You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen, Comet and Cupid and Donner and Blitzen. But do you recall the most famous reindeer of all? Okay, she’s not a reindeer but Zara is a famous Frenchie in her own right around these parts. She was surrendered to FBRN by a small breeder who says Zara was abandoned at her kennel. Now she’s ready to dash her way into the hearts of a family all her own.

Zara is the most beautiful brindle pied cow dog you ever did see. She’s had a few health issues she needed taken care of while in foster care so her journey to the available page has been a bit longer than some. But you know the saying; good things come to those who wait! And boy is she a bundle of joy wrapped up in a petite body proving what Aesop said; good things come in small packages. But okay, enough of famous sayings and famous reindeer and onto all things Zara!

Before coming into foster care, Zara didn’t know much beyond how to effortlessly look adorable. She has made great strides and now knows some basic commands like “sit,” “down,” and “drop it.” Potty training is still a work in progress but has also really improved in this area. If her subtle cues like standing by the door are missed, she will have accidents inside but her foster family has been taking her out for frequent breaks and accidents are a rare occurrence. However, they must be outside with her to ensure she does go and to make sure she doesn’t revert to an earlier habit of coprophagia (eating her own feces).

Zara is a smart girl and is very food motivated. Her new family should pursue additional training not only to help her improve on her new-found skills but also to provide a great bonding experience for Zara and her forever family. She is an incredibly sweet, energetic girl. She still has puppy-like energy with her zoomies around the house and yard, keeping even her human foster sisters on their toes. She enjoys a short walk around the neighborhood and does really well on leash. Because she has had nares and palate resection for brachycephalic airway syndrome, she must never be walked on a collar, choke chain or any device which tightens around her neck: harness walks only for this little gal.

One of Zara’s most favorite things is her small popcorn stuffed toy and she carries it around the house proudly. She also appreciates naps in a warm sunspot (who doesn’t), chewing on bones and snuggling on the couch watching Grey’s Anatomy with her foster mom. We’re sure she will adapt to whatever binge-worthy shows her new family is into. She is also very social and loves to give kisses. Due to her puppy energy and history of a minor bite, she must never be around very small kids so children 12 and older will be the best match. Too much unbridled energy and unpredictability can cause Zara to become uncomfortable and stressed.

Zara hasn’t lived with other dogs while in foster care but has been around small and large dogs. It doesn’t seem like she has had much canine exposure so slow introductions are a must. She would be happy as an only pet but if an applicant has a patient, neutral pup who could possibly show her the ropes of all things canine, that could work out as well. If her adopter does have a dog at home, Zara must be monitored during all feeding times and when toys are present to prevent any potential altercations.

In true Frenchie fashion, Zara has some allergies which have been well controlled on supplements and regular medicated baths. She can go home to a first-time Frenchie owner but previous dog experience is preferred. A fenced yard might be easiest for Zara’s potty training progress but it’s not required. And while Zara is used to her foster dad working from home, she does well in a crate and could be crated with a midday break for those working outside the home. Crating will definitely prevent mischief and accidents. She could also adapt to an office environment if frequent potty breaks won’t interrupt productivity too much.

Her foster family wants interested parties to know, “Zara is such a special girl. She is so loveable and has brought our house so much joy with her fun-loving personality. While we have loved our time with Zara, we recognize that her forever home will need to be an environment that can help her further develop. She’s made great progress with her potty training but still needs several potty breaks and continued training to help her succeed. We believe Zara would thrive in a home with older children that can provide her space and healthy interactions or a home without children. We want Zara to be her best self with the very best people for her.”

Zara would probably not fare well on an airplane due to her brachycephalic airway syndrome but she does well in the car and will likely watch the world roll by through the window or take a snooze. So if Zara has peaked your interest, apply for her today and plan your trip to Northeast Massachusetts. She will be waiting to greet you with her popcorn stuffy in her mouth.

FBRN does not ship dogs as cargo, so 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.