Adopt, Don't Shop: Alex's Story of Rescuing and Rehabilitating French Bulldogs

Alessandra (Alex) Beneforti is a woman on a mission. Alex pours her heart into rescuing and rehabilitating French bulldogs, offering these adorable but often misunderstood dogs their best chance at a happy, healthy life. Her journey began with Frankie, a skinny, sad, 11-month-old Frenchie who she immediately fell in love with. With patience and love, Alex transformed Frankie into a confident, thriving member of her family. Sadly, Frankie has since passed away, but Alex's work continues as she cares for her current Frenchie, Stella.

The Importance of Rehabilitation for Adopted French Bulldogs

Alex emphasizes the importance of being prepared when adopting a dog – especially those in need of rehabilitation. Potential adopters should know that rehabilitation takes time, patience, and comes with additional financial considerations. Frenchies are wonderful dogs, but they also come with a unique set of challenges and potential health issues.

"I think all dogs have hope. It's just about really putting the effort in," says Alex.

She describes the process of rehabilitating Frankie, which involved consistent structure, managing food aggression, and working on socialization. It was a rewarding experience, and Frankie made amazing progress.

French Bulldog Temperament – What to Expect

French Bulldogs are known for their playful and affectionate personalities. However, they can also be prone to anxiety, food aggression, and stubborn streaks. If you're considering adopting a French bulldog, doing your research is key.

Alex's two Frenchies – Frankie and Stella – have very different personalities, proving that each dog is an individual. This reinforces the need to figure out each dog's specific needs, likes, and dislikes instead of relying on blanket breed-based assumptions.

For example, Stella was much more energetic and hyperactive than the typical laid-back Frenchie. She also had a mischievous streak and was known to eat through her crate and destroy furniture! Despite the challenges, Alex's unwavering love and consistent training transformed Stella into a wonderful companion.

The Pros and Cons of Owning a French Bulldog

While French bulldogs are absolutely adorable, it's important to be aware of both the pros and cons before bringing one into your home.

Pros

• Playful and affectionate
• Don't require excessive exercise
• Generally good with children and other dogs (when properly socialized)

Cons

• Prone to health problems like allergies and Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
• Can be stubborn and difficult to train (though Alex found positive training methods to be effective)
• Expensive to care for – especially if health issues arise

Things Not to Do with a French Bulldog

• Leaving them in hot weather: Frenchies are brachycephalic, meaning they have flat faces and short noses. This makes them more susceptible to heatstroke, so it's important to never leave them outside in hot weather.
• Overfeeding them: Frenchies are prone to obesity. It's important to monitor food intake and exercise to keep them at a healthy weight.
• Ignoring signs of allergies: Frenchies can develop skin, eye, and ear allergies. Watch for signs of excessive scratching, redness, or discharge.

The Joys of Adopting

"The most beautiful aspect is really when they start to trust you and love you, and they just become part of your life," says Alex.

Giving a rescue dog a second chance is an incredibly selfless act. In return, rescued French bulldogs offer unconditional love and companionship, filling our lives with joy and unforgettable memories.

How You Can Help

Not everyone can adopt, but there are still ways to support the cause:

• Spread the word: Share this story and educate others on the importance of adopting and the challenges that often come with owning French bulldogs.
• Volunteer: Look for local French bulldog rescue groups who need volunteers to walk dogs or provide temporary foster homes.
• Donate: Donate to a French bulldog rescue in your area. Even small donations can help make a difference.

Alex's Advice for Potential Adopters

For those considering adopting, especially rescuing a dog in need of rehabilitation, Alex offers the following advice:

• Be prepared: Do your research and be realistic about the level of commitment needed.
• Adopt for the right reasons: Adopt because you genuinely want to give a dog a loving home, not because you think it'll be easy or because Frenchies are cute.
• Reach out for help: Don't be afraid to consult a vet or professional dog trainer if you need help with a rescued Frenchie.

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