Snow in California- AVAILABLE!
SNOW
LOCATION: SoCal
AGE: 4 years
SEX: Female/Spayed
WEIGHT: 16 lbs
KIDS: Yes
OTHER DOGS: Yes
CATS: Unknown
BIRDS & OTHER SMALL ANIMALS: Unknown
AVAILABLE AS OF: 11/9/2025
ADOPTION FEE: $450
Snow — a brave Frenchie princess who needs a patient, medically committed forever home
Snow was surrendered by a breeder in urgent need of care. She arrived critically ill with pyometra and a severely infected tail pocket. That night she had an emergency ovariohysterectomy and tail-pocket debridement, then was transferred to a fully staffed 24/7 hospital for close monitoring and lab checks before moving into a calm foster home. What has been constant through every step is Snow’s sweetness: she leans into affection, naps in sunbeams, and gives delicate snuffles and kisses despite everything she’s endured.
Medical story in full detail
- Pyometra and surgery
Snow presented with a life-threatening uterine infection (pyometra). She underwent emergency spay/ovariohysterectomy to remove the infected uterus and ovaries. Her immediate postoperative recovery included hospital observation and lab monitoring to ensure stabilization before transferring to her foster home. - Tail pocket infection and ongoing local care
Upon arrival into the care of FBV, her tail pocket was severely infected and was surgically cleaned and debrided. A surgical consult later determined that the pocket does not currently require reconstructive surgery provided the skin remains healthy. Ongoing care is essential: the pocket should be cleaned 2–3 times per week with Duoxo (or equivalent) wipes to prevent recurrence. - Comprehensive GI evaluation and esophageal stricture
Snow developed swallowing difficulty, regurgitation, and vomiting that prompted a thorough internal medicine workup: radiographs, ultrasound, endoscopy (esophagus and stomach), and colonoscopy (rectum and colon). During endoscopy an esophageal stricture (narrowing) was identified and treated with a balloon dilation procedure that was partially successful. The team opted not to repeat the dilation because Snow is stable and tolerating her current consistency of food. She can now comfortably eat a thick, soft consistency (about cookie-dough texture), take small pills, and receive soft treats. - Colonoscopy biopsies and motility diagnosis
Tissue biopsies were collected during colonoscopy to rule out inflammatory bowel disease and other causes of regurgitation. Imaging and specialist review confirmed slow GI motility (hypomotility) that contributes to constipation and delayed transit. Her constipation is well managed with a couple of supplements added to each of her meals. - Nutrient absorption issues
Snow has poor intestinal absorption of B9 and B12. She receives a daily B12 supplement (a monthly injectable alternative is an option discussed with the internal medicine team). There is limited evidence supporting routine folate supplementation in her case, so B9 (folate) is not being supplemented.
Why this matters: Snow will almost certainly require lifelong, specialized management — a prescription diet prepared to a specific consistency, scheduled medications and supplements, regular tail-pocket care, and attentive monitoring for changes in regurgitation, vomiting, stool quality, or weight.
Current medications, diet, and daily medical regimen
Snow’s day-to-day medical routine is precise and should be followed closely:
- Diet: Royal Canin Potato and Whitefish prescription diet (novel protein, limited-ingredient). Food is served as a thick, soft consistency (cookie-dough like). She currently eats 3 times per day but may transition to 2 times per day depending on adopter routine.
- Constipation management: Lactulose and psyllium powder are added to each meal to prevent constipation and maintain regular stools.
- Gut motility: Cisapride liquid (compounded, chicken-flavored) given three times daily to stimulate gastric and intestinal contractions and help food move through her digestive tract; doses are spaced roughly every 8 hours. Snow readily accepts the chicken-flavored liquid.
- Vitamin support: Daily oral vitamin B12 supplement (monthly injectable alternative available per vet guidance).
- Tail pocket care: Clean the tail pocket 2–3 times weekly with Duoxo or similar wipes to keep skin healthy and prevent infection recurrence.
- Medication timing constraint: Because Cisapride is given three times a day approximately every 8 hours, Snow will do best in a home where someone is present most of the day or where a midday caregiver (owner returning at lunch, dog-walker, or pet sitter) can administer the midday medication.
All medications and diet changes should be managed under the guidance of Snow’s internal medicine team or primary care veterinarian.
Mobility, house training, and daily life
- Mobility and physical limitations: Snow has bowed hind legs and the typical compact Frenchie conformation. She should avoid repeated high-impact activity, long runs, lots of stairs, and heavy jumping. She handles three shallow backyard steps easily and will walk short distances but for longer outings her foster family brings a cart (her “chariot”) for her to ride in. She’ll alternate walking and riding as she chooses. Her running gait is distinctive and adorable — she pushes off with both hind legs at once and can scurry surprisingly fast in short bursts. She also “bounce-bounces” (two or three small hops with the front legs lifting slightly) to generate momentum when she wants to boost herself onto a lap or the bed.
- Housetraining: Snow is partially housebroken. She reliably uses two indoor potty pads and will potty outside when taken out on a consistent schedule, though she dislikes eliminating while someone watches and may wander to a private spot. She prefers pavement or fake grass for going potty and has had very few accidents in recent weeks. Occasional accidents should be expected and met with patience. A home with access to potty pads or someone who can provide regular outdoor breaks is ideal.
- Crate and separation: Snow is comfortable in a crate but prefers a small pen with a bed and a potty pad available. She has tolerated being left alone for 4–5 hours without separation anxiety, but her medication schedule and potty needs require her to have a work-from-home or mid-day-visit arrangement.
- Leash skills and car behavior: Snow is learning leash walking; she’ll walk a block or so then stop. She loves car rides and falls asleep quickly when lap-mounted or cozy.
Temperament, social needs, and ideal home
- Temperament: Snow is two parts love bug, one part snuggle bunny, and one part “mom.” She adores affection and is tolerant of handling — face-fold cleaning, ear care, nail trims, and gentle grooming are all easy with her. She is not dominant nor overly submissive; she will set boundaries and try to stop rough play if it becomes too much.
- Polite around food: Snow does not resource guard. However, she can be a little sneaky around human food and may try to nab a morsel when your attention wanders.
- Quiet and composed: She barks rarely (only in limited contexts such as asking for attention from her chariot) and is unfazed by busy household sounds; Snow was calm through Halloween doorbell chaos and is well-suited for apartment or condo living. She snores but gently, not loudly.
- Sunbeam connoisseur: Snow claims the warmest patches of sunlight in the house and will sunbathe for long, luxurious stretches. She’s happiest with access to a sunny spot inside or outside.
- With other dogs: Snow lives happily with calm, low- to moderate-energy dog siblings and loves to snuggle with them. She’s friendly and curious with other dogs and is still learning to play; a resident dog who is patient with her awkward hops and attempts at play would be a great match. High-energy playmates are not ideal.
- With children: Sweet and gentle with dog-savvy children; she has been tolerant of kids as young as four during supervised interactions.
- With cats/small animals: Unknown; no experience living with cats or small animals. However, she has shown no prey drive with small critters outside.
- Lifestyle fit: She has tolerated being left 4–5 hours but also needs meds every ~8 hours, so a household with someone home often or who can provide a midday medication/potty break (return at lunch, dog walker, or pet sitter) is required. She should have regular access to potty pads or someone to let her out. Snow’s humans must view her medical routine — medication three times daily, two supplements added to each meal, tail-pocket care, and special food preparation — as part of her daily life, not a burden.
- Home amenities: Snow would thrive in a home with at least one or two affectionate humans, one or two calm doggie siblings, and sunny spots for naps indoors or outdoors. She would love to sleep in the human bed, chill with her humans in their laps and on the sofa and be included in outings where she can meet people and shower them with affection.
Snow is a deeply affectionate little dog whose medical needs are specific but entirely manageable with commitment and care. Her daily routine — a blend of special meals, supplements, and medications — keeps her comfortable, steady, and full of life. She greets each day with quiet joy, welcomes gentle handling with trust, and returns every kindness with cuddles and unwavering loyalty.
Her personality is pure charm: goofy, courageous, and endlessly loving. Snow’s quirks are part of her magic — the bounce-bounce she does to boost herself up, the speedy little scurry of her hind legs, the blissful sunbeam naps, and her serene companionship. She’s a princess in spirit, happiest when nestled in a warm lap, sharing soft kisses, and basking in the rhythm of a predictable, cozy life.
Snow is ready to give her whole heart to a family who sees her medical routine not as a burden, but as part of loving her well. If your home is calm, your heart is patient, and you have room for a snuggly little lady with a heroic past and a radiant soul, Snow is waiting — eager to meet you and begin her next chapter wrapped in love.
If you are interested in adopting Snow, please fill out an online application. There is a $10 application fee.