12wks old...and FINALLY consult day has arrived!

It seems like forever ago that we made this consult appointment...and now- finally it has arrived!   The vets at UPenn are amazing to work with.  They are in agreement with us that my ONLY concern is correcting what needs to be done for his health....cosmetic isn't an issue for me.

Lentil's surgery is tentatively scheduled for May 28th!!!  They explained that he will probably spend the night after surgery, but they are very hopeful that everything will run smoothly.  It's so nice to have such confident doctors on your side!   Now my only question is if they will let ME also spend the night :) Bean and I have never been apart....and I'm surely not above sleeping in a kennel to be with him! 

We've had such an eventful last 2 days!- Sunday started  by Lentil and I joining a group of children at Salon L'Etoile in Jenkintown.  CHOP (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia) brought these children and their families together to let them have a day of beauty which was donated by the salon.  It was absolutely incredible- the kids were all so amazing!  I have never been in a place and surrounded by so much strength!  Bean had a blast, and I think the children really enjoyed him....they can relate to him and the road he has ahead better than any of us!  They were so sweet- the kids were helping ME!  Talking about their surgeries and experiences, and letting me know that we will be just fine! 

It's because of these children that I was able to calmly listen to the doctor today and not worry so much!  They gave us/continue to give us the strength to get through this!  Lentil even was offered some dry kibble!  He's a bit confused by it, but he was able to swallow some pieces safely!  So now a new adventure.... offering more and more each day and hopefully rotating between tube/kibble.  This is another huge milestone, and I'm so excited!  I promise to keep everyone posted on the progress!  I'm happy to say that the perfect size kibble turned out to be Orijen Red Meat!  So thank you, Champion Pet foods, for making a kibble that my baby can tolerate! 

Thank you again for all of the support!  We are all in this adventure together!  Now full speed ahead to Lentil Fest!!!  xoxo

10 weeks...and Best Birthday surprise ever!

What an awesome Birthday surprise!  I'm so excited to announce that, as of right now, Lentil has reached his  fundraising goal and the cost of all of his surgeries is covered!!  It's because of your generosity, that this little puppy will be receiving the best of care!  On behalf of FBRN, I just wanted to say "Thank you- with all of my heart."  It's just simply amazing!

Moving forward...as it seems that's exactly was Lentil was placed into this world to do- we are collecting for other animals in need through FBRN (www.frenchbulldogrescue.org), STAR (www.streettails.org) and also my wonderful new friends at www.ccakids.org who could use your support for all of the beautiful children and families they are helping!  Please take a moment and check out all of these incredible organizations, as this is no longer about just one puppy in need...it's about making a difference in the lives of many!  Be sure to tell them Lentil sent you!  <3

To help to kick off this awesome partnership- my friends here in Philly have been working their tails off to prepare for Lentil Fest!!  It's going to be 4 days of fun!  We are starting off by having a concert at the Blockley with Tommy Conwell on May 2, then a raffle/auction at North Bowl 7-10pm on May 3rd!  May 4th, FBRN and STAR are hosting an Adoption Event on Liberties Walk, in front of Chic Petique from 12-4, and then 2 more concerts at The Fire on Sat with Kuf Knotz and Sun night with The Lawsuits!  Woohoo!!  This is gonna be an amazing event- and all proceeds are going to be split between all 3 organizations!!  Stay tuned for flyers and more detailed info!!

I'm just so overwhelmed by the love and support that we are receiving!  I couldn't have asked for anything more...and it's just incredible to be able to take it to the next level.  All of this positive energy is exactly what Lentil needs to be surrounded by as we get closer and closer to his surgery.  It's amazing the healing power that love has :)

FAQ- I hope this helps!

I can't believe it's been almost 3 weeks since I've had a chance to sit down and write!

I've been trying so hard to catch up on emails, etc...and I think I have to just realize that it's impossible....I'm sorry :(  In order to try to answer as many questions as possible- at once- I decided to take this moment to attempt to create a frequently asked questions post....I hope it helps!

 Here's the biggie...."When will Lentil have his surgery?"
      Well....the second that I know- you will too!  Here is the plan as of right now.....We are scheduled for a surgery consult on April 29th at University of Pennsylvania.  The Doctors are waiting to watch him grow to figure out the optimal time to complete the surgery.  As of this moment (and it can change by the consult), they are thinking of beginning the procedures in May/June.  I honestly couldn't have asked for a more dedicated/excited team of doctors.  The goal of the surgery will be to create a soft tissue separation between the oral and nasal cavities.  We are all in agreement that we are only doing necessary surgeries to allow him to function normally...any cosmetic things will be left alone.  Being that he is a bulldog, and as a breed, bulldogs are at higher risk of aspiration to begin with- we are doing all we can to put him "under" as little as possible.
     I don't mean to seem vague about the surgery question, but I honestly don't know all of the answers yet...the Doctors feel as though he will have multiple, but until we start, there isn't a definitive answer as to how many.  Once the 29th rolls around, you guys will have an update via here or on facebook by early evening!  I'm aware that we are all in this together- and I will keep everyone up to date!

"Can I meet Lentil?"
     Since Lentil is still a baby...he isn't up to date on his vaccines yet.  He has received his first booster and his Bordetella, but we still have a few more boosters to go!  We are trying be as cautious as possible because of his medical condition.  Have no fear- in time, this baby will meet all of his family!  We just have to do it the right way!

"Where can I send Lentil a package to?"
     You guys are all so sweet and generous!  Lentil will never "go without"- that's for sure!!  Please know, that it isn't necessary to send anything....your love and support is all we need!  The fact that I see numerous comments everyday about the smiles he puts on everyone's face is the best gift ever!  One puppy does not need hundreds of toys...and although I do let him play with/enjoy each gift he gets, I want you to know that we are also sharing these toys with other animals in need!  Every dog deserves to have a fun day!  Any mail can be sent to Lentil c/o Street Tails Animal Rescue 1030 N 2nd Street Unit 401 Phila, Pa 19123.  There are many dogs that need the help at FBRN and STAR...and we are also working to raise awareness and support for CCAkids.org!  One puppy doesn't need the world...but one puppy can surely work to save it! 

"When can I adopt him?"
     This one puts a knife straight through my heart.  Yes, I am his foster mom.  French Bulldog Rescue Network entrusted me with a job to do my best in caring for a puppy and getting him to the point of/seeing him through his surgeries.  That is what I am doing.  I've given him my everything in hopes that we will get to where he needs to be!  FBRN is a wonderful group, and they will take the necessary steps on his adoption when the time comes.....but we still have a long road ahead!!  What we need right now is the love and support to see him through to that point.  Just because he is a rescue....it doesn't mean that we haven't sought out the best possible care for this pup!  

I hope that this helps! Again, thank you for all of the love and support!!  We couldn't have asked for a better group of awesome friends.  <3