Look out, world! The fastest Frenchie on two legs (and two wheels) has zoomed onto the FBRN Available Page. It’s Silas!

This sweet boy was surrendered to FBRN after he lost movement in his hind legs, and his owners were unable to afford diagnosis and treatment. We had hoped that a combination of surgery and physical therapy might get Silas up and walking again, but a veterinary neurologist concluded that Silas’s injury (believed to be a ruptured disc) could not be repaired, and his hind leg paralysis is permanent. But Silas, in typical canine fashion, hasn’t let that slow him down or dampen his joie de vivre.

Silas’s foster mom describes him as a happy camper, who is equally content playing with the resident Boxer or tossing his toys in the air for a one-dog game of fetch. When strapped into his wheels, he’s particularly fond of chasing tennis balls and sticks, and he makes certain that no plant, bush, or tree in the yard goes un-sniffed. At 8 years old, he definitely has the energy of a much younger dog! When playtime is done, Silas enjoys settling in with a nice antler or bone, preferably with his person at his side. And cuddles are not optional with this boy—they are 100% mandatory (along with snuggles, snoogles, huggies, and the like).

Of course, raising a dog with a disability does not come without its challenges. Silas is not totally incontinent. He cannot control his bowels and he will poop wherever he happens to be when it is time to go, but he doesn’t leak urine or pee in the house. For this reason, keeping him on a consistent potty schedule is a must, and his new family should know that diapers may become a necessity as he ages. In the morning, Silas may have trouble holding his bladder when getting in his cart for the first time, so foster mom manages this by getting him in his cart on the deck where accidents can be easily cleaned.

Special care must also be taken to ensure that Silas does not do anything that could further injure his back, especially since he’s a boisterous, confident boy who seems to forget that his rear legs don’t work the way they used to. Silas cannot be left unattended on the furniture, near stairs, or on the deck, as he may try to take a flying leap off of them (baby gates are a lifesaver in this respect!). He must be lifted and carried up and down stairs, into the car, and anywhere else that is not a nice flat surface, so his new owner must be comfortable lifting 28+ pounds of wiggly dog.

Finally, Silas has some personality quirks that his new family must be prepared to address. He has a history of anxiety and may experience some behavioral regression for the first few weeks in his new home. At first, Silas didn’t enjoy car rides and would become very anxious. But now, he enjoys car rides and looks forward to going through car washes with his foster mom. Silas also gets very possessive of his bones, and while he’s never growled or snapped at anyone, this behavior should be appropriately redirected (i.e., trading a toy for the bone).

The ideal home for Silas is a single story structure, with a nice fenced yard and patio for him to gad about. It is preferred that Silas’s forever home be within driving distance from Toledo due to his anxiety. Due to his need for a consistent potty schedule—not to mention his need for companionship—Silas would not do well in a situation where he is left alone for long periods of time. It would be much better if someone in his new family was retired or worked from home, or had a dog-friendly workplace where Silas could be the company mascot. Silas’s cart is used outdoors only, and depending on the surface inside, he could need help getting around via sling, or human arms!

As for the rest of the family, Silas needs a situation where he is either the only dog or where his canine companions won’t engage him in overly rough play. We have to protect that back at all costs! Silas is reported to do well with children, but again, due to the need to keep his back safe, he cannot be placed in a home with young kids.

Most of all, Silas needs a situation where his people have plenty of time to devote to him, and who are adequately prepared for the challenges (and joys!) of living with a special needs dog.

Silas’s foster mom adores her special little guy, and says: “Silas has taught me so much about life: adaptation, strength, determination, and will. He has the cutest personality and is so full of life. He has a sparkle in his eye that never stops. He loves to follow me around, and boy can he get around quick! He’s my little shadow and loves to cuddle with me any chance he gets. My hope is that he finds the perfect home that will enjoy and love him as he deserves.”

So whaddya say? Do you have what it takes to be Silas’s forever home? Then fill out an application and tell us all about yourself, especially any experience you have with paralyzed or other special needs dogs. In the meantime, Silas will be watching the Super Bowl from the great state of Ohio, and will not be shipped.

FBRN dogs are in foster care in people's private homes. For the foster families' safety, we do not disclose specific locations, and we don't set up meet and greets prior to applications. For detailed information about the dogs in our care, please read the extensive bios on each dog.

About Silas:
Silas suffers from hind end paralysis, is fecal and urine incontinent, and has a cart for supervised use--he should not be left in the cart if he's not being exercised. He must always be carried up and down stairs and must not be allowed to jump off furniture.

Silas is a resource guarder so even though he doesn't have a bite history, for the sake of safety, he should not be around small children. He must be monitored during feeding and when toys are present. A slow intro is required if there are other dogs in the home.

Silas has brachycephalic airway syndrome. He had a nares and palate resection with neuter in December 2019, He must wear a harness when going for walks, never a collar or choke chain.