Sue in New York

Sue’s Story: A New Chapter as a Hospice Foster

Sometimes rescue means accepting that we can’t change the diagnosis — but we can change everything about what comes after it.

Sweet 5‑year‑old Sue came to FBV when her previous owner’s job began requiring frequent travel. Because Sue doesn’t travel well, he made the loving, selfless decision to find her a home where she could enjoy stability, companionship, and the everyday closeness she thrives on. Originally purchased from a breeder and having had multiple litters, Sue is finally getting the chance to be someone’s cherished companion.

During her intake and routine monitoring, Sue’s foster family and veterinary team noticed subtle changes that prompted further testing. After months of careful observation, Sue was diagnosed with renal amyloidosis, a condition where abnormal proteins accumulate in the kidneys and can eventually lead to kidney failure.

The good news — and it truly is good news — is that Sue’s condition was caught early. She has not gone into renal failure, and right now she is responding well to treatment. She is comfortable, happy, and enjoying a wonderful quality of life.

Because this disease can be unpredictable, we don’t know whether Sue has months or even years ahead of her. For that reason, she will remain with her loving foster family as a hospice foster, where she’ll continue receiving regular veterinary care, monitoring, and all the comforts she adores.

And in the meantime? Sue gets cozy beds. Treats. Sunshine. Cuddles. Piglet sniffs. Foam‑step sofa access (even when politely discouraged). And most importantly, a home filled with love.

Sue is housebroken, with only a couple of minor accidents as she adjusted to her new environment. She’s recovering beautifully from her spay and may have mild allergies that show up as occasional paw licking, but nothing out of the ordinary for a Frenchie. She sleeps through the night, rises early, and follows her humans from room to room with unwavering devotion. She’s gentle with other dogs, enjoys meeting new canine friends on walks, and has shown no aggression toward the resident Frenchie.

She’s missing a few teeth, which makes her tongue peek out in the most endearing way, and she snores in certain positions — but she has no other breathing issues. Mostly, she just wants to be close to her people, offering kisses, companionship, and her signature snuffly explorations.

Sue’s medical journey isn’t over — and neither is her story. Please keep your paws crossed that her medications continue to work and that she has many comfortable, joy‑filled days ahead.

If you’d like to help FBV continue providing Sue with the veterinary care she needs, donations are always deeply appreciated.

We may not be able to change Sue’s diagnosis, but we can make sure every day she has is filled with love.