French Bulldogs are one of the most beloved breeds in the world. In 2020, the American Kennel Club ranked them as the second most popular breed in the United States. Despite their lovable and clownish personalities, we are finding that with their booming popularity, many frenchies need to be rehomed later for a variety of reasons. That's where rescues come in — and we need your help as we welcome in the new year!
Please join French Bulldog Rescue Network and French Bulldog Village as we “Get Fit for Frenchies!” We invite you to participate in this month-long virtual event to help raise money while encouraging fitness, movement and activity in the new year!
Why We’re Getting Fit For Frenchies:
When a French bulldog is surrendered, rescue organizations like French Bulldog Rescue Network (FBRN) and French Bulldog Village (FBV) step up to the plate to help rehabilitate and rehome them. Dogs are taken in from commercial breeding kennels, import brokers, shelters, private rescue groups, Good Samaritans or owners who are unable to care for them.
Both organizations are run solely by volunteers throughout the United States and Canada who open their homes and hearts to frenchies in need. As nonprofits, the rescues rely on the generous donations of people like you to help these dogs find their forever homes. Many of the dogs that find their way into rescue require veterinary treatment before they can be rehomed - some dogs even come into the rescues straight from the emergency room with severe medical issues. Both rescues have spent in excess of $100,000 in medical costs for the frenchies in their care in 2021. Anyone who has dealt with an unexpected emergency vet bill can see how the expenses can rack up quickly! There have unfortunately been times where the rescues have had to turn away dogs due to a lack of funding or foster homes. This is a decision that neither rescue ever wants to make. As we head into the new year and beyond, we’re hoping this won’t be the case for any frenchie!
A common medical emergency both rescues see is frenchies with Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), which can require surgeries that cost between $5,000 and $6,000. This cost doesn’t include the ongoing care like physical therapy and medication. The info graphic below shows the costs associated with IVDD for one dog. Both FBRN and FBV typically have multiple dogs with IVDD in their care at one time.
How to Participate:
STEP 1: REGISTER and set up your account anytime between now and Feb. . Once you register, you will have your own web page that will track your team’s combined distance and funds you raise together.
Registration fee: $40/participant which is a tax-deductible donation (proceeds will be split 50/50 between FBRN and FBV)
STEP 2: RECRUIT team members from anywhere in the world to join you. Decide together on your goals for distance and fundraising. Get the most out of your experience by forming a team with friends, family, neighbors, or coworkers and competing with other teams!
STEP 3: USE YOUR INFLUENCE AND REAP REWARDS. Connect using emails built into your Charity Footprints account and to your social network to help raise awareness and reach your fundraising goals. Share your progress regularly by posting pictures and short videos to spread the word. Remember to tag @FrenchBulldogRescue and @FrenchBulldogVillage on Instagram and include #GetFitforFrenchies to help spread the word! Your registration fee is applied to your fundraising balance.
STEP 4: SET UP YOUR DEVICE AND GET ACTIVE! Activities can be tracked via Apple Watch, Fitbit, Garmin, Misfit, Android wearables, Charity Footprints or Strava iOS/Android mobile applications, or can be manually entered through the campaign website. You can try and get your heart rate up by walking, running or biking and log those miles. Taking your Frenchie for a walk? Even if they only go a few steps, go ahead and plug that in! For wellness activities that cannot be measured in miles, check out our steps conversion chart below to use it as a guide!
CAMPAIGN CHAT
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