Just in time to be our sweet Valentine, Jelly Bean is a little waif who has had a hardscrabble life. This two-year-old refugee comes to FBRN along with her four-month-old daughter, Chicklet. Their owner, experiencing hard times, was living with someone who did not appreciate frenchie charms. With zero training or housebreaking, the girls were apparently banished to the yard. There they lived barren lives with little comfort or human companionship.

Fortunately, their owner realized before it was too late that these froglets deserved better and surrendered them to our care. Our job has just begun, as our dedicated foster families take undernourished, unsocialized dogs in and share with them all the richness life can offer.

Bringing Jelly Bean to her foster home required a transport involving several volunteers. As often happens, we are amazed at how sweet rescue dogs can be, no matter how sad their lives have been. At each handoff, volunteers remark on their character. Playful, and loving, Jelly Bean has reached her foster home and is enjoying every minute.

Described as a "rib cage with fur", Jelly Bean was dirty and had overgrown nails. With the full spa treatment the order of the day, bath time seemed to be new experience for her. She submitted to it readily and emerged with her surprisingly thick, cream colored coat shiny clean.

After a full physical exam, the vet found Miss Bean basically healthy, although underweight. Circular lesions on her legs were cultured to determine their cause. A low residue diet to start with should settle a queasy belly, with a transition to regular food planned for later. When she has her feet under her, she will be spayed.

Now a velcro puppy, Jelly Bean follows her foster mom from room to room hanging on every word. According to her mom, "She loves people, loves the city. She looks up at strangers on the street as if asking for attention. She has beautiful frenchie eyes."

Sweet as candy and twice as nice, we're planning a great future for this girl. She came to FBRN with nary one possession, not even a collar. Thanks to volunteers' generous donations, she now has leash and collar sets, toys, clothes, and beds. If you'd like to donate too and participate in her rebirth, please click on Jelly Bean's picture to the right.

It's for Jelly Bean, our little Valentine!