We just think she’s neat! It’s Potato, and she’s making her grand debut on the FBRN Available page.

Potato was surrendered to FBRN after she suffered sudden hind end paralysis. Thanks to you, our generous donors and supporters, we were able to take Potato in and give her just what she needed—proper diagnostics, veterinary care, and a loving foster family to guide her on the road to recovery. We are thrilled to announce that Potato has regained her ability to walk on all four legs, and we are hopeful that she will continue to gain strength and mobility in the months to come.

The cause of Potato’s initial paralysis was intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), a condition where material from the cushioning discs between vertebrae presses on the spinal nerve. Potato was not a candidate for surgery, so she was placed on a strict regimen of crate rest and anti-inflammatories. Slowly but surely, Potato regained feeling in her back legs, and went from dragging her back end to walking, albeit still with some hind end weakness. Unfortunately, Potato has not yet regained continence, so for now she is wearing a diaper. She may gain some control over her bladder and bowels in the months to come, but there are no guarantees, and her forever family must be comfortable with the possibility that a diaper will be a lifelong accessory for this sweet girl. Luckily, Potato is a very good girl when it comes to getting changed, and she looks fabulous in her fashionable diaper covers!

Despite everything she’s been through, Potato’s spirit and joie de vivre have not been dampened in the slightest. She is a happy girl who can’t get enough playtime, and her love of toys is unrivalled. Just make sure they’re durable, as Potato is a super chewer! Potato also enjoys slow and easy neighborhood walks, where she can feel the breeze on her sweet smooshy face and the sun on her fur.

Personality-wise, Potato is a sweetheart to the nth degree and more of a follower than a leader. She gets along wonderfully with her foster Frenchie sibling, and would be happy to share her home with an easy-going canine companion who won’t engage her in rough-and-tumble play. And with people, Potato is a certified lovebug who adores every human who crosses her path.

The ideal home for Potato is one with a dedicated, patient family who can support her continued recovery. (If you have experience with special needs pets, be sure to tell us about it in your application!) Potato cannot be allowed to jump off furniture, climb up stairs, or engage in any activity that puts her back at risk of reinjury. If there are children in her adoptive family, they must be old enough to understand and respect her limitations. Potato isn’t particularly fussy about her living situation, so long as it’s full of toys and loving humans, but a home with minimal stairs (or none at all) is preferred. She also needs soft flooring or rugs to ensure that she doesn’t slip. Potato is crate trained and is happy to hang out there for a few hours with a puzzle toy to keep her busy, but it’s also important that she have her diaper changed regularly. So if her people work outside the home, it’s essential that she get a mid-day break for a change (and some playtime!) As far as other animals, Potato would be pleased as punch with a gentle, friendly canine sibling, but since we don’t know how she will react around cats, we have to say no to kitties.

Potato’s foster mom has seen this bright, beautiful girl through thick and thin, and tells us, “From the moment Potato arrived, she has impressed us with her joyful spirit and resilience. Despite everything she has been through, she greets each day with a wagging butt, a toy in her mouth, and an eagerness to play. She may be recovering from IVDD, but it certainly hasn’t dampened her love for life. She is sweet, affectionate, and endlessly entertaining, especially when surrounded by her beloved chew toys. Watching her regain strength and confidence has been incredibly rewarding, and we know she will continue to thrive in a home that offers patience, structure, and lots of love. Potato has so much affection to give, and whoever adopts her will be gaining a loyal, happy companion who truly brightens every room she’s in.”

If you think you have the perfect home for our brave little French fry, we would love to hear from you! We’re accepting applications to adopt, and we know that Potato’s happily-ever-after is out there waiting for her. Just be prepared to travel, as Potato is gnawing away at her toys in New York City, 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.