After taking a year and a half break from fostering, we recently decided we were able to open our home to another dog in need again. Fostering is an incredible way to help save lives, but itâs also important to find the right fitânot just for the foster dog, but for our family, including our dog Meatball and our two cats.
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When Bullies-N-Beyond ResQ in Omaha, Nebraska posted about a 6-year-old French Bulldog who had been used for breeding her entire life, my heart was immediately drawn to her. She reminded me of our first foster, Precious. However, fostering a dog with her backgroundâcoming from a puppy mill was new territory for us. She wasnât potty trained, and we werenât sure we were equipped to meet her unique needs.
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Initially, we decided to pass. The rescue had other foster applicants with experience caring for dogs from similar situations, and we thought someone else might be a better fit.
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But Petunia (yes, we named her) stayed heavy on my mind and heart. The next morning, I couldnât shake the feeling that she was meant to come to us. I reached back out to the rescue, and it turned out the other fosters didnât work out. After talking it over with my husband, Troy, we decided we were up for the challenge and ready to give her a safe space to decompress and heal.
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Meet Petunia
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Petunia came from a puppy mill in South Dakota, where she spent her entire six years of life being used solely for breeding. When we picked her up, she was terrified and unsure of what was happening. Her saggy nipples and long, curled nails were clear signs of her past, and she smelledâbadly. At first, we thought she might even be pregnant, and hopefully she still isnât. đ
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Despite her fear, she welcomed Troyâs comforting arms. To our surprise, she was immediately calm around himâsomething we didnât expect, as many rescue dogs are initially leery of men.
On the drive home, though, we encountered aâŚunique issue. The rancid smell we thought was an accident in her towel? Nope. It was her gas and her poor hygiene from years of neglect.
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When we got her home, we gave her a much-needed bath. She tolerated it well, though she was visibly nervous about the water spray. Afterward, she snuggled up in a towel in Troyâs arms while we cleaned her nails and paws, which were caked in dirt and feces. Finally clean and warm, Petunia was ready to rest.
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Learning to Be a Dog
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We set her up in a quiet space in our finished basement, where she could decompress. For the first few days, she mostly slept, only waking for meals and short potty breaks. She was exhaustedâphysically and emotionallyâafter years of living as a breeding dog.
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Slowly but surely, we started building trust with her. Every interaction was positive, filled with praise and treats. We included Meatball in her potty breaks and mealtime routines, hoping his welcoming energy would help her feel safer.
Petunia had no concept of grass, toys, or even what it meant to be a dog. But after just 12 days, she has made incredible progress. Sheâs learning potty training, becoming comfortable with Meatball (sheâs even started initiating play!), and guarding her food and kennel less. Most importantly, sheâs starting to realize sheâs safe and loved.
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A Message About Puppy Mills
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Petuniaâs story is heartbreaking but sadly not uncommon. Puppy mills and backyard breeders exist because people continue to support them, often unknowingly. These operations prioritize profit over the well-being of the dogs, using them for breeding until they are no longer âuseful,â at which point many are discarded or abandoned.
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We urge everyone to avoid buying dogs from pet stores, backyard breeders, or online listings that lack transparency. Instead, consider adopting from a reputable rescue or shelter. Do your research and choose a dog that fits your lifestyle. Dogs are a lifelong commitment, not a passing trend or accessory.
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Petuniaâs Bright Future
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Petunia is already blossoming into an amazing dog, and we know sheâll bring so much joy to her forever family. Sheâs available for adoption through Bullies-N-Beyond ResQ. If youâre interested, please fill out an application, and the rescue will be in touch.
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Thank you for supporting rescue dogs like Petunia. Every foster, adopter, and advocate makes a difference. Together, we can help dogs like her leave behind their past and step into a life filled with love, freedom, and happiness.
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To support our mission, follow us on social media (TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, IG) or visit CogsDogs.com.
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With love & pawsitivity,
Susie Cogswell, Cogs Dogs Mom