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
Sending the strongest possible juju that Lentil grows big and strong enough to undergo surgery that will enable him to safely eat without the tube!! His sweet face, and spunky attitude brighten up hard days, and give me hope that even the biggest obstacles can be overcome with enough heart.
ReplyDeleteGO LENTIL!!!
You are doing a fantastic job - and we all know you love him so much. Most of us hope that he can stay with you, but all of us who have fostered know that sometimes, what is best for the little one is going to his or her new forever family. He is a bright and shining star and is bringing light on other rescues and also both dogs and humans with disabilities. We are all beautiful in our own way - you AND Lentil are making the world a better place. Bless you.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the Q&A I was wondering what was going on and so enjoy the videos, quips and pictures.
ReplyDeleteThank you for all you are doing for the little guy and change the world he will. <3
Thank you for the FAQ. Maybe you can make the link to your blog more prominent on the FB "about" section so that people know to go here first for info. It is so rewarding to watch this little guy grow and thrive. In this day and age, it is great to have a family-friendly story that people can bond over ... so much out there is negative or mean-spirited. Lentil is just a puppy that wants to live and be happy, a puppy that doesn't know that there is a single thing imperfect about him. And he obviously knows love. I have to say this, with all due respect to the rescue and the adoption process: I truly and deeply hope that Lentil is a foster failure and that he can stay with the people and animals who have raised him. Most fosters are short-term, and Lentil is definitely a long-term foster so things are a bit different. We see Lentil so healthy and happy on FB and forget that he still has medical hurdles to face as he grows. I hope that he continues to raise awareness for special needs animals and rescues in general, and for cleft palette issues. I've learned a lot since I started following Lentil, when he only had about 15k followers. Thank you for posting information, and thanks to the other supporters for posting information and great comments too.
ReplyDeleteHi, Sheri Lynne - we have the same first and middle names, and spelled the same, too! And we both love the little Lentil Bean! I am in New Orleans. Where are you?
DeleteI'm in Maryland. Funny to have both names spelled the same - usually I see Sherri or Lynn. :)
DeleteI love this little bean sprout! Thank you, Foster Mom for being exactly who he needs at exactly the right time!
ReplyDeleteGreat job gal. I so look forward to your posts. They do make me smile everyday.
ReplyDeleteI, along with many other would love to adopt Lentil, but at the end if the day you are his mom now! And Lentil should stay with You!!! My godmother was a foster mother for babies once upon a time and gave lots of love to children in need, but when she had the twins it was a no brainer to adopt them! The same goes for you with Lentil!! He brings me so much joy and happiness! Even tears at times when I see all the love and support he is getting!! Lentil once again should stay with you Lindsay and the rest of your four legged family!!
ReplyDeleteJason, you are so right,
DeleteAbsolutely!
DeleteAgreed! If he will be with his foster family for long term medical care, it would seem cruel to separate them. Plus lentil has grown into a public figure and can really help bring attention to animals and people with disabilities alike!
DeleteWe love you Lentil, what a special little pup you are. God Bless and good luck with everything!!
ReplyDeleteLove Tabitha from Fresno, CA
Lentil is adorable and right where he needs to be. I don't think he is going to need to be "adopted" because he has already "adopted" you. Keep on keeping us posted on the little guy. I can't speak for everyone else, but I am personally addicted:-)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for all you do for sweet Lentil Bean. I think it would be wonderful if he could stay with you and Tabitha. I would hate to see them separated. But I am sure you will want what's best for him. He sure does brighten my day. Thanks for sharing your story with us.
ReplyDeleteLentil brings such a delight to my day and I look for him several times each day. I really do hope that FERN realizes that Lentil is best left where he is, with you and Tabitha. My fear if he should be adopted would be some one would exploit him after all the publicity he has received. I love the little Beaner and would love to have him in my life but there are so many people out there that feel the same way and would give him a very good home. But I really feel and I hope they will see that his place is with you. You can see in his face when he looks at you that you are his mommy. Sending hugs and kisses to you both. For the wonderful, unselfish job you have done with a special little boy. He is an encouragement to so many out there.
ReplyDeletei for one want you to be his mother, not his foster mom. it can't be any other way.
ReplyDeleteYou are amazing and Lentil is so blessed. He is such a sweetheart and hopefully one day I will have the pleasure of meeting both of you(and of course your other adorable fur babies). I was actually in Philly today. : ) I live in Chester County and have 2 rescues myself. Thank you again for allowing us the opportunity to love Lentil. I have had a few sad days in the past weeks and when I see his face I can't help but smile. : )
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing Lentil with the world, and I do hope that when he is adopted that whoever does will let him be a therapy dog for children with the same type as issues as Lentil, so he can continue to help the world. There is a reason that he was saved and I think we all know what for.
ReplyDeleteWe love you Lentil. We have all our feets crossed for you
ReplyDeleteBenny & Lily
I love Lentil and you are doing a fantastic job. I have fostered before and I know how hard it is to give them up when it comes time.
ReplyDeleteHe is so adorable and I love seeing his pictures. He is going to grow to be a very strong boy because of the love you are giving him! Thanks for caring for him the way you do!
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping that you decide to become his forever mom. He thinks you are already, and we know you will love him and give him the best life possible! And I so look forward to all the Facebook updates you post about him. They can make me smile on the lowest of days. :)
ReplyDeleteyou've done such a wonderful job with Lentil he's such a little sweetheart. I know you're his foster mom,but that little man belongs with you forever. think of all the good work you two can do together! fingers and (my two dogs) paws crossed that everything works out well with his surgeries, and he becomes your forever boy...xo ♥♥
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for this. I worry about this baby every time I see him. You are doing an amazing job.. Whomever he ends up with be it you or some one else I hope you are very selective as some people may use him for the wrong reasons. I love watching him with your Tabitha and it looks like you have so many others in your care. I believe at the end he will be where he belongs. Continue to be as you are with him as he is growing physically as well as emotionally, yes I believe animals have and show emotions as we do. Let me know where I can donate for his surgeries and whatever he may need. numberonecathy@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteYou've done an amazing job with the little guy, and everyone's pulling for you both. I hope you can keep him. After the extreme love, care and nursing 24/7 he belongs with you - you're his mom! He came into your life for a reason, so thank you for taking the time to share your journey.
ReplyDeleteSeeing this little doggie grow up is a beautiful ray of sunshine everyday!Love you, Lentil!
ReplyDeletethank you for sharing lentil with us! i would love to see you adopt him, if you can...it would be the happiest ending possible!
ReplyDeleteI have a picture of him on my computer done by the photographer. Everytime I come in to work the he is anb he makes me smile. Thiss little guy has touched my heart and so have you for your dedication to this little guy. God Bless you both.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the information and thank you for taking such good care of Bean. Lets look forward to a strong pooch so that his surgery goes well when its time for it.
ReplyDeleteLentils foster mom should be his forever mom!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing Beanie and yourself with us. And thank you so much for bringing awareness about the kids with a similar problem. So much positive juju keeps heading his way! Everyday my husband and I find so much enjoyment watching him grow in little ways. Like getting close to getting up on the couch. I suffer from severe depression and he is my little light! I am praying for you and everyone involved in his care
ReplyDeleteI agree with what everyone else has been saying, you are Lentils mommy now. You can say your foster mom all you want but at the end of the day the bean doesn't care he thinks your mommy and his opinion is the only one that matters. Thank you for posting this blog to answer some of the questions that everyone has had I know it makes me feel better that Lentil will still pretty much look the sameish after surgery. This little guy has made my days so much brighter watching him grow and play and I know he's going to be just fine with you looking after him.
ReplyDeleteHow long do you have to feed him every three hours?
ReplyDeleteFBRN needs to let Lentil stay with his mommy. Clearly this is a bond that should not be broken. I could NEVER give up one of my Frenchies, so I don't know how - after all this - Foster Mommy cannot be made the Forever Mommy!
ReplyDeleteHow much is Lentil eating now? Does he drink water?
ReplyDeleteHello. I've never done this before so I hope I'm doing it right. We have a cleft palate puppy too. He's name is RT. Stands for rough and tough. Was just wondering how Lentil was doing now?
ReplyDeleteHello. I've never done this before so I hope I'm doing it right. We have a cleft palate puppy too. He's name is RT. Stands for rough and tough. Was just wondering how Lentil was doing now?
ReplyDelete