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.