Ginger Peach, or GP to her friends, came to FBRN as an owner surrender. Fearing Ginger was in need of extensive veterinary care, the owner followed the suggestion of her veterinarian and opted to place her into our care and allow FBRN to work its magic.

Luckily, what was feared to be cancer turned out just to be a benign growth. The lump was removed and biopsy showed it to be a hygroma that probably resulted from some trauma/injury to her leg.

With that health crisis resolved, GP’s major health issue is her ears. At 4 1/2 years old she will go to her new home with 25 plus pages of vet records. Most of her visits were for chronic bacterial and yeast ear infections. Hers ears were cleaned when she was under anesthesia for the cyst removal, and she was given oral antibiotics and drops to clear up a mild infection.

When GP first arrived in foster care she had a pronounced head tilt but it has grown less dramatic. Right now she has limited hearing, but it seems to be improving. She likes to listen to the birds in the morning and can also hear chipmunks and children across the street.

Her ears will need regular cleaning and possibly maintenance drops. GP is now eating a high quality diet free of wheat and corn in hopes of preventing future ear issues. This should be continued in her permanent home.

In terms of personality, GP is busy but not destructive or a pest. She goes in and out the dog door several times an hour just to check on the backyard and maybe chew an old bone on the deck. She likes to be with her humans, but is not clingy. She plays by herself mostly and spends a good part of the day watching the backyard, chasing squirrels, and listening to the birds. She loves to go for walks and explore. Exercise helps her relax. GP loves toys - especially ping-pong balls.

She is great with the older kids in her foster home, but could be too energetic for babies. She is also good with cats. Sometimes she will chase them but it is all in fun (for her.) If she’s not in a playful mood, she is content to let cats rub up against her.

When introduced to new dogs, GP is an odd mix of aggressive and playful. It’s as if she desperately wants to play, but doesn’t quite speak the language to communicate that. She can be too assertive for some dogs, especially small ones. Nonetheless, GP is a good “pack” dog once her position has been established and the routine is familiar. She is very respectful of the other dogs she lives with and really seems to enjoy being with them. In addition, GP needs at least one other dog in her new home as her “ears”.

GP is totally housebroken and loves her dog door. Her foster mom describes it as her “portal to Nirvana.” It’s hard to imagine GP in a house without one. In contrast, GP hates the crate. Put in one, she becomes so anxious she can’t even eat or chew a fresh meaty bone. She may have spent a lot of time confined to a crate in the past. Because she is so well-behaved, she had free roam of her foster home and this was not an issue.

GP can sit and shake a paw, but that is the extent of her obedience training. According to her vet records she will growl when nails are trimmed, however she has been good at her vet visits and very tolerant of home care (ear drops, oral meds, wiping folds, and incision exam). She also hasn’t reacted to any of her foster mom’s tests of poking and prodding and space invasion. She is not toy or food aggressive and is very respectful of other dogs when they are eating or chewing on something.

GP’s new family does not need to be experienced with Frenchies in particular, but absolutely must keep up with her ear maintenance, and provide stimulation for her. GP needs walks and a yard to monitor. Either a family with kids or single person would be fine just as long as they are dog-savvy and include her in their daily activities.

GP is not a dog you who can be happy parked at home alone for long periods of time. And owner who is home all day would be best, and someone who works but can give her a lunch break would do. GP would also make an excellent office dog. She travels well, likes to explore, and would enjoy the responsibility of holding down a respectable job. GP must have a dog door attached to a house on one end and a fenced yard on the other. Her greatest joy is to be free to roam and watch nature.

GP’s foster mom has this to add:

“Ginger Peach has an envious zest for life and is a model foster. She is looking for a true human companion, someone she can trust. GP is a quick learner and works hard to please. GP’s new owner needs to be someone that likes to walk and explore and toss a ping pong ball. GP is not an overly effusive “in your lap/face” Frenchie, but she does like to be with you and is very happy to see you when you return home. She doesn’t have to sleep in the bed and is OK being on the floor next to you. GP is a beautiful Frenchie and has a lovely coat. My favorite thing about her is how much she loves the back yard. She watches it like some people watch TV. I keep the door wide open for her.”

Ginger Peach would love to make your backyard her new playground. She’s enjoying the Minnesota summer right now and will not be shipped.