Today, Miss Parker Payday celebrates! She earned membership in her new family. Every adoption brings bittersweet moments for the foster parents, but few more than this one.
The new family visited us, we visited them, and Miss Parker Payday chose her future. It “duhn’t” get no better than that! It may take surgery to remove the smiles from her parents’ faces.
Since last week, Miss Parker Payday knew her future. These Bulldog have more senses than we, in so many ways. Last night, she snuggled close on the love seat and kissed me goodbye. I did not cry, but given all the local allergens, my eyeballs sweated a bit.
Our affection for this sweet Bulldog grew daily and we suffer the pangs of her loss. To quote Miss Parker Payday, “I hesitated for a moment when we left, but at the final kiss, I assured you, my foster peeps, that while I was finally in my new home, you would always be my heart’s inspiration.”
Meg and my hearts sang with love and dripped with sorrow as Miss Parker Payday departed. But when she left, she was safely seat belted into safety and comfort.
Miracles do happen. Don’t stop believing!
I joined rescue on Wednesday. It was time for me to go. I’m about 4 years old and I’ve had my share of babies. My ears hurt and there was something going on with some of my teeth.
But the biggest concern was this “thing” on my side. It was a total mystery to me. It also was a mystery to the woman who welcomed me into rescue.
It was a growth. It felt squishy, moved around a lot and kind of looked like there were teeth imprints in it. The kind woman said that she didn’t like the looks or feel of it and I was going to see Dr. Larsen.
And I did. In fact, I took the appointment of another Bulldog who was waiting for surgery. I hope she didn’t mind.
I didn’t expect to have my side shaved, get a 6-inch incision and a long strip of sutures. Oh, or the huge cone to wear.
Let me tell you, when I woke up from surgery, I was a different lady. I had some teeth pulled and my ears packed with medicine. The growth is now gone and I was spayed. I was obviously a little sore all over.
I had some bleeding after my spay and I was wrapped up like a mummy overnight. I guess I had one too many litters of babies.
The growth has been sent off to a lab for diagnosis and I have some pain meds to help with my healing. Thankfully, I got to take the cone off to have a drink of water. I’m kind of a miserable sight!
However, the silver lining to this cloud is my new foster pops, Robert. He grills salmon, cuts up fresh fruit and will make sure I dine on the finer things in life. I already know Robert and I are going to be best friends through my healing process.
5/7/24 Update: Despite all my woes, Lone Star Bulldog Club Rescue has honored me with acceptance. My dogtor treated my many woes and recommended a sojourn at rehabilitation spa Chez Maison Ménard BBnB.
I checked in yesterday about an hour after another guest checked out, having found her furever home. The housekeeping staff hustled to change the sheets and freshen the room.
Upon arrival, I trembled. Trepidation describes my temperament. I fear and distrust humans right now, but I know that will change. Why was I the target of so much misery for so long?
My new foster peeps speak softly and reassuringly to me. They insist that hands were meant to love, not hurt. I need some time to learn the lessons of love. I even suspected the treats prepared by the culinary department, but it won’t take me long to change my mind. My diet consists of soft, wet food and plenty of it.
I will update all y’all soon on my progress.
5/9/24 Update: I summoned the courage to request a foster family meeting because I fear being too much trouble.
My current ills include kidney and urinary tract infections, forcing me to pee all over the place. I know the right thing to do, but often cannot control my excreta. I have a belly incision from stone removal surgery, a 6-inch suture line on my flank for a growth removal and my ears and tail pocket are packed. My incisions must be treated daily.
To complicate matters, I spook at almost everything from the crinkle of a plastic water bottle to the housekeeper’s mop. Perhaps I’ve never known love and doubt human motives.
My foster peeps explained that I am not trouble. In fact, I am a blessing. Lone Star Bulldog Club Rescue stands between Bulldogs and our demise. They are all that we have, and they take that obligation seriously.
Even though my foster parents want to treat more Bulldogs to a loving home, they said that I would be their sole focus until I was better in a few weeks. Then they said that they wanted me and loved me. I could not believe my packed ears! They often tell me what a good girl I am. Wow, I like that.
While I recover, I rest comfortably throughout the house and overnight in the guest suite. I like being outside too.
I believe that this is just the onset of good things to come. For you potential adopters out there, I will be fully recovered and ready for my new home and family later this month. Get your apps in so I can study them on my days off.
5/16/23 Update: Typing with just four digits per fore paw creates some challenges. “Four-tunately,” a proofreader vets my epistles. He also wipes the drool off the keys.
Just a few days after our open kimono family exchange, I have graduated to a greater comfort. I still fear strange noises and devices, but I trust my peeps more, especially my foster mom. They shower me in kindness, affection, nutritious food, comfortable surroundings, and the opportunity to reify my potential. A girl could get accustomed to this life!
Apparent previous abuse issues by a man haunt me so my foster dad and I continue building our trust relationship. I may have never lived inside a home before, but he values me.
My incisions receive daily cleaning and treatment, my ears have been repacked, and my tail pocket too. If you never have smelled that yellow packing goop, good for you. Even though the technique involves invasive insertion of injection syringes, I rested comfortably as they reassured me.
Have you seen my 6-inch suture line on my flank? My treatments keep the wound sterile and medicated. On Thursday, my sutures will be replaced by fur and I can bathe again. Whoo-hoo.
As of next week, I’ll be ready for adoption so I hope you already submitted your application. The last Bulldog foster here lasted less than two weeks, so the rodeo is on!
5/22/24 Update: Whew, what a busy week. “The best laid plans” adage applies. In a relapse, I returned to the vet clinic because my foster peeps worried for me. My Auntie Rebecca assured me on the rides that my future promised only peace and happiness and everyone in Lone Stat Bulldog Club Rescue supported me.
My dogtor detected and surgically removed a bladder stone the size of a jumbo chicken egg, so I stayed overnight! Thus far, I have had more stones removed than a small gravel quarry and have more zip lines installed than a Colorado mountain park.
But best of all, I harbor more hope, confidence and inspiration than ever before in my life. My foster parents continue their medical and nutritional care so that I can concentrate on becoming the Bulldog of your dreams.
A rescue volunteer posted my sojourn at the vet clinic on Facebook, whatever that is. The post spoke about money, whatever that is, contributed for my vet care. What is more, 31 strangers commented about me. Dear Lord, I am just a Bulldog who had no options before Lone Star Bulldog Club Rescue saved me. I need time to absorb all of this kismet.
Recuperating in peace and luxury flattens and shortens the healing curve. The good food rejuvenates my body and spirit. I also enjoy chill pills that calm my anxiety as I learn to appreciate family acceptance.
While recuperating, I am learning about a new concept called love. Before Lone Star Bulldog Club Rescue, I thought that love was a word meaning no score in tennis. My foster parents tell me that that they love me, they stroke and pet me, and assure me about my promising future. Copacetic concept!
Did you see I wear a glove on one paw? Chic, don’t ya think? Peeps apply Animax so I don the sock to keep me from licking off the medicated salve.
Stay tuned for profuse pupdates. Don’t stop believing.
5/30/24 Update: Progress rules the day ~ Io carpe diem, et tu? During our violent hailstorms, my peeps freaked out at the shotgun thunder and shocking lightning in our yard. I maintained composure and reassured them as best I could, given their human limitations.
Foster Dad wants me to play, but we must wait for my wounds to heal. I don’t know what play means, but I want to learn. I have a rope toy for tug-o-war. Foster Dad also wants to play catch and fetch with his tennis ball launcher. I will let you know about the “fetch play” adventure soon. Meanwhile, I keep both toys under my paws.
With my giant bladder stone removed, I only pee outside, and with no blood or contaminants. My dogtor did a good job. I travel the road to recovery.
When strangers appeared in my foster home, I did not spook. My comfort level and confidence accrete daily. My foster peeps believe that I never knew companionship. I might have been a mere chattel kept for producing profitable puppies. I still favor solitude, but my foster parents want my company beside them. I was never wanted before, so we mutually work on achieving this family togetherness.
In other family news, since I pee outside, I’m no longer confined to specific quarters duty. Run of the house describes my privilege level now. Apropos, I have graduated to sleeping in the doggy dormitory beside Foster Dad’s bed. Only three weeks have passed, but family life grows. Who knows what the next three weeks will bring.
Meanwhile, I await to hear more about the approved adoption applicants. Might you be my match?
6/7/24 Update: This week, Foster Mom removed my final set of sutures. The healing ordeal ended successfully. My dogtor declared clearance from the tower so I can fly off toward a future of frolic and frivolity. Foster Dad sys that we will begin with ball games. I must learn all this fun stuff because I never had people who loved me enough to play. I wasn’t sure why Foster Dad rolled the tennis ball toward me, but he vows to keep on rolling on.
I like to position my self strategically to protect and help Foster Dad when he’s in the office. Earning my keep contributes to my self esteem, which still needs some boosting.
I learn quickly. Think of a blank canvas absorbing every splash of color. My intrinsic value as a family member astonishes me. I no longer fear people and crave their affection. No dog will attack me as I eat my sumptuous meals in peace, – no one steals my food. I have tasted bites of chicken, ham, beef, pizza, pasta, scallops, cheese, crêpes au compote des myrtilles (bluets), sword fish, some pastry, and some fruit. My dogtor ordered restricted sweets until my glucose falls. No great shakes! My broth-warmed meals of FreshPet supplemented by table proteins thrill me until new horizons appear.
I star as the poster girl for happiness and relaxation, as cool as cold on ice. I roll over for belly rubs and never resist my peeps’ efforts to help me. As soon as I learn how to kiss, you will find a slobbering zealot.
6/21/24 Update: To all my friends, Although I have not yet become a talented ball player or tug-o-warrior, I have perfected the hide and seek game. You have already seen pix of me hiding in the landscaping. Well, now, I deploy camouflage.
I peek out from behind the white flowers with my white facial markings and brown fur camouflage matching the masonry. The only give away is my red tongue.
Here, I survey the premises for my people. They let me out to do my business, then I roll around in the grass before embarking on exploration of my property. When they call me to come inside, I hide, forcing them to come look for me and find my hiding spot. They always succeed but how I love getting their attention.
Here are some points you’ll want to know:
7/18/24 Update: I approach Mach speed progress in becoming a model Bulldog. I may have an extra helping of a stubbornness gene, but some people say they love that. Admit it!
Speaking about extra helpings, Bastille Day was a couple days ago ~ or as we say in the Chez Maison Ménard BBnB, “Bonne fête nationale de la prise de la Bastille!” In its honor, the Bulldog Happy Hour menu consisted of extra helpings of all plats français. Par example, I dined on French mac n fromage, skirt steak français, Parisienne cantaloupe, and comme dessert, pâtisserie. I never ate in style before. Be prepared, I have acquired gourmet credentials.
In my relaxation moments, I fantasize about my fur-ever home. I enjoy my time in my foster estate’s garden, looking for my adoptive family.
I have matured in the love experience. Upon arrival here, I did not know that I could be loved, so it took some time for acceptance. Now, I welcome love and reciprocate. My fear of men fades with my foster dad because he treats me like a fur daughter.
Finally, while I may not be a full-fledged super star, I wear a cape with style. I only fly when I can change in a phone booth, but where does one find a phone booth these days?
7/25/24 Update: Whew, what a happy girl am I. What luck to have found Lone Star Bulldog Club Rescue!
My foster mom is my heroine. My foster dad wakes me way before dawn, we go out for business, but I wait patiently for my foster mom to feed me.
At night, I become my foster dad’s best friend. I jump onto the sofa and give my foster mom the butt.
My peeps tell me that many families seek my adoption. If they cannot replicate my home experience, no pretenders need apply.
8/2/24 Update: What a good girl am I! Check me out on my new haunt, the love seat. I have fully moved in and embrace home life. Although inside living is new since LSBCR, a girl can adjust to comfort, security, safety, affection, and especially, gourmet food. What is not to like?
I rise with my FD about 5 AM and he immediately takes me out. I know the words, “out, potty.” After business, he says, “house, cookie.”
Then I ignore him until about 7:45 AM when FM rises. I go nuts, break into my happy dance, and generally enamor FM to me.
Then I potty after eating, about mid-morning, after BHH, again mid-afternoon, after dinner, and before bed because I drink a lot. At night, I shift my attention to FD, snuggling, kissing, and loving beside him.
I have grown into the equal opportunity lover; it just depends on the time of day. I have a “whole lotta love” to give.
Big news – my foster peeps say that I have earned a vacation. They shop for a VRBO, or AirBnB, but I want a LSBCR resort.
More than a vacation, I have earned a fur-ever home. Send in your apps, even though my foster peeps will be away. I know their phone and emails and we will get back to you promptly.
8/8/24 Parker Payday is awesome! She is spending some time with us while her foster parents take a much-deserved vacation.
She does a great job of pottying outside and gets along great with others. She is sweet, silly, and is overall, just a delight.
She is a little timid with new noises, but she has come such a long way. We can tell her foster family has worked hard to get her where she is now. Anyone would be lucky to have her!
8/14/24 Update: Parker Payday spent the week day-dreaming of her next home. She’s practically perfect in every way (just like Mary Poppins), and any family would be lucky to have her.
8/29/24 Update: I am late with my back-to-school update, but I have two good excuses.
First, I enjoyed an extended end-of-summer vacation at the House of Hitchcock. What a tour de force to mix and mingle with the multiple other pups they accommodated. My reputation for high intelligence and quick learning facilitated this Aristotelian peripatetic process.
My foster peeps believe that I epitomize the puppy prodigy. After observing how much I learned on vacation, they decided to enroll me in homeschooling and online classes. How exciting.
I study languages and history courses as a homeschooler and take my macroeconomics course online. That way I can stay home and complete my chores and not affect my meals and bedtime schedules.
For my science project, I chose a mathematical model based on historical cost analysis to project future prices, accounting for inflation and supply chain perturbations. The commodity I chose is meat: my favorite! Stay tuned to see my computations, but you’ll need to be up-to-speed in the calculus.
For liberal arts courses, I chose Spanish and Italian, which I will learn audio phonically. That means only audio and no visual reinforcement. I had no idea how exhausting education can be. It makes me want to nap.
I will post further pupdates on my school adventures. Until then, TTFN, or should I say, “Hasta luego,” or maybe even “Ci scriviamo piu tarde!”
