Clownish, playful, loyal, sweet – Issy exemplifies the lexicon of endearing Frenchie qualities. Whether she is reaching with her tongue to lick a snowflake off her nose or snuggling on the couch for a night of TIVO, Issy is a cream-colored dream of a girl. Like many of FBRN’s special needs frogs, she has survived a bad beginning with her heart and spirit intact. You see, at four years old Issy is in her fourth home.

In her first two homes, Issy lived outside as a 'breeder' dog. That she survived this ordeal is particularly remarkable because she has a host of medical problems. It is also remarkable that anyone would consider breeding a dog with her problems. Her third home tried to help, but could no longer afford the medical bills. She turned to FBRN for assistance, and we were happy to take Issy in.

What is Issy all about? She’s an endearingly nosy little busybody who likes to follow her foster mom around. She plays with her toys (Mad Awful Kitty is a favorite) or chews on a hoof, keeping herself entertained. She loves to sleep, especially when snuggled up with her foster sister, a pug puppy. Having lived outdoors all her life, she is just getting used to some of the niceties of indoor life. Although she enjoys going for a walk, she prefers flying in and out of the doggy door on her own to take care of business. She is learning “take nice”, but plays rough. If you lean in too close for a kiss when she is playing, she can leap up and nip in excitement.

What are her medical issues? Issy has a cluster seizure disorder; megaesophagus; severe year-round allergies; past aspiration pneumonia; and recurrent bacterial infections between her toes, on her feet, on her chin and around her vulva.

What does this mean in terms of care? As her foster mom says, “She has special requirements that cannot be ignored. Her forever family must be able to make a significant commitment in terms of time and money. Her family must be Frenchie-experienced and preferably experienced with seizures. Issy’s seizures come close together, are violent, and are scary to see.”

Specifically, Issy’s medical regimen is as follows: “She gets her meds early in the morning at approximately 6:00 am and again at dinner time. She is on Phenobarbital, an antihistamine and Pepcid twice daily. One missed dose could cause her to seize. The family must be comfortable with administering Valium rectally if she were to have seizure. Hospitalization for her last round of cluster seizures ran in excess of $500.00 [in Missouri]. She needs to be placed in a home within no more than two minutes of a 24-hour emergency care clinic in case a seizure should begin.”

“She gets daily skin supplements to keep her coat nice due to her allergies. Her feet and toes are washed with an antibacterial wash, wiped with Malaseb wipes, and then powdered with a prescription drying powder from the veterinarian. She gets Malaseb baths twice a week, which she tolerates fairly well. All of her prescriptions and supplements run approximately $100.00 per month.”

“She also must have blood tests once or twice a year to make sure her Phenobarbital levels are in balance. With her baggy eyes and protruding tongue, Issy’s current vet feels that she might have a mild case of hydrocephalus, which could be the cause of her seizures. But since the course of treatment would not change, she has not had an MRI to determine this.”

“Issy is fed upright to prevent regurgitation and aspiration. Her hypoallergenic diet is about $45.00 for 20lbs which lasts about three weeks. Allergy testing has not been done which would help determine what triggers her allergies.”

Issy’s foster mom goes on to say, “If anyone has any financial concerns or time constraints where they cannot guarantee they have the ability to give her medicine, clean her feet, or give her medicated baths, then Issy is not the dog for them. She is in no way a low-maintenance dog. She does not deserve to be bounced around anymore. I have disclosed her medical issues not to scare anyone, but to be sure I am one hundred percent upfront about what Issy needs.”

What else does Issy need? Home for Issy must include a securely fenced yard and a doggy door so she can indulge in her joyous flights in and out in safety. She’s a jumper and can easily clear three feet and also tries to bolt out the front door. She can be enticed into a crate, but once in she has a piercing seal-like bark that goes on and on. Because of her bark, she would not do well in an apartment or condo where neighbors might not find it amusing! A snuggly, submissive canine sister would be perfect for Issy. She prefers females and will not back down from a perceived challenge by a dominant dog. She has not shown any interest in cats at the vets, but it would be best not to experiment with their well-being.

Although not an absolute, a family with one stay-at-home person is preferred so that that signs of an oncoming seizure can be noticed before the attack is full-blown. Quiet, dog-savvy children over five would be considered, but noisy, childish chatter would be too tiring. Even too much adult company wears her out, as she tires easily. She also overheats easily and cools down slowly, so would do best where it is not hot all the time.

Issy has so much personality and love to give to the right person – a very important requirement is access to furniture and the big bed at night so she can snuggle and show her love. Issy spent too many nights outside alone and ill. She deserves to be wrapped in cozy comfort in your arms.

Do you have a place in your home and heart for this special little frog? If so, please apply today. Issy’s waiting for you in Missouri and will not be shipped.

Apply for me here!