In memory of Magic

Magic was a shy young Frenchie surrendered as one of the "Georgia Three" by an owner who said he could no longer care for his dogs. All three came into FBRN's care in a state of pretty advanced neglect, and we were grateful for the opportunity to give them a chance at a better life. Magic was the youngest, at 1 1/2 years old, and was a big boy. On his first visit to the vet his immediate needs were addressed - he was bathed, his hot spots soothed and medicated, his fleas removed, and his overgrown toenails were clipped. He left there looking (and feeling) a whole lot better. He went back for a routine neuter surgery, and, as can sometimes happen with our breed, had a difficult time under anesthesia.

Though the proper protocol was followed and care was taken to protect his airways, Magic went into cardiac arrest shortly after surgery, and he did not recover.

Magic was too young to die. He was on the cusp of a new and better life, a life we felt we could give him. We are deeply saddened and defeated by this loss. Hold your dogs closer and remember poor Magic.

He was too young to die.

In memory of Gabby Shapiro

Gabby joined our family soon after her fourth birthday in the summer of 1999. She is the second (and not the last) Frenchie we adopted through FBRN.

I always knew my day would be a great one, when I heard the pitter patter of Gabby’s nails on the wood floors as she ascended the steps to wake me up each morning. Since I work from home, Gabby was my companion 24/7. She was the perfect office mate – quiet and not nosy. She would let me know when we needed to take lunch and snack breaks, and when we just needed to get outside for some fresh air. Gabby was also an excellent companion to my husband, Jonathan. She would keep him company in the morning while he drank coffee and read the newspaper. She was also a vigilant watchdog and friend to her two human sisters, Emma and Molly.

Although we lost a warm and loving friend and family member on October 19, 2008, we thank Gabby for allowing us to share nine of her 13 years with us.

Ilyse, Jonathan, Emma and Molly Shapiro

Wynnewood, PA

In memory of Stuart

It has taken me some time, but I am finally able to let you all know that we lost our Stuart (formerly known as Scooter) this past May. We adopted Stuart from FBRN in 2006. He had a spinal cord injury and was unable to use his back legs functionally. As a special education teacher, I knew the first time I saw him on the Available page that he was meant to be a part of our family. He was a joy from the minute he came running toward me in the driveway of his foster home! He was ALWAYS happy to see anyone and everyone who entered our house, or who we ran into when we were out. He would get every single toy he had out and bring it over to our guests- he was such a great host! He would give his Frenchie Brother Oliver a hard time when it came to food and toys, but when it came to love he was all heart.

Stuart never knew he had a disability. He was on the move from sun up to sun down! He was the only one of our three boys who would leave the yard when we were outside! He loved to explore the world around him. We live on about 6 1/2 acres, and when we were out Stuart would take the first opportunity he got to "run" full speed ahead down our front hill or into the woods beside our house! He was always looking behind him to see how far he'd get before we caught up with him! He was a hoot!

He had lots of belly bands that he wore around the house, but he had special "dress pants" he would wear if we were going to visit someone! He knew as soon as I got his dress pants out that we were going somewhere and he would get so excited! Hopping around and smiling ear to ear! Every day was a delight with Stuart in it.

It has been a difficult year for us, as I lost my Dad to cancer in February and then lost my Stuart to respiratory distress in May. Friends have comforted me by saying, "Dad needed him more than you." I hope they are enjoying each others company, but I miss them both terribly.

Thank you to all my fellow adoptive parents. I know your life is being touched in a very special way because you took the time to love someone who loves you unconditionally.

In Loving memory of Angel May Stephens

Angel was a star that truly shined bright, even though for a short time.

After many years of never having a dog, the kids finally convinced mom and dad to get one. Our oldest daughter took her allowance and they found Angel as a small puppy with a too big head in a cage at an open air pet market in South Korea. No papers, just a puppy. They brought her home and dad asked, “What kind of dog is that?” It’s a French Bulldog, “Never heard of them”, dad answered.

From the beginning Angel won everyone’s heart.

Working on an Army post just south of the DMZ, Angel went with dad to work often and the GI’s loved her. She went everywhere looking for new friends and wandered off many times, but always someone called dad and said “We found Angel.” Another common phrase from homesick GI’s was “I miss my dog back home.” And after a while it was often, said, “Angel is the most famous dog on Camp Casey.”

Angel was not only friendly, playful, and fun-loving, she was smart. Angel had a full bag of tricks: sit, speak, stand up, jump, rollover, and even ballerina with a quick spin standing on her hind legs. Never forget it though, Angel was a kids dog, always going to them; and that was her favorite place to sleep. She was always at the dinner table too, with a small whimper or whine just to let you know she was there. Angel traveled everywhere with her family, from the beaches of the Pacific Ocean all the way to Georgia when they transferred back to the states. In Korea Angel lived in a high rise apartment and looked out upon the world. Now Angel had her own yard and she would bark at the neighbor dogs through the fence as if saying, “I am Angel Dog, look at me!”

There is so much to say about Angel. She loved life, she loved everyone, and she is greatly missed.

In Memory of Sorbet

Sorbet, Sorbet, had a long journey home Sorbet, Sorbet, was sweet to the bone Sorbet, Sorbet, has passed away But we will remember her to this day by FBRN junior volunteer, Cecilia

Sorbet was surrendered to us in terrible condition. She was less than two years old and suffered an untreated seizure disorder. Any time she was picked up or there was too much excitement, she was subject to a seizure. This disorder did not prevent the puppy mill owners from having her bred and producing puppies. When Sorbet was surrendered, she had a seizure, she aspirated vomit, and she developed pneumonia. Her foster parents had her only a few hours before she was in the ER, unable to breathe. She died having known less than a day of freedom. We deeply resent the loss of this young dog, and we regret that she did not have a chance to know more love, more care, and more life.

Following Sorbet's death, her foster mom wrote FBRN's volunteers, saying:
...as sick as little Sorbet was during the brief time she was at our home, wouldn't you know it...Theo and I both took turns gently massaging her and she crawled right up onto each of us for more. We're very sad and sorry that we didn't get to know her better, and see her as the healthy, happy Frenchie she so deserved to be.

In Memory of Athena

Athena was my foster for only one month. She died after coming out of anesthesia for surgery to remove a mass that was pressing on her rectum. Her heart stopped and she could not be revived, despite the efforts of a highly competent and trusted veterinarian and his staff. Athena was 8 years old and originally from a puppy mill. She was purchased by a breeder who surrendered her to FBRN when her last litter of one pup failed to survive. Athena was tired and scared when she arrived at our house. She cowered in the back of her crate and avoided all attempts to coax her out. I let Athena hide for 3 days and then I put the crate away. I told her we were good people and it was a beautiful day outside. Her first days out she was like a crab at the beach, always wary and scurrying away a few feet ahead of us; then the distance closed. Athena was true to her breed, and the pull to sit on a lap and hear another’s heartbeat was overwhelming. We all held and cuddled Athena and she luxuriated in the attention. When we returned home she barked with joy, did zoomies and licked our fingers. Close friends insisted that we adopt this one. My husband proclaimed her flawless. Athena regained her health faster than any of my other fosters. She put on weight and muscle, her appetite was robust and she was happy. We marveled as 8 year old Athena reversed time and grew younger, not older. She started to play like a puppy and loved to tug on the straps of my bike bag. Athena mined the flotsam and jetsam of my son’s room for little plastic things that she’d carry around and collect in her bed. Her favorite was a pink and blue gecko. She became very close to our Frenchie Gigi. They spent the day napping together or exploring the underbrush of the backyard. Athena loved to be outside. She watched the birds, chased the chipmunks and danced after butterflies. She stayed out in the rain, and wind and dark. (I have had Frenchies I had to take out in the rain, but never one I had to bring in from the rain.) At night I’d go out with a flashlight to bring Athena in for bed. Often I’d find her sitting with a cat just listening to the night. Athena was ethereal in moonlight. Athena is why I foster. There are those of my species that have cruelly betrayed the dog and I feel the need to make amends. Despite her years of abuse, Athena held no grudge. When I dropped Athena off at the vet’s I kissed her (twice) and told her not to worry and that I would be back to get her. My daughter and I buried Athena in the rain under the moonflowers in the garden she loved.

Rebecca Merica
10-23-08

In Memory of Milo

Milo died quietly in our arms on September 25, 2008 after a brief and sudden illness. He was a wonderful dog and a joy in every way and he is greatly missed.

We adopted Milo from FBRN in August 2004, and then spent every day after smiling and laughing at his antics. He loved to be around people, all people—his people, your people, random people, didn’t matter. Whenever he was in a crowd, he’d dart from person to person just long enough for a pat and maybe an ear scratch before moving on to the next supplicant. It’s hard to understand how anyone could neglect such a loving and personable dog for eight years, but Milo made it up for that lost time by cramming as much people-time as possible into his last four. He was loved and adored by almost everyone he met. Those few curmudgeonly non-dog people who didn’t want to stop and love on him just like everyone else confused him greatly.

He had such an expressive face that it was hard not to ascribe emotions and thoughts to the various looks he would give us. The quizzical face that asked, “Why doesn’t that mean old man want to pet me?” The expectant look that insisted, “That’s a treat, isn’t it? Can I have it? I’d really like a treat. Give it to me, please.” The oh-so-sad puppy-dog eyes that said, “Why is that computer in your lap and not me?” The insistent look that exclaimed, “I’ve waited too long and I must go out now. Now!” The sleepy, droopy-eyed look that mumbled, “Shhh, don’t talk to me right now, I’m napping.” The satisfied upside-down look that sighed, “Ah, belly rubs and wallerin’—that’s good stuff.” And the contented and happy look that he wore upon his handsome mug as he snuggled down between us every night.

Milo was a man of many monikers: his foster mom Kate dubbed him Mr. Squishy, the doctors and staff at the vet’s office rechristened him Big M, and he was known around here variously as Milosch, Milosevic, Milo-san, Stinky McStinkerson, Bratley, Drippy, Drooly, Mileage, and the Milonator. He was a true character with oodles of personality and our house echoes with the silence of his absence. We will cherish his memory always and we are so grateful to have been lucky enough to get to spend four fabulous years with Milo the Magnificent.

Milo's mom wrote a wonderful tribute to him on her blog:
http://heylookachicken.blogspot.com/2008/10/milo-my-love.html

In Memory of Ginger Rogers

It is with a heavy heart and many tears that I inform the FBRN community that Ginger has passed away. Ginger Rogers was a member of the Deli Dozen, 12 neglected Frenchies that were surrendered by their owner in June of 2003. She was the eldest of the group at 5 years old, and was in the worst shape both physically and emotionally. She was my first FBRN foster, and in October 2003 she became a permanent member of our home. We named her Ginger Rogers because she would sit up and wave her front paws, and if you were lucky she'd twist her head and tap her back legs. Yes, definitely multi-talented and oh, so, cute. And, no, I didn't train her to do this, she came this way! How could I resist!

Ginger had a laundry list of physical problems and we tackled them one by one. I learned more from her than from any dog I ever had the pleasure of sharing a home with. Through her I was introduced to holistic, homeopathic, raw foods, etc. and met so many good and caring people along the way. Ginger's many health issues benefited from our research and she also made friends in this journey. Ginger initially was a fearful dog and would bite, although she never bit me. The trust began the day she arrived and I never let her down. She had her moments, and it was my job to always keep her safe.

Although somewhat limited by her poor socialization we managed to attend pet walks, photo shoots, the New England Frenchie Social (twice!), and le creme de le creme, the 2006 French Bulldog National Speciality in Gatlinburg, TN. My family thought I was a bit crazy to take her to TN, but we were ready for adventure. Ginger did fabulous and participated in both the Rescue Parade and the Costume Contest (tied for 3rd place!), and even worked the FBRN booth. We had a fantastic time meeting as many folks as she could handle, and I was so proud of her!

Ginger was my constant companion and friend. She ignored all others and only had eyes for me. We were the sun and moon to each other and I am so grateful that she came into my life. I will love and miss her every day...

Nancy and Dale/NY

In Memory of Tasha 1993-2008

Tasha came to FBRN in April 2007 by a circuitous route, surrendered to an all-breed shelter. The shelter thought she was “old”, eight or nine. An ever-vigilant FBRN “shelter-watcher” discovered her, and she was whisked away to a foster home with Frenchie and Boxer siblings. While she was there FBRN discovered she was tattooed, and using that information found she was an AKC champion and that she was much older than originally thought, thirteen and a half years! Given the typical Frenchie lifespan, she was already on borrowed time.

But she was apparently healthy, except for her grotty teeth. Her original foster mom and I think she was well cared for and loved most of her life, but that something happened to her owners. Since she came with clumps of hair cut out and a large pink MagicMarker heart on her belly, we suspect she ended up in a family with young children. A lady of distinguished age does not have to tolerate such indignaties! We all know Frenchies “talk”, but this gal had a unique, piercing “turkey call” that allowed her to alert the humans whenever her immediate needs were not being met. She quickly won the heart of her foster mom and the FBRN Board of Directors.

Given her advanced age, the Board looked for a volunteer that would provide a loving home rather than putting her through the routine adoption process. I was so happy to be chosen, and she joined our family two weeks after coming into FBRN. Making the frightening decision to anesthetize her to take care of her teeth was a committee decision, prompted by the opinions of three veterinarians. She came through like the champion she was. In the 15 months she graced our family she faced many health issues, always with strength and courage, she was a fighter who wanted to live.

Tasha formed strong bonds with all the Frenchies, but most especially Peg, my rescue 11 year old who had a leg amputated last August. What a pair these two old ladies were! They loved each other, they loved nylabones and stuffies, treats and dinner, riding in the van, sleeping on the bed, and me. They loved life!

Tasha celebrated her 14th birthday in style, but started to decline several months later. She had made her public debut at the 2007 New England Frenchie Social, and made an encore appearance in 2008. After that, we had a nightly discussion during cuddle time, she was to let me know when she was ready to leave her debilitated body. Like so many of us, I think I refused to listen, but in June, when her turkey call diminished to a croak and her eyes lost their sparkle, I knew it was time. Cradled in my arms, she peacefully crossed the bridge.

I do not think she is waiting for me, I believe she has joyfully reunited with the family that loved her for so many years. So au revoir, my sweet lady, thank you for blessing our lives, even for a short time. You will never be forgotten.

In Memory of Tuffy

Sadly our sweet Frenchie, Tuffy, died peacefully at the University of Missouri Small Animal Hospital on July 20, 2008, after a brief but intense battle with lymphoma.

She was a true ambassador for the breed. Her gregarious personality belied the tough circumstances she experienced most of her life as a breeder in a puppy mill operation. FBRN rescued her in 2006 and she found her way to our home in July of that year.

The final two years of Tuffy's life were very happy. She most enjoyed patrolling the back yard, but would occasionally outsource the heavy lifting to her half-breed Frenchie sibling, Mr. Chips! (particularly if she detected the promise of a fallen crumb). She had a voracious appetite and developed a tendency to dance, excitedly, before dinner in a manner reminiscent of Michael Jackson in the music video "Thriller." She hated thunder, fireworks and other loud noises and tended to run upstairs to hide under the covers when she heard them. At all other times she demanded to be carried up them and let her owners know it by standing in the foyer at the base of the stairs and barking. A very outgoing dog, she loved people, but eyed children cautiously. She could most reliably be found in her master's lap, receiving belly scratches. She loved Project Runway, but snored through most Kansas City Royals games.

Tuffy was known by many names; T-Bird, Tuffy-Bird, the Tuffinator, Baroness von Tuffenheimer. She is survived by Mr. Chips!, Wilbur, also a FBRN grad, and Gray Kitty from next door, who tormented her along the fence line. Her owners sorely miss her and are grateful to FBRN for their commitment to rescuing and rehoming these amazing creatures.
Maurice Manring and Michele McFadden, Columbia, MO.

In Memory of Chester
1997-2008

Chester became part of our family on Mother's Day 2006. What a wonderful gift. He had a red bow on his neck when we went to pick him up at his foster home. We couldn't believe that Cowboy Chet was really ours, we were so happy. Sadly, Chester passed away on Friday morning August 1, 2008. He woke up having a seizure and was rushed to the vet. They were unable to stop the seizure and after over an hour we had to make the painful decision to let him go. Chester was our LOVE. He was a crazy, funny old man that made us laugh everyday. He always "needed " his mom and if I sat down anywhere in the house he would be right there, climbing in my lap for me to hold him. I would cradle him like a baby. His tongue would stick out (as it always did) and he would puff his lips and blow air out at me and I would do it back at him over and over again and he would just look at me with his cloudy eyes and you just knew how much he loved you. He would walk around the house looking to make sure I was home and that would make everything o.k. He couldn't see well but he always knew when he found his mom. If he was alone in a room and we were still in the house he would moan and make all these crazy little sounds just so someone would look in on him and if we didn't go over to him and grab his little face and give him a kiss, the noises just continued. But of course we couln't help but oblige him because he was so darn cute. On grocery shopping day he would be in the kitchen ready to inspect every bag. He would put his head in each bag, never taking anything out but needing to sniff and inspect each item. His vision was bad and he couldn't hear but he had a keen sense of smell and enjoyed smelling new things. He loved to sniff the fresh cut roses we would bring in from the yard, his little nose would wiggle like crazy. He loved to go to the beach and even though his legs were wobbly and getting around was a chore for Chester, he insisted on climbing over the driftwood. He reminded me of a little bulldozer plowing his way over the logs.

We have so many terrific memories of our Chetty Ray. He was 11 years old and I wish he had been ours to love his entire life. We feel so blessed as a family to have been given the opportunity to be his final home. The pain we feel in losing Chester seems like it will last forever. As time goes on it will be easier. The pain will go away but our memories of him will last forever. I would tell him,"Chetty Ray, you're the "bestest" boy ever". And that he was!

We love you Manny!
Mom, Dad, Nick, Chloe and Caroline

In Memory of Caleb

Caleb was the kind of dog you had to love. I was lucky enough to meet him when I came up to my grandparents for summer vacation. We fell in love almost right away. Every morning he would come into my room to wake me up with his little kisses. After he had his surgery you could tell just by looking at him that he felt better. Caleb was doing so well and we thought he would get better and be able to move on.

Unfortunately, two weeks later we lost Caleb to a sudden complication from the surgery. We all miss him so much and he will live in our hearts forever.

In Memory of Fred

1997 -2008

Three years ago my family won the dog lottery when we adopted 8 year old Fred and 7 year old George together from the French Bulldog Rescue Network. When their loving owner had become too infirm to care for them, the wonderful volunteers at FBRN opened their collective embrace to these two senior citizen canines until they came to our forever home with us. Some said the dogs won the lottery too.

These two dear old guys came to us after we had recently lost two loyal rescue companions, a 17 year old Schnauzer and a 15 year old Corgi. Their Frenchie sister, Bette, also a rescue, was a little lonesome. Actually, that probably isn’t quite true. We were the lonesome ones because Bette always thought she was the only dog…but she quickly came to love her new buddies.

Fred and George have been a delight in our lives with their sweet nature, quirky endearing habits and the abundant love shared unconditionally with us all.

Dear angel face Fred crossed the rainbow bridge last week, and there is a hole in our hearts that will be tough to fill. He packed more love into the past 3 years than we could have ever imagined.

Our first days with George and Fred involved a cross country roadtrip to Chicago from their Frenchie foster home in Virginia. There was an overnight stop in Pittsburgh where a four star hotel put out the welcome mat for all of us. Fred and George balked at the gilded revolving doors at first but welcomed being carried over the threshold to all that luxury. Fred and George snuggled into our bed that night and straight to our hearts. They didn’t miss a night in our bed since.

Fred and George, along with Bette, knew every cushy spot at both our weekend home in the Indiana Dunes on Lake Michigan and our suburban Chicago home. They all loved going to the office with us and endeared themselves to our dog loving and tolerant co-workers.Fred had the most adorable habit of “dancing in circles” whenever he was excited. Everyone who knew him loved that little dance and the polite little showman put on all the theatrics whenever he was asked. He also liked pizza crust and was intent on getting his share when we had ours. He would stand near the kitchen counter, look up and bark until he got his treat.

We’re all grieving today, especially George. We’ve shared our lives, our hearts and our beds with numerous dogs and a cat, but losing one never gets easier. It is a hard day here and I miss that little guy terribly.

In Memory of Sadie

Our beautiful girl Sadie has crossed the Bridge.

She came to us the year before last, and was fostered through a tough time. An enormous tumor was removed from her abdomen, which proved to our delight and rejoicing to be benign. Sweet Sadie was eventually adopted, but when the resident dog didn't care for her, she returned to her foster family, who joyfully took her back and adopted her themselves.

Sadie came back to her foster family and her siblings as if she'd been on a swell vacation! And she fit right in and was happy, and she made her family whole.

We were very sad to learn this spring that Sadie had been diagnosed with lymphoma. Despite chemotherapy and research and the best care that could be provided, Sadie was fading. Her family made the decision to give her peace and an end to her pain.

Our beautiful, funny, dancing Sadie is waiting for us, doing pirouettes in her tutu on the far side of the Bridge. We'll see her there someday.