Gourdie has just received an early Christmas present: his debut on the available page! Let’s see a show of hands from all who have been waiting for this day. This adorable 4-year-old bowling ball came to FBRN from a puppy mill never knowing the ways of inside home living. After some time in foster, he has learned he loves and deserves a future full of creature comforts. He certainly has been enjoying his freedom!

When Gourdie entered FBRN’s care, he was a quite rotund 32 pounds but has since lost a few after being properly diagnosed with and treated for low thyroid. His adopters must be committed to continuing this medication and following up on any necessary lab monitoring. Gourdie’s ears were also in pretty bad shape due to untreated ear infections so they may not be picture perfect, but they definitely give Gourdie a certain “je ne sais quoa.” His hearing flaps must be routinely cleaned and monitored for any recurrence of infection. Gouordie’s eyes are a bit cloudy from past ulcers but his vision doesn’t seem to be affected, and his puppy-dog-eye look is still on point.

Gourdie gets along with dogs and children alike and lives with both in his foster home. He is such a laid-back sweetheart and should do very well in a home with another dog and/or children. Since losing some weight and feeling better, Gourdie has become more energetic. He won’t be running any 5Ks but he enjoys being active. He also likes to lay on you, beside you, play with his foster siblings, and chew on bones. While in foster, he has also been enjoying going to soccer games and park playdates and taking car rides.

Having lived in a crate for most his life, Gourdie is still learning the exact meaning of “house broken”. He hopes his family will be patient with him while he adjusts to his new home and continues to work on his potty training. One thing Gourdie has mastered is the art of “pet me until your arm feels like it might fall off.” This talent is routinely touted as an easy endeavor, but the novice Frenchie eventually gives up when the petting stops. Not Gourdie; he has quickly risen to expert level to ensure he gets maximum ear, head, belly and chest rubs. Nudge, nudge. Puppy dog eyes. Grunt, snort. Nudge, nudge. Start your upper body training now so you’re ready for the long-haul as he is pretty hard to resist.

Gourdie would do well in pretty much any environment. While he would love a yard, it’s not required as long as he gets consistent walks. What he really hopes for is someone who is home most of the day because he loves his humans, especially if they are devoted to petting him. Due to his history, he’d rather not spend much time, if any, in a crate. With some continued training and guidance, he could make a perfect office companion.

His foster mom gives him a glowing report: “Gourdie is a compact bundle of love, softness, and cuddles. He can have a stubborn side [a stubborn Frenchie, never!] so his forever home will have to be patient and continue his training. He loves to sleep in a bed, whether it’s yours or one next to a sibling. He would love to have a sister or brother who would welcome him even when he crowds in front to be first in line out the door, nudges in front for a treat, pushes them aside to get his coat on; well, you get it. Gourdie likes to be first. He doesn’t bark but fully gets his point across with snorts and grunts. I want someone who will be able to take care of him as he ages and is willing to provide for him as a member of the family, mentally and financially. This little hunk of love will warm your heart. He deserves the best from a forever home that will spoil him and show him how life for a dog is truly supposed to be!”

If your strengths include patience, compassion, understanding, and arm strength, you and Gourdie might be a great match. (Personal references from past or present dogs who have enjoyed your prolonged petting skills optional but recommended.) Apply to be his forever family and be ready to continue to show this sweetie what the good life really is! Gourdie might be a bit too big to travel by plane in cabin so plan to travel by car to Virginia because FBRN does not ship dogs as cargo. Adopters are expected to pick up their dogs from their foster family.

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.