Fellow Bulldog family, as we shine spotlight on our foster moms, there are never enough words to express the love and devotion that goes into being a foster! Bulldogs are each and every one special and they touch our hearts like we carried them in our womb.
After a month of waiting, and speaking daily to Fernanda on the phone, the Lege family took the four hour journey to pick up Candi. Fernanda had shown her so much love and devotion and it was time for her to move on.
After a few short minutes, from all the excitement of the pouring on of love and affection from their son and the two generous adults, Candi decided that it was to much for her special heart to handle and she suddenly passed away along I-35 in Dallas. She is survived by her foster mom Fernanda and her husband as well as a furry sister.
I cannot say enough of how our “family” pulled together today during a tragic time. Dianne in turn offered Xena to fill the hole that was created in the Lege family. You are all amazing, through all the smiles and tears, some people will never understand why but today as with everyday we see the dedication of a family.
At age 3 Candi Hart had had some babies in her day, but then one day she found herself walking around town in the cold. Nothing looked familiar.
Candi sure was happy when the local animal control saw her and gave her a ride to the shelter. She loved it at the shelter and they loved her. She sat in the office and greeted everyone that came thru the door. The shelter had her spayed and she was settling in well.
At first things were great but then when the shelter closed and everyone went home, she was lonely. Candi Hart decided she wanted a family full-time. She wanted someone to play with her and hold her in their laps at night and watch TV.
It was a sad day indeed when she said good-bye to her shelter friends, turned in her badge, and walked out the door to join rescue. But Candi Hart was ready, ready for a full-time family that wanted a full-time lady to be their everything.
2/27/25 Update: We got Candi Hart as our foster last week. She came to us very shy and scared. She would not leave her kennel and would barely eat.
The first few days she just walked endlessly around the house. Never stopping, she was also doing her business all over the house, especially when it was mealtime, she would pee all around her plate. These behaviors were very concerning. We talked to a vet friend and she informed us that walking like that is a form of stress and a coping mechanism. Probably because she was a breeder bulldog and spent most of her time in a cage and the little time she may have had to be free was very limited so walking was a form of “trying to get tired” to get back to the cage. Also with the food. She marked her food bowl constantly and if you tried to correct her she would shrink and cry waiting for us to do something to her. It was truly such a sad scene.
The days passed by and Candi realized that she could be free and walk around or lay down anywhere she wanted. The passing around the house has stopped significantly. Now she gallops and jumps around the resident bulldog and furniture as a sign of happiness. She is learning how to use the bathroom outside and has had way fewer “accidents” inside.
She has also stopped peeing around her food bowl and knows now that water is not limited and that she doesn’t need to drink so much right away.
We have tried to take her on car rides but she doesn’t like leaving the house. She still gets very scared and shaky every time she steps out of the house. You could leave the door open but she doesn’t dare to leave. We are working on making her feel safe outside, and for her to know that she will always come back to this house.
Candi is flourishing in such a sweet, playful, and joyful bulldog. She is eager to wake up in the morning to go outside and jump around the backyard. She also loves barking outside in the morning kinda like saying “I am here and I have a voice”. She is not a prisoner anymore, She is free and it is so beautiful to see her gaining trust in humans again.
3/7/25 Update: I just wanted to share that I’ve been enjoying my new temporary home! The people here are so kind, and they let me roam around all day if I want to. I have the freedom to walk around, relax on the couch, or even snuggle up in the bed whenever I feel like it. I think it’s been a big change for me, but I’m adjusting little by little.
I still get nervous when I hear loud noises, but my foster mom created a cozy little cave for me in her closet where I can hide and feel safe when I’m anxious. Mealtime is definitely the highlight of my day—my foster mom cooks me homemade meals because I’m a little picky about dry kibble. Overall, I’m learning how to enjoy life more and more, though I still need time to heal from my past.
My next family will need to understand that I’m still working through some things and I can be timid. It’s just something that happens, but thankfully, my foster parents are patient with me and give me the space I need while still showering me with love.
Oh, and here’s some exciting news from this week—I got to chew on a bone, maybe for the first time in my life! I wasn’t sure what to do at first, but my foster dad helped me out, and once I figured it out, I had the best time ever. It was so tasty! I was a very happy girl.
Thank you all for supporting me while I continue on my journey of healing and finding my next home!
3/14/25 Update: Candi Heart had a very good weekend. She’s feeling super comfy in her space and now she’s bouncing around the house like a little superhero on a mission to find toys to “pounce” on!
I’m thrilled to share that she has ditched her secret hideout in the closet and has decided that snuggling in her foster parents’ bed is the place to be—like, all day, every day! She’s caught on that bedtime means yummy bones and treats, and she loves munching on hers while her foster parents chill out watching TV.
Candi is finally figuring out that humans aren’t so scary after all! She’s learning to trust her foster parents to provide love, food and security. Meal times are still the highlight of her day, and she’s even mustering the courage to step out of the garage and strut over to the car. Car rides are still a bit of a thrill ride for her, but the resident bulldog is like her trusty sidekick, helping her feel brave. Plus, she’s discovered the magic of pup-cups at Starbucks, so she gets a little wag of excitement every time that talking box at the drive-thru starts chatting!
Candy Heart is on the right path to success in life, healing her trauma and learning how to be a bulldog. Could you help her succeed? Apply to be match with one of our adorable bulldogs.
4/2/25 Update: Candi Heart is living the dream, snuggling up in bed with her foster parents and turning into the ultimate cuddle machine!
She’s all about chilling in bed, munching on her favorite bones, and soaking up all the pets she can get.
Car rides? Well, they’re still a little too “whoa!” for her, but don’t worry, we’re on it.
We’re also working on her walking skills because this lady hasn’t quite mastered the art of leash strolling yet.
Even though she’s getting better every day, her past still pops up to say “hello,” and it makes her a little nervous in new situations. But let’s be real, this beautiful lady is such a rockstar guest and wins everyone over with her charm!
She’s just hanging out, finishing up her antibiotics so she can fix up some eye issues, and once that’s done, she’ll be ready to find her next family. Keep your eyes peeled!
4/15/25 Update: Candi Hart is living her absolute best foster life surrounded by love and, of course, her favorite thing in the whole wide world: bones! Every evening, she patiently waits for her beloved nighttime bone-and-cuddle session.
She’s also totally vibing with the beautiful weather lately! Daily splash sessions at the lake near her foster home? Yes, please! This girl is 100% an aquatic pup! Watch out, world ~ we’ve got a little mermaid in fur form!
Candi’s got a vet checkup coming up next week, and after that, she’ll be getting an appointment to take care of her eye issues. So be on the lookout and send her all the good vibes and puppy prayers!
Oh! and one more thing: Candi wants to know who else is pumped about the new season of The Last of Us? She’s curling up on the couch to watch it (with one eye open… those monsters are spooky!).
4/23/25 Update: This girl has blossomed into the most confident and beautiful baby.
She is hoping to get her next family in time for summertime splashes!
5/1/25 Update: Candi Hart is doing great and truly thriving! She’s learning to manage her excitement for all the new joys in life—like bones, ice cream, lakeside swims, and long walks. This sweet girl is leaving her neglected past behind and stepping confidently into a future full of love and happiness. As her foster mom, I couldn’t be prouder. Good things are definitely on the way for this beautiful lady!
5/8/25 Update: Candi Hart will soon embark on a new adventure, and it’s bound to be filled with love and bones!
This precious girl has come a long way, and she truly deserves the world. Her foster mama couldn’t be prouder of how far she’s come.
When Candi Hart first arrived, she was shy and scared, unsure of her new surroundings. But with patience, love, and care, she’s blossomed into a joyful and playful companion. From learning to enjoy car rides to discovering the joy of chewing on a bone, Candi Hart is embracing her new life with enthusiasm.
Her journey is a testament to the resilience and love that rescue animals bring into our lives. Candi Hart is ready for her next home, and we can’t wait to see her continue to thrive with a family who will cherish her.
