

1st, I'm now a little more concerned about her breathing - especially after hearing her during/after the play. She is very noisy. Her tongue really sticks out during/after the play. This also happens on our walks - and we are going pretty slow (and not very far - and it's in the evenings when it's cool).

2nd, I believe she is feeling much better now that she is out of heat, probably over her UTI, ear infection, and her skin is improving - somewhat. I see her everyday, so it is tough to say exactly how much her skin has improved, but I believe that I can feel a difference in the coarseness of her coat (the part that exists) and I think her skin is less red. She is still on antibiotics and I have her on Benadryl, a grain free diet, and Duoxo calming shampoo & spray. We need to go in for a re-check to confirm urinalysis, fecal, ears - then we will start thinking about vaccinations and eventually her spay.

She continues to be an extremely sweet girl. She is very funny on our walks. Sometimes she walks at a decent pace, sometimes she REALLY takes her time. The funniest is when we walk by the restaurants in our neighborhoods - she 100% knows about patio tables...she has to stop at every single one to beg for food or attention. It is pretty funny, fairly quickly we have the entire restaurant looking at us and laughing at the bulldog who insists on stopping at every single table. One day I'll get a video of these antics. We have met a few people and spread the word about FBRN this way."

Could you resist a pair of big, dark eyes, a couple of perky ears, a wagging nubbin, and a wide and toothy grin if you were having a little dinner al fresco? No, neither could

The Frog Princess

NYT Goes to Dogs!

2011-03-17T04:28:00.000-07:00

Two separate and individual readers sent us links this morning to two different articles from the Gray Lady herself.

Alena, Meika and Tucker taking a morning constitutional!

The first article is about another reason adopting a dog might be good for you, on top of lowering blood pressure and keeping depression at bay. Keep in mind that Frenchies are not good choices for jogging companions, but most frogdogs are up for a walk and, like Ernie and his family to the right, and Max on the left, enjoy getting out into the greenspaces.

The second article discusses some of the potential consequences of differing ideologies about companion animals within a family.

Both worth a read, suggests

The Frog Princess

Wilma, the Wonder Frog!

2011-03-12T14:03:00.000-08:00

Wilma's foster mom has been worried that everyone will be applying for the new puppy on the available page and no one will see the glory that is Wilma. So she wrote us a note about her:

"Wilma has held the title of Wonder Girl since the first day she landed in our home.

It's not feats of bravery or daring that have earned her the name but rather that I am in wonder of her.

Wonder, how much did she suffer during her life as a puppy producer? Was she kept warm and clean? Was she hungry often?

How much pain did she endure when her ears were hurting and not treated? How long did she exist without a loving touch or word?

Wonder, at how accepting she has been of all the new faces and places she has been taken since being rescued. Ladies giving car rides, a pilot flying her great distances...and what is this person called a Vet ?

Wonder at her sweetness and her tenacity. Her non confrontational nature but her her ability to stand her ground.

Wonder at what her future holds when she goes to her forever home and if they will cherish her as I do.

Wonder, if the pain will be permanently erased from her memory as a new life unfolds before her.

----

Wilma is truly a joy. Named for her vet's grandmother, she is like her namesake, a grand lady that is loved beyond compare.

Wilma surprises us each an every day with a new silly antic. She is forever hauling a nylabone with her.

She has one in her mouth most of the time. She even takes one with her when she goes out to potty!

Recently one of the resident frenchies was trying to run her off from her food bowl. Instead of being confrontational, she picks up her heavy pottery bowl in her mouth and walks away with her meal to go. No drama with this girl.

Don't let her looks fool you, she is getting more and more active and playful. She gives it her all, but it is shortlived and then a good nap is in store.

She never barks unless she's dreaming and will wake herself up with a short little WOOF.

Wilma is a Wonder Girl. The cape proves it!"

Someone will be very fortunate to fly away with this wonderful frog. Maybe it will be you, suggests

The Frog Princess

Outrageous Product Placement

2011-03-11T06:24:00.000-08:00

Chaya, our favorite googly-eyed pied, got a treat earlier this week. She's so active and full of the bounce and boing, she needs a little extra protein between her meals.

Here's a video of Chaya. You know, we can't believe this adorable doll hasn't got a single sponsor.

How can that be? wonders
The Frog Princess

Alena, Post-Op

2011-02-26T07:53:00.000-08:00

Alena underwent a mastectomy this week. Though she has overcome a lot of problems brought on by neglect, including near baldness, blindness and pyometra, she has had a recurrence of breast cancer. Her positive and happy outlook on life persuaded us that she'd be an excellent candidate for surgery, and she is doing well post-op.

She got to go to work with her foster mom to be watched in the first day or two following her surgery. Here's a note from her foster mom about her condition:

Alena is enjoying some sunshine while she heals.

"Alena is recovering really well. She seems completely unruffled by her ordeal. She is sleeping well, eating well, and has her signature Alena Sparkle. We get results of the cytology report in a few days. Fingers crossed!

Peppermint Patty in Georgia and her gang send Alena some love!

Alena came to work with me so I could keep a watchful eye over her. She usually sleeps in her bed all day, so it didn't seem like too much for her to manage. She did great, and even managed her potty walks without any trouble. She found sun to lounge in as we had a gorgeous (but 22 degree!) day.

Alena wore her pink sweater along with all her fans :)"

Vienna is sending healing vibes to Alena.

Many of our volunteers sent in photos of their Frenchies wearing pink on the day of Alena's surgery. We made a donation to Alena's surgical costs in loving memory of our mother, who died of breast cancer. If you have a friend or family member who has had surgery for breast cancer, perhaps you'll consider donating to the cost of Alena's care, too? No amount is too small.

We don't know what it is about this silly girl, but she is just grabbing people's hearts all over the world. We are no exception, admits

The Frog Princess

Lucy didn't have a pretty dress to wear, but she didn't want to miss out on the chance to participate in "Think Pink for Alena!" day. Her mom found a little pink sticky note. It's the thought that counts!

Sad News

2011-02-22T15:23:00.000-08:00

One of our favorite foster dogs, Twila, has passed away following surgery to repair a perforated bowel. Twila was one of the happiest Frenchies we've had with us, and her spinal problems never got in the way of her determination to live a joyful life. Our hearts go out to her foster family and her adoptive family today.

Here is the note from her adoptive mom:

" After a valiant fight, I am heartbroken to report that Twila passed away today. Her perforated bowel was caused by a long ago event that had been festering for several years. The surgeon said that he's seen similar conditions in puppy mill dogs who eat their ropes. The ropes don't puncture the bowel right away, but stay in the GI tract and make little tears over time. By the time the injury manifests itself, the intestine is in tatters. She fought up until the very end, and then went peacefully in the arms of the people who loved her.

We are all devastated at losing this precious girl so suddenly. She was the happiest dog I've ever known. She greeted each day with total joy and made everyone who met her smile. Here's a cute picture of her.

Godspeed, Sweet T. You won't be forgotten."

This is a loss we all feel. May she rest in peace.

The Frog Princess

Variety is the Spice of Frogs

2011-02-17T07:12:00.000-08:00

Here at FBRN, we like to make sure that our foster dogs enjoy a variety of experiences. Foster families often take their dogs to ballroom dancing classes, for the sake of improving their minuets in case the Dauphin is ever returned to power in the homeland and they are invited to attend a ball at Versailles.

Also, many Frenchies are taught requests (we don't use the vulgar term "commands" here), in Mandarin, Greek, Portuguese, and Latin, in case they are invited to an embassy event.

In this photo, you see Rhett Butler being introduced to the uncommon sport enjoyed by several Texas dog-owners. It involves hefting a Frenchie up and toting him around for several hours, interspersed with periods where the Frenchie is placed in a sling across the athlete's back as the athlete fires a blowpipe loaded with a paralytic South American toxin at armadillos, rattle snakes, and vegans from Vermont. Points are assigned by level of difficulty and weight of the Frenchie. Truly accomplished practitioners of this activity are able to balance a cup of scalding tea on their heads while playing, "I Didn't Know the Gun Was Loaded" on a Dollar Store kazoo. We hear this sport is up for possible introduction to the next Olympics, so watch for it!

And in the final photo, you see Rhett engaging in a wilderness adventure camp. Alone with only three Frenchie friends to help him, a compass, 3 matches, a box of wine and a GPS device, Rhett and his cohorts must find their way from the bottom of their yard back to their patio in only 2 days.

Our foster families are responsible not only for the care and safety of their foster dogs, but as you can see, many of our foster families are devoted to ensuring that the Frenchies adopted through FBRN are the ne plus ultra of civilized animals, mens sana in corpore sano, and fully rounded in a variety of life experience.

Some of our foster families go a little further than others, it must be said, but we are proud of them all! boasts

The Frog Princess

Hope You Had a Wonderful St. Valentine's Day!

2011-02-15T13:15:00.000-08:00

Pudge did!

He's a little cookie, yes, he is, hums

The Frog Princess

Quigley: Handsome Devil

2011-02-12T13:08:00.000-08:00

From time to time a Frenchie comes into FBRN who is so handsome, so appealing, so irresistible that we wonder if we are going to have to beat people off with big sticks. Quigley is such a dog.

He has already earned a pending banner, and we are hoping that he'll make his match shortly. While we are waiting, we wanted to share some photos of this boy and his fabulous phiz, which is just one of those faces that really registers every emotion, including "Who, me?" and generalized disgruntlement.

Here he is demonstrating pride of ownership--both of his toy and his person's lap.

And here is a photo of the devil-may-care attitude that reels in the ladies and makes him a bad boy and hot property. In case you were unclear, he will not hesitate to grind a grapefruit in the face of any broad foolish enough to put a finger on his nylabone toy. Don't try it, baby. He ain't no pushover.

A final photo captures his essential good looks and explains his universal appeal.

What can we say? The frog's got elan, he's got eclat, he's got je ne sais quois that just won't quit. Quigley! You are breaking our heart, swoons

The Frog Princess

Junior Volunteer Coloring Contest

2011-01-27T09:36:00.000-08:00

If you have a child interested in participating in this year's coloring contest, check out the Junior Volunteer's page on the FBRN website.

C'est la Brie!

2011-01-25T10:24:00.000-08:00

Here's FBRN's newest and most appetizing little morsel, Brie en Croute! She's been passed around for a little while between friends and family--through no fault of her own--and she will soon be offered up for the delectation of some very lucky adopter!

Cobby, petite and with a very appealing personality, Mlle. Brie is making friends among her foster family and the vet's office. Her foster mom spent 3 hours at the vet's with her yesterday and learned that she has two icky kinds of bacteria blooming all through her poor ears.

We expect the infection will clear up toute de suite with antibiotics, drops and a home-cooked hypoallergenic diet: no grains, no chicken, no beef or dairy. Served with an enormous side dish of ell oh vee ee, love!

We'll be spending time working on her potty-training and preparing her for la vie en rose with a family she'll stay with forever.

Brie will be on next week's website update, but we wanted to introduce you to her fabulous wee entirety. Enjoy yourselves, and pass the photos around to anyone with an appetite for cuteness!

Feeling a mite peckish herself,

The Frog Princess

Fanci, Autumn, and Taffy

2011-01-19T06:18:00.000-08:00

We got some new photos of 3 of our foster girls and wanted to share them with you.

Here's our new girl, Fanci, who is looking for a toy. She'll be on the foster page's new faces section later this week.

And this is Autumn, sleeping away a wintery afternoon.

And this is Taffy, who is on the available page and looking for a family, but who will settle for a sunbeam.

All ladies of a certain age, retired from puppy production and enjoying the toys and treats and soft beds and sunshine that life as a pet holds.

It's a dog's life, indeed, and it's pretty comfy at that, believes

The Frog Princess

Nadine Drops By

2011-01-18T13:50:00.000-08:00

Nadine's foster mom reports that Nadine's new family was out and about with her over the weekend. They dropped by the shop where Nadine's foster mom works, and she got a fresh photo of the happy family! We are continually exclaiming about the good looks of our adopters, and these two are no exception. Who is the cutest of the three? Impossible to say.

It's a love match! proclaims

The Frog Princess

FBRN on the Radio!

2011-01-16T11:53:00.000-08:00

Trainer Renee Premeza hosts a radio show on WNJC 1360 AM every Thursday from 10:00 to 10:30 AM Eastern standard time. On January 20th, she has invited FBRN volunteer Velma Weitz for an interview to speak on behalf of FBRN to promote awareness and the work that FBRN does for our dogs in need.

Everyone can listen in using the link below:

Click here: DuxPond.com Presents WNJC 1360 Live Webcast

Alena, Alena...

2011-01-15T10:49:00.000-08:00

Where you been so long?

OK, so her name is Alena, not Corinna, but the sentiment is the same. And when Alena moved across the country to start her long-term rehab and her foster mom sent us this record of where she's been and how far she's come, we couldn't resist making the connection to that great old song.

Here's a video of Alena at her foster mom's work.

Alena arrives at the airport with a volunteer.

Alena models a lovely soft collar made from fleece that won't irritate Alena's poor skin. It was donated by Holly from Spoiled Bratzwear.

Here's what Alena's foster mom put together so Alena's new vet could get an idea of what she's been through:

"Alena has a vet appointment tomorrow to check on her abscess (that was drained on Jan 1st) and get her Seattle Wellness Plan in the works. As I prepared for the visit, I put together a timeline of events to show the vet (I figure it must be confusing to have a dog walk in with such a drawn out history across several states in such a short time) and a before and after photo to show the vet. After putting it together, I was shocked to see all she has been thru in just three months. Check the difference!

Nov 5^th, 2010 – surrendered to FBRN by owner/breeder in Wisconsin. Owner claims that Alena was vaccinated at age 2, and this caused a severe reaction. No treatment sought. Alena was unaltered.

Alena gets a scrubby dub dub in her foster mom's tub! Spa days agree with her!

Nov 6^th- first vet visit in rescue. Severe alopecia, pyometria, mammary tumors, yeast and bacterial ear infections, severe corneal scarring/hyperpigmentation, dental disease, dry eye and mixed otitis externa. Vet gives Cycolosporine, malotic ointment, ear cleansing solution, Heartguard plus and Clavamox – recommends dental. Thyroid panel done. Fecal results negative. Heartworm negative. Skin scraping negative for mites.

Nov 9^th – Alena had surgery to remove a mammary mass, and a second lump on her shoulder, as well as to spay (uterine infection). Given Metacam, Clavamox and Ketoconazole (for skin infection). Pathology results for the tumor on her shoulder – benign, for the mammary tumor – adenocarcinoma of the ductal cyst. Tumor removed with clean margins. Recovery good.

"I would gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today!"

Nov 29^th – Alena is having bloody diarrhea. Vet thinks it’s a reaction to the Ketonazole for her fungal infection. Gives her Flagyl and stops the Ketonazole. Issue resolves.

Dec 8^th – Alena has full dental. 9 teeth extracted, 14 missing. Good recovery

Dec 29^th - Alena is transported to Chicago with an FBRN volunteer, aiming to continue to Seattle. Flight is full, Alena spends the week in Chicago with B.

Jan 1^st – B. notices an abscess on Alena’s hip. She is taken to the emergency vet – abscess drained – Baytril given, but Alena’s was very difficult to get pills down, so she was given an injection of Convenia.

Jan 8^th – Alena arrives in Seattle from Chicago to stay with R. for long term foster care. Alena was bathed on Jan 10^th and her ears cleaned. Applied calendula cream to her skin and ointment to her eyes. I have applied ointment daily."

This old girl has been through the mill, for sure, but it's clear that nothing gets her down. Look at those bright, blind eyes! Her ears have perked up, her expression is curious and alive, her eyes are clear, and she has a little smile for you.

Our volunteers perform miracles everyday, and if this doesn't persuade you that love and care and good food and medicine and your good thoughts and sponsorship donations really make a difference in the lives of these dogs, nothing will.

Thank you for giving Alena back her life and putting her on the road to health and joy again. She's got a long way to go, but we'll see her home together, promises

The Frog Princess

Dill

2011-01-13T08:01:00.000-08:00

There's a new boy in Florida this week, and he's busily putting on the Ritz for all his new friends. He had a big first week, according to his foster mom, who says he's free of worms and heartworm. Sure, he bears a passing resemblance to Jeebs from Men in Black, but we think that just makes him all the more lovable.

"Well, Dillinger is Officially an FBRN dog! He was a gentleman at Pets-mart charming all the ladies, and he got a new bed, new leash, and some new toys. He is in LOVE with my french girl through the baby gate and is behaving himself so far.

He is reported to be potty trained and has been a good boy, going potty in the yard.

He has pretty teeth that appear clean and tartar free so he hopefully is closer to 3-4yrs. We are going to the vet tomorrow, and i will get the chip # to be registered, start his bloodwork, and get him his Rabies shot, then he'll get neutered this week!

Hopefully, this boy will go straight to the available page! He has nice skin and is all black. The only thing is his eyes seem to be crossed.. both eyes look out... My Doctor is very good with eyes and that will be checked out tomorrow, too!

Well, it's been a busy day in south Florida... everyone have a great night!"

We are exhausted just thinking about all that activity! It's fortunate that Dillinger is a youngster of only 3 years, and he can manage that level of outandaboutation. We, however, feel the draw of our comfy royal bed, and we will be shortly retiring for an early morning nap, confides

The Frog Princess

Tacoma

2010-12-29T14:21:00.000-08:00

Poor Tacoma!
He was at the vet's for his neuter surgery this week, and we got a note from his foster mom and some pitiful photos.
Poor guy.

"Tacoma came through his neuter with flying colors. He's very sleepy, but in great condition. As usual, he was star of the vet's office -- everyone there adores him. When we dropped him off this morning, they were excited to see us and told us he could wait in the front office with them rather than one of the crates/rooms in the back. After his neuter, they brought him back to the front office to wait for us, and when we arrived we found him on a little makeshift bed, covered in blankets and towels, being doted on by the staff. They wouldn't let us leave until they took just a few more photos on their personal cameras and cell phones.

Now we're home and he's laying in his bed, in front of the fire, snuggled under a blanket. Tonka (our resident Frenchie) is very confused about why he's just laying there and not playing. He keeps sniffing him and even did a little play bowing and tried to convince him to frisk. It was a cute role reversal, since Tonka is usually the one ignoring Tacoma's advances.

This neuter means he'll be ready to go available with the next update. We're working on getting the info and photos for his bio together for the web team. It's going to be a terribly bittersweet time for us. We're excited for him to find his forever home, but we're going to miss him more than we can possibly convey. He has utterly stolen our hearts."

Let's hear it for our courageous foster families, who volunteer to break their hearts so another family can adopt a needy dog! Thank you to all our foster homes!

The Frog Princess

Paz

2010-12-26T07:14:00.000-08:00

Christmas came a little early for Paz this year. Here she is opening her Secret Santa gifts. We wish all our fosters, former fosters, adopters, volunteers, supporters, and friends a warm Christmas day, and a healthy and joyful New Year!
The Frog Princess

Fortula

2010-12-24T09:28:00.000-08:00

FBRN recently accepted 3 former puppy mill girls from a Good Samaritan who bought them out of bondage. This is Fortula. She'll be on the foster pages after the web team returns from a vacation this week.

Here is what Fortula's foster mom told us about this very fortunate frog:

"We would like to introduce Fortula from the Central Wisconsin puppy mill. Her name comes from the movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding and means "light of God" She is very shy and "pancakes" when you go to pet her. She also slinks around the house a bit. She is a super love chop who loves to snuggle in J's arms. She seems to trust him a lot so that is good. She loves her kennel with her very own bed. I don't think she had her own anything before, and spends most of her time in there while she gets used to her new surroundings.

We feel she is just waiting to burst out of her little shy shell and become a very special dog, although we're not going to rush her; she'll come out of her shell in her own time. We are also working on house training. She is doing pretty ok with peeing outside, we have to physically take her out there to go, but then we come inside and she poops. Ooops.

She also doesn't seem to understand how a door works because she will sit on the one side and we open the door but she won't go around the door to go in. She just backs up and stares inside. She also has been hesitant about stairs but seems to be getting over that now; she is going up and down stairs by herself today!!!

She is not eating much right now and is underweight. We are putting food in her kennel with her overnight and she seems to nibble at it. Hopefully she will be eating more soon, and she loves treats. We've let her have a few careful interactions with Louie (our frenchie love chop) and they are going very well. They are both very appropriate with each other and both allow each other to take good sniffs, which has been especially exciting since Louie is very particular about who he wants to be friends with. He sees Fortula's need for a lot of peace and relaxation in her own space and probably remembers his own experience being a FBRN foster. He is working hard to help her feel comfortable and safe in our home.

She seems cautious about being around Louie with food, which leads me to believe with taking her weight into consideration that she lost out on a lot of food in her old home to the other dogs.

She also seems to have many scars and bumps all over her body and in her ears. She has a swollen toe on her right paw that swelled up when we got her home, but has gone down significantly.

We've been giving her a lot of TLC and little first aid for the toe. We will be getting her a full tune up at the vet's, plus checking for a microchip and will let you know how that goes. She'll need to be spayed, and we'll get that scheduled as soon as we can.

She doesn't appear to be in any pain and we are not noticing any signs of major physical problems at the moment. We've attached a picture, she is a bit camera shy so we will get more pictures to you as we get them."

What more could a former puppy mill mamma want than a warm, soft blanket and bed; healthy, delicious food; a gentlemanly companion; and a loving, welcoming family to teach her what love feels like?

To the Good Samaritan who rescued these dogs, and to the foster families who have taken them in during this busy, often hectic time of year, and to the generous sponsors and supporters of FBRN who are making their medical treatments and new lives possible, we say a grateful thank you.

That's the spirit of giving in action, marvels

The Frog Princess

Wait Till the Sun Shines, Nellie

2010-12-22T07:32:00.000-08:00

On the darkest day of the year, young Nellie joined our roster of fosters. She's a very pretty girl, and her foster mom is so proud of her and all her accomplishments! Here's what she said when she introduced Nellie to the other volunteers:
"I would like to introduce my new foster dog Nellie. Nellie's former owner developed severe asthma and was forced to surrender Nellie.
Nellie is just over a year old and a wonderful little girl. Nellie went to the vet last Thursday and received a prefect report. I just cannot say how perfect she is - potty trained, sits, walks well on a leash and gets along well with other dogs. To top all this off Nellie is very calm. What a treat it is to have her company. My four dogs are really enjoying their new house guest."

Nellie is bringing the spirit of peace and the pleasure of good fellowship to her new foster home. We wish you all the same this holiday season.
The Frog Princess

A Mid-Winter Night's Dream!

2010-12-19T18:54:00.000-08:00

Here is a video of Oberon and his foster mom opening their Secret Santa gifts from one of our volunteers. Isn't he a handsome boy? Oberon is slowly recovering from the pitiable state he was in when he was found starving in an alley, eating garbage. FBRN will be spending a good deal of money for his surgeries, but with these goodies from a generous volunteer, he'll have plenty to keep him occupied, comfy and warm while he recovers.
What a happy dog!
And those are some classic Frenchie snorts and snuffles, confirms
The Frog Princess

Yu-Gi-Oh Gets a Visit from Santa!

2010-12-19T18:10:00.000-08:00

Some of our volunteers like to go above and beyond at Christmastime, and we have a Secret Santa going on this year for participating fosters. Here is a video Yu-Gi-Oh's foster mom made when Yu-Gi-Oh's package came earlier in the week. He's such a handsome boy!
Very nice manners, Yu-Gi-Oh has, admires
The Frog Princess

Tuney!

2010-12-17T17:23:00.000-08:00

This adorable little minx sashayed into FBRN's care last week. With one blue eye and one brown eye, she's got a fascinatin' phiz! Here's what her foster mom had to say about her on the first day:

"I want to introduce Miss Tuney to FBRN. She is a 1 year old white little 18 lb deaf girl. She came to us from a Vet who rescued her after someone took her to another vet to be euthanized because she is deaf. She & her husband were considering keeping her but decided it was in Tuney's best interest to let FBRN rehome her so they called FBRN than fully vetted her and delivered her to me and she is good to go. She should be up on the available list in no time because she is as cute as can be and totally well rounded.

She is house trained and crate trained and not phased by anything. She will whine a little when she can't see me but then settles down. She has seen my guys but only thru the gates. They aren't really impressed but we will work on that when the time comes."

Tuney is a smart girl, and by the end of her second day in foster care was coming up to her mom to let her know she wanted to go out. Such a clever little Petunia Pig.

If you'd like to learn more about our flower girl or send her a little holiday cheer, check out her foster page.

Th-th-th-that's all folks, sputters
The Frog Princess

Byron

2010-11-22T14:33:00.000-08:00

Byron was not born to be a city boy. His owners regretfully surrendered him in hopes that he could find some peace in the country.

Well, Maine is far enough from the hubbub of the Big Apple, and Byron is doing just fine! He has shown no anxiety around his foster family or the dogs in his foster home, and now that he's far from the madding crowd, his foster family has been working with him on some behaviors that they'd like to resolve before he goes to his forever home. Here's a note we received recently about young Byron:

"Byron has been doing well this past month of October. He doesn't like the cold but is content outside if he is wearing his jacket. He has been playing with many small dogs but doesn't like sharing his toys, and this is something we continue to work on. Certain toys are just way too special for him to consider allowing anyone to walk near him while his is gnawing on it. Here's one of my favorite photos."

He's not going to be swimming the Hellespont anytime soon, and he may never be a symbol of smoldering masculine sexuality, but we think Byron deserves some recognition for his progress.

He's not "mad, bad and dangerous to know" anymore. He's a good boy and getting better all the time, in the opinion of

The Frog Princess

New Yorkers!

2010-11-19T15:57:00.000-08:00

Our friends Alison Josephs and Maureen Sullivan are celebrating their new book about French bulldog Carlos's life in the Big Apple, Christmas Feet.
Tomorrow, Saturday, November 20, at Citipond in Bryant Park, you can meet some FBRN grads, adopters and volunteers; enjoy entertainment by the fabulous Flying Karamazov Brothers and others; meet some of the men from Rescue Ink; and meet Alison and Maureen.
For more information, go to www.ChristmasFeet.com or http://thepondatbryantpark.com/planvisit/hoursdirections.

Here is a link to the invitation.

Dress warmly! Entertainment starts at noon.

Meika

2010-11-15T09:17:00.000-08:00

FBRN grad Meika is enjoying some of the gorgeous fall weather in her new hometown. Here's the note we got from her adopter:

"Couple of photos of my Meika, soaking in the rays at the tail end of
Barktober ... some beautiful weather here and there. Don't let people
tell you it always rains in Seattle!"

We can absolutely feel that warm sun in our own tired bones. Enjoy it while you can, advises

The Frog Princess

Three of the Puppies Are Available!

2010-11-06T18:56:00.000-07:00

Tuco!

Nanook!

Black Eyed Susan!

One of the puppies is not yet available because she is still very small and we want to be sure she is healthy before we make her available for adoption.

If you've been waiting to apply for one of Destin's puppies, you should hurry. These adorable puppies will garner lots of applications.

Lots of applications, stresses

The Frog Princess

Smeagol's Birthday Thanks!

2010-11-04T16:53:00.000-07:00

We got this nice thank you note from Smeagol's mom following all the happy birthday wishes Smeagol got:

"Smeagies has asked me to thank all of you for the wonderful, warm birthday wishes!! As most of you know Smeags is getting up there in years and we are honored to be able to spend one more birthday with our extra special man. Smeagies began his birthday by snuggling in to his snoozy seat and taking a nice Fall drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, followed by an extra special lunch of tongol tuna and kefir, fun modeling and posing for birthday photos on the porch and a delicious dinner of more tuna, kefir and some nanner. I think he was pretty pleased with himself!

I should also point out that since Smeags was a rescue from a puppy mill we don't have an accurate birthday date, so we choose Oct. 29 as his day because this is the day we were contacted.

We dropped everything to pick him up that evening. Based on all the information we gained from both our vet and his puppy miller at the time of his rescue in 2005, Smeags just celebrated either his 14th or 16th birthday!!!! No wonder he's getting a little senile and demanding!

I've attached a few photos from his 2010 birthday shoot for you to enjoy. "

What a remarkable life. Many happy returns of the day, darling Smeagol, from your friends at FBRN and

The Frog Princess

Ask Frog Princess: Pixie Update!

2010-11-04T16:44:00.000-07:00

In the last "Ask Frog Princess" post, Anonymous asked:
"Can we have a status on darling Pixie?"

Herewith a status report on our longest hospice girl, Pixie. We started the hospice program with Pixie almost 3 years ago. Little did we know how tenaciously Pixie would cling to her life! She's one of our favorites in FBRN, and she's just a classic little Frenchie bitch, full of pee and vee and not likely to put up with much nonsense without getting some of her own back.

From her foster mom:

"Dear little Pixie is still chugging along. She has slowed down a bit. She prefers to ride in the car than to walk. She is still quite a character! I think she does have a few more occasions when she has breathing difficulties than she used to. I give her a puff of her albuterol and that helps her a lot.

The other evening I had to unceremoniously take her off my lap and put her on the floor because she growled and snapped at Pico (my senior cat), who had jumped up onto the arm of my chair to get in my lap. Pixie really looks cute (and funny) when she scrunches up her face to look fierce and snarl. First, she starts giving Pico the stink eye. Then her whiskers pooch out as she lifts her lips to give a nasty snarl. Now, on the floor, she is mad at me.

She stomps over to the sliding glass door, loudly snorting, grunting, and wetly sneezing. There she sits with her back to us. Suddenly she spies something and starts barking furiously. Her little short front legs rise off the ground and her bottom shakes with each bark.

Of course the other dogs have to join in, even if they don’t know what they are barking at! Then, snorting and snarling nastily, she heads in the opposite direction towards the front door to start barking there. Then she heads back to the sliding glass door. She is definitely not going to let me and Pico nap in the big chair while watching the news on TV!

She is also my protector. If I am on the front porch talking to a stranger, Pixie is there (the porch is fenced in) with the rest of the bunch and they are all being noisy, trying to get attention and petting. All except Pixie. Pixie is snorting and growling. If the other person puts a hand or finger down to her, she will bite.

She is serious! It is “Get the heck away from my Mom, or I will eat you up!” But she is only 17 lbs and it is hard to see that she is giving warning, down among the feet of the other dogs. She is a funny little gal, and so precious! I love her. My funny Valentine."

Sure those Texas gals may look all roses and lace and ladies who lunch, but if you mess with their families, better take care you don't pull back a stump.

That's good advice for free from

The Frog Princess

Deluca Can See!

2010-11-04T16:21:00.000-07:00

Deluca came to us with a number of serious physical problems. At only 3 and a half years old, she was suffering from allergies, ear infections, a tail that was so corkscrewy it was causing her pain and constant infections, and she was going blind from adolescent cataracts.

Several months ago, Deluca had a portion of her tail amputated. You can see the before and after photos here.

She's much more comfortable now that she no longer has that tailbone.

Last week, Deluca successfully underwent cataract surgery. Though there were a few complications in the days immediately following the surgery, there is improvement and there is reason to be hopeful that Deluca's vision is improving.

Here is the note her foster mom sent: "Deluca has had some complications following her cataract removal surgery, but I am happy to report yesterday and today she is doing really well. Look at her new brown eyes. No more grey eyes. She follows me with her eyes when I move around and is definitely seeing. I just don't know how much she is seeing. Wish her luck in her recovery. More updates to come."

Our supporters and donors made these surgeries possible. Thank you so much for the gift of Deluca's bright eyes. From top to tail, she's in great shape!
All she needs now is a family, hints

The Frog Princess

Planning to Go to the Movies This Weekend?

2010-11-04T15:58:00.000-07:00

If so, the AKC and French Bulldog Club of America have a message for you.

It's Smeagol's BIRTHDAY!

2010-10-29T08:26:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday to our beloved Smeagol: puppy mill survivor, boulevardier, raconteur and world's most eligible bachelor! We adore you, Smeagol!

You make our aged heart go pitterpat. Your handsome face and suave and groovy ways have won the hearts of millions. Every good and happy thing you want and wish for is yours today, by the will of the people and by royal decree of

The Frog Princess

Dakota Home

2010-10-25T13:12:00.000-07:00

After more than a year in foster care, Dakota has found a family.

He's come so far from the days when he lived in the kitchen, terrorizing his people. He had even convinced a trainer he should be euthanized.

But after a great deal of time, understanding and patient, painstaking training on the part of his foster family, Dakota is ready to live with his new family.

Join us in celebrating this proof that dogs can be reclaimed. Given the right degree of commitment and good support from knowledgeable trainers, and given knowledgeable families willing to continue the good work begun by our foster homes, even rotten dogs like Dakota can have a future.

We are so proud of him and so proud of our foster families.

Some people may say that in the larger scheme of things, saving one dog's life is of little importance. Maybe so. But we prefer to see it as a sign that there is hope for people.

Whenever a person or family looks beyond their own needs and concerns and gives their effort, time and love--without expectation of personal enrichment--to something or someone who needs it, it can inspire others to do the same. It makes us better people and it makes the world a better world.

Does that sound a little sappy and naive? Probably. But in miserable times like these, when it appears that selfishness, rudeness and bad behavior are winning strategies, many of us need evidence of humanity's generosity of spirit and capacity for kindness, and that includes

The Frog Princess

Patton

2010-10-21T08:26:00.000-07:00

Patton came into FBRN with a whole gang of Frenchies whose owner had been a car wreck and was so disabled she could no longer care for her dogs. We called them the Gulf Coast 10.

Patton is one of the older dogs, and although many of his confreres have been snapped up and are already settled into their new homes, Patton is still languishing on the Island of Unwanted Frogs. His foster family gives him all the affection and attention he could need or want, but it's just not the same as being somebody's baby.

At eight years old or so, Patton deserves to have a home of his own. He's a great dog, has no temperament or health problems, and gets along with pretty much everybody. Well, maybe not cats. This is a note his foster mom sent this week:

"Patton is doing well. He is a total sweetheart and I just love his stickey-out tongue…and he purrs, too!!

Yesterday he got his very own crate – thanks to my mom! He had been using an extra that was large enough for a Boxer, but he kept trying to get in the tiny crate for the kitty. Not sure why I even had the kitty’s crate out, but my mom thought maybe Patton would like his very own Frenchie-sized crate and so she got him one. Patton loves it; he went right in and made himself at home. He is such a good boy!!

If you know anyone with a soft spot for the older guys please tell them about Patton!!"

OK, so he's not so much "Ol' Blood and Guts," as he is "Ol' Snore and Snuffle," but before this old soldier fades away, we are hoping someone will give Patton a home of his own to retire in. A home of his own and someone to love is the fervent wish of

The Frog Princess

Did you hear?

2010-10-20T06:27:00.000-07:00

Etsy store Locale Vintage is having another fundraiser for FBRN! Between now and the end of December, just in time for the holiday season, 15% of all proceeds will be donated to the French Bulldog Rescue Network!
Know anyone who likes handmade jewelry, vintage clothes and doodads? Send them along to: www.localevintage.etsy.com

Frankfurt

2010-10-19T07:33:00.000-07:00

We got a note over the weekend from 2009 FBRN grad Frankfurt, now known as Frank da Tank.

"Good evening...

Just wanted to drop you guys a line to let you know that Frankfurt, now known as "Frank da Tank" is thriving and a WONDERFUL addition to our family.

We have added another dog to the mix, and he and Frankie are getting along really well.

I've attached a couple pics of the handsome man.

Our family consists of Lilly, the matriarch cream Frenchie who will be 11 on 11/11 (party is planned for 11/13).Frank, the black/brindle man of the

house who is now 5.

Asta, the Pug, who we refer to as "Asta the disasta," who is 9 months.

In one picture, it is Left to Right - Frank, Asta, Lilly

In the other picture, it is Frank in his triathlon uniform!"

We believe this is a portrait of canine smooshy-faced pulchritude!

What's all this about a triathlon? Is Frank a participant or a supporter?

Either way, it's wonderful to hear from our old boys, affirms the headmaster of the FBRN school for homeless frogs,

The Frog Princess

FBRN Fundraiser in Philadelphia Today!

2010-10-15T18:43:00.000-07:00

If you are in the neighborhood, make an effort to get to the FBRN fundraiser today in Philadelphia at Liberties Walk between Poplar and Girard, 1040 N. 2nd Street from 11 am to 2 pm. We have seen photos of the baked goods and handmade items, and you will be very sorry to miss out! Meet some Frenchies, meet some volunteers, win a prize for best canine costume.

Come down and support FBRN in person!

Snuggled Snoozin' Smeags!

2010-10-13T16:03:00.000-07:00

Someone pointed out that it has been faaaar too long since the magnificent mug of Smeagol has graced these pages.

So it has.

Herewith: Our darling Smeagol.

Shhh! He's asleep.

Just as handsome and lovable asleep as awake, in the opinion of

The Frog Princesss

Camden

2010-10-12T08:17:00.000-07:00

Camden is a great example of how FBRN volunteers work together to make a way for a frog to come into rescue.

A Good Samaritan called to surrender this puppy, and the wheels started turning. He was surrendered in Camden, NJ, and there followed an afternoon of transportation, with volunteers meeting up along the eastern coastline down to Virginia every 75 miles or so.

It was a long day, but Camden got to spend a little of it unwinding in a backyard. He got to relax and eat some dinner, and then a gorgeous mastiff named Mick showed him around the joint, including a visit to the giant bowl on the deck.

After his layover in Maryland, Camden's journey continued, and he is now enjoying his days in foster care while getting his skin cleared up.

Volunteering for FBRN isn't just about fostering dogs. You can transport, fundraise, help us with home visits, answer questions, work on the website or any number of other helpful jobs within the organization.

We are growing quickly--right now we have over 180 dogs in our care! --and we can use all the help we can get. If you have skills and talents that could use some exercise, please consider putting them to work for us and our frogs.

To volunteer, get in touch with Kathi Luljak at frenchiehelper at aol. com.

We really do need your help, wheedles

The Frog Princess

Lovelier!

2010-10-11T10:38:00.000-07:00

Here are two more photos of Lovely, who is undergoing treatment for skin infections secondary to a raging case of demodex. Though many people object to putting dogs in clothes, in Lovely's case it really helps to minimize the scratching and keeps her from opening old wounds and risking further infection.
Here's the note from Lovely's foster mom:

"Just wanted to drop a quick email to let you know that Lovely is doing terrific...she is so very sweet and loves to play with the other dogs. When she is tired she will go into her crate and lie down on her own so no one bothers her. I give her a Benedryl 2 x daily to help with the itchiness so I think that makes her a little tired.
I am keeping a shirt on her at all times as it helps to keep her from itching and her skin is healing better. I left it off one night and the next morning she had it raw again.

I have attached a couple of new photos with her two new outfits...the one says Total Flirt and the other says Cute as can be by the Sea. She is not too happy when I am in the process of putting them on, but she is fine once they are on...I do think she is more comfortable with them on."

If you have an itchy dog, you can get good and inexpensive shirts at Goodwill or St. Vincent's. Children's polo shirts are especially useful, because of the bigger opening for the head and neck.

Once that girl gets her skin smooth and her coat all shiny again, she is going to be the cynosure of every eye!

Off to look up the definition of cynosure,

The Frog Princess

Box Car Kailey

2010-10-09T10:01:00.000-07:00

Kailey's foster mom sent this photo in with a little note.

"Okay, so we were on our way to a soccer game last night. Kailey, Kammie, & Peejay all went along. Well Kailey decided to climb into the back of the car & proceeded to get into a box of uniforms. She is so darn cute, I just had to share the picture with everyone. She makes us smile daily."

Making people smile? That's job one for Frenchies everywhere, affirms

The Frog Princess