Dogs are miracles with paws. ~ Susan Ariel Rainbow Kennedy

Meet the miracle that is Rhone. All floppy paws and ears, he is a completely adorable little boy. Only months ago his picture seared our hearts. Hairless and with matted eyes, he was in a shelter, having been picked up as a stray. How he wound up on the streets is mysterious, but he had not been loved or cared for in a long time. Maybe never.

All that has changed. With medical care, home-cooked meals and a generous portion of love his body has rebounded with amazing speed. And his gentle spirit was never down at all. There is not one iota of malice in his soul. Every day is a good day, and he likes every being he meets.

Rhone will never win a prize for conformation – those ears, those paws, that tail! But his personality embodies everything desirable in a Frenchie. Clownish, loyal and a wonderful companion; Rhone is the most loving, sweet dog you will ever know. Craving his human’s touch, he loves to cuddle while watching TV and spoon in the big peoples’ bed. His breath in your ear, his heart beating next to yours; would this make you happy? Don’t worry; he will let you sleep in. When awakened, he m-o-a-n-s in sleepy protest and asks for just a little more time in your arms. If you do not enjoy sharing your couch and covers with a little dog, please do not apply for Rhone.

Once up and out of bed, Rhone appreciates any activity. He looks like a puppy, but is not wild like a puppy. He loves his toys, his dog beds, walks and car rides. In the car, he drops off into a narcoleptic slumber, but is good to go at the end of the ride. He enjoyed a big adventure recently while out visiting. He met a seven-year-old boy and his little tail was spinning around at eighty miles an hour, he was so thrilled. Some gentle, loving children in Rhone’s forever home would be a definite plus.

Canine siblings would be very fine as well. He enjoys playing, walking and sleeping with other dogs. Drawn to the neighbors’ four dogs, he seems like he would fit well into any pack. He does not instigate trouble, but is not a shrinking violet and will defend himself. He might even snuggle with a cat, he is so kind and gentle.

A budding gourmet, Rhone relishes his foster mom’s home cooked meals. We can’t blame him, and attribute his remarkable recovery to his nourishing diet and supplements. The list of maladies that plagued him is, as his foster mom reminds us, almost too long to type. He was suffering from demodectic mange, anemia, heart murmur, coccidia, and elevated protein levels. He received treatments for mange, and has had two negative scrapings for mites. His red coat glows, shiny and soft. All the other problems have disappeared with good diet and care.

Rhone’s eyes are scarred by a bacterial infection, probably present at birth. He can see only peripherally, but most of the time, you cannot tell his sight is limited. He does best in low light. The sun is not his friend and he may stumble on an unexpected obstacle when outside. As the rest of his body has healed, his vision seems improved as well. His ophthalmologist assures us that with care it will not get worse and may continue to get better.

Adapting to civilized life beautifully, Rhone loves the doggy door. He was housebroken immediately once he figured out how it worked. We would prefer that his forever home offers him the same access to the outside with a safely fenced yard. Without the door, he will have accidents in the house if not let out regularly. He walks nicely on his leash and never wants his folks too far away. He is a smart little guy who learns quickly and sits proudly for the proffered bit of bacon! Wouldn’t you love to see him in an obedience class?

We think he’s mighty near perfect, but he does have one little quirk. So starved for love and attention; Rhone doesn’t take well to being kept gated or crated apart from people that he can see. He will bark incessantly until reunited again. He stays quietly with his dog friends in a safe space during the day while his people work, though. Better yet, Rhone would be the best office mate ever.

Can you tell that we just love this boy? His foster mom has the best glasses out and says, “If you are selected to be Rhone's forever family, we want to toast your good fortune! This dog has had a tough road until recently and yet he has the most wonderful spirit we've ever seen. He is so happy and loving; you just cannot imagine the joy he's going to bring to you. Everyone who meets him thinks he is beyond darling. You want to play, he wants to play. You want to walk, he wants to walk. Car ride? Sure, me too! Sleep or nap, or maybe watch a movie? Hey, where's the popcorn and then give me the crook of your arm! He has a corkscrew tail which fits his name (Cotes du Rhone red wine.) Those soulful eyes are scarred, but shine like little star sapphires. And those eyes are going to be shining for you every day for years to come because you opened your heart and home to Rhone.”

A votre sante! And to Rhone’s! You’ll need a designated driver so you can join in the toasts. Rhone is waiting for his future in North Carolina and will not be shipped.