Jessie Butters: A Little Dog with a Lot of Fight—and Even More Love

Jessie Butters’ story begins in heartbreak—but it’s one of survival, too. This tiny French Bulldog was found by a Good Samaritan being thrown in a dumpster, barely clinging to life, with a deceased puppy lodged in her birth canal and two more lost inside. She’d been in labor for five agonizing days before she was rushed to safety for an emergency C-section—her third, following two previous ones that had already left her with significant internal scarring.

Jessie is four years old, 16 pounds of scrappy sweetness, and ready to be someone’s everything.

She’s got a quirky little giddy-up in her back left leg, a result of a poorly structured back end and possibly some double joints. She’ll always look a bit underweight—and should stay that way to protect her spine—but don’t let her dainty frame fool you. Jessie is sturdy in spirit and strong in her will to thrive. She’s received electro-acupuncture, B12 injections, and takes Chinese herbs and Dasuquin to support her hindquarters. No further neurology appointments are needed, but quarterly acupuncture and B12 treatments are recommended to keep her feeling her best.

Jessie’s bladder is tiny, and she’s partially housebroken. She goes outside like a champ and does well in her crate for up to eight hours during the night, but she’s not always reliable about signaling when she needs to go. Frequent potty breaks are key. She also has a hooded vulva that requires daily cleaning and monitoring for UTIs. At night or when she’s deeply relaxed, she may drop a tiny bit of poo—easy to clean and no big deal for someone who understands her gentle needs.

Despite everything she’s endured, Jessie is a happy, curious little girl who just wants to be with her person. She’s a Velcro dog through and through—laid back, playful, cuddly, and always ready for the next adventure. She loves short walks, lazy days outside (as long as you’re with her), and cozy lap naps. She’s great on a leash, knows how to sit, and has solid recall in the house and fenced yard (if outside the fence, she must be on leash). She even enjoys her crate and finds comfort in its calm.

Jessie gets along with men, women, and older dog-savvy kids (10+). Young children may be too rough for her delicate back end. She does well with small dogs and would likely enjoy a gentle companion, but slow introductions are best. She hasn’t met many dogs in foster care yet, so her social circle is still expanding. Large dogs are a no-go, and her reaction to cats or small critters is unknown.

Because she was starved in her past life, Jessie takes food very seriously. She loves to eat and has no issues with appetite, but feeding should be done separately and with care—she’s not aggressive, just protective of what she’s earned.

Jessie tolerates grooming and medical care with grace, especially when love is involved. She barks at strange noises but responds well to correction and settles quickly. A stair-free home would be ideal for her (ramps work well!), and she’s likely to handle elevators just fine, so apartment life could be a great fit.

A fenced yard would be ideal but not required. She doesn’t potty as well on leash, so outdoor access is a plus.

Her perfect home? Someone who’s home often or can provide a midday potty break. A quiet lifestyle with short walks, soft beds, and maybe a small dog friend. Jessie would also thrive as a take-to-work girl—she just wants to be near her person, wherever that may be.

Jessie Butters has been through more in four years than most dogs face in a lifetime. She’s earned comfort, kindness, and a home that understands her needs and celebrates her spirit. If you’re someone who sees beauty in resilience, joy in the little things, and companionship in every cuddle, Jessie is ready to be your devoted sidekick—through quiet mornings, gentle walks, and all the love you have to give.