Yesterday was no ordinary day for me! Instead of the usual morning wrestling match with my fur siblings, foster mom put everyone up early and told me a very special lady was coming from far away—with her own fur babies—for us to meet.
I didn’t totally understand what was happening, but I love everyone (furry or human!), so I was excited! When they arrived—mom, her pups, and even grandparents—I busted out the door to say hello. We played in the yard, got to know each other, and my foster mom shared all kinds of good stuff about me (I mean, of course it was all good!).
They told me how cute I was (accurate), and I figured—why not go home with them and give this whole “forever family” thing a try?
After a long car ride, I arrived at my new home. And guess what? I never have to move again. I’m officially adopted!
Another day in rescue. Another bulldog on the verge of dying that needs medical care. Another bulldog that weights 18 pounds that should weight 40. Another bulldog that was picked up as a stray and no one came forward. Another bulldog that was let go by someone to be someone else’s problem. Another day of scrambling around looking for transportation to the shelter and then to a vet that could x-ray her immediately so we would know that was going on.
Meet Daphne Blake, a bulldog beauty. She has been suffering. She could only eat a spoon full of canned food and drink a couple licks of water. Not even a year old. She was at one time someone’s bulldog baby. Now she is in distress hanging on by a thread. Where is her family?
X-rays revealed she had a long piece of something in her intestine. It looked like a piece of fabric. Think of a puppy like a toddler. They pick up everything, look at it and then put it in their mouth. Often, they will swallow it. We rush to them, dig in their mouth and get it out. Unfortunately, in Daphne’s case there was no one digging in her mouth trying to retrieve the 18-inch piece of material that looked like a pair of child’s tights.
Yesterday she passed the material with the help of a vet. Today she is hungry and can eat and keep the food down. Yesterday another bulldog was saved. Yesterday we made a difference, today we will make a difference. Everyday we will make a difference in the lives of animal welfare.
2/26/25 Update: Daphne Blake is learning the routine in her new foster home. She is gaining some much-needed weight and adjusting well.
3/7/25 Update: When Daphne Blake first came into rescue, she weighed just 17 pounds after swallowing a pair of children’s tights (yikes!). But after a visit with Dr. Larsen today, we’re thrilled to report that this playful girl now weighs a healthy 38 pounds!
Now, surrounded by all her favorite toys (though we suspect she could use a few more), Daphne is living her best life in foster care! She’s scheduled for her spay next Tuesday, and once she’s all healed up, she’ll be ready to find her next home!
This sweet girl is dog- and cat-friendly and has the most lovable, gentle personality. Whether she’s playing with her toys or soaking up attention, she’s always ready to share the love!
Daphne Blake is settling in wonderfully at her foster home! She spends her days wrestling with the other dogs, sharing toys, and enjoying snacks.
She’ll be seeing Dr. Larsen next week for bloodwork and to schedule her spay.
Daphne Blake is almost fully potty trained and still working on her crate training. She’s developed quite the appetite after passing those pesky children’s tights, and as a result, she’s gaining weight and filling out nicely!
5/8/25 Update: Daphne Blake has had a relaxing weekend and is looking forward to her check-in with Dr. Larsen tomorrow—fingers crossed we’ll see some improvement in her kidney function!
She’s been getting subcutaneous fluids three times a week, along with a phosphate binder mixed into her food. As for the prescription kidney diet… Daphne has made it very clear she’s not a fan—neither the dry nor the canned version passed her royal taste test.
So, in true princess fashion, she now dines on freshly cooked ground turkey a couple of times a week, which she happily accepts.
5/15/25 Update: Daphne Blake has officially graduated from renal failure to renal insufficiency.
This may not seem like a big deal, but it is to me, her foster mom.
Dr. Larsen says three more months of fluid therapy and renal diet, then we will retest her kidneys. And she is no longer anemic. Fostering is not always easy, but it is always rewarding.
