Watch What Happens When a Dumped French Bulldog Feels Love for the First Time
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When I first saw her, she didn’t even have a kennel card. No name. No backstory. Just trembling in the corner like the walls were closing in. She was a French Bulldog—one of those dogs you expect to be bursting with personality, full of snorts and wiggles and attitude. But this one? She was trying to disappear. No bark, no bounce, just fear.
Later, I’d find out something that made her trembling all the more heartbreaking: she was a mama. A very recent mama. Her puppies were gone, and so was her sense of purpose.
A Name Fit for a Mama
We didn’t have a name for her, so Alexis and I each picked one: Maya and Mamma Mia. You get to help us decide. But either way, it felt important to honor her role as a mama—because even though her puppies were taken from her, she gave and gave. And now? It’s her turn to receive.
A Breed That’s Built to Bond
French Bulldogs are known for their big personalities in compact bodies. They’re companion dogs through and through—funny, loyal, often stubborn, but full of love. So to see one completely shut down like this—it hit me hard. That kind of fear in a breed designed for affection tells you something has gone terribly wrong.
When a Frenchie wants to shrink down and vanish, it’s not just fear—it’s heartbreak.
The Signs Were All There
She had no microchip, no ID, no collar. She might’ve been dumped. We don’t know the full story, but there are signs that suggest she may have been used for breeding. A visible C-section scar. Possibly in heat. And no one looking for her.
Now, I want to be clear—I don’t jump to conclusions lightly. But in rescue, you start to recognize patterns. Frenchies often can’t give birth naturally and require C-sections, and unfortunately, they’re a common target for backyard breeders because of their high demand and price tag. And when dogs like this are no longer “profitable,” they’re tossed aside.
Her Body Language Spoke Volumes
Her ears were the first thing I noticed. Even while shut down, they were flicking like tiny sonar dishes. Listening. Curious. Open. That’s when I knew—she hadn’t given up completely.
And when I offered her a treat? That little sniffer kicked into gear. Frenchies love treats, and that’s where I always start. Not with commands. Not with touch. But with something simple and positive.
Training tip: If you ever work with a fearful dog, especially one with a short snout like a Frenchie, offer treats from underhand, not overhand. Coming in from above can feel threatening. Sliding your hand in low and slow helps build trust.
The Scoop Heard Round the Kennel
We call it “The Scoop.” It’s when a dog finally trusts me enough to crawl into my lap and just be. And when she did that? She melted into me like a baby—curled up, soft, and still trembling, but no longer frozen.
That’s when I knew: we were making progress.
Touch Was New—But Not Unwelcome
I used treats to associate touch with something positive. A gentle cranial rub. A light paw hold. With each moment, she flinched less and leaned in more. She was learning that human hands didn’t have to mean discomfort or restraint. They could mean affection. Safety. Relief.
Learning moment: Many dogs who come from neglectful or exploitative environments have never been touched gently. Never had their ears scratched or their belly rubbed. Always ask for permission, and always pair touch with something positive.
Toys, for the First Time?
One of the most powerful moments came when we offered her toys. At first, she didn’t know what to do. It’s possible she’d never seen one before. But she sniffed, she licked, and eventually, she played. Just a little. That tiny moment—exploration, curiosity, even joy—was huge.
And then? A love letter arrived. With a donut-shaped toy and a blanket. We’d just been talking about how she deserved a soft donut dog bed, and in comes a toy donut. I don’t know how this community does it, but somehow, it’s like magic.
From Profit to Purpose
Dogs like Mia or Maya are often overlooked, even though they’re purebred, even though they’re Frenchies. Why? Because people worry they’re “damaged” or “used up.” But let me tell you—rescue dogs are some of the most loyal, loving companions you’ll ever meet.
They remember what it’s like to be discarded. And when you give them a second chance, they repay it tenfold.
Next Steps: Help Us Write Her Ending
She’s not ready just yet, but she will be. With more time, more treats, and more of your love—she’ll get there. We’ll keep sitting with her, letting her lead the pace, and showing her that she matters.
You can help in three ways:
- Vote on her name (Maya or Mia—link below)
- Share her story so the right person sees her
- Preorder the book, Sitting With Dogs, so more stories like hers get told—and more dogs like her get adopted
And if you’re thinking about adopting a Frenchie, maybe one who’s been through some things… just look at this face.
Trust me. This one’s going to change someone’s life.
