12/2/09:
Houdini crossed the rainbow bridge last week. We offer many thanks to his foster family, his supporters and sponsors.

hospice dog

Update 5/509: Houdini was recently diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. His foster mom will care for him for the time he has remaining. Houdini is not in pain, and despite his weight loss, continues to enjoy his life and to play and wrassle with his foster siblings. He remains his old comical, high-energy self. We are very grateful to his foster family and his doctor for their good care of him.

Two things are clear when it comes to Houdini, he is a master at stealing hearts and he is training for the 2012 Summer Olympics. This handsome boy came to FBRN when his devoted mom made the painful decision to find him a new home that could give more time to him. It's very clear that she raised him to be quite the gentleman and wonderful companion. His foster family has spent some quality time with him and feels it is time to begin the search for his forever family.

Houdini is a 4 year old, 25 lb black and white pied frog. He is neutered, with no apparent health problems. He loves kids and would love to have a human sibling, preferably older than 10 years as he is exuberant and loves to share his zest for life with those around him!

A fenced in yard is a MUST for Houdini if his forever home has a yard. Houdini lives up to his name, and is known to be an escape artist. He is adept at using some of the terrier aspects of his heritage, and like a terrier, can jump straight up in the air, often to a height of 5 feet. Someone let him watch the track and field portion of the Olympics this summer. We think he is practicing for the high jump or pole vaulting events at the next Olympics. Houdini can move fast once he does escape, so he needs a secure 6 foot fence to curb his 100 meter dash tendencies. He has a favorite big blue ball to throw around the yard. Maybe the shot-put event is in his future? He could live in an apartment if his family took him on several brisk walks a day to burn off some of his energy.

Houdini needs a family who he can be active with. This is a dog who would enjoy long walks (on a leash!), agility classes or any such physical activity. He walks nicely on a leash, has learned to sit, and is learning to come. Obedience classes would be a great outlet for Houdini, providing an outlet for physical and mental energy. He is not fond of the cold, but his foster family has outfitted him in a stunning collection of outerwear, making him ready to face any environment.

Houdini has nice house manners. He is crate trained and is housebroken. His family may have trained him to use a box to relieve himself, as he will use the bathtub if left alone for extended periods of time.

Unlike some frogs, Houdini likes to swim and it is a good outlet for his energy. He has his own life jacket, but he is a French bulldog and therefore top heavy. He should never be allowed to swim unsupervised, and any pool in his yard should be fenced in.

During Houdini’s down time, he enjoys rocking in a rocking chair on his foster mom’s lap. He watches some TV, his favorite shows include Clifford the Big Red Dog and the Dog Whisperer. His foster mom says he is very, very smart and has an excellent memory.

Despite his high energy level, Houdini really wants to please his family and love them. He promises to be an excellent companion for his new family. He sees life as one big adventure, and would love to take you with him. If you think that you are the right family for Houdini’s new start in life, please fill out an application and send it Houdini’s way. He promises to review each one in between practicing for various track and field events!

Houdini is enjoying the winter in his new clothes in Central Oregon. Plan on coming to get him in person, as he will not be shipped.