I've found my furever family!

Cupcake was just brought into rescue and is getting settled into her foster home.  She's very curious as to everything in her new place, was very good for a much needed bath and finally settled down for a much needed snooze. 

According to her intake representative, she is a very clever girl who does not like to be put in a playpen and needs the company of other dogs but preferably humans.  24 hours later and this smart girl has already figured out how to go outside and back in through the dog door. She is learning that she can go outside to do her potty business without the helicopter parent looking over her, but she still prefers to go out with her person. Potty training and expectations should continue to be reinforced for the first month, at least. She does know what potty-pads are and how to use them, too. Cupcake hasn't yet figured out that walks are usually when you go potty either, however, she does really well on a leash and enjoys going on walks. She takes a little bit to feel comfortable enough to lead you on the walk, prefering to stick by your side. We are working on sticking to one side and not zig-zagging infront of you while you walk. This is a work in progress. Typical Frenchie - wicked smart - so she should catch on pretty quick. She will need a lot of reassurance when first coming home but will quickly bond with her person and never want to leave your side. 

Cupcake would make a perfect pet for someone who is a home body, works from home, retired, and/or won't leave her alone for long stretches of time. She loves to snuggle up to you on the couch while you watch movies, or play video games. Some of her favorite activities include toy-toss, tug-of-rope (or ball), snuggling, and being your shadow.  Once she settles in to your home and your routine, her playful personallity starts to shine through and you can't help but fall for her adorable little face and her playful demeanor. 

Some of the command words we are learning are sit, stay, release (for toys and non-toy items), and off (she likes to see what you're eating and hopes that you will share). She is doing really well with her sit/stay command before getting her dish of food. She is such a smart girl that she catches on really quickly to what you are asking her to do. Repetition and reinforcement will be your best tools and will yeild an amazingly happy and obedient girl!

*UPDATE* 2/25/2024 Cupcake's personallity is really starting to bloom! After our first month together, she is showing just how much she wants to be a playful puppy. Cupcake loves her morning walks and is quickly learning her leash manners. She prefers to stay on your left side and we are learning the command "switch", where she will go behind you to walk along your right side. Then say "switch" and direct her back to the left. We are also learning "heal" so she walks beside you instead of in front of you and is doing really well catching on. She is a quick learner and as long as she has consistancy, she will be an amazing walking/hiking companion. She has also accompanied me on several school outings, surrounded by many children, and done absolutely fantastic! She is a little shy at first, but she really loves kids. She takes longer to warm up to the adults, but more positive experiences in this area will help to rebuild trust. 

Cupcake would do really well in a home with another yonger dog, possibly another frenchie or pug, or at the least, another dog that is equally as stocky and strong. She does well with meeting other dogs on and off leash and hasn't shown any kind of aggression towards other dogs. She is definitely not an alpha girl, so keep that in mind when considering her for your pack. This girl is just the sweetest little treat who will keep you warm when snuggling on the couch on cold winter nights, preferring you share your popcorn with her, and never complains about what movie or tv show you put on. 

Command words we are working on: sit, stay, here, heal, switch, off and release.