Neeko — 5 Years Old, 31 lbs, Certified Chunk, Professional Snuggler, Part‑Time Drama King

Neeko (also known as Chunk, because… well, you’ll see) is a 5‑year‑old, 31‑pound Frenchie with an expressive face that could win awards and a personality that will absolutely steal your heart. He’s cute, he’s funny, he’s sweet, he’s suspicious of treats, and he is very ready to blossom now that his pain is finally under control.

Neeko came into rescue after his former owner had to move into assisted living. He and his doggie “sister” were alone in the home for several weeks, with someone stopping by once a day to feed them and clean up. Despite all that, Neeko has remained a gentle, loving soul who is now discovering what it feels like to be comfortable, safe, and cared for.

Health & Special Needs (AKA: The Chunk Maintenance Program)

Neeko has had BOAS surgery and a hiatal hernia repair (2024). X‑rays also showed some thoracic hemivertebrae, which is common in Frenchies. He likely had a past IVDD episode, leaving him with some hind‑leg weakness.

But Neeko’s biggest challenge — and the source of most of his lifelong pain — is his front legs, which are significantly bowed and his feet rotating outward almost 90°. Because of this, he needs lifelong pain management, which currently includes:

• Carprofen
• Gabapentin (chewables only — he outsmarted the capsules)
• Amantadine

He also takes Reconcile for anxiety, which has helped him tremendously. With pain and anxiety finally under control, he’s become calmer, sweeter, more tolerant of gentle handling, and more interested in life. His foster family says he was living in a “fog of pain and frustration” before — and now he’s emerging from it like a little chunky butterfly.

Treat delivery note: Neeko is extremely suspicious of anything that might be a trick. He sniffs every offering like a TSA agent checking for contraband. He will accept meds only in beef hot dogs. Pork? No. Turkey? Absolutely not. Pill pockets? Don’t insult him. Cheese… maybe.

Behavior & Personality

Neeko is a sweet, loving, low‑energy boy who enjoys being next to his human, following them around the house, and napping in soft places. He’s funny, expressive, and has a comic flair that makes you fall for him instantly.

He’s also:

• Very well housebroken
• Crate trained (though he prefers not to be crated unless necessary)
• Not loud — his bark is adorably muffled
• Learning to be a guard dog by copying other dogs
• A gentleman who waits to be lifted onto furniture
• A lover of Cheerios during grooming practice
• A cautious treat inspector
• A chunk (this is important)

He doesn’t need much exercise — just regular potty breaks and maybe a few short zoomies now that his pain is controlled. He used to run but couldn’t stop, bowling over other dogs like a Frenchie bowling ball. Now he’s coordinated enough to zoom without collateral damage.

He knows sit, leave it, and come. He walks on a leash but prefers to play with it like it’s a tug toy. He’s strong, so he’ll need some leash work.

He occasionally chews Nylabones, naps in dog beds, and enjoys couch time with his people. He didn’t have many toys in his previous life, but he’s starting to play with the delight of a puppy discovering new things.

Other Pets & Resource Guarding

Neeko is not good with other dogs and must be adopted as an only dog.

He has lived with an older female dog most of his life, but in foster care he must be separated from resident dogs due to aggressive resource guarding, especially of his crate. He will lunge and grab if he feels threatened. No serious bites, but he cannot safely live with other dogs.

He has shown tentative tolerance of one male Frenchie outdoors, but indoors he has zero tolerance for other dogs.

He may be okay with dog‑savvy cats, but birds and other small animals are a definite no.

He would also be okay with dog‑savvy kids 10+ who understand boundaries and respect his space.

Grooming Needs

Neeko is sensitive to grooming — especially his folds and ears — and will growl or warn when he’s uncomfortable. He has bitten the washcloth during face cleaning. His foster family is working slowly and gently on desensitization, and he recently did great with his face being cleaned while eating Cheerios.

He has only had nails clipped at the vet, where he was fine.

He will need a home willing to go slow, respect his signals, and continue gentle grooming practice.

Ideal Home

Neeko’s dream home is:

• One with him as the only dog
• Quiet and predictable
• With a fenced yard OR someone committed to leash walks
• With humans home most of the time
• Patient, gentle, and understanding
• Dog‑savvy and willing to continue slow desensitization
• Able to maintain lifelong pain and anxiety meds

He’d do great in an apartment or condo — he’s low‑energy, quiet, and doesn’t need much space.

He may have some separation anxiety at first, since he’s never been an only dog, but he loves his people deeply and will bond strongly.

Why He’s Worth It

Neeko is an absolute doll — sweet, loving, funny, expressive, and deeply endearing. His face alone could convince you to cancel all your plans and spend the day snuggling him. He’s blossoming more every week, discovering joy, noticing new things, and learning that life can be good.

He is the most deserving of a forever home of all good boys in the world.

He has endured pain, confusion, and instability, yet he still meets the world with gentleness. Now that he finally feels comfortable, he’s ready to step forward with his special person or two and enjoy life as the cherished king he deserves to be.