Sir Rocky French Bulldog Scarborough, ON

Born May 10, 2023, Rocky found himself surrendered to a shelter along with many other Frenchies. Circumstances unknown.

He really struggled in the shelter system, so he was transferred to Mattie's Place.

He weighs in at 11.5 KG / 25 pounds and is at a healthy weight.

Rocky is a great little guy, but he does come with some "baggage". He has quite a bit of leash reactivity on walks with pets & people. It's presumed to be excited reactivity but he does need to learn to do much, much better. He would do best living in a quiet community without a lot of foot traffic.

He's also super excited about squirrels & rabbits and will bark and chase one down. Presumably not a good candidate to live with a cat.

He did live with other Frenchies and in the shelter played with other dogs respectfully in the yard, so he can be good with dogs, provided he's given slow introductions and is set up for success. He's likely be happiest as a solo dog but other dog homes would certainly be considered.

Rocky did exhibit a lot of anxiety in the shelter and they had to medicate him. He's been doing well as we ease him into being alone at his foster home and he's comfortable for an hour or so currently on his own. The shelter said he paced and barked non-stop at the shelter, so we're going slow and testing separation anxiety boundaries and limitations. Rocky would likely do best in a home without shared walls, should he become vocal.

An adopter with good dog experience or Frenchie experience will be the preference as Frenchies are sought after breeds, but not for inexperienced pet owners. They are known to be stubborn & free thinkers, so Rocky should have the support of a professional trainer post adoption and have consistent and positive expectations from his adopter. He responds well to reward-based training methods.

Rocky is up to date medically; neutered, microchipped, vaccinated and is taking parasite prevention. Rocky does have stenotic nares (very narrow nostrils). I've seen much, much worse, but he would be more comfortable through life with that resolved. So, post adoption, he will have surgery to open these nostrils up so he can breathe easier. This surgery will be at the cost of Mattie's Place at our rescue veterinarian and will form part of the adoption contract.

This is a very common issue with Frenchies and flat faced dogs. Many people do not complete this surgery to help their dogs breathe more comfortably and that's unfortunate. We will ensure Rocky has this completed so he has the best quality of life available to him.

Rocky is a great little guy, seeking an amazing adopter that will give him an incredible rest of his life.


FROM HIS FOSTER:

He made himself right at home, picking his person and following and snuggling very closely. If his no 1 person is not around, he will gladly interact and snuggle with a no 2 person.

Introductions need to be made slowly to people coming into the home and Rocky needs to seek you out, rather than be approached directly as he can be vocal and nervous.

He came from the shelter with medication, which have been unnecessary in foster care. He seems very content and happy.

Rocky hops up onto the bed and he is a snorer.

He loves to zoom and play fetch, with short bursts of energy, often followed by a nap.

Rocky is a comical little fellow, and a delight to have in the household..


FROM THE SHELTER:

Lively, bursting with energy, looking for an active family to help him channel all that joyful enthusiasm.

Can be shy at first but once he trusts you, he will win one’s heart in no time

With other dogs, he's generally tolerant of other dogs, benefits from slow, gradual introductions and would do best with a canine companion who respects his pace and comfort level. At times, he can be overly persistent with female dogs, frequently sniffing them and not always responding to their social cues

With cats, low prey drive but shelter has not observed significant interactions to make a definite recommendation

With children, could live with respectful children, no signs of resource guarding and tolerates handling well

Playful but can get overly excited, occasionally jumping or mouthing

Separation anxiety, shows signs of stress when left alone, not destructive but will cry and pace

Handling, accepts from people he knows and feel safe with

While he does not actively seek out physical affection, he does enjoy it in calm, quiet moments

Resource guarding, no signs have been observed but occasionally growls when his brother tried to take a toy away from him

With vet, barks at strangers when they enter the room, but once settled, he allows handling and takes treats well

MEDICAL: Prescribed Otizole for his ear

Gabapentin and Trazadone to help manage his stress in shelter

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ADOPTION FEE INCLUDES: spay/neuter, deworming, flea/tick prevention, vaccinations, dentals if needed or any added surgical needed surgical care, food, nose to tail health exam, toys, leash|collar, winter coat (seasonal), poop bags, dishes and 30 days of Trupanion pet insurance with immediate coverage on adoption day for any illness or injury not pre-existing

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To note: the above description is relevant to this dog in it's current & previous setting. Home changes & adopter personalities can bring out different behaviours not previously seen.