Elwood P. Dowd was surrendered to us by a good Samaritan who took he and his friend Momi in, after learning had been living outdoors for two years. She cared for them for several months and then turned them over to FBRN. He was originally a stud dog from a breeding operation.

In keeping with FBRN's policy of providing what some might consider TMI, here is what his foster mom says about Elwood P. Dowd's health and condition: Elwood has severe dry eye in his right eye and is pretty much blind on that side. His left eye also has dry eye, but it is in the early stages. He will need ointment in both eyes twice a day for the rest of his life to keep things “as is”. This costs about $40/month. His eyes are MUCH better now that they are being cared for! He also has some mild allergies, and his front feet are slightly deformed, with his little toe sitting on top, rather than on the floor. This doesn’t bother him. When Elwood came to us he had infected ears, but those are all cleaned up now. Elwood has “slightly funny” protein levels in his blood but no symptoms, so our vet doesn’t think it’s anything to worry about. He sits as if his back might bother him a little but is otherwise quite mobile and energetic. Maybe he just has a little arthritis? He has beautiful teeth! Elwood is a “little bit on the fragrant side” so he gets digestive enzymes with his meals. They cost about $20 a month and are worth every penny! A raw diet might be good for him, as his stools tend to be a little loose. Elwood has a HUGE tongue and is not a great breather, so he snores quite a bit and you have to watch that he doesn’t get too hot out on walks or rides around town.

Elwood has no experience with children and he startles easily at loud sounds and voices. Recalling the obstreperous ways of our own obnoxious childhoods, we think only homes with children over the age of 12 or 13--about the time kids start peeling off from the rec room and spending all their time behind closed doors--would be good. If you come from the kind of family where a discussion about what is for dinner includes broken crockery and ringing crystal, Elwood's not the frog for you.The ideal home for him would be one in which someone is home most of the day so that he can continue to be consistent with his housebreaking, and so that he can get out and burn off some energy. He is boisterous if crated for long periods of time.

When his foster mom was asked if Elwood likes kitties, her response was: "Yes. For lunch. With squirrels on top." Therefore, we will not place him in a home with pre-existing cats. He's okay with friendly dogs he knows, though when he meets them on a walk he can be a bit aggressive. You should be able to hang on to a lead if you want to adopt this boy.

Elwood is a mellow guy who pretty much sits back and takes his cues from those around him. He is neither dominant nor submissive. He gets very happy when you come in the door and sometimes he gets jazzed up and zooms – but not too often. He really comes alive when you take him for a walk; he loves a brisk pace and we call him “Glue Shoes” when he puts the brakes on to smell something important. He will go and go but you have to watch him for overheating, because he is not the greatest breather. Elwood is sensitive to loud noises and voices and becomes fearful if he senses tension, even if it’s not directed at him. He can be frightened by scary dogs. Because he is blind in his right eye, you should take care not to come up to him too quickly on that side lest you scare him. Every day he becomes more affectionate and trusting. He used to plop at the end of the bed but now he likes to snuggle up closer. He gives sweet kisses.

In terms of training, he ain't got none. He was reported to be a marker in his previous foster home, but has not been a marker in his current onee. He's housetrained, but he doesn't tell you when he needs to go out, so you must be careful about a schedule with Elwood. Here's what his foster mom said about crating: "Elwood does not like the crate. He doesn’t want to go in, but is quiet and doesn’t make a fuss once he is in there. After a couple of days he let us know with his eyes that he wanted us to take the crate away. We did as he asked. We think he may have spent too much time in one in his breeding life. He is not destructive and is housetrained, so there is really no need for a crate."

When it is time to have some fun, Elwood's favorite thing is to patrol the neighborhood with his people. He also enjoys a nice gnaw session on a Nylabone and he will occasionally join the resident goofball Boston Terrier in a caucus race around the house and yard until some grownup calls a halt because he is getting too hot. Elwood enjoys a ride in the car and the opportunity to meet nice, quiet people. He enjoys food.

Here is what his foster mom says she is looking for in a home for Elwood P. Dowd:

A quiet home would be best for Elwood, because although he is mellow by nature, he is quite easily frightened. He doesn’t like loud noises or yelling. Those things make him quake. Kids would be okay if they are quiet and dog-savvy and gentle. He has a funny way of sitting (frogdog style) the way Frenchies lie down – but Elwood does it when he sits, which could indicate he is trying to take pressure off his spine. Easy does it will be best. He is also a bad breather with a large tongue. First time Frenchie owners would be okay, as long as they really do their homework. Elwood has pretty much all the characteristics (and troubles) common to the breed. Allergies, possible spine issues, eyes, ears. Possible palate. But for all that he is an easy keeper and a joy to be around. Sweet dogs okay. No birds or cats. Outside the home workers are ok if they can come home at lunch. Elwood P. Dowd must have two decent walks a day, because that is when he likes to take care of things. He would be a fine co-worker and office dog. We think his tendency to announce things like people on the street, birds in the trees and breezes in the curtains make him unfit for apartment life, but it depends on the apartment, really.

Here are some last words about the Frenchie Elwood P. Dowd:

Elwood P. Dowd is a sweetheart of a guy. He’s had a varied life, some of it sweet, most of it sour, and he has come away pretty much unscathed and seemingly grateful for every kind word and touch. He has a big old head and a sweet graying muzzle and a broad, adorable tush. He hasn’t had anything in the way of obedience training, can be a tugger on the leash and wants to take down all the cats and squirrels. Truth be told, he digs in the sofa pillows a bit, barks at anything that comes by the house and tries to mark every nice plant he sees on his beloved walks. He doesn’t know how to sit or tell you he needs to “go”. He has all the common Frenchie ailments and he’s no kid. But I would trade a lifetime of perfectly trained, perfectly healthy dogs for a little while with Elwood. Elwood P. Dowd is a heartbreaker.

There you go. A total ruffian and a heartbreaker. That's the kind of Frenchie we specialize in here at FBRN. If you want this big headed, wide tushed, unschooled old boy you had better work out a way to get to northwest OR, because he will not be shipped. Not on a bet.