Nounours Means Teddy Bear

What a sad story.
Children come along and the resident frog just can't get adjusted to the loss of time and attention. Poor Nounours, a nine year-old boy, is going to be on the available page next week. Here's a look back at his introduction to the volunteers last month, just before Christmas:


"Introducing Nounours, a 9 year-old brindle boy! Nounours means "teddy bear" in French and was chosen because he looks just like a living, breathing teddy bear! He is a sweet senior boy who was surrendered by his owner because he was having a hard time sharing his mom with her young skin children. He's been with us since Sunday and is adapting fairly quickly to his new routine.



He has a very sweet disposition and seems to get along with just about any other dog he encounters, although he does have a tendency to bark when he wants something and not stopping till he gets it, and also a thing for humping Chelsea. At 35 lbs., he could stand to lose a pound (or five!) and we will work on that while he's with us.





He has a good amount of energy for a nine year old and only a few gray hairs, so hopefully he will have several good years to share with his forever family. We will take him to vet after the holidays and assuming he checks out as healthy as he seems, he should be a quick move to the Available page."



With a clean bill of health and a slimmer frame, Nounours is anxiously sniffing the air for the people who might decide that he is the frog for them, forever and ever! Looking at that mug close up, we believe we can see the appeal of the older Frenchie, yes, indeed! A touch of Louis Jourdan, perhaps? considers

The Frog Princess

Junebug in January

We adore Junebug. A Good Samaritan saw this sad-eyed, worn out, sick and pitiful girl for sale and just couldn't bear the thought of her being sold to someone to make more puppies. The Good Samaritan met the owner in a dark parking lot in a not-so-nice part of town, threw some cash at her, snagged little Junebug and ran. We don't advise buying dogs from anyone in a dark parking lot! But we are so glad Junebug is out of harm's way!

Here's a note from JB's foster mom. The photos capture her unique beauty. What a difference in these photos from the photo that accompanied her advertisement.


"Junebug is making great progress. She was spayed, micro-chipped, and received all her immunizations over the holidays and bounced back very quickly from the surgery. My vet said she has definitely had multiple litters of puppies. Her ears are clear now, although he said she had some scar tissue in both ears as a result of chronic, untreated ear infections, but not enough to affect her hearing.

Although she's still thin, her coat is filling in nicely, the bald spots are hardly visible anymore, and her allergies seem to be under control. She has also put on some weight, which she really needed.

She is very active and playful and gets along great with Duke and Sophie. She is quite the sprinter; I was in my front yard with the three of them, and she saw a deer across the street, bolted after it and chased it down the street like she was a greyhound. I was huffing and puffing by the time I caught up with her. Thankfully, she didn't get close enough to it to be in danger. That's all I need is to get black-balled as a volunteer for letting her get kicked by a deer! Needless to say, she won't be going out without a leash, and she will definitely need a home that is fenced in.

She is such a sweetheart and so affectionate; she follows me wherever I go. She is so low maintenance that it would be very easy to keep her! I think she will be able to go available in the next couple of weeks, and I am so hoping she will be adopted quickly. She has some traits and mannerisms that are very terrier-like. I have attached some photos of her in all her cuteness!"

Isn't she a pretty girl? We all think she is just adorable, gushes

The Frog Princess

Ralphie is Ready

for spring to stop dawdling and get here, already!

Sure, sunbeams on a living room floor have their place, and nobody is knocking them. But what is better than slapping one's tummy up against a freshly-warmed sidewalk and the smell of wormy earth heaving and the sight of grass greening up again?

We are right beside you, Ralphie! Can't wait, sighs

The Frog Princess

Benjamin Button

Benjamin Button has been working out. He wants to be the dog that every guy wants to be and every woman wants to be seen with. Now that his red, itchy skin and patchy coat are a thing of the past, Benjamin wants you to see him as the gorgeous hunk of manly beast he always was but couldn't show off. Amazing what a special diet and a special drug regimen will do.

No, not raw eggs and steroids! He gets his diet from the vet and his Atopica from the discount drug store. And look--from a 98-pound weakling to the world's sheckshayesht frog in just a few months.

Yes, indeed. He's got it all. Except a special person who can see it.

Maybe his person is out there. Maybe you know a family who needs a perfect Frenchie gentleman in their life? Maybe the someone is you.

Check out his bio. Look at his photos. Do 8 reps and see if you can resist.

Heavens! Those eyes are so...oh, my, whispers

The Frog Princess

PS You can see part of BB's workout routine here.

Popeye Plays Dress Up

It's January. Believe it or not, it is barely three weeks into winter. When the air is too chilly for squirrel v. Frenchie insult contests, and nobody is really into long walks on slippery sidewalks, what is a Frenchie to do to amuse himself?


Popeye plays dress up.

Phone home!


Even Rambo needs a nap sometimes.



























When 900 years old you reach, look as good, you will not.












"I'm ready for my close-up, Mr. DeMille!" leers

The Frog Princess

AKC Notes Rise in Dognappings

Long-time foster Gui checks the baby's crumb status.

See the entire press release here.

The piece includes a checklist of do's and don'ts to keep your dog safe and where he belongs: with you!

"PREVENTION
In the Neighborhood

* Don’t let your dog off–leash – Keeping your dog close to you reduces the likelihood it will wander off and catch the attention of thieves.

A very dapper Smudge demonstrates proper attire for a winter outing: Coat, collar, lead. Maybe even a little spray PAM for the bottoms of the feet to keep the ice-melting chemicals from irritating the paws.

* Don’t leave your dog unattended in your yard – Dogs left outdoors for long periods of time are targets, especially if your fenced–in yard is visible from the street.
* Be Cautious with information – If strangers approach you to admire your dog during walks, don’t answer questions about how much the dog cost or give details about where you live.



English bully Katie sleeps safe while chivalrous beau Sammi watches over her.

On the Road

* Never leave your dog in an unattended car, even if it’s locked – Besides the obvious health risks this poses to the dog, it’s also an invitation for thieves, even if you are gone for only a moment. Leaving expensive items in the car such as a GPS unit or laptop will only encourage break–ins and possibly allow the dog to escape, even if the thieves don’t decide to steal it too.
* Don’t tie your dog outside a store – This popular practice among city–dwelling dog owners can be a recipe for disaster. If you need to go shopping, patronize only dog–friendly retailers or leave the dog at home.

RECOVERY

Super Rutger takes a break from crime fighting to gnaw a nylabone.

* Protect your dog with microchip identification – Collars and tags can be removed so make sure you have permanent ID with a microchip. Thieves will not know the dog has a microchip until a veterinarian or shelter worker scans it so keep contact information current with your microchip recovery service provider. For more information, enroll your pet in a 24-hour recovery service and sign-up at www.akccar.org.
* If you suspect your dog has been stolen – Immediately call the police / animal controlofficer in the area your pet was last seen and file a police report. If your dog has a microchip, ask to have that unique serial number, along with the dog’s description, posted in the "stolen article" category on the National Crime Information Center.

Recent adoptee Darci is safe and sound.


* Canvass the neighborhood – Talk to people in the immediate vicinity where your pet went missing for possible sightings of the actual theft.
* Have fliers with a recent photo ready to go if your dog goes missing – Keep several current photos (profile and headshot) of your dog in your wallet or on an easily accessible web account so that you can distribute immediately if your pet goes missing.


* Contact the media – Call the local TV station, radio station and newspaper and ask to have a web post put out about your missing pet.



With a mug like this, it's almost hard to believe more Frenchies aren't getting stolen! This is Jetson, a new foster for us.

DON’T BUY STOLEN PETS

* Don’t buy dogs from the internet, flea markets, or roadside vans –There is simply no way to verify where an animal purchased from any of these outlets came from. Web sites and online classifieds are easily falsified, and with roadside or flea market purchases not only do you not know the pet’s origins but you will never be able to find or identify the seller in case of a problem.



Foster girl Aalis never goes outside alone. And in this weather, she can't wait to get back inside!

* Even newspaper ads may be suspect – Adult dogs offered for sale at reduced prices, for a "relocation" fee, or accompanied by requests for last minute shipping fees are red flags. Dog owners who truly love their animals and are unable to keep them will opt to find a loving home without compensation for re–homing the animal.
* Seek out reputable breeders or rescue groups – Visit the home of the breeder, meet the puppy’s mother, and see the litter of puppies. Developing a good relationship with the breeder will bring you peace of mind when purchasing.

Foster Gris-Gris and FBRN grad Eva get cozy.

Contacting breed rescue groups can also be a safe alternative if you are looking for an adult dog."

Keep your friends close and your Frenchies closer, advises

The Frog Princess

What big EARS you have!

For a deaf boy, Mowgli has mighty sizable hear honkers.

Though much-beloved, life in Manhattan was too frenzied for the boy, and when his response to being startled became a nip and a bite, his family made the sad decision to give him to FBRN, so we could find him a home where there was peace and quiet.

We think we'll be able to accomplish that pretty quickly.

We aren't sure we'll be able to address his fondness for root beer, however. Here's what his foster mom said yesterday:

"I wish I had been able to get a picture of him yesterday when I came home from work and found him snuggled up in his bed with a 2 liter bottle of root beer..."

There's a story in there somewhere. We just hope he stays off the hard stuff. Ginger ale. Fizzy apple cider. Root beer is just the gateway.

We'll keep a good thought for Mowgli, the poor guy who appears to be developing a sasparilla dependency, sympathizes

The Frog Princess

Hardee

Given the temps, that's just what this frog should be! Hardee. He was pulled from a shelter just before Christmas and has been enjoying the high life of an FBRN foster frog! Look for his introduction, along with a dozen or so new fosters, on our foster roster.

We adore the harness Hardee is wearing.

If winter comes, can spring be far behind, miserably asks

The Frog Princess

French Fry Is Unhappy

French Fry was fostered in Florida. French Fry was adopted by people who live in or near Tennessee. Tennessee has weather that is somewhat colder than Florida.


French Fry is a very happy girl and is ordinarily the sweetest and most adorable of Frenchies. But here she is thinking things we cannot share on a public blog about people who would snatch her from the warm and pleasant air of Florida and send her someplace where the first piddle of the day requires a warm coat and involves getting snow on her toes.

Poor French Fry.

We absolutely commiserate with French Fry, and we have to admit that some of those naughty words might also, in similar circumstances, escape the cherry lips of

The Frog Princess

Sammi Am

Nine year-old Sammi came to us a neglected, seriously underweight boy with glaucoma, cataracts, a bad back and an eye ulcer.

In a few weeks, check out the difference in his appearance and health. From his foster mom:

"Sammi went yesterday for his follow-up visit to the ophthalmologist to check the glaucoma in his left eye. Good news all around to report.The pressure was half what it was on the first visit. It is still not normal, but is acceptable. Once the Xalatan eye drops run out, they do not have to be renewed. He will continue to take 1/4 of an Acetazolamid 125mg tab twice a day. Sammi likes this because he hates the drops. It is also good for our finances, because the drops were
$95.00 per month, but the tabs are only $14.00. The Dr. said to monitor the eye's appearance and come back if it starts to appear too bulgy. He suggested I take photos for comparison puposes. He weighs 23.4lbs now, up from 18.2 at the start..\
So, I dutifully got out my camera and these pictures are the result. It was a sunny, mild day so we went out on the deck again. Pardon his drippy nose. He is not sick. His nares are very tight and that happens when he outside or excited. All the indoor shots are from when T. first picked him up so you can see the change. I think maybe one more pound, and then we have to figure out what his maintenance portion is. His coat is softer and his ears finally not crusty. More work to do on the coat. He still does not care for spa day, pooping and peeing in dismay.
He is a good boy, a quiet boy. He always goes potty outside now, awakening me at 4am with his wail so he can go down his ramp. I turn on the flood lights so he won't fall off in the dark. Wonder what my neighbor thinks of this behavior? Eating, sleeping, snacking -- Sammi whiles away his time in peaceful happiness."

We mentioned that some of our foster dogs received Secret Santa packages from FBRN



volunteers. Sammi was not forgotten! Here he is in his ultra-comfy, super warm and snugglesome bed with a coordinating blanket. You'd never have guessed that 8 weeks ago this guy looked like he'd been through the mill, would you?


Here he is in his faux leather jacket.

He's a good looking guy. Even if he does have uncivilized morning habits, allows

The Frog Princess

Home for Christmas

I'll be home for Christmas!






You can count on me!










Please have snow




and mistletoe






and presents on the tree!














Christmas Eve will find me







Where the lovelight beams.


























I'll be home for Christmas

















If only in my dreams.



We are thrilled to announce the adoption of, from top to bottom: Higgs, Styx, Hummer, Kingsley, Raspberry, Roxy and Sherlock, just in time for the holidays.






Meanwhile, Gui, Zoe, and Ladoo continue to wait on the Island of Unwanted Frogs, well-loved and cared-for by their foster families, but waiting, waiting, waiting.


Maybe next year our long-timers Ladoo, Gui, and Zoe--maybe even Truffle and Brulee-- will find themselves in loving forever families, as well.



It's a Christmas wish for all our fosters from

The Frog Princess

Sylvie

This is one of those sad/happy stories of rescue. Sad for the owner, happy for us to be able to help. When Sylvie's owner feared she would have to euthanize her paralyzed dog because she thought no one would take her, the vet called us.

Sylvie's foster mom has more:

"I am scheduled to pick up Sylvie this coming Wednesday, here is her story:

Sylvie is a 5 year old pied girl who went down in the back 3 years ago and has been in a cart ever since. She traveled to work with her mom, and is a happy-go-lucky little trooper.

Recently Sylvie's mom was diagnosed with advanced lung cancer. She was boarding Sylvie at her vet's while receiving treatment, but recently had her right lung removed and can no longer care for Sylvie. According to her vet, the owner was more concerned that she would have to have Sylvie put down than for her own health.

Sylvie's fantastic vet took it upon herself to contact us, arrange for her surrender, drive to the owner's house to get her signature on the surrender form, AND emailed me this morning to say that her clinic is DONATING a dental exam as she is concerned that Sylvie's teeth may have some decay and possible extractions. She will have the procedure on Tuesday, so think good thoughts for our incoming girl.

Gary has already sent Sylvie scootie sacks, Ralphie's foster mom, Kristen, has given me loads of advice, and her vet is going to school me on bladder expression and
physical therapy to keep her limber. I'm technically going to be a "temporary" foster - but it's good to be prepared! ;)

I've attached photos the vet sent me that were taken this week. I will post new pics of her Wednesday after I get her home and settled."

We wish Sylvie's mom the best and we send our deepest thanks to Sylvie's caring vet, who went above and beyond what many vets and people might do. She and her staff evinced the spirit of Christmas Present, gave a true gift of the Maji, and performed a selfless act of loving kindness to two souls in need. Acts like these inspire and encourage all our volunteers to greater heights, and that includes

The Frog Princess

(C)Rocket's White Christmas

You may remember the pitiful boy Crockett, found footsore and a-wandering in the far reaches of Gawdknowswhere, Texas, last year? His heart was squirming with worms and vets weren't giving much odds on the chances he'd survive the treatment, poor skinny, lonesome, sad old boy.

Guess what?

Crockett, now Rocket, was a perfect patient, a great houseguest, and so wonderful with the boy in his foster home that he was placed in a home with more children. More kids = more fun, is the calculation we believe his foster mom used when choosing the family for him.

He's living near our nation's capitol these days and waiting till the snow sticks to make a snow senator with the children. Hope he has some boots and mittens.

Keep those white Christmas dreams alive, Rocket!

The Frog Princess

Is Your Frenchie Dressed?

French bulldogs don't really have much undercoat, which is nice because it means less shedding than dogs with undercoats, like huskies, St. Bernards, and Golden retrievers. But not having an undercoat means they might need a little extra insulation provided by you.

Here's a photo of Haricot and her friend Asia, getting ready to powerwalk around the chilly block of her Ontario town. If your Frenchie girl doesn't have a coat, consider bidding on one of these designer originals on eBay. Handmade. Luxurious. Blingy.

If not your frog, who? asks

The Frog Princess

Addison's Christmas

We mentioned last week that some of our volunteers like to send foster dogs a little Christmas care package around the holidays. It's so much fun for us to see what the fosters get!

When Addison's foster mom received a Christmas care package for Addison, she was surprised and delighted, because Addison hadn't been entered in the drawing this year. Here is her note.

"Addison and myself were very surprised to find a package in our mail box. I had not requested any Santa's for my fosters because I knew Hummer and Bella would be gone by Christmas. I wasn't expecting Kennee and I thought since Addison was a hospice girl, she wouldn't be around long enough to use any goodies.

Well, someone cares enough about this little sweetheart to think of her at Christmas time and sent her a very nice package of all kinds of good, natural treats, a snugly warm pink blanket and a ginger bread man that is a squeaky toy. I am forever grateful to K. M. for thinking of her and loving her enough to send this very nice package.

Tim and I love her with all our hearts and it is nice to see such kindness to this
little baby girl. I was sad knowing that this is most likely her last Christmas but happy that someone really cared to think of her. Here are some pictures of her with her goodies and I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season. Mine was just made perfect by someone else's generosity!!! K, I can not thank you enough and may you be blessed ten fold for this kind act to a special girl!"

Addison has cancer in her sinus and facial bones. She and several other dogs are staying in the care of volunteers in what we call our hospice program. However, next week we are putting a dog on the available page who falls in between hospice and healthy. Her name is Goldie. If you have a soft spot for older dogs, keep an eye out for her bio and see if you might be the right home for this mature girl.

We don't know how much time any of our hospice frogs have, and our foster families just love them for as long as they can. Still, it is extra sweet to know that even the least of our foster dogs are loved from afar. We think these gifts from kind strangers are further evidence of the superior quality of all the volunteers of FBRN, submits

The Frog Princess