Last month we had to say goodbye to FBRN Grad Shuggie Lu (Abbe) after 15 wonderful years. More than 5 years ago she was diagnosed with an inoperable mass on her spine. Despite the odds and with great care from the Doctors and Staff at UGA she lived a great life up until her last day. As the disease progressed she lost more and more function of her back legs. She adapted as she traveled with us by stroller or cart. On her stroller rides, she was known for her sensationally fashionable hats.

She was the gentle giant of our crew and was the sweetest Frenchie you would ever meet. She was a sweet spirit that knew no stranger in human form, dog form, or cat form (even if they didn’t want to know her). Abbe was a companion to every Frenchie that we have had in our care. She was the bridge that spanned all of our Frenchies and in many ways was the calm sweet presence that made all of those combinations work. She was our Roxie’s first companion. She welcomed FBRN grad Tonto into our home (though she would rather not have shared the treat line with him). She was there to keep the peace between Roxie and foster Olive. Most recently, she welcomed FBRN grad Lulu Lemon and local Frenchie rescue Aylisch into our home.

Some may remember that she came into FBRN’s care after a mischievous streak that led her to get into some medication of the elderly couple that she lived with. She came to us from a great foster home in Florida with Lisa and lived out her days in Charleston, SC. She loved the beach…the sand and the sunshine but not so much the water.  She also loved her stroller trips “hiking” the mountains of western North Carolina. The mischievous streak never ended.

Abbe was a true treasure in our lives. We will miss the sweet girl.

Ted and Caroline Smith