As you know, Betty White has been getting a lot of press recently. Hollywood loves her for her beauty, wit and talent, but those of us who do rescue appreciate her for her lifelong commitment to animal welfare. She has been a hero in the animal welfare world for 40 years and more. We thought we'd ride the coattails of Betty's renewed popularity and remind you that we have some wonderful older dogs in FBRN.

We currently have 7 French bulldogs who are 8 years or older and available for adoption. Babbs was tearfully relinquished when her owner lost his job. At nine years old, Monet's family had to move and couldn't take her with them. PJ is enjoying a life of retirement after nine long years as a breeder. Bekham was surrendered when a human baby came along. Capt. Mac and Dakota are dogs who never got the training and socialization they needed for their strong personalities until they found themselves in FBRN. And there is Sherlock, who lived in a puppy mill until a little while ago and is truly a rescue in every sense of the word. Sherlock will need an exceptional family or person.

These are the dogs for whom rescue was invented. If their owners were to surrender them to a shelter, it is very likely that Babbs, Capt. Mac, Dakota and Sherlock would have been euthanized immediately for their physical and/or behavioral issues. PJ, Bekham and Monet would have met the same fate, simply because they are old.

Of course it is important to consider your lifestyle and skills when you adopt any dog. But we wanted to remind you that older dogs have their own charms and advantages. Here's what one adopter said about adopting an older dog;

"I adopted Gigi as an older girl. I loved it that she was so calm, and unruffled about most things. She appreciated the important things in life, quiet time together, a snuggle on the bed for a nap, just sitting with my hand resting on her made her so happy. Her very favorite thing was for me to hold her and rock her. She would absolutely purr, until she fell asleep. I will never forget the timid girl who came into my home, seeking the security of her crate, then getting brave enough to venture out and seek our companionship, then that sweet look on her face when she got brave, and took her paw and lightly patted the side of the sofa, looking at me imploringly. I asked her, do you want up? Then the look turned to hope. I lifted her on the sofa, and she absolutely melted into the pillows, with her head resting on the arm, and looked at me with such love. She had my heart from then on. Later she would tap my leg with her paw when she needed some loving, and I would pick her up and hold her like a baby, or rock her in the rocking chair, while she purred herself to sleep. She had this little "barrel dance" she did when I was fixing her food! just smiling and so happy with anticipation, rocking back and forth from her right legs to her left. It didn't have to be a special food, she was just happy to be eating. Then there was the joy of being lifted onto the BIG BED for a nap. She loved to just snuggle in and sleep next to you. People who didn't know her tended to think she was fat and homely. But to me she was beautiful--and perfect in every way. I loved her so! I'd give so much to have one more day, to rock her and hear her purr again. I think in the future, I will seek out the older ones. They touch my heart in a way that the young and frisky ones do not. People fight over the young dogs, but if they knew the quiet love and dignity of the older ones, they would understand."

Listen, think about what the word "rescue" means. Think about what it means to rescue a dog. There are lots of healthy, younger dogs on this website who need homes. Those dogs will quickly find loving families, and of course we are delighted for them and grateful to our adopters.

But for our older dogs, there are far fewer applicants, and every day that passes for them means one less day to know a secure and loving forever home.

Another adopter who became a volunteer said this about her decision to adopt older dogs:

"Puppies are very seductive. In fact, there is nothing in the dog world quite as alluring as a soft puppy belly! But the older dogs are wonderful in their own way. They usually aren't as demanding, having outgrown their puppy ways, they are often housebroken, and they need a loving home just as much as a puppy. I adopted Eva when she was seven and then fostered and adopted Gris-Gris when he was estimated to be ten, both without a moment of regret. As much as I love puppies I made a personal commitment to adopt only older dogs and do not plan on seeking out any puppies in the foreseeable future."

And one last word on the pleasure of loving an old dog:

"I adopted Laura when she was 9 years old. She had been used for breeding during every heat for 7 of her previous years of life. She then belonged to an elderly woman for 2 years who often forgot to feed her or let her in to the house from the garage. She learned how to use our doggy door in one day and was completely housebroken. She adored all of my dogs and fit in as if she had lived her whole life with us. She was the sweetest, kindest, gentlest soul I have ever known. She adored kids and dogs, car rides and treats. She was quiet and appreciative and it was a joy to have her in our lives, even if it was only for 2 short years."

Rescuing an older dog might mean having your heart broken sooner than you'd like.

It may mean that you shed tears sooner than you'd like. But taking that chance is what rescue is about. Rescue means you feel your fear of pain and loss and you adopt her anyway.

Please read our older dogs' bios and see whether you feel drawn to one of them. Think about what rescue means to you and whether there is a place for an older dog in your home and heart.

We've called them the Gulf Coast 10, and though they aren't with us as a consequence of the BP catastrophe they are here as a result of an awful accident. A breeder suffered a serious automobile crash, and while recovering she found herself unable to provide her dogs with the attention they needed.

So here they are, washed up on our shores and all of them needing spays and neuters and other bits and bobs of care for their ears or their eyes or their toenails and whatnot.

Most of them are happy to be with other dogs and are well-socialized with people. 3 girls and 7 boys, each one more appealing than the last!

We have found 10 different foster families in the great state of Texas willing to take in these salty dogs. Our volunteers are always ready to step in when there is an emergency or an unexpected windfall of fosters. Our supporters and donors are always just a shout away. And here we are, shouting again for your help to get these dogs ready for adoption into loving families by donating toward their spays and neuters, medication, and treatment.

Semper Frenchie, friends!