Deep down under the rough exterior and grumblings of nine-year-old Ford, there is a loving soul. Like his mechanical namesake he needs a little tune up, some spit and polish. Ford is looking for the master mechanic who can put him on the road to a contented life. Do you have a big, big heart and experience with the bossy, stubborn bulldog nature? Ford could be looking for you.

Prior to coming to FBRN, Ford was living outside in the high desert with a pack of four larger dogs. He was surrendered to us when the pack began picking on him. On arrival he had cuts on his head, evidence that he was being picked on. Fearful and bullying his way through life, his foster mom believes Ford growls as a defense mechanism Deep down he loves to cuddle, and even gives kisses when asked. In the right home with structure and routine she thinks he will settle in and be a nice companion.

Ford did not get along well in his first foster home. He nipped his foster mom on the thumb scraping the skin when she tried to put him in a crate. He also lunged, growled and snapped at her from behind a gate. To be fair, though, he had just been taken into foster care and was probably confused and frightened. Moved to a different foster home, it was just a matter of hours and he was up on the couch snuggling. He needs to feel comfortable with new people before trusting them. Once he approves, he is lovable and cuddly!

A frog of strong opinions, Ford is very clear about his likes and dislikes. His likes include his Nylabones, plush rings, and sunny afternoons. He is comfortable with his fur foster siblings, a Frenchie and a gentle bullmastiff, and doesn’t mind them being near him while he eats. He even lets his foster mom take his food away with no complaint. He has learned to love rides, and sits by the car waiting eagerly for new adventures. He loves the thought of going for walks, but has a bad elbow and weak rear legs which cause him to stumble, tumble and roll. He is not aggressive with strange dogs when out on a walk, choosing to ignore them. He really likes to play tug-of-war with his leash, but has to be told that is not allowed! Ford loves to sit and cuddle.

The list of dislikes is shorter. He sometimes guards his favorite toys. He is not comfortable with strangers until they have earned his trust. Most of all, he really does not like going to the vet’s office. He is very aggressive with the vet and tries to bite the techs. He has cherry eye in both eyes, plus his elbow and leg problems. Proper treatment is difficult because he will not let anyone close to him.

Ford’s little legs will not carry him safely up and down stairs, so his foster momma picks him up. His forever home could be modest or fancy, apartment or mansion – but it should all be on one level so he doesn’t risk a fall. If there is a yard, it should be fenced for this stubborn little beastie with no recall. Because of his unpredictable temperament and his legs which make him vulnerable, an all adult home would be best. Much older, very dog-savvy teens might be alright. He would not be good in an office environment, unless of course you work at home. Then he would gladly keep you company all day long!

Ford is very reliably housebroken so it he would be fine in a home where his people go out to work, as long as someone comes visit him for a midday potty and play break.

Ford’s foster mom tells us this about him, “We were told that Ford has had four different homes in his nine years. I think that is the cause of his unpredictable temperament. He uses his growling as a defense mechanism. I think he has bullied his way through life because of fear. Deep down he loves to cuddle. He is a very good boy - just misunderstood.”

Midwinter is here! The solstice of the seasons signifying rebirth and new beginnings is celebrated by cultures around the world. Okay – maybe that is a bit grandiose for one small dog named Ford. But Ford is ready for a new start of his own, and what better way to celebrate the spirit of the season than to offer him a forever home? The weather is nice in Southern California this time of year. Ford is waiting there for a new beginning with you and will not be shipped.