It really is so, isn’t it Joe? Yes, just in time to watch the boys of summer play out the big games with you, Shoeless Joe has made his way to the “Available Dogs” page again. Followers of our website who track the stats will know that this is Joe’s third time at bat on the page. He is one of FBRN’s most beloved fosters, and we hope this time will be the winning one. The World Series prize would be an out-of-the-park-hit forever home for our boy Joe. Are you the one?

Joe has a history of wandering, and his first adoptive parents had problems keeping him contained. When he was found walking down a lonely road foot-sore and wheezing, they acknowledged they could not care for him and surrendered him back to FBRN. “Available” again, Joe was happily counting his applications when a combination of his own conformation and unfortunate events landed him in critical care. He is ready now to try again. He needs a sweet and gentle home, as comfortable as that old soft fielders’ glove that you love.

We know you are wondering what happened to this frog, so here’s the story. Originally, the vets thought his wheezing was due to a small trachea. Recently, he either ate something or was bitten and had an allergic reaction. His foster parents were advised to give him Benadryl for the large welts that appeared. Unfortunately, it turned out he is allergic to Benadryl. Who knew?

Having a great deal of difficulty breathing, he was rushed to the ER vet. Long story short, he was diagnosed with laryngeal paralysis. His larynx is deformed. While he is a happy little guy most of the time, he cannot be in any stressful situations. When agitated, he begins to wheeze causing the larynx to swell which could cause him to stop breathing. He has a sedative which should be given two hours before any impending stress, like a trip to the vet or a thunderstorm.

Because of his health issues, Joe is benched from any stressful activity. He will need a quiet, calm home without a lot of commotion. Are you a retiree who needs a companion for cozy afternoons of reading and television? Then, Joe would be the perfect pal for you. He loves to snuggle on the couch and give copious kisses. He would also be great to bounce ideas off of if you work from home. Riding in the car is pretty stressful, so going to an office for work is out. If you go out to work, he is well housebroken and goes right in his crate when asked. He would be fine with a mid-day potty break.

A house in a quiet country setting would be just the thing as long as there aren’t any steps for Joe to climb. He needs a securely fenced yard. His foster mom keeps a close eye on him when he is outside and, because she is with him, he never tries to make an escape. He must never go a’ wandering again, with or without shoes. Joe loves to sit quietly outside with his person, taking in the air and chewing his favorite Nylabone. He also loves his foster human sibling who is seven, but noisy children with friends in and out would be too boisterous for him. A quiet and considerate child might appreciate Joe’s charms and could help with his care.

It is going to take a very special home for this major league guy, but we know you are out there somewhere! Please submit your application right away, and maybe Joe will be with you before the Series is over. It is beautiful this time of year in SE Massachusetts, so get off the bleachers and come get him if you are the one. Joe could never be shipped.

Apply for me here!