In memory of Bocci

Here is a picture of our Bocci about two years after we had received her into our home from FBRN. Our old Great Dane Conquistador had died at age 11. Bocci and he had been such good playmates, so we decided to buy her another playmate, a little puppy Great Dane as a companion. Our New puppy Dane is Named Sir Galahad, and Bocci would entertain him for hours on end, as she did with us. We are so heartbroken. This has left such a big whole in our hearts. We miss Bocci's purposeful life of loving everyone and keeping an eye on us. She was such a little busy body always on the go. We gave her a theme song. Do you know the song 'American in Paris?' That was Bocci's theme, as she would run too and fro getting into everybody's business in the household.

In memory of Boo Boo

It is with an extreme sadness that I tell you BooBoo has crossed over In the end, she crashed from a cascading series of events resulting in the diagnosis of systemic lupus.

The worst part is we could not even attempt to treat these new symptoms with the recommended steroids, due to her acute gastro-intestinal disease, which was likely the result of early undiagnosed lupus symptoms. Her anemia got increasingly worse, her urinary tract was infected, she became very lame and when my darling good eater went off her food ... for days, I knew it was time.

My heart is broken. BooBoo never asked for much. She so appreciated her daily alone time for belly rubs and lovin. She was the kindest, most gentle soul I've ever known. It took such a long time for her to feel safe enough to play and romp around the house with the others. My heart soared the first time I watched her join in and roll over on her back with a toy-fourteen months after she came into our lives. I am grateful for her and at peace with giving her that sense of security and belonging in her last years. They were too few for me, but I hope enough for her.

Please accept the balance of BooBoo's adoption fee, plus a little extra, in loving and grateful memory
of her tender soul.
Sincerely,
Theresa Wilson

In memory of Buttercup

Our tiny wonder, Buttercup, sadly passed away after surgery. She was constantly spitting liquid from her lungs and had difficulty receiving adequate oxygen. She was unable to fully enjoy everyday activities, like running after a beloved tennis ball, or going for an evening stroll. FBRN rallied to support Buttercup in her quest for a better life. Unfortunately, although the surgery went well, Buttercup aspirated a day later at the vet's office and was unable to be resuscitated.

Buttercup was truly one of a kind. She had an obsessive zeal for tennis balls, chewing and cuddling them until the balls collapsed. Buttercup believed that TV viewing should be an interactive experience and would wiggle if she liked what was going on, or bark if something inappropriate occurred. We loved watching every quirky movement and showering her with toys. We are reminded of her every time we find one of her treasured toys skillfully hidden in a blanket or under a couch.

In memory of Hilda

It is with a heavy heart that I must tell you that Hilda’s Parade of Hats has come to an abrupt end.

On Tuesday evening she was panting and restless. No better on Wednesday morning, and I took her to emergency and they thought it was a pulled muscle and gave her pain medication. By 7:30 that evening she was losing control of her back legs. Back to emergency and it was decided that she needed a neurologist and we drove to UC Davis arriving at 2:30am. She was immediately scheduled for an MRI and Spinal Tap. Best prognosis compressed discs which would be operable. Not the case.

The Spinal Tap and Ultrasound revealed she was bleeding from 3 places in her spine and would never regain feeling in her legs.

The Surgeon, Dr. King said that she was the 4th Frenchie with this condition and no explanation. While the loss is devastating, I am grateful her suffering was not prolonged. She was the most unique dog we have ever had and never had a short walk. Too many admirers! Everyone that knew her loved her and there was no shortage of Godmothers & fathers.

With Love,
Patti & Laurance

In memory of ZouLou

Dear ZouLou:

When I went to the garden yesterday, I felt you in the sudden gust that rang only the chimes next to me. You're playing your clown games in the woods there. Making noises and calling out to the dogs walking the trails; I see them stop and stare out into nothing. Oh, you wouldn't take no for an answer, charming every dog that came around until they played with you: jumping from tables and couches, squirming behind pillows, gently rapping the old dogs with your paw. You have so much room to play now. I will visit you in winter, and remember how you loved to stay out in the yard. How much time did you have to spend in your basement prison to love the outside the way you do?

We spent so many months together, training, snuggling, trying to break through. You learned so much, and I was so proud of you. How many times did I look into your eyes and see you wanting to trust back and just not being able to? Even in your pictures, it's there. Sad ZouLou, so strong and fragile at the same time. We tried to give you everything. The last gift, freedom from your fears, was the most difficult. You didn't know I let you win the paper towel game that day, when I wadded it into a ball and set in on the table, pretending to look away. SNATCH! You ran with it and tore it to shreds, eating every last bit. And again. SNATCH! Oh, how I wanted to save you, and fix the unfixable. You had so much to give, and taught me many lessons, that I might save another. Sweet ZouLou. I miss your bunny teeth. You're finally at peace.

In memory of Luca

Some of you will remember the 10.5 year old dog coming out of Miami who had to be tested for heartworm before we could take him in. That dog was Luca. Once he tested negative, our FBRN forces rallied to not only take this old dog in but transport him north to us near St. Petersburg.

Luca was a mess. He was plain filthy and reeked of poo. OK, not so bad, we could fix that, but the trouble was much deeper. Luca was going down in the rear.

Luca was also unhappy. We bathed him whilst dodging his growling, snapping attacks. We marveled sadly at the puddle of brown mud that formed around him in our pool. We dried him, inspected him and and tended to his wounds & scrapes. I forgave him when he bit me...

We watched Luca and cared for him for two more days. During those days, he never walked again - all he could do was drag his limp hind legs behind him. I looked into his eyes to see the powerful, playful, handsome guy he must have been once, but he was gone. I like to think this picture is close.

Luca was humanely euthanized and now rests in peace forever in our backyard beside our two girls, Maxine and Cosette.

Run free, Luca, your memory is safe with us,
Amy Griswold & Greg Gabert

In memory of Leo

In Memory: Leo came to us from FRBN as Captain Jack, and a brave sailor he surely was. We renamed him Leo because he walked like a lion, but he still managed to sail away with our hearts. We had the pleasure of having Leo in our family for only a short 15 months before sickness took him away. But they were a wonderful 15 months, filled with love and joy, and we are truly grateful to FRBN for having united us with such a wonderful dog. The Owens Family

In memory of Buster

Buster crossed over the Rainbow Bridge on 5/26/2010, and Oh How I Miss Him!

Where do I even start? My son Anthony rescued Buster along with his sister Babbs from a rescue in Alabama, I was at the time living in another country. However when I arrived home to live with my son I was greeted by Buster. Along came his sister following behind who is 90 percent blind. Immediately Buster and I became very close, I think it was because i had three boys, and Buster was a male Frenchie. He was such a talker, and no matter where i was in the house Bustie was right there with me, he would actually call me to hurry taking a shower, so that he could jump up on my bed for his daily and very long belly rubs, along with his favorite pillow, which will always stay close to my heart as I miss him so very much.

Everyone that passed us by, would be amazed at how adorable and cute Buster was, with his big blue eyes, and his sister always following along. My Buster would just stare at me no matter what I was doing for hours at a time if u let him. Babbs would be there as well, although Babbs is not a lap Frenchie. She is more laid-back and aggressive due to her blindness, but is just as lovable as her brother was. Sometimes Buster would egg her on but he put up with her and always protected her, he didn't mind - that is how my Buster was.

I am trying so very hard to be strong, but for anyone with a Frenchie you know how attached we get to them. I miss him so much, words cannot describe the loss I feel. You think it gets easier as the days go by, but for me, there is a hole in my heart. That's when I grab Busters pillow and remember all the good times we had and usually cry myself to sleep thinking about him.

The past year my health has not been good, and my son fell into very bad times, it became impossible for us to care for my Buster and Babbs so we had to make a very hard decision, which I am regretting every day since. Thankfully, My son found FBRN, and after serious thinking we decided to call and Judy was so very kind, we had to find forever parents that could give Buster and Babbs the attention and Love they so deserved, and please know that we loved them with all our heart. Those 8 years were wonderful, sometimes things happen for a reason. Lucky for us we found a very caring and wonderful foster Mom for Buster and Babbs. I knew immediately that they were in good hands, and would like to thank them especially during this difficult time. What a wonderful job FBRN does.

In closing, I would just say that the days are still hard, I have My Busters remains with me now, Thanks to FBRN, and my memorial of Him and Babbs his sister, who is now on the available page and would love a new home and forever Parents to care and luv her, as I do. Buster is watching over Babbs, and Buster would Love for someone to adopt his sister!

My Buster crossed over the Rainbow Bridge and I miss him so!

I love you Buster, and hold you close to my heart every single night with your favorite pillow that will stay with me for the rest of my life. Please watch over me and Your sister Babbs and we will both join you again one day.
My precious Buster, I love you, Love forever Grandmom Rita

For anyone reading this memorial, please if you are considering adopting think about my Babbs, Buster would luv for you to adopt his Sister as I would.

In memory of Rosebud

Rosebud was my greatest temptation. My teeny tiny foster who came in wobbly, breathing horribly, very allergic, and with a pyometra found a home that made it all worthwhile to give her up. I really think she lived her whole puppy mill life to find her Mommy Suzanne, and it was worth it. Rosebud, whom I named for her size and condition (scared and not quite bloomed), thanks to Linda Troup, was adopted in a home where she went everywhere with the humans, and groomed her brother Jackie just like Murpheee taught her. Jackie passed away suddenly and Rosebud was never quite the same. She recently passed away in her sleep while whispering to Murpheee and Jackie to make sure that they would be ready to meet her.

They were, of course. Now they chase (Rosebud runs a little sideways, fun! fun! fun!) balls of chocolate across clouds of cheese, stopping periodically to look down heaven's portholes to blow us kisses. When you are reading a book or sitting quietly and you suddenly feel a tickle on your cheek, it isn't a floating spider web. It is someone blowing you kisses as only an angel can.

--
Karen Peterson

In memory of Millie

I have some sad news to tell you, Millie died on June 16th. She had a stroke.

She was the best dog we've ever had. I think the following link shows how much love she had and how much she gave to us.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnsEgpoI050

Feel free to post this link on the website if you think it would help anyone who has lost a sweet little Frenchie.

Love, Nancy Shoop and Uncle Bill

In memory of Jazz

Back in 2004, my future husband stopped to pet a Frenchie in the park. He got to chatting with the owner, who just so happened to know of a failed breeding dog that needed a new home. One thing led to another, and he became the proud new guardian of a slightly used French bulldog. She was a ridiculous, smoosh-faced, smelly little thing who was shaky and scared but still willing to give kisses and silly little snorts.

Over the next year, she blossomed into a true city girl, and would strut through the neighborhood like she owned the place. We took her for long walks on the beach, dressed her in silly outfits, and cheered her on as she attempted to eviscerate her beloved stuffed octopus (she never did succeed, but not for lack of trying.) As the years passed, her muzzle got whiter and her bones got creakier, but she never lost her playfulness or love for her people. She ran to greet us when we came home, got underfoot in the kitchen as we tried to cook, jumped in our laps as we sat on the couch, and slept nestled at our feet. What she lacked in smarts (she had a penchant for walking into solid objects) she made up for in personality. And kisses. Lots and lots of kisses.

She was twelve years old when she lost her battle with cancer. She was ours for six of those years, and we loved every minute. Thank you, little dog, for teaching us that life is simple and silly and above all fun. We miss you and love you forever.

~Amber and Brian

In memory of Frodo

Frodo came to his owner Jill as a young pup. When I fostered him, I called him Brady. He and his brother, Troy Brown, (now named Sully) were just a couple of months old when they came into another rescue. Someone very famous had bought them from a pet store in NYC and surrendered them to a rescue in CT. They were then turned over to FBRN.

I fostered them and fell in love with the two of them and found great homes for them both.

Frodo moved to Illinois. His mom, Jill, flew into Bradley Airport to pick him up. She has stayed in touch with me throughout the years.

Frodo was recently diagnosed with cancer and was unselfishly helped by his Mom to cross the Rainbow Bridge.

We all love you Frodo, and you will be missed.
http://newbeginningsdogrescue.org/id116.html

In memory of Missy

Missy was a little girl with attitude to spare. She was dynamite in a small package. You knew when she was in a room because she made sure of it. She was sweet, bossy, lovable and many more things in a tiny Frenchie body. She fought the battle of her life when the diagnosis of cancer came, but in the end it was a fight she couldn’t win. She was a happy girl right up to the end, never losing her personality and still being nosy. She had to know what everyone was doing and couldn’t rest until she had peeked in every door or walked through every room. She touched so many lives and will be missed. R.I.P. Missy, and run free at the Rainbow Bridge with all your friends.

In memory of Rizzo
March 2005-June 2010

Rizzo was truly a gentleman among dogs and knew no strangers. He had a diehard love affair with tennis balls, so much so that we could no longer say the words “ball” (or anything that had “all” in it) or even “round thing” because he knew exactly what we were talking about!

We only had the pleasure of Rizzo in our lives for less than two years, but he was loved, cuddled and hugged to bits on a daily basis. We already miss him more than anyone can imagine. The house is much too quiet without his little huffing and puffing sounds while he slept or got excited.

Always in our hearts and forever in our memories,
Trish, Dave, Marissa & Kailee

In memory of Liberty Belle Filkins

Where do we begin the story of how Miss Liberty Belle changed our lives forever?

Of course it would start with Memorial Day weekend 2009, when we first met Liberty Belle. We all agreed a sleep-in would be a good idea. We knew that first night she would be our little princess and sure enough, Liberty called it and decided the Filkins residence would be her forever home indeed.

We could tell you about how pretty yet polite, or how unassuming yet self-assured she was.

We could tell you about how Liberty would blink her bountiful browns; wiggle her big ears and prance with her front paws all at once when she suspected even the slightest displeasure on our part.

Then again, her methodology for disemboweling and destroying stuffed toys with squeakers to shreds in less than 45 seconds was always amusing, if not a bit disconcerting.

Without a doubt the kisses she would blow, along with that little sigh which would stop you dead in your tracks can't be left out.

We could go on and on ,but while we only had 11 short months of blessed time with Liberty, we can tell you she taught us much more than we can ever give back to her. Things like how delicate and finite life really is, or how unconditional and self-sacrificing love truly feels like. She taught us the importance of a gracious spirit. That same spirit is what carried her through the multiple diseases which riddled her young body and which ultimately took her life. When all else has failed and it seems there is nothing left to offer someone, she taught us the difference between being cured and being healed by the love of those around you. Even as Liberty's time to cross the rainbow ridge into Heaven came, she taught us there is still time to be grateful for what you have.

So, here's to you little Liberty Belle.
We love you and miss you terribly,

Shellie, Scott, LaRue and Louey (the cat)

In memory of Lizzie

Just wanted to let you know our Lizzie decided to move on to a new life. She died in her sleep on a Tuesday, a week ago. She was a happy puppy and had her last meal, her last walk around the yard, and later on in the afternoon, she went to bed and didn't wake up. Her last days, I will cherish the most, for she and I spend an entire two weeks together during my spring break from school. At the end of my break, it was so sweet, she got spoiled during those two weeks for we had spent so much time together that when I had to go back to school, she got demanding and feisty about it. I miss her and I will never forget what a great spirit she was.

In memory of Ollie

I remember the day I met Ollie like it was yesterday. He came in, greeted myself and his future fur sister, Scarlett and that was it…he’d won us over. We called him Oliver most of the time, Ollie for short. He always kept Scarlett on her toes, running back and forth to the toy box until he got her favorite of the moment toy to engage her in a game of tug or chase. Ollie was honestly one of the sweetest dogs I’ve ever known, and he generously loved everyone he met. The sudden loss of him is something I don’t know if I’ll ever completely get over. I still hear him snoring at night and barking at passers by from his comfy place on the couch. I miss waking up in the morning only to see his face just inches from mine, eyes wide open and ready to play. I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have been chosen as his mom even though our time together was much too short. Scarlett and I will deeply miss and always remember that sweet precious boy that captured our hearts.

In Loving Memory of Tyson
January 8, 2002 – April 28, 2010

We first fell for Tyson for his handsome good looks on his FBRN page – soulful brown eyes, distinguished gray muzzle, toothy grin.

We brought Tyson home a few months short of his seventh birthday, on a summer-like Thanksgiving weekend in October 2008. Tyson marked his arrival into his new life by jumping up from the ground and on to the outdoor dinner table just as we were about to sit down to a backyard holiday feast. Tyson, we quickly learned, was more than a pretty face. And we were smitten.

For the next year and a half Tyson continued to brighten our life with his silly antics. Adventuresome and spirited, he loved wrestling with daddy, protecting the backyard from squirrel intruders, hiding bones in the garden dirt, jaunts around the neighbourhood, and stirring up a ruckus with the biggest dogs at the dog park, all alongside his kid sister, Lola (a frog-dog too).

Tyson’s gusto was perfectly tempered by his enormous sweetness. He was a true people dog, and a mama’s boy, always contentedly following us about the house, and snuggling his toasty little self up against us whenever the opportunity presented itself. Especially gentle with our young nieces and little old ladies, Tyson was innately sensitive.

He was unfailing in his adoration for us and his sister Lola, and we for him.

After a very sudden and brief illness, Tyson was diagnosed with malignant histiocytosis, a rare form of cancer; fittingly, given Tyson’s great big presence, one that normally only effects large dogs. With Tyson severely weak with anemia and all treatment options exhausted, we had to say goodbye. Our dear little Mr. T. passed away peacefully, in his daddy’s arms, on April 28, 2010, at the too-young age of 8.

We are forever grateful to the good folks of FBRN, and Sandy and Tom especially, for entrusting us with such a bright, tender soul.

Much love to our good boy Tyson. Until we meet again…
Erin and Darryl

In memory of Kelley

Kelley came to us in May 2008, and immediately stole our hearts. We feel very fortunate that FBRN selected us to adopt Kelley so we could spend the last 20 months with the most incredibly sweet and beautiful brindle pied frenchie.

Kelley was truly the perfect companion. She quickly adjusted to being my sidekick and accompanied me most places every day. She was kind and gentle in nature and was an avid couch potato. There was no doubt that she was thrilled to spend her days in bed, on the couch or in her special bed in my office. She became the mascot at the office and enjoyed her afternoon greetings with our visitors in the lobby. She loved to walk up to each person, and would politely sit at their feet and look up into their eyes. It was her way of saying "Hello, would you please be my friend? Reach out and pat me if you'd like to be my friend." I'd say..."Come on Kell, we've got to get going." And she moved to the next person and repeat her request. It was so precious that anyone was hard pressed to refuse to give her some love. I would joke that I would need to leave the office 15 minutes early, so we could make the rounds in the lobby so I could be home in time for dinner.

On some days I agreed to give her the day off, to nap at home, and I would undoubtedly be asked multiple times, "where's Kelley today?" She truly made and warmed the hearts of many.

Every day Kelley was told several times that she was loved and that she was "sooo pretty and sooo smart", after all, I knew that we had to make up for many days before we met when someone did not treasure her like she so deserved to be treasured.

If I knew she would leave me so soon, I wouldn't change a thing. I never took a moment for granted and gave her the very best of me I could possibly give. Kelley enjoyed the finer things in life: sleeping in bed with down blankets and flannel sheets, limitless naps on the couch, the tv was left on when she was at home, and plenty of treats and table food. Fine fashions were also enjoyed: a Coach brand collar, Fido Fleece, and a custom designed winter coat all came from the heart. She got to have all the wonderful things in life because she never took them for granted and we never took HER for granted.

I'll always long for more time with my most pretty pied girl. We lovingly gave her the very best of love, care, and life we could provide and she forever has our hearts.

We love you Kell Kell, and are sending all our love with you over the bridge.

In Memory of Hercules
Grand in Spirit on Earth and in Heaven
July 16, 2006 - Jan 18, 2010

Such a sensitive boy and an inspiration to all who wish to know unyielding compassion for, and awareness of others no matter the challenges they face!
Hercules was very loved by his mom and dad, Julie & Jason, and sister Aphrodiate. Tenacious always, and so positive, even in March, 2009 when he became paralyzed from a terminal illness; his care and empathy toward Mom & Dad's sorrow never waned.
We miss him lots, but we know he is in a healthier, happier place.

In Memory of Sylvie

I first met Sylvie on December 16th, 2009. She was a perky pied girl, who took no notice of her paralysis. She raced around in AND out of her wheels. My father joked that when he came to visit, she was always the first frenchie to greet him at the door. Sylvie had a heart of gold, and everyone fell in love with her at first glance. Three weeks later, Sylvie was diagnosed with an aggressive, malignant nasal tumor. We were devastated. Sylvie spent the next few months living every day to the fullest. She cuddled in bed every night. She zipped around the park in her wheels. She ate pizza. And cookies. And steak. She learned to use the dog door. She sunbathed. She played with her toys and she was never alone. Sylvie loved life, and I loved life with Sylvie. On April 13th, Sylvie left us. She left this world a better place, teaching us all a lesson in attitude and the triumph of spirit over life's "limitations". I'm a better person for loving you, Sylvie, and you will always have a piece of my heart.

In Memory of Cooper

Tonight I had to say goodbye to my little buddy. Cooper was pushing 14 years old and despite his ever increasing problems, he was his feisty little self through it all.

Last night he stopped eating and began to show signs of discomfort. Today, he worsened. As I struggled to decide what to do, he watched me with those big, gorgeous eyes. Eyes I have peered into hundreds of thousands of times in the last 7 years. Eyes normally full of mischief, cockiness and laughter (usually laughing AT me, I might add) were suddenly sad and afraid. For once, my independent, egocentric, impossibly strong-willed little bully looked at me as if he actually NEEDED me. He made it clear he was ready to say goodbye and he needed me to help him do that.

Out of the thousands of dogs I have dealt with, the hundreds that have come through my home, I have never met a dog like Da Poop. He had more character, more personality, more layers than most humans I have known. He was difficult, he was rude, he was head-strong and God, he was funny. I loved every second he was in my life. From the depths of my heart, thank you FBRN.

I sure hope Heaven is ready for you, little buddy. Give 'em hell.

Cassy

In Memory of Sigmund Frog

We were privileged to have a rescue Frenchie and his name was Sigmund Frog. We recently had to say farewell to him. I have to tell you that he was one of the most incredible little creatures I have ever met. He served two schools, elementary and middle school, as a Dog Counselor. He did such an extraordinary job that he was featured in newspaper articles, 2 TV news reports and had a mention in Just Frenchies. In 2009 he was inducted into the Texas Animal Hall of Fame. He is missed greatly by all that knew him. Thank you, FBRN for all you do. I am truly honored to have had the opportunity to be in his life. Kathryn Moore

In Memory of Grimace

Our baby, Grimace, lost his battle with a fungus that had gotten into his brain on March 9, 2010. He fought as hard as he could, but his brain swelled up too much for his little body. He was so brave, and fought so hard. We could not be more proud of you and the fight you put up, Grimace. We know you fought as hard as you could, baby.

Grimace touched the lives of everyone he met, and was constantly surrounded with love. Those big brown eyes could crack even the most stoic of people. He was a little star at daycare and the pet food store. When we would take him on walks (he was often in his doggie stroller to protect him from the heat), people would always take note of him and how handsome he was. He had the most proud, jaunty walk I’ve ever seen. I don’t know who is going to absorb all that sunshine he used to love to lay in. He was so patient, loving, and kind, and we trusted him in every situation. He was daddy’s little co-pilot every morning on the way to and from doggie daycare. The Jolly Ball was his favorite toy, and despite it being as big as he was, he could pick it up and run with it. He also loved a good chew, and never ever chewed anything he wasn’t supposed to. We always joked that his favorite foods were pills (because they meant he got a Peanut Butter Kong) and goo (he loved yogurt and the afore-mentioned Kong). He was perfect.

Known by many names, including: King Moogy Moogy, Monkey, Grimmy, Grim, Pumpkin, Muffin, Germish-Mermish, Lumpy, and Baby Bean, Grimace won over everyone. Even the nurse operating his oxygen bag right at the very end said that the staff had really loved him and thought he was beautiful, even though they had only spent a short amount of time with him. He was a true French Bulldog, proud, strong, and beautiful.

Grimace, my joy, my angel. My heart and soul are broken, and I do not know how we will find the strength to move forward without you. I cannot believe you are gone. You are irreplaceable, Grimace. I hope you know that. We are so happy that you chose to let us be your parents, and that we got to give you the best life we possibly could. Thank you for spending your all too-short two and a half years with us.

Wherever you are, my little bean, we know you are no longer in pain. Make lots of friends and have fun until we can join you, angel. This is not goodbye, only see you later. Mommy and Daddy love you, honey, and we will always love you. We are proud of you for fighting so hard to stay with us, and we know you had to go. We will miss you forever.

Love always,

Mommy & Daddy

PS Daddy and I are borrowing your lamb and other toys for comfort for a while, but we promise to give them back to you when we see you again.

In Memoriam: Simon-James

I had the pleasure and the honor of fostering the classy and adorable Simon James, a ten year old black and white Pied Frenchie.

Simon was an elder gentleman and a fantastic housemate. If there was a pillow or a soft place, Simon was on it. He loved to just sit in distinction and watch the world go by. Sometime when he was feeling especially spry he would engage my other Frenchie, Albert, in a spirited wrestling match. He loved the dog park. Some days he would find a warm spot in the sun and bask. Other days he would give an energetic (albeit slow) chase of other dogs at play.

Simon was a great friend and a wonderful companion. He brought joy, happiness and a bit of class to my home. I think he even civilized Albert a little. :-)

In memory of Nehemiah

Sadly, Nehemiah has crossed over the Rainbow Bridge while in foster care. We are indebted to his foster parents for giving him love and care while he was entrusted to FBRN.

In memory of Chunky Monkey

Sadly, Chunky was humanely euthanized because he began having continual seizures that could not be stopped.

In memory of Addison

On Jan. 8th, 2010 Tim and I had to say good bye to our little foster Addison (AKA) Adda-girl. She came to FBRN after a rough start in life. She was missing her left eye and had attitude to spare. She had been surrendered after beating up two pugs in her previous home. I couldn't believe this little one could cause anyone harm. She was sweet and loving, and so happy to just cuddle.

Her breathing was the worst I had ever heard. Soon after arriving, she was rushed to the vet with respiratory difficulty and a swollen abdomen. She was brought to a specialist for possible surgery. They had to do an emergency tracheotomy just so she could breathe.

A tumor was found in Addison's nasal cavity. It was removed and sent for a biopsy; unfortunately the biopsy results weren't good. Addison had cancer. It was incurable, and the location made it impossible to do radiation. (Although all that would have done, was perhaps buy her a little time, and she would have lost her good eye.)

We decided that the best thing for Addison would be to bring her home and give her the best care and all our love until she gave us a sign that it was time to let her go. Many others shared in our grief and took Addison under their wings to see that her final days were filled with love. Her Junior FBRN volunteer worked hard to save his money for things for Addison. Other volunteers sent her yummy treats, toys and a soft pink blanket.

Right before Christmas she began to get worse, and we worked hard to keep her going through the holidays. With the help of a specialist we managed to do this, by increasing her medicine and restricting her activity by carrying her everywhere. She remained comfortable and in no pain. On the 6th of Jan. her breathing became worse, but she was not suffering so we waited and hoped. The 7th came and she wasn't any better. On the 8th we knew it was time. She was exhausted from not being able to sleep, and we could see her stomach starting to swell with air. We took her to the clinic and Tim held her in his arms as she peacefully went to sleep. We wrapped her in her soft pink blanket and laid her to rest in our memory garden. R.I.P. sweet Addison, you are forever in our hearts and we miss you very much.

-Your Foster Parents