Adopt From Bulldog Haven NW!

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Bulldog Haven NW has a number of sweet foster bullies waiting for their "fur-ever" home! As regular Fresh Jess readers know, I am a big supporter of Bulldog Haven NW & PAWS, with one  bulldog angel in the sky and one adopted from BHNW. Look at those faces! I'm helping BHNW spread the word in hopes of finding these sweetie pies a new home.

Rosie

Alika

Jax

Kaipo

Cash

A list of available dogs can be found at Bulldog Haven NW's adoption page. If you're interested in adopting one of these bullies, please look over their information carefully and fill out an application at BulldogHavenNW.org.

Not wanting to adopt, but still want to help out? 

BHNW welcomes donations at anytime! Visit their homepage for benefit online auctions too.

For the most up-to-date info on BHNW, check their Facebook page!

Want to talk more about adopting a bulldog from someone who's been there? Email me at jess(at)freshjess.com!

Happy Independence Day!

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I am a huge fan of hip-hop. Whether you know much or little about the music and culture, you know it's incredibly difficult to be as honest, transparent and open as Frank Ocean was last night in sharing his sexuality with the world via his Tumblr. I've talked about and shared Frank's music here several times over the last two years, and when I saw this I was just so...proud. So happy to be a fan of this man who not only found the courage to do this, but to write about it in a way that seemed so natural. So easy. Most of all, so beautifully. I am sure there is already a maelstrom of emotion and opinion among his fan base and hip-hop in general. I'm just excited to see how this declaration of freedom will add a new dimension to his depth in voice, lyrics and production for himself and other artists. 

This is definitely one of the coolest things I have ever seen a popular artist do.

Happy Independence Day to you, Frank.

Today is special in another way to me. It's my angel baby Meatball's birthday today. He would have been seven today. He is probably in heaven enjoying a buffet of raw bones and doggie cookies. I love you with all of my heart, Meaty pie. Your brother Spike couldn't be any more different and yet so much the same. You both make me whole. I love you.

To all of you lovely readers, have a safe 4th of July if you are celebrating it. I wish you lots of love and fun today with friends, family, BBQ, fireworks and sunshine!

Bulldog Haven NW's Adoptable Bulldogs

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Bulldog Haven NW has a record number of foster bullies waiting for their "fur-ever" home! As regular Fresh Jess readers know, I am a big fan of english bulldogs with one bulldog angel in the sky and one adopted from Bulldog Haven NW. Look at those faces! I'm helping BHNW spread the word in hopes of finding these sweetie pies a new home.

Bob

Daisy

Tucker / Friar Tuck

Lola

Mosey

A list of available dogs can be found at Bulldog Haven NW's adoption page.  If you're interested in adopting one of these bullies, please look over their information carefully and fill out an  application at BulldogHavenNW.org.

Not wanting to adopt, but still want to help out? 

The Pet Adoption Network via BHNW is looking for donation's to help cover Popeye's medical expenses. Popeye was surrendered to PAN with breathing problems following his neuter surgery. See Popeye's ChipIn page for more information.

For the most up-to-date info on BHNW, check their Facebook page!

Want to talk more about adopting a bulldog from someone who's been there? Email me at jess(at)freshjess.com!

Volunteering for Bulldog Haven NW at the Seattle Dog Show this weekend!

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This weekend, Spike, bf and I will be volunteering in the Bulldog Haven NW booth at the Seattle Kennel Club's 2012 Dog Show!

Come watch the pedigree dog shows & fun entertainment. Stay and hang with us in the BHNW booth to learn about the rescue, available foster dogs, volunteer opportunities and more.

Admission is just $10!

The 2012 SKC Dog Show is at CenturyLink Field Events Center, this Saturday & Sunday from 8:00a.m. to 6:00p.m.

Let me know if you'll be there!

More info on Bulldog Haven NW

Seattle Kennel Club Dog Show website

Find these Bulldog Haven NW foster dogs a home!

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It's the new year, and Bulldog Haven NW has a group of foster bullies waiting for their "fur-ever" home! As regular Fresh Jess readers know, I am a big fan of english bulldogs with one bulldog angel in the sky and one recently adopted from Bulldog Haven NW. Look at those faces! I'm helping BHNW spread the word in hopes of finding these sweetie pies a new home.

If you're interested in adopting one of these bullies, please look over their information carefully and fill out an application at BulldogHavenNW.org.

Meet Diesel, a soon-to-be 3 year old. He is an affectionate bullie who likes to play, go for a walk and get lots of attention. He needs to be an only pet and does well with older children. A fenced yard will be best and he is house and crate trained.

Gus Gus is a character. He is 5 and likes alot of attention and can be very vocal when he's not getting it. He does get along with other dogs and cats but can be over zealous with smaller dogs. He would do best with a strong personality with training knowledge who is home most of the day.

If you want a very loyal, affectionate, lively, energetic, and great guard dog then Portis is your man. He would be best suited with a strong and loving owner without young children. He can be dog aggressive at times and should be the only dog in the house (mostly because he loves all the attention for himself). He humps when happy and excited and he loves pull toys and chew toys. He likes to sleep on the bed with his people and ride in the front seat of the car. Once he likes you he wants to go everywhere with you. He`s a great walker, but he can be selective about where he wants to walk. Portis' allergies are currently under control in his new foster home and he has grown his coat back nicely. It appears that his skin issues were primarily environmental. It is possible he could breakout in sores again in a different environment, but preventing this can be discussed with his current foster dad. Portis will make a lucky person a wonderful companion.

Precious is a 5 yr old sweetheart. She loves children but needs to be an only pet. She can test her parents to see who is in charge, so a good pack leader would be best for her. She likes to play and get rowdy but also chills and likes to hang out.

Sadie is a 4 yr old Olde English Bulldogge. She can go for a good walk and likes to sleep with you and hang on the couch. She will allow you to rub her belly for an indefinite amount of time and gladly gives kisses. She needs to be an only dog, older children and fence required.

If you have any questions on fostering a bulldog, please feel free to reach out to me! jess(at)freshjess.com

English Bulldog Tucker's Surgical Adventure

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Brave bulldog Tucker has been in the care of Bulldog Haven NW, where we recently adopted Spike. Last week, Tucker underwent surgery to correct a tethered spinal cord, which would have rendered his back legs completely useless. Thanks to the generous support of Bulldog Haven NW's fans, the $5500 surgery has been paid for, AND Tucker's raised BHNW's Facebook fan count to over 2000!

Congratulations to BHNW and so much love and luck for Tucker as he begins his road to recovery. I'm so proud to be among this group of supporters for this great non-profit!

Happy holidays everyone!

Jess

The Newest Member of the Family

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About a month and a half ago, I was at Seattle Works' SWANK gala when I saw this Facebook update:

Naturally I wanted to help however I could. I shared it on Facebook & sent it out on Twitter. When I got home, I decided to post a blog post as well.

Bulldog Haven reached out initially just to give thanks. Later, they found out that Spike's vet bill was over twice as much as they'd thought - for three different surgeries! They started a ChipIn donation campaign and reached out to me again to help get the word out for donations

Long story short, my boyfriend and I kept looking at this sweet little guy - who looks just like my angel baby Meatball - and we decided to adopt him!

We are so excited to have him as part of our family. Looking forward to many dog park dates and slobber on my outfits!

Looking to adopt your own bulldog? Visit BulldogHavenNW.org for more information.

Please help Spike! (updated)

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*Updated Saturday 10/8/11

This is a special plea from one of the bulldog rescues I support!

This sweet little guy is Spike, a 4-year-old English bulldog. He was surrendered at the ER due to serious bladder stones that his family couldn't afford. Turns out he also had an enlarged prostate, bladder infection and needs a neuter badly.

Spike is now in the care of Bulldog Haven Northwest. He underwent surgery earlier this week, where the doctor neutered him and removed 10 stones from his urethra & 3 from his bladder. He just went home to his foster mom's after a few days recuperating at the vet.

I'm in love this little guy. He looks just like my angel baby Meaty <3

His vet bill skyrocketed to over $2000. Because this has happened in a matter of days, BHNW is putting out a call for your help in covering Spike's vet bill. Add to that the special needs for the dogs BHNW is already caring for, it's a lot to take on unexpectedly. If anyone can give to the rescue, every dollar helps!

You can donate via ChipIn on the Bulldog Haven website;

Screenshot of Bulldog Haven NW's Spike fund

Or checks via snail mail at: Bulldog Haven NW, P.O. Box 1120, Marysville, WA 98270

Seriously, anything helps. Thank you so much! 

Bulldog Haven NW is a rescue and adoption organization that provides a safe place for English and French Bulldogs, mental & physical rehabilitation, rehoming, breed specific shelter assistance and more.

One final note: these problems could've been avoided if Spike had been neutered at an early age. PLEASE, if you're thinking about getting a dog (especially bulldogs as they have many health problems), READ UP on caring for your pup! There's a lot of time, energy, care and money that go into this commitment. 

Love & Meatball

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I lost my baby a year ago today.

A friend of mine recently asked if anyone believed in love anymore. I said, "I do." I absolutely do. Love is an overwhelming, unconditional, unyielding motivation to care and be there for someone. Simply put, they somehow have the power to make you do things for them even if you don't want to! Most people experience this when they have their first human child. Mine just happened to come in the form of the most handsome bulldog of all time:

Love is the memories I'll hold onto forever, so that even if Meatball isn't physically here with me, I can go to them when I'm tired, having a bad day or just want to channel comfort, peace and warmth. I'll remember the tickle of his fur when I snuggled him, the sound of his snoring and the smell he protruded whenever he needed a bath. It's like corn chips and soy sauce I swear. These are things that stay with me every moment of my life. This is love.

Love is also the sound of my friends and family's voices when I called them in a blind shock that day. I didn't know what to do or what to say, and I'm sure they didn't either. But I needed them and they sat with me, sharing their own loss, words of comfort, or just silence while I sobbed and tried to process what was happening. Love is being there for me while we hibernated from the world that week, doing what we could to cope.

Finally, love is the drive that Meatball fuels within me. His spirit is laced in everything I do. When I am totally stressed out, doing too many things and find it difficult to focus, I know I am never alone. It might sound weird, but I just remember how I used to come home each day to his loving, often sleepy face. The look in his eyes and the feeling of coming home to that big ol' face is like a sea of calm to me. Everything is better already.

I tell people that we probably won't get another bulldog until we have a house. Since his passing, I've devoted most of my philanthropic efforts to animal safety and rights. I donate to ASPCA monthly, volunteer with Bullldog Haven NW & Cascade Bulldog Rescue, and contribute my time, money and energy to PAWS on a regular basis (including participating in PAWSwalk, a tradition started when Meaty was 3.)

More than anything, love is knowing that Meatball's passing will never be something to get over. Rather, Meatball's spirit, light and amazing presence courses through my veins and will illuminate the rest of my life.

xo

Jess

touchdown animals

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originally i was just going to post this because i thought it was cute that seahawks players were posing with rescued animals in the Pasado's Safe Haven Pro-Compassion Calendar. then i read the story of Pasado and how he inspired Susan Michaels to do her part in making sure animal cruelty is eliminated in washington state and i really had to cry.

visit pasado's safe haven to order your Pro-Compassion Calendar - but make sure you also read Pasado's story while you're there. it'll break your heart to know how many dbags are out there doing despicable things to animals. you'll also find out how you can help Pasado's Safe Haven's cause!

and just because: