Outrageous Product Placement

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

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

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

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!

Pudge did!

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

The Frog Princess

Quigley: Handsome Devil

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

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!

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

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

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!

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...

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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!

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!

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