Let them eat…dog biscuits?

Tyree July 17th, 2008

For the past 19 years, the normally very Southern California beach town of Santa Barbara becomes ‘French for a weekend’ in honor of Bastille Day, the French national holiday celebrated on July 14. This year was no exception as over 20,000 visitors and locals stormed the streets of Santa Barbara, which sported a mock Eiffel Tower and a guillotine alongside street vendors and sidewalk café tables. The culmination of the event, however, was the fabulous Poodle Parade, a promenade of France’s most beloved canine—er, wait a minute, poodles? Where are the French bulldogs??

Why, at the head of the parade of course. In true Frenchie fashion, K-Kid Kirby and his foster sister Beans, not only crashed the party but made sure they were the front-and-center of all the attention. All who caught sight of them were smitten by their wily charms, including French chef, Emmanuelle, who had the two video-taped for an upcoming TV show!

Kirby has boarded the French Bulldog Bus and he is looking for a new home, so if you are thinking of adding that perfect Frenchie ambassador to your life, then you may want to head on over to the French Bulldog Village website and put in an application for Kirby or any of the other wonderful dogs available to the right homes.

If you would like to meet the inimitable Kirby, then come join the French Bulldog Village at the Pooch Parade being held this Sunday, July 20 at the San Buenaventura State Beach Park in Ventura.

Vive le Frenchie!

Lulu, star pupil

Tyree July 16th, 2008

Lulu, a former K-kid and blind since birth, continues to astound and amaze. Her adoptive owner, Vicky, reports that she has now joined the regular training class and is doing great. Her blindness has not prevented her from learning like any other dog in class. The only difference is that instead of using just hand signals, they are using touch with her. She is also learning to walk much better on leash. Good work Lulu and Vicky!

Elroy is no longer singin’ the blues

Tyree July 14th, 2008

Elroy was surrendered to the Village this past weekend after he was returned to the breeder for being unable to fulfill his “manly” obligations. This beautiful fawn boy from Missouri is now roosting at a foster home in Texas. Here is what his foster mom has to say about her latest addition:

He has the happiest disposition you will ever see. He wags his tail and looks up at me with the softest brown eyes. He will also come up to me and lick my hand very quickly, and then run back into his crate, his whole body wiggling. The bottom line on him is that he likes people; he just has no idea what to do with us. He has stepped out of his crate voluntarily and ran around my living room and kitchen, wiggling that big old tail of his. I leave the crate open, then go cook or do something else, and he will come out to find me. I give him a little turkey if he comes to me freely. He eats it and runs off to his crate, then comes back a minute later. Elroy gets along well with other dogs and is already smitten with his foster sister.

He may have a palate problem as his breathing is a bit labored. He will be heading off to the vet tomorrow to have it checked out. We will keep you posted on what we find out!

Vito scoots his way to the Village

Tyree July 2nd, 2008

This handsome fella (love that tongue!) is Vito. He is a 5 year old, 30 pound, brindle & white male who was recently turned over to the care of the Village when he became paralyzed in his rear legs and his owner was no longer able to care for his special needs. Although he does not appear to be in any pain, he does not have any bladder control and will need to have his bladder expressed 3 to 4 times a day. Fortunately, he still has control of his bowels.

Even with the loss of use of his back legs, Vito still exhibits the Frenchie flair for life. He loves to give kisses to everyone and isn’t going to let a little paralysis stop him from playing with his toys or his foster siblings. Vito is currently being fostered by FB Village volunteer Melissa, who also happens to be fostering K-Kid boot-scooter and TV commercial addict, Nanette. Melissa states that she is having a blast watching these two “scooter” themselves around the house, since they both have their own special way of getting about. Vito waddles as he scoots, whereas Nannette hops as she scoots. I see some good video footage coming down the pipeline! Till then, keep on scootin’!!

It’s ALIVE!!

Tyree June 8th, 2008

Hello! And welcome to the very first posting of the French Bulldog Village’s Neighbourhood News. The source for the latest ins and outs, musings, and events going on at the Village, as well as general information on that most adora-bull, if somewhat incorrigi-bull, of all dogs – the French Bulldog.

If you haven’t already done so, please visit our web page and take a gander at all the K-Kids that have found their way to us. The past couple of weeks have been a busy time for our volunteers and there are plenty of new faces in the neighbourhood. While you’re there, don’t forget to check out our Marketplace and our Café Press store. All proceeds from the sale of our items directly benefits the dogs in our care.

Thank you for stopping by and check back often as we will be adding to the blogs in the days ahead!