Etta James had two different homes before coming to FBRN, neither of which was ready for her puppy energy, and Etta missed some critical moments of socialization and development that stunted both her body and spirit. But now she’s ready to join a forever family!

In FBRN, specialists diagnosed EJ with a luxating patella in her knee, along with some significant muscle atrophy due to lack of exercise in her early months of development. She underwent several evaluations of her back left leg and had many X-rays. Whereas before Etta James would walk or run with her leg lifted, she now places weight on it. The most recent Xray shows considerable improvements to her muscle mass and knee. Her foster family has been diligent with increasing Etta James’ exercise, doing daily stretches with her, and giving her glucosamine supplements. Etta James’ forever family must continue these things and to monitor her knee, and plan for the possibility that she may require surgery in the future (the vet cannot yet determine if she will need surgery, or when.) Potential adopters who have experience with Frenchies (or similar breeds) may be the best match to understand and address Etta’s continuing health needs.

In addition to her luxating patella, Etta James occasionally gets a hot spot—easily addressed. Etta James also eats a grain-free food to prevent any allergy-related skin issues.

Etta James’ future forever family should know that she loves to play, play, play! She loves long walks, hikes, and car rides. Lots of frequent and strenuous daily exercise and stimulation is important for both Etta James’ socialization as well as her health.

Etta would do fine with any active family able to provide her with the stimulation and exercise she needs. She LOVES kids, and seeks them out. She is very gentle and respectful with them. Due to her energy level she is best suited to dog-savvy kids older than 4-5 years, unless they are accustomed to high-energy dogs. Etta James needs a family that will not allow her to dominate people or other dogs.

Etta James loves the company of other dogs, and other dogs’ size and/or gender are not issues for her. She may be a little shy but it doesn't take much time for her to warm up to them. At times, Etta James has displayed some dominant behaviors with the dogs in her foster home, and will attempt to be the boss if she is allowed but has never been aggressive. Etta’s favorite games are “Fetch” and “Keep away" with other dogs. She likes stuffies, chew toys and especially her Kongs. She loves being around people, too!

She knows some basic obedience skills, including sit, stay, leave it, and will wait to eat her food or treats until she has permission. Etta James is highly food motivated!

A home that has a securely fenced yard would be preferable due to Etta James’ high energy and tendency to run when given the opportunity. But if Etta James’ forever home does not have a fenced yard, she walks well on a leash. She must go to a feline-free home.

Etta James likes her crate and calms immediately when she is in it. Etta is completely housebroken and never has accidents.

If someone isn’t most of the day with Etta James, she needs someone to come home mid-day or have a dog walker. If Etta James’ person worked in an environment where she could cause a little ruckus, then she’s your new office mate!

Her foster family has this to say about Etta James: “Etta is an absolute hoot! She makes us laugh on a daily basis with her playfulness and clown-like antics. If we howl like a dog for her she will sing just like Etta James! It's so sad for us to think about her start in life being spent mostly alone in a crate all day without any socialization and exercise. When she came to us, she had no social skills with humans or dogs but has since learned to be a part of a family.

“Etta James is the most inquisitive and curious dog we have ever met. She wants to know what everyone in the house is doing at all times as if she's watching to learn how to do it herself. She would play all day with the resident dogs if she could! It is also very important that her owner(s) be in control, take on the role of pack leader, and demonstrate consistent rules and boundaries with her. Etta James is easy to fall in love with and will bring never-ending entertainment to your home!”

Etta James has stopped bouncing long enough to second her foster mom’s assessment that she is indeed a fantastic dog! Plan a trip to North Carolina, as it simply will not do to even think about shipping this brindle beauty.