Simba Seems Sympatico!

As promised, here is the second installment of the Simba story. In his second week of foster care, Simba is learning his place in the scheme of things, and is getting lots of exposure to strange places and foods and dogs. Here's Simba's foster mom:

"Simbabwe (another nickname) is doing great. We live in a neighborhood with lots of dogs that we encounter daily on our walks; we've been to the vet office twice and Petco once; and this morning we went to our dog friendly mall where Simba tried to pick up on a stuck-up Bichon in Macy's, and I have yet to see any signs of dog aggression from Simba. He sleeps, eats, gets treats, chews bones, plays tug of war, keep away, and fetch with my two Frenchies without any problems whatsoever (Clementine is actually the one I have to keep in check- it conveniently slips her mind sometimes that everything is in fact MINE and I just let her and the other dogs share my things). For all her bossiness, she and Simba wrestle every morning and then curl up like best buddies-- Simba has her by almost ten pounds, but he plays very gently with her; he caught on quick that it's her way or the highway, so all play is by her rules. He and Hannibull are hilarious, two peas in a pod, we call them "the bookends."
He has wonderful house manners, if it would not cause a revolt I would crate my two and leave him out loose every time we left the house. LOL. He does not cry or bark in the crate; they are never in there for more than a three hour stretch, but as long as he has a Kong or an antler he is content to be in there, no problem. He does display the common import trait of a heightened alertness-- any strange sounds and he's got his ears up, back hair raised, a quick low bark; but since mine aren't barkers, it seems like he kind of feels silly that no one else is reacting, and he lets it go and ignores whatever it is-- gardeners, construction noise, etc.
He's just wonderful...
His skin has gotten so much better. Much less itchy and less red than when he first arrived. In fact, I would say in the last day and half he hasn't scratched at all. On the suggestion of a friend with an itchy Frenchie, we bought him some cotton tees that he wears underneath the harness on walks and to sleep in at night, to cut down on irritation from rubbing or scratching-- and the redness is almost gone. I switched him to raw food (it's what I feed my two and it just seemed cruel that he would smell it and then have kibble set in front of him instead--you should have seen his face LOL), not to mention we weren't sure if there were some food allergies.

I suspect he does have some grain allergies/sensitivities because there has been no more paw licking/biting since the switch. Stools are great, coat is great-- his little muzzle fur is all filling in, no more redness, puffiness, or bald spots.

Oh, I should also mention my husband is a dermatologist and he wrote a couple of Rx for Simba for topical stuff for his eczematic skin, because the shampoo from the vet and the antihistamines weren't bringing as much relief as we wanted to see to give his skin a break from scratching. The Rx fixed it up in two days of application.

So here are a couple of pics of Simbalicious (I just love the black ink that has "bled" on his chest and backs of his legs)- he is a very mellow, loving little guy."

There you have it--the new Simba is sympatico! Now with 80 per cent less itchies! announces
The Frog Princess

Jersey Jack Shops!

One of our volunteers works at a pet supplies and food store in New Jersey. She got to meet one of our recent grads and sent a phone photo and update on the formerly hairless Jersey Jack! Jack was a big favorite with our volunteers and supporters, so we know you'll be glad to see that big grin--remember how sad he looked when he first came to us?

"So, I had more fun than I should be allowed to have on Saturday! Jersey Jack's Dad brought Jack by the store to meet me and shop. He just couldn't stop beaming and hugging Jack. And Jack looked so handsome in his new red Wiggles, Wags & Whiskers harness.

Call me weird, but I couldn't help getting teary at meeting my very first FBRN Grad. I love the posts and the website, but it's all virtual, you know? Here was a real live example of the wonderful job FBRN does.

Woo Hoo! I'm so happy to be a part of this!


I took a pic with my cell phone to share with you."

That truly is one handsome beast! Jersey Jack's foster mom and sponsors really made a near-miracle happen for that good-looking boy. With his hair grown back and some heft to his build, no one would ever know he was once so miserable. Let us all pat ourselves on the back!

Speaking of shopping, the 2008 FBRN calendars are now available at CafePress! Regular readers of the FBRNetwork News may have noticed that over the past few weeks, posts have been a bit irregular. We have been busily entertaining the judges and designers and writers of the calendars here in our castle, and we regret that time for posting has been in short supply. We hope you'll agree that our time away from blogging was well spent when you see the beautiful photos of our noble and infamous graduates, including Smeagol, Benny the Frog, Pippin, Yaya, Tasha, Trixie and many others. Choose from our Traditional Calendar, full of photos and portraits of our FBRN grads on their best behavior, or opt for a Whimsical Calendar, where you'll see the silly side of our FBRN frogdogs. If you simply cannot decide, why not pick up two or more?

This year we are offering Christmas cards at CafePress. If you and the Frog Princess share a tendency to procrastination among your character traits, it's not too late to pick up a box or two of cards and dash off a note to your Frenchie-loving friends, with news and good cheer for the season. On a sad note, the model for these cards, Etienne, passed away suddenly last month at only 3 years of age. We send our deepest condolences to Etienne's family and friends.

Here's a coupon for $5 off any purchase of $40 or more at CafePress through Dec. 9.

"Save $5 when you spend $40 or more! Enter the coupon code SRV211 when checking out. Coupon expires 12/9/2007"

Jersey Jack invites you to get into the Holiday shopping swing and help support FBRN's work of rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming French Bulldogs, like Jack, in need.

Happy Channukah! says

The Frog Princess

Simba Rides the Rails

In a two-part narrative describing Simba's arrival and a one-week report, we present the story of a handsome new boy fresh off the Underdog Railroad (UDRR) of FBRN. When he was surrendered in Southern California, we found that there was no room in any of our foster homes in the area, as they are all full up with other needy frogs. (Do you live in SoCal? Would you like to join FBRN and maybe foster a needy Frenchie or serve as a conductor on the UDRR? Get in touch with our volunteer coordinator, Sally Curatola at SJCuratola at aol dot com) Thankfully, a foster home over the border in Arizona was available to take this itchy boy. After several days of email tagging and schedule shuffling and synchronizing of watches, Simba climbed aboard the UDRR to make his Thanksgiving week journey. Here's some of what his foster mom had to say about Simba's arrival.
"Simba is settling in nicely. I cannot thank you all enough for braving the traffic and pitching in to get him to me. The Frenchie handoff went unbelievably smoothly. Last night he was my shadow when we reached my house, and today he is my husband's foot warmer. His next handoff has got to be his last, poor fella.

As you can see from the photos, Mr. Simba is a looker. He's already earned the nickname "Simbalicious." In fact, I have to order an FBRN t-shirt in his size (my guys wear Fridget sizes which are just a tad too small for Simba's brawn) because this kid is a walking billboard for FBRN. We were stopped eight times by "inquiring minds" on our walk this morning. I imagine that is going to be a regular occurrence and I am going to have to have FBRN business cards ready to hand out (do you think people will be put off if I produce a card from my gym sock?)
He is a great walker, and has obviously had some training, either that or he is savant who immediately caught on to "sit" and "stay." No signs of aggression at all. We witnessed [my Frenchie] Clementine issuing some quick corrections to him at their meeting in Blythe.(Clementine is the cream girl displaying a notable lack of hospitable charm in this photo) Apparently poor young Simba was never educated in "the Queen's protocol", and HRH Princess Clementine felt it was prudent to issue a sharp rebuke and suggestions on a crash course in said protocol. He now displays the necessary deference to Her Royal Highness and while they are only together when I supervise, they are coexisting peacefully, no staredowns, no power struggles.

Hannibull, as suspected, could not be more thrilled to have a partner in crime. They play well together and are snoring side by side next to me as I type this. We incorporated Simba immediately into our routine, and he now returns from walks, and sits and waits with my two frogs at the door to get a wipedown before entering as if he has always done this. He goes in the crate without a problem, he whimpers a little if he thinks you can hear but is easily quieted with a Nylabone or stuffed Kong. He's well housetrained and will go potty on the first spot you take him to on a walk. (In this photo, Simba's on the left. Simba may not be too sure about us but Hannibull couldn't be happier)


We kept to our routine both last night and this morning, and just made him part of it. No food aggression around meals or with treats, something I would expect to see even this soon since the resource guarding that was ascribed to him is usually borne of insecurity and I would think with what he has been through in the last week, he would be feeling pretty insecure about now, but so far so good.

It will be another two or three weeks before I think he will be settled in enough to get an accurate assessment about him and other dogs or other triggers. I was dogsitting my neighbor's Cocker, Chloe this weekend, and Simba was copacetic with her as well.

I'll get him checked out at the vet this week. According to his vet records, he has had some rashes and itchy skin and inflamed areas on the face, neck and groin off and on the last couple of months for which he was prescribed antihistamines and steroids (oral, topical, and injections) Not unexpected, considering the skin issues showed up upon his turning one year-old, when allergies often present and also at the time of year the Santa Anas kick up in California and cause everyone's allergies to go haywire, plus the stress of moving to multiple homes and also multiple dog foods according to his records. Hopefully, the itchies will be addressed by a quality diet and some stability in environment, but I expect he will be itchy for a while at the beginning, due to arriving in another state with a new set of allergens.

We are going to get him an ID tag and a harness and a Kong of his own today. [He came with a lead and a nylawishbone as gifts from his UDRR conductors] He loves the deer antlers my guys chew. We are just so impressed with him, he is going to make someone a wonderful companion."

Simba is a very appealing frog, and he will be appearing on the foster roster at the next web site update, if you are of a mind to sponsor his handsome self. Stay tuned for another blog entry on Simba's progress in his foster home and learn whether Clementine contains her choler and Hannibull stays happy!
The Frog Princess

Bugsy Enjoys the Game

FBRN grad Bugsy got to relax on Thanksgiving while others toiled in the scullery, spending their day slaving over a hot turkey and washing up after.

Typical! sniffs
The Frog Princess

Rose is a Rose is a Rose is a Rose is a Rose

Our beautiful new foster, Rosebud, takes a moment from her recovery from palate surgery to smell the Rosebud stuffy an admirer sent her. She also received the pretty party collar in the same package.
Rosebud is a tiny thing, and suffers terribly from her congenitally malformed legs. She doesn't spend much time on her feet, but she gets her share of attention from her foster mom, and she has been able to modify her foster siblings' pasttimes so that she can include herself in them! She's a smart little frog, and we are so glad we were able to take her in. She's got a long row to hoe before she's going to be well. You can read her story here, and see if you'd like to sponsor her as she picks herself up and gets ready for the next step.
She's as brave as she is beautiful, declares
The Frog Princess

Samson Gets Around

Samson has been doing so well now that he's graduated from Physical Therapy! He is always getting out and about, testing his new strength and agility, and even going for short drives to pick up a quart of milk for his foster mom. Here are some photos we received, documenting Samson's days.



"Samson has the job of walking out each day on the grass to watch his area for an occasional visit from a pug or perhaps the cat," Samson's foster mom reports. "I am so happy he can walk for a short distance and stand on his own paws."


"Say, I love this blue go-cart you got for me. It color coordinates w/ my Lupine collar and slip lead. But it really is too small for a real car--and tell me, why is the hardtop on and not the convertible? You aren't afraid the air will lift me out by my ears, are you?"




"I swear Officer, I am visiting PA on vacation, thanks to FBRN. I must have left my license at home in Rhode Island...Yes, of course, I can really touch the pedals!" Darned officers are so suspicious, grumbles Samson.





"Samson is busy standing on his own while being a bully buddy to the ceramic pug. Samson thought since we don't have a Garden Frenchie he might try for Tree Frenchie status."







As we all know only too well: A Pug may work from sun to sun, but a Frenchie's job is never done, sighs
The Frog Princess

Happy Thanksgiving from Gigi!

Gigi, FBRN graduate, wrote us this note to wish us all a happy Thanksgiving!

"Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
Just wanted to give you an update on how I've been doing in my new life. I got adopted by some lucky folks in Florida. I try to take good care of them. Give them lots of love and affection. I feel they need frequent big, sloppy kisses. I have a younger Frenchie sister, named Lucy Lou. She is a little bratty at times, you know how little sisters can be. But I love her. I give her a good grooming at least once a day.
My mom is pretty nice, but a bit odd at times. She likes to play dress up at times, and she takes the cleanliness thing a little too far in my opinion. But other than that, she is okay.
My dad is good, too. If I get too tired on a long walkie, he'll pick me up and carry me a bit. We have a great aunt that lives here with us, she's 83. I can't even imagine how old that is in dog years. But she lets us out in the backyard, and sits on the porch with us, and sneaks us treats when mom is at work. Mom keeps me on something called weight manage ment, but Aunt Doris shares good stuff with us. Don't tell mom. Don't want to get the old girl in trouble. This is me, wearing my halo. My mom must think I'm an angel.

I love to take naps in the BIG BED! My dad puts us up there sometimes in the morning, so we snuggle up close next to mom, Lucy Lou on one side, and me on the other, like book-ends! She mumbles something about not being able to move, but who would want to, with good company like that? She also puts these little orange foam things in her ears, mumbling about noise. We're not bothered by any noise. She must be dreaming that.

My most favorite thing, next to food, of course, is to be held. If I think my mom looks lonely, I pat her on the leg, and she picks me up, and we rock. She thinks my purring is sweet. She complains sometimes about her arm going to sleep. Weird. My dad walked by and said one day that I was the world's ugliest baby, but my mom set him straight. We hope you all have someone to hold, love, and give thanks with this season.
love, GiGi"

We second those sentiments, and add a wish for plenty of pie for all our dear subjects!
The Frog Princess

A Poem for Churchill

We received this note in the website mailbox today:






"This is a poem I wrote for Churchill.


I want to see you up in Heaven, Churchill.
Where you are no longer ill.





You make my eyes shed tears,
with your big ol' Frenchie ears.




Churchill, you made me realize,
with those eyes,
that in my heart you're still alive.

Joseph *******, age 11

I love you Churchill"


Thank you, Joseph. That is an excellent poem for remembering Churchill with! He was a very special dog, wasn't he? We think you are also something special.

Sincerely,
The Frog Princess

Daisy Mae Checks In

Here is a note we received from former foster, Daisy Mae. Daisy Mae had serious anxiety problems, and any time there was a change in her life or her schedule she would break out and lose most of her coat.
We looked high and low for a family who could provide her with a super-stable home, and we found a perfect place for her. Check out Daisy Mae's nightgown! Why it is almost as nice as the one we wear in our own boudoir! Here's her mom's note:

"I wanted to give you a little update on Daisy. She has adjusted completely now. She does scratch at the door to go outside, no accidents, she plays and wrestles with Ralphie all the time, she has not even attempted to dash for the door anymore, she does not pull on her leash at all (unless she see's a rabbit) and she is just the cutest snuggle bug. She is just perfect! She hasn't even broken out, even when I went away for the weekend ( and she stayed home with Mike) she was fine.
I did take her to the doctor's yesterday just for a check up, nail trim, anal gland check, and ears. The vet said she was in great shape. She was screaming for mercy when they trimmed her nails though. She had a slight ear infection in her right ear, so the vet gave me medication for that. Also the vet wanted to ensure that her coat stays healthy (because of her known history of break-outs) and gave me salmon oil to put in her food. It will keep her coat nice and moisturized. Also, he gave me some wipes to wipe her tail area, because she has a inverted tail, so he wanted to keep it clean so bacteria does not grow in there.

I am just so happy with how far Daisy has come along, especially with your care, and am so happy and pleased to have her in our family. I have attached some pictures of her sleeping in our bed. She is a little sleeping beauty."

Indeed she is! What a happy dream she must be dreaming. All slow-moving bunnies and a world without nail clippers!

We have that dream, too, Daisy Mae.
The Frog Princess

Lucien

Lucien is just one of those frogs. He's a classic of his type. He's affable, responsive, affectionate, goofy and easy-going.
Very easy going. In fact, you can keep the going part, he's going to have a nap right here!

Lucien is in foster care, and he's in great shape! His foster mom says he is an old soul in a young dog. He had his teeth cleaned and two teeth pulled last month, and the remainder of his teeth appear to have been ground down. But he's still got a great grin--we think it might be even more charming with so few teeth in it!

Lucien is fostering with FBRN grad, Bijou, who finds him completely irresistible! She has taken to dropping her hanky anytime he is in the same room. But Lucien isn't having any. He knows all about these winking, one-eyed women and their wily ways! His mamma didn't send him out into the world without a little private chat, first.
Bijou is going to have to work a little harder to win the attention of this frog away from the object of his affection--his comfy bed.

Give him a Dagwood sandwich, a clicker, a beer, and a game on the tv, and Lucien would be indistinguishable from 70 per cent of America's men on any Sunday afternoon. Lucien doesn't think there's anything wrong with that!
Check out his bio and see if you think Lucien could be happy in your house. If so, fill out an application and maybe there'll be another mouth to feed on Thanksgiving afternoon this year.

TOUCHDOWN! Booms
The Frog Princess

There's a Chill in the Air!

...say Tuffy and Wilbur (formerly Monty of the PA 8)! Here's a note we got recently about these two FBRN grads:

"There's a chill in the air--and the way we know this at our house is that tuffy & wilbur have begun to spoon...tuffy has been terribly put out by the fact that wilbur claimed 'the big red chair' (a.k.a. tuffy's chair) shortly after arriving in july. it wasn't that wilbur was opposed to having company, tuffy just didn't think it was right. or dignified. all that changed the night we forgot to turn the heat on and the temp in the house dropped into the low 60s. now it's a regular early morning sight. though tuffy would prefer that you avert your eyes..."

Yes, Tuffy's expression is rather forbidding, there. Say, Tuffy! We are all trying to conserve energy here at the Frog Princess's place! We'd be delighted to spoon with a manly beast like Wilbur for the benefit of the planet.

We are all about sacrifice, claims
The Frog Princess

Shuggie Lu Skiddoo!

Shuggie Lu is an adorable puppy with more energy than a certain battery-powered rabbit
we've all seen on tv. She is a bundle of get up and go, and she just plain wore her poor family out. They loved her to pieces, but when a simple walkies resulted in a broken hip for her dad, her family reluctantly decided to rehome her with a family who could provide the kind of stimulation and exercise she needs to be happy.

She's getting walked every day by a 6'2" teenager and spends lots of time getting her yayas out in the fenced yard in her foster home. Here's a note we got from her foster mom:
"Shuggie Lu was surrendered by her owners who were just overwhelmed by her at this point in their lives. They live in a magnificent home in a beautiful community, however, they had no fenced yard and Shuggie's pulling and general exuberant "puppiness" proved more than they could handle. They obviously loved and did everything for this dog -- she has had all necessary veterinary care, including being spayed. She also has seen an allergy specialist and is eating holistic dog food and special treats. Shuggie is crate trained and rides beautifully in the car.

Shuggie is a long, lean shiny dark brindle with a white patch on her chest. She also has some white on her feet, some of which look like someone tried to give her a frenchie manicure but quit before being finished.

Since being in foster care, she has been playing, playing, playing. She runs in the yard and is busy exploring everything, finding anything I left on the floor (I think she is done now). She loves to chew nylabones and play with toys. She is very fast and can jump with the best of them. Walks have been uneventful so far with very little pulling, walking calmly with her frenchie foster sister to show her the way. She loves to go on walks. She loves meeting other dogs in the neighborhood and is very polite with them. She is able to calm down and be a sweetheart, but is competing with a two year old rather possessive female Frenchie.

She has shown no aggression whatsoever (although there are occasions when I wouldn't blame her).

She was given a bath and was very compliant, and figured if she just buried her face in my shoulder and breathed really hard everything would work out fine. Mildred was laughing at her, but got paid back with a bath right after.

Shuggie sleeps very well and has taken up residence in my teenage son's bed (neither one of them have been complaining). She has been left alone, uncrated, for a couple of hours and Mildred has convinced her that, when the parents leave, it is time to nap.

Shuggie will be seeing a vet for a checkup and to be micro chipped."

We hear she also adores chasing an ice cube all around the kitchen floor for a low-cal, high energy treat. How many licks does it take to get to the center of a frozen cube? One...two...three...Three!

Says the wise old
Frog Princess

Puppy Breath!

Is there anyone who is immune to the power of puppy breath? Certainly no one in FBRN can resist a pudgy tummy and those pin-sharp teefs! Here is a first report from Jac's lucky foster parents:



"We are happy to announce the arrival of our new foster baby! He came into FBRN's care a few nights ago. He came with the name Jac-o, but we are calling him Jac for short.

Good news is... he answers to Jac even better than Jac-o.

Jac is 13 weeks old & hails from Brooklyn, NY. He came into FBRN foster care when his dad realized he didn't have the time it would take to raise little Jac.

Jac has what seems to be the tail end of kennel cough so he is on antibiotics now.



The vet thought he may even have pneumonia so we xrayed for that & his lungs are
clear. He is still breathing/coughing yucky green mucus from his nose & mouth. He seems terribly underweight, although the vet said that we shouldn't be concerned about it.


He came to us on Monday night & since then, his eyes have brightened & his stool has firmed up & we hope he is packing on some weight for us.

He is starting to not be as wobbly on his legs as well. Poor little guy, he is as sweet as sugary pumpkin pie & loves to cuddle on laps. He has stolen everyones' heart that he has met.



Jac will be neutered after Thanksgiving & then will be ready for his forever parents to come & whisk him away to his new palace & lavish him with all the love that they can give this little prince... he will break our hearts when he goes home & we know everyone in our household will be in happy tears!!!"

That is one adorable puppy! sighs
The Frog Princess

Skeeter!

Skeeter came to us as an insecure, bitey, out of control young Frog. He is living with a very dedicated foster family, who have worked through many of his challenges. From a food-guarding, toy-guarding, nasty young thing, he has become a much more gentle, amenable boy. In one of the photos below, you can see him "sharing" a toy with his foster mom. After weeks of hand-feeding and desensitization, he now allows people to come near his dish and even take food from him. Here is a nice, long update on Skeeter's progress. Please join us in congratulating his foster family on the wonderful strides they've made in helping this skeeter bug straighten up and fly right! Here's his foster mom's note:


"Training- In obedience this frog is TOP FROG. He knew how to sit, stay, heel, and come when he first arrived but now he can SIT LIKE A BOODA DOG, SHAKE HANDS, ARMY CRAWL, and ROLL OVER. He loves his daily training sessions with his foster mom and will do ANYTHING for a training treat! :-)

Food aggression- When Skeeter first arrived in foster care he was EXTREMELY food aggressive. His foster mom and dad could not get within 3 feet of his bowl and he would growl and snarl like a wild cat. NOW we can stand next to him as he eats, ask him to back up and either add more food or water to his dish, AND his foster mom can hold his bowl and feed him open handed.

When he first arrived in foster care he would scarf up every bite like it was his last meal, now he always has bits of kibble left after each meal that he is allowed to snack on throughout the day.
He has no aggression issues with bone and allows his foster parents to take it out of his mouth, share a bite(pretend only!)

Dog Aggression-this is an area we are working on. He initially was not allowed to interact with his foster siblings due to fact that he was extremely rude to them (growling, snarling, and even tried to bite his Boston brother when we did allow him to interact.) Very recently we have allowed him to be upstairs with his foster siblings while on a lead. He has been handling this well. He will not challenge his foster sister, Sydney as she is the alpha bitch in our home. In the past he did prefer to "pick on" the weaker links in our pack (our puppy, and his Boston brother.) However, in a social setting he can go for a walk and pass by a dog without being rude.

Human Relationships-Skeeter does very well for the most part with his foster parents. He is very affectionate and loves to be petted.

He allows his foster parents to pick him up, touch him all over his body(this he did NOT like when he first arrived!) He is allowed a couple of hours of one-on-one time upstairs in which he drags a lead but has progressed to 1 hour time blocks before he begins to stress. He LOVES to snuggle, and give kisses that both his foster parents eat up!!! Strangers are a different story; he does not mind it if a stranger walks by, but DO NOT PET HIM!!! He instantly bristles up and begins to growl. He is receiving ALOT of social interaction to help with this issue. He has tried to guard his foster parents when he is in stores by crossing in front of them and he is learning that that behavior is unacceptable.

HEALTH-Skeeter has put on some weight; he weighs 26lbs and has filled out nicely. He is eating premium food, and his coat looks great! He is taking PROZAC to help him be a bit calmer and this has helped not react so quickly to stimuli and allows his training to continue to progress.

Overall he is a very sweet boy, he loves to play fetch and snuggle in our laps. He has overcome some of his issues but still has a long way to go. He has great days for the most part but at times still has days when he is a butt head. His foster parents are very dedicated to his success and know that he can someday be someone's special companion."

What a great report on this tough boy's progress! We can hardly believe he stood still long enough to have that costume put on. He is clearly moving from out of control to merely crotchety. We are going to keep an eye on this nutty mutt, and we hope you will, too!

Why is it that the Bad Boys have the most beautiful smiles? wonders
The Frog Princess

Winter is Icumen In!

The lovely autumn colors are fading and the leaves are falling, leaving the skeletons of trees exposed against the lowering sky. From time to time in the Frog Princess's kingdom, the sun makes an appearance, and the quality of the sunlight is green/golden, coming sideways across the landscape, rather than shining down directly on our subjects as it does in warmer months.




Now that the days are darkening, we thought a reminder of the coming spring is in order, just in case any melancholy souls are grumping about the long months that stretch before us. Here are some photos of recent FBRN graduate Meika, enjoying a day of sunshine and sea and sand on some coastal paradise. Her mom sent us this note:

"Meika (formerly Mica) is settled into our home, and we look forward to all three of us owning a home with a big fenced yard to garden. Meika absolutely loves to "help" me in the garden, but for now has to be on a leash. We love her dearly and are very grateful to FBRN for bringing her into our lives. She has added so much joy to our lives!"

We feel sure that Meika will make herself very useful when the day comes that she is turned loose to help turn the earth and guard against the trespassings of feathered and furry delinquents on the prowl for a berry or a bean.





Meanwhile, as the winter comes and the garden rests, it is very good to know that Meika has a few toys to occupy herself with and help to wile away the hours until the soil reaches a lovely 50 degrees or so and planting is possible again! We believe she'll make an excellent companion and assistant when the seed catalogs begin to arrive and selections must be made.


Those catalogs are dangerous, we know.


It is tempting to throw moderation to the wind in a bout of Spring fever, and order every kind of flower seed, then broad cast them willy-nilly, to cause a midsummer botanical riot. We feel sure Meika will have opinions on the vexing question of marigolds or morning glories, poppies or petunias, columbine or Canterbury bells.

But why not plant them all? incites
The Frog Princess