Sweet as Paddington and cuddly as Pooh, it’s Bear! This very special boy is on the hunt for a very special home, and we just know the perfect forever family is out there waiting for him.

Bear was found as a stray on the side of a highway. We can’t even imagine how terrified he must have been, but thankfully a kind person picked him up and brought him to the local animal shelter, where he was vaccinated and neutered before being turned over to FBRN.

Unfortunately, Bear suffers from hind leg paralysis, the result of either a spinal injury or IVDD. He doesn’t let it keep him down, and has that Frenchie spunk and joie de vivre that we all know and love! But he does require more care than the average bear (er, dog). He is incontinent, which means he must have his bladder and bowels manually expressed multiple times a day. As long as he gets this necessary help with his toileting, Bear is just about housebroken, although he’s been known to sprinkle a little tinkle when he gets super excited. (But really, who among us hasn’t?)

Along with his paralysis, Bear is also a very heavy breather. It is possible that he has Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome, and he may be a candidate for palate reduction surgery in the future. It is vitally important that Bear be monitored during exercise and hot weather, to ensure he doesn’t overheat. And when he’s out on a least, a harness is a must—never a collar or (heaven forbid) a choke chain.

So yes, Bear is a dog that requires some extra care and dedication. But my goodness, is he worth it—and then some! Bear is an absolute lovebug who carries himself like the prince that he is, and expects, nay demands, a goodly amount of scritchy-scratchies and belly rubs from his people. He is happiest when he is snuggled by his person’s side, although he understands that you can’t always have a Frenchie attached to your ankle, and will happily chew a bone in his playpen while he waits for a cuddle session. Bear also loves playing with other dogs—he’s a submissive little guy who just wants to have fun! The good news is that despite his paralysis, he is able to spinal walk, and will likely be a good candidate for a wheely cart in the future.

The idea home for Bear is one with patient and loving owners, who have the dedication and the know-how to care for a dog who needs extra care and attention. Bear needs someone around the house for most of the day, not only to help with his pottying, but because he loves being around his people. And while he doesn’t love car rides, he’s be absolutely delighted to accompany his person to work! A canine companion or two would also be fantastic for Bear, since he’s never met a dog he hasn’t loved. Bear currently lives with two children and absolutely adores them, but any resident kiddos should be old enough to understand that Bear’s back is very delicate, and that great care must be taken to ensure he doesn’t climb stairs or jump down from furniture. (Also relevant is Bear’s occasional habit of finger nibbling, which his foster mom is working on.) Bear’s new family will preferably have a fenced yard where he can safely play, and they must be willing to bear the time and expense of regular physical therapy and potential BAC surgery. A stair-free home would also be ideal, since Bear is a pretty big boy to be carrying up and down the stairs on a regular basis! Bear has never been exposed to cats, so unfortunately, we have to say no kitties.

Bear’s foster mom wasn’t sure what she had gotten herself into when she agreed to foster a special needs dog, but any doubts have long been erased. She tells us, “Bear, or Mr. Pickles as we call him, is the perfect little gentleman and is looking for a forever family! He would do best in a family that has someone home during the day. He loves kids and other dogs and likes to be in the middle of all of it. If he has been left alone too long, he will let you know about it! He loves to cuddle and play gently– but needs to work on not nibbling his humans! Please be ready to offer him a lot of time and you will have a new best friend.”

Our smoosh-faced teddy Bear has experienced more hardship than a dog ever should, and he deserves a home where he will be loved and cherished. If you think you’ve got what it takes to be Bear’s happily-ever-after, then fill out an application and tell us why. Just be prepared to travel—Bear is enjoying the spring flowers in the beautiful San Francisco Bay Area, and will not be shipped.

FBRN dogs are in foster care in people’s private homes. For the foster families’ safety, we do not disclose specific locations, and we don’t set up meet and greets prior to applications. For detailed information about the dogs in our care, please read the extensive bios on each dog.