Darwin

Breed: Olde English Bulldog

Age: 3 years old

Sex: Male

Weight: 72 lbs.

11/15/2021 Update:

Darwin has crossed over the rainbow bridge. Although our hearts are heavy with the loss, we know that Darwin’s story is one with a loving ending. He was surrounded by people that loved him, and he loved back. He passed in his favorite spot in his home getting love and affection from people he trusted. His last day was a good one. He watched the news with his Foster Mom on the sofa and received plenty of affection before the day started. The weather was perfect. He had breakfast on the patio with his brother. A good brushing from his Foster Mom. He patrolled for squirrels. He had a good wrestle with his brother. And by chance, one of his human friends stopped by just to say hello. He was his foster families steadfast companion on work calls. He gently snored in the background curled up on his 6 foot teddy bear while they typed away. It was a great day.

Darwin had epilepsy. As with many lifelong diseases they affect us all in different ways. When Darwin was surrendered to us, we were not aware that he had epilepsy. In fact, his foster family often commented that he was the only animal in the house not on medication. His first seizure was severe. When he was transported to the vet, there were questions weather he would come home. He did. He was monitored by medical professionals, follow ups were made, blood work performed. He recovered and bounced back. Until the day he woke from his nap on his teddy bear and had a seizure that he was not able to recover from.

Darwin was surrendered to a shelter with the reason ‘life style changes’ written on the paperwork. NBBR was ready and able to take in the Super Smart Scientist dog, Charlie Darwin and make sure that he had the best lifestyle change possible, no matter how short or long. Darwin will be missed and his foster family will grieve the loss of the ‘sofa king’, ‘pooh bear’ or sweet Charlie D. They also have their hearts full knowing that when he passed he was surrounded by love and that is really all any of us can ask for.

How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard—Winnie the Pooh

10/7/2021 Update:

Darwin checking in! I am doing great! My FM has gotten extra sneaky with my pills. She can be as sneaky as she wants, but this SUPER SMART SCIENTIST dog is on to her games. I spit them out about 50% of the time. She watches me, and try’s all sorts of ways to trick me. My favorite 2 ways are canned dog food meatballs and peanut butter. If she uses cheese, pill pockets or lunch meat I foil her master plans. It is very important that I get my medication on time twice a day. Epilepsy is no joke! And I never want to go through that again. I go back for my blood work in December and hopefully the medication is still doing its job and my body is handling it well. Since it has cooled down a bit we are walking more, which is good because my harness was a bit tight :0. I do a lot of napping, after bursts of play time with my brother and squirrel patrol. My FM calls me the ‘Sofa King’ – I like that title, and it is 100% Accurate!

I am a super sweet, loving scientist dog and a big fella. My FM wants to grab me and snuggle me sometimes, but she knows I would not like that. I like to lay next to you and get scritches, but hugging would be uncomfortable for me. I trust the FF but I still have comfort boundaries. Fast moving loud things make me uncomfortable. But I handle that much better than I used to. I just go get in my bed in the foster parents room. I also need some time to handle new things. FM moved the furniture around, and it took me a while to figure out where I was supposed to lay. Once I did, it was back to being the sofa king!

That is all for now,

~Super smart scientist,

C Darwin

8/10/2021 Update:

Greetings from the Super Smart Scientist laboratory! I can report that it is a scientific fact that the squeaky toys that live in the trees are uncatchable. So, I just watch them from the house. They are silly. Me and my brother play a lot. But mostly at night or early in the morning because it is so hot! My FM bought me an extra fuzzy blanket that is the greatest thing EVER! I am not sure how I ever slept without it. I have not had any more seizures! I am a much happier guy now that I am on medication for them. My FM is not a super smart scientist, but she thinks that some of my quirks might have been made worse by a medical condition no one knew about. I have to get my blood checked every 6 months to make sure the medication is at the right levels. It helps me with the seizures, but can sometimes cause other issues. I am so grateful that NBBR picked me up from that shelter and makes sure I am safe, loved and have the medical care I need.

I love my Foster Brother so much! But that was not always the case. My FF worked very hard with slow introductions and time. They made sure I felt safe, and slowly introduced us. I don’t immediately like other dogs, but once I am introduced properly, I LOVE! Some dogs take a week or longer, some take a few days. There is a scientific formula to it that only I understand!

That is all for now,

~Super smart scientist,

C Darwin

7/5/2021 Update:

Darwin checking in from a new Laboratory!

The past few weeks have be WILD!!! My foster parents put all our stuff in boxes, then me and my brother went to see Doc H and the crew, we spent the night. They took my blood, trimmed my nails, and gave me a scrubadub dub. GOOD NEWS! My labs came back excellent and my medication for seizures is still doing its job! My foster parents make sure I get my medication at 8am and 8pm everyday. They set an alarm on their phones to make sure they don’t miss the time. It is very important that a dog with epilepsy gets the medication at the same time every day. This means sometimes when they are out, they have to plan to be home to give me medication on time. Things like this happen sometimes, I was fine and not on any medication, then one day I had multiple seizures and now I am on medication.

Now on to the important stuff. So the Fosters picked us up and we went somewhere totally different! Our new house has a huge yard, and a gate on the patio where we can see out front. And we have squeaky toys living in the trees! Crazy, Hu! They jump from tree to tree and talk to us and sometimes. They jump off the trees on to the fence or yard and I chase them! Foster mom says they are called Squirrels! I keep a watch for them. I am studying their behavior and will report back on my scientific opinion after I have adequate time to think on it. My foster dad made sure that my teddy bear made it to the new place, and I have my very own spot to nap. This made me very happy, they did not know how I would react to such a big change. Well, I was not very comfortable at first. It took me a few days to be comfortable in the new place. Change is tough, and that is my super smart scientific opinion!

Super Smart Scientist Dog,

Charlie Darwin

5/16/2021 Update:

Super Smart scientist dog here! I am very impressed with myself. I play with toys when no-one is watching, and as soon as they look at me I stop. I have them so fooled! I mean how could anyone accuse this face of anything! I have not ever really played with toys, and there are rules that I am learning. For instance, the other day I was chewing on the window sill, FD told me ‘No’ and then gave me a squeaky toy. Maybe the window sill is his toy? Humans are so weird. My seizures seem to be under control, and I am a much happier guy now! I go back to get more blood work soon. Hopefully the medicine is in tune with my body and no adjustments need to be made. Well, off to see what else I can get away with – with this face there is no telling. I have the not guilty face down to a science! Don’t you agree?

C. Darwin

4/29/2021 Update:

Surprise, You came looking for English Bulldogs, and you get an Old English Bulldog, or OEB for short. The OEB was developed by crossing an English Bulldog with an American Bulldog, Pitbull, and Bullmastiff. The goal was to develop a healthier canine (than the EB) that had the looks of the 18th century Bulldog and the personality of the modern English Bulldog. The OEB is a strong and attractive canine that makes a wonderful pet. If you are on the lookout for a companion that will love you fiercely and protect you from anyone who looks suspicious, this breed could be the perfect fit. This breed is known for being protective, capable, fearless, and determined. On the other hand, these dogs are also described as docile, friendly, and affectionate. They are not at all aggressive or aloof- quite the contrary. An OEB will always want to be by his owner side, and will be more than up to for a session of ear scratches and belly rubs. Plus, they are eager to please.

Then there is Darwin. He is an OEB, he looks like an OEB. He is so handsome, and regal to look at. He looks extra confident. But man, sometimes I wonder if he is actually a Chihuahua in an OEB body. Ya, he is lovable and determined, and super affectionate. He is also needy, moody, and such a big scaredy cat! And he is docile, until he isn’t. He doesn’t like other dogs, but LOVES THEM AFTER HE TRUSTS. So how do you find the perfect home for a dog that is dog reactive, but also does best with other dogs around??? He has the absolute worst gas ever. And I swear he intentionally points the cannon at whoever he is miffed at and FIRES. Sometimes it is so bad, you have to brush your teeth. No joke. He sheds like a madman. He puts the Roomba through its paces. Somedays it gets emptied twice. His tries so hard to communicate, but sadly it comes out like a growl. If he wants to be petted, you better get to scratching – if not he will use those powerful paws to paw at you until you comply. The affection trait hit hard with him. When he is awake in the morning, he will come lick my face fiercely until I wake up. Protective? Fearless? He plays and looks a tough guy, but pull out something he has never seen before and he will be hiding behind me. If you really want to see that true protective OEB attitude, lean over him when he is in his bed. He will show you all those tough guy traits in his lineage. He drags all the blankets from everywhere in the house and makes a nest. If you put the blankets away, he will grab pants, shirts, towels or whatever cloth like item you missed. If somethings startles him, he will run and get in his nest. A wonderful family pet? Yes, for grown-ups. Since fast moving new things startle him. Kids are not idea. When he is around them, he sits by my side and looks at me like ‘please make the scary things go away’. And healthier? We thought so until he was diagnosed with epilepsy. And hips we have to keep an eye on. You better be strong, because if you are on a walk and a dog comes at him, that scaredy cat with his linage is going to prove he is a tough guy. So, his perfect home is a needle in a hay stack.

As his foster mom I can tell you, he is great despite all the ‘bad’ things. He is a fantastic companion. He is wonderful in the house. Never chews, has never used the bathroom in the house. He sits near me in whatever room I am in. He comes to check on me about once per hour and looks at me with the most loving eyes I have ever seen. Like he is trying to mentally tell me he loves me more than anything in the whole world. He is always good for a snuggle and a good movie on the sofa. He loves a short walk, but is cool if me miss it. He loves to ride in the car. When he prances through the house in a playful mood, I laugh so hard at him. He snaps his head back and forth like he is in a boy band. When he drags all his blankets through the house to build his nest it warms my heart. He sometimes sneaks his brothers’ toys outside and plays with them, if he sees you watching he stops. He is a funny, quirky guy. And those ears…. I just love those ears!

Maybe his perfect forever home is out there, if it takes forever to find, it is fine with us.

4/16/2021 Update:

Darwin here! And boy oh boy do I have some updates to share. About 2 weeks ago, I woke up like normal, walked into the food producing area, stretched, smelled one of my brothers and all the sudden I had bees in my head. This is not normal, as bees do not have an entry area into the brain. And I was freaked out! I went back to my bedroom bed and tried and tried to gag them up. Then they went through my whole body. I was really scared. My foster dad followed me and knew that something was terribly wrong. He was trying to figure out what was going on. Did I swallow something? Did something bite me? He was not sure, so he got foster mom. She also had no idea what was wrong. Since I cannot speak human, I could not tell them ‘THERE ARE STINGING BEES IN MY BODY’ – so I gagged and shook, foamed at the mouth and started to get really hot. Foster mom and dad called the nice people at Doc H’s office and rushed me to them. The nice crew at Doc H’s office was worried about me, I had a really high temperature. They did not know if I had been poisoned, bitten, or was I having seizures. And I could not tell them ‘I HAVE STINGING BEES INSIDE MY BODY’. So, they took some blood, got me cooled down and made the bees stop STINGING ME INSIDE MY BODY. I chilled at Doc H’s office for a while, they are super nice. They sat in the floor with me and let me lay my head in their lap. I am a big boy, but a lover not a tough guy.

They got my blood work back and it was perfect. No signs of poison, no problems with my organs, but they got to see me under attack by the bees, it was so bad I passed out and peeped on myself – they told my foster parents I was having a seizure and that caused a high fever. They gave me some medicine and I got to go home. My foster parents watched me extra close and noticed I was acting strange again, I was twitching my lip, and gagging with a small amount of foam in my mouth. It was late in the day, so FM rushed me to an emergency vet. They treated me, added some medication and I stayed the night. When my FM picked me up the next day, I was extra goofy. The medicine made me stumble and fall, and I could not be left alone for a minute. So, I have been spending every day and hour with the family. Which I like a lot. I go back next week to see Doc H. Get some blood work done.

I am so glad that NBBR spares no expense when a dog is in trouble. Otherwise, this Super smart scientist dog may not be here to update all my fans. I have been with my foster family for a while, and have been healthy, no issues at all! Mom often said I was the only dog in the house not on medication. But these things happen sometimes, and when they do, they are not cheap!

Stinging Bee free, kiss, farts and snores,

Super Smart Scientist Dog – Charlie Darwin

3/23/2021 Update:

Darwin here and so is spring! Me and my brother have so many wiggles and jiggles to get out. I don’t like all dogs and it takes me some time warm up but once I do, play time is on! My foster mom says I have to scientifically observe new dogs to form a hypothesis of their trustworthiness. This means I go to the investigation station, or in layman terms behind the baby gate. I watch and observe. Once I feel like they are ok, play time is on! Once I have deemed you safe, we are best friends! I hope you are having lots of play time, followed by scritches & kisses and naps on the sofa!

Love, Kisses & Farts,

Charlie Darwin

3/15/2021 Update:

Darwin here! Did you know I am a super smart scientist dog? Since my extended foster family has been updating you on the crazy Texas snow, I figured I would give my super smart take on my snow dog adventure. FM & FD seemed to not enjoy it as much as me and my brother did. We didn’t have power for a few days, but that was ok with us! We built a giant nest in front of the fireplace and snuggled up. It was AWESOME! We played in the snow and I thought it was the best week ever! I got lots of scritches on the sofa, we had piles of blankets and we all stayed nice and warm. It was cozy! But now things are back to normal here. I hope my forever family sees this and puts in an application to adopt me soon!

2/14/2021 Update:

Darwin checking in with a happy valentines day from me to you!!! Since we don’t know when my Birthday is, my foster mom says I can pick the date, so I pick Valentines day! So happy 4th Birthday to me!!!!

I have been in my foster home for a year. NBBR and my foster family want to find me the perfect family. I need an experienced dog owner family. I take time to warm up to dogs, but once I do I am a great brother! I may be a hunky big handsome guy, but children are scary. I love to go for rides in the jeep. I love a 30 minute walk around the block. I love laying on the sofa snuggled up with my hoomans. I never chew up anything (not even toys), I never potty in the house and I am the best co worker. I love to give kisses and get scritches. Sometimes if my hips are a bit sore I will be vocal and give a grrrr.

Off I go to celebrate my Birthday! I hope you are celebrating with the ones you love!

Love,

Charlie Darwin

1/5/2021 Update:

Conversations with Charlie Darwin

C. Darwin: Christmas gone?

Me: yes, maybe next year you will have your very own family for Christmas!

C. Darwin: Now I foster dog, but my forever family is looking for me?

Me: Yes! We will find them!

C. Darwin: Ok… now Wat doing

Me: Not much, just stood up

C. Darwin: Where U go?

Me: Nowhere, just getting something to drink

C. Darwin: Can I come?

Me: Sure, but it is just 10 feet away

C. Darwin: Ok, I come too

Me: Ok, Sweet sweet boy

C. Darwin: I Sweet sweet boy

Me: Yep, you sweet sweet boy

C. Darwin: You sit back down and give Charlie Darwin Scritches on the sofa?

Me: how could I not, sweet boy

C. Darwin: Now Wat doing?

Me: going into my office to work

C. Darwin: Me come halp work

Me: Ok

C. Darwin: I sweet sweet boy, I halp work

Me: Ok, you work for treats or scritches?

C. Darwin: yes, I halp work for scritches & treats

Me: sigh

C. Darwin: Now where going?

Me: To the bathroom

C. Darwin: I come too; you give scratches & bathroom?

Me: Sigh…. Ok

C. Darwin: Wuv you

Me: Wuv you too

11/29/2020 Update:

My name is Darwin, my FM calls me Charlie Darwin. She says all dogs must have 2 names, and I am a super smart scientist dog. So, Charlie Darwin it is. I will not argue with her, I like my name. I had a name before, but I did not know that name, so along with a new life, I got a new name! NBBR does not know too much about my past. I was surrendered to a shelter. Then moved to another shelter, then they came and saved me! I am 3 or 4 years old and a HANDSOME guy! I am a big fella (weighing in at 90 pounds), an Old English Bulldog. That means I am taller than an English Bulldog, and heavier. I do still snore like an English Bulldog! I also do not have allergies and can take the heat a bit better than my foster brother who is an English bulldog. My FM says I need a forever home that has a lot of dog experience and patience. That my Darwinisms take some time to figure out, but once they are, man am I a sweet love bug & the best boy! So my forever home will need to be ready for lots of LOVE!

At first, I was a bit uneasy and unsure, but my foster family has worked so hard to help me. I have evolved (get it😊 )! I love to just be with my people, I am happy to watch TV, sit by moms desk while she works, go for rides in the Jeep, on walks in the woods, and pile up my blankets in my bed and sleep. I am starting to understand play and I really like it! Me and my foster brother play hard! I never have accidents in the house, I never chew anything up, and am always the perfect house mate. I am not a fan of all dogs (but after time and slow intros I come around), I am really good about vocalizing my unease with a quiet grrr…. and little people make me a bit nervous. I bet most people have more issues than I do. The one thing my forever home must have is unending love from me. My happy place is on the sofa with my head in FM lap getting scritches. I do beg for affection and sometimes that seems to annoy FM, but she gets over it when I look at her with my super extra loving eyes. I do sleep in my crate at night, and I like it (as long as I have at least 3 blankets). FM says that when NBBR finds the perfect family for me, they may let me sleep on a sofa or in a human bed and that will be an upgrade. I do not mind my crate, but I would be fine sleeping outside of it. After all, I am a super smart scientist loving guy!

Well, I need to get back to my scritches from FM,

Kisses, Love & Farts!

Charlie Darwin

PS – have you ever seen such an amazing underbite? Didn’t think so

10/2/2020 Update:

Darwin here – there are a few things that are EXTRA important to me. One is sleeping. My FM says I sleep for 27 hours a day. I sleep on the sofa, on the floor, under her feet, in my hammock bed, pretty much anywhere I want. She does not let me in her bed, but I am working on her with my extra sad loving eyes that work on her 97% of the time. I am a pretty chill guy, most of the time. I don’t bark much, but I am vocal. If something is going on, that I don’t like, I give a focused low growl. This is my way of communicating. I don’t have any other way to communicate, I can’t text or talk, and I can’t wag a tail. I am learning how to be a dog in a family. I love my foster brother dog, but not random dogs I see out and about. I am suspicious of them. My FF is trying to help me through this. I got a new harness, new extra yummy treats, FM has started using a clicker. When she clicks it I get a treat. Sometimes this happens when I am just strolling to my next napping place. She says that I have more surprises in store, but I must wait. Oh well, I guess I will just take another nap.

Love, Kisses & Farts,

Super smart scientist dog, C Darwin

9/21/2020 Update:

Darwin coming live from Foster Land!

My FM said that I have a Jeep Face. I don’t know what that is, I love love love to ride in the Jeep! Now that it is a bit cooler, me and my big – little brother get to go more. I like to stick my head (just a little) out the window. I get so excited when they grab the jeep keys, I hop around and act silly. It makes my Foster Parents laugh, so I get more silly. Before you know we are all a pack of silly’s riding around in the Jeep with the windows down headed somewhere cool! I like to go on trail walks, I did not get to do that before came to Faster Land. The last time a grasshopper caught a ride on me, and FM called me a bug uber. That was funny. I also went to an event last week. I am not sure about events. I love the people, but I am a bit suspicious of the other dogs. So, if you come see me, try not to judge me on that. This world is new to me and I am learning. My FD says I am a smart boy. He saw me collecting blankets from all over the house and putting them in my bed. I like blankets. The more the better! Sometimes when they take my picture, I give them my Elvis grin. They laugh, I like it when the laugh.

Well gotta go, Talk to you soon!

Kisses, Love and Farts!

Charlie Darwin

9/11/2020 Update:

C. Darwin, Super smart scientist dog checking in!

This road to a forever home is long. I keep asking ‘are we there yet’? My foster mamma says super smart scientist dogs need super special homes. I don’t know anything about that, I think I am pretty easy going. I need an experienced dog owner, blankets, short walks, rides in a car, daily brushes & scratches and someone that wants lots and lots of affection.

kisses, love & farts,

Charlie Darwin

8/6/2020 Update:

Darwin here! Happy Underbite Thursday! Is that a thing? Well, really everyday is underbite day with me. This is my goofy grin. My foster mamma says hold your head high and smile with your teeth! I promise that your forever family is out there somewhere!

Love, Kisses & Farts,
Charlie Darwin

7/20/2020 Update:

Darwin here. I am pleased to report that the scientific method still works! I had a hypotheses that humans are unpredictable and will always change things. Boy was I right. Things have been pretty constant around here for a few months. We hang at the house, and my foster parents work, eat and talk to the glowing boxes they carry around. Then out of nowhere everything changes.

My FD gave me a bath OUTSIDE last week. This was so much fun. I did not mind this at all, getting a bath is sort of like getting petted and brushed, only add water. My favorite part was when i got dried off with a towel. Last week my foster mom left and came back with a new human. This human rode around on a scooter and had one leg all bandaged up. She took my spot on the sofa. This turned out OK for Mr. Charlie Darwin, she was an exceptionally good scratcher. She kept saying that I was the sweetest best-est boy and she was going to steal me and take me home with her. My mamma, said no, you cant steal Mr. D, you have to fill out an application. Just when we figured out who was supposed to sit where, a whole new group of people came by. And they had kids with them. This one kid sat down and let me approach her and she was a really good scratcher too! Then she got out the brush and brushed me. So my normal quiet house had 5 adults and 2 kids in one evening! This was mind blowing to me, but having all these Darwin scratchers in one house was a dream come true! When I thought the week was winding down, 2 more people came and spent the night! Everyone just loved me and kept saying what a good boy I am and how they were going to steal me.

Well off to to make conjectures (hypotheses), deriving predictions from them as logical consequences, and then carrying out experiments or empirical observations based on those predictions.

Kisses, Love and Farts,

C Darwin – Super Smart Scientist

Charlie Darwin’s foster mom here, I cannot tell you how proud I am of my super smart scientist! We really threw a ton of new experiences at him this past week. We took the other dogs out and left him alone to see how he did. He did FANTASTIC. We had never left him alone to see if he had separation issues, or destructive tendencies. He was perfect. Maybe a little irritated that he did not get to go for a ride in the car. But he got over it. We had 5 new adults staying at the house and really did not know what to expect from Mr. D. I should know by now, that Mr. D will pass these tests with flying colors, provided he is given the tools to handle a situation. That means that we tell our visitors about Darwin and how to approach him. This is not anything hard, just thoughtful. That means don’t run up to him act crazy and go in for a hug right away. That means, letting him approach you. Then after that, a good petting is in order. After he gets comfortable, he is fine. The thing about Darwin, is that if you give him the tools and set him up correctly, he gets passed things quickly. We have not come across one thing that has scared him, that he could not get passed. This has not always been immediate or easy, but he will get passed it. Given this, I still do not think he is a dog that will be good for kids. Kids are always changing and may not be as thoughtful about interactions. He did really well with my niece, but that was one kid, supervised and used to being the ‘foster dog test kid’ in our family. She sits and allows them to approach and takes direction very well.

My precious Charlie Darwin is at the primo spot for a new home. He is content, confident, and starting to get more goofy and playful everyday. He would do fine with another dog GIVEN time and space to accept another dog. If your are expecting immediate co habitation, it will not work with Mr. D. He has to take his time and watch other dogs before he will play. Darwin is fine with cats. He gives them respectful distance and doesn’t chase or engage them at all. He is the BEST house dog. He hardly ever barks, He has never had an accident in the house. He has never destroyed anything. He loves to ride in the car, he loves a short walk. Whoever gives this guy a family, is in for more love than anyone deserves in a lifetime.

6/30/2020 Update:

C Darwin

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Super Smart Scientist Dog

———————————————

A loving companion that will enrich an experienced dog owner(s) life. A polite Co worker that is content to lay peacefully near you while you complete your day to day tasks. Able to provide stress relievers throughout the day through petting and kisses.

Core Qualities:

• Loving

• Great Listener

• Attentive

• Excellent Hygiene

• Unmatched at Kisses

• Loves to Walk (not too long)

• Caregiver to toys – Never destructive

• Loves to be brushed

• Loves a ride in the car

• Silly at heart

• Kind

• Expert kitchen monitor

Experience :

Was dropped off a shelter because of ‘lifestyle changes’ right before Christmas

Was passed between 2 shelters before NBBR saved me

I was ‘fixed’, checked out by a vet – Health is great!

Joined my foster family and their dog

Successfully integrated into the family after careful consideration and trust building

Peacefully exists with 2 other dogs and a cat

Goals:

To find my forever home that will allow me the time to observe them, test those observations, and develop a hypothesis of trust. After Trust is established, an endless supply of love, loyalty and companionship will be theirs to have!

6/1/2020 Update:

Sofa King Darwin here!

Just when I thought I had this whole foster family figured out; they flipped the script on me. One day me and my little bro were doing what we do, and in walks our mom with another dog and a furry hissing thing she calls a cat. This was not what I expected. My super brain could not fathom what she was thinking! Turns out, the actual human child finished college and my foster parents took in her animals while she gets settled in. I was not okay with this. I gr-umped around and acted like an a$$. So back went the gates and slow intros. And walks, lots of short walks. So…. I watched this new dog, and learned that he is pretty ok. Even if he is like 1 million feet tall. It just takes me some time to trust. But my mamma says that this was much faster this time. It took me only 4 days to not act up when the dog giant was is in the room. I have no idea where that hissing thing is, I just stay clear of that mad fluff ball. She is not nice.

So now me, little brother and giant dog are the 3 best friends. We all sleep a lot together. We walk together, bark together, and get treats together. I only wish we had more sofa. But I can make do with napping anywhere. The sofa, a rug, my elevated bed, the floor, wherever. Especially if i have my dragon.

Kisses, Love & Farts,
Charlie Darwin

Charlie Darwin’s Foster mom here – Adding to the best boy’s post. He is doing so good. He would be best in an adult home, and an experienced dog owner. He takes some time to trust, but once he does his heart is all yours. He enjoys the company of other dogs, but it is not sudden. He takes his time. He thinks about it. After all he is super smart scientist.

5/18/2020 Update:

Top 10 things in the world – By Darwin

Food/Snacks
Affection
1. more affection
Affection on the sofa
Being brushed
1. affection
2. giving kisses after getting brushed
My foster brother BFF
1. giving my foster brother affection
2. affection
Jeep Rides, Car Rides. I LOVE TO GO!
Walks – not LONG walks
1. followed by affection, followed by kisses
Naps with my teddy bear
The sofa
Comfy beds
1. affection
2. giving kisses
3. affection

Top WORST things in the world. I could not come up with 10. I am a glass half full kind of guy.

Loud sudden movements – Like kids or scary movies
Everything when my hips are sore
Someone leaning over me when I am laying down
Bad listeners, if I tell you 1 – 3 is making me uncomfortable, BACK OFF. please
Not so sure about this toe nail trim thing. I do not like it, but she keeps working on it. Shhheshh Grrrrr see #4 mom
Angry animated people. No need to get angry, peace man.
Pills, if not given with peanut butter
Being away from my people. – I just want to hang with them, ya know.

Kisses, Love & Farts,
Charlie Darwin

5/8/2020 Update:

The evolution of Darwin.

Darwin’s FM here. My sweet Mr. D is doing great. He is a handsome boy that turns heads when we are out and about. But here is the deal, Darwin is a sensitive guy that needs a gentle steady hand and an understanding companion. He is sometimes unsure and defensive lover boy trapped in a Beef Cake Package. We have no idea what caused the sweetest boy to be this way, and honestly, I can’t even think about it. But someone took a sweet affectionate guy and taught him to be wary, scared and defensive.Then dumped him a shelter.

He is the best companion. He is loving and loyal. He loves to bury his people in kisses. He begs for affection. He is watchful and present all the time. He love to ride in the car. He does not like scary movies (just like his mom). He is not destructive; he has never hiked his leg in the house. He is fine with visitors. He is learning to play but will NOT tear up his toys. He is content to lay in his bed while I work, then move to the bed near the kitchen when we cook. Or sit outside and watch the world go by. When its time to settle down to watch TV, he is excited and smiling to be on the couch with his head laying on me. He and his foster brother are best friends. I never thought this was possible. When we first brought D home, he was not open to the resident dog at all. But with slow introductions, parallel walks and planned positive interactions, they are the Bulldog Brothers. He is my big wrinkly love muffin and honored to have the opportunity to help him grow into the dog he was meant to be.

The dark side of D – Sometimes he grumbles and growls and gives you an intense stink eye. He has never tried to bite. We have learned that this just means I am scared. I am unsure. I don’t understand. And the most intense meaning – PLEASE DON’T HURT ME because I DON’T WANT TO HURT YOU BACK. This one is the most important and strangely the easiest to get past. D does not respond well to the word NO, a raised voice or the pointed finger. If he thinks he is in trouble he gets defensive and shuts down. At first this would last for hours. But now it is a few minutes. And rarely. We just give him his space (he has determined his safe space is a 6 foot Teddy Bear in moms office), we sit near him and say nothing and eventually he will make eye contact and come cover you in kisses. He sometimes growls at his FD. This is usually only when he is on the couch with FM. So, FD keeps treats in his pocket and treats him if he sees D going to warning mode. This has helped a great deal. Mr. Charlie Darwin is food motivated.

Darwin needs short walks, not marathon walks. We have learned that his hips can sometimes get sore and that will make him extra rumpy. If we see him walking a bit off and we have walked a lot, or he and his FB played extra hard we give him a pill that Doc H recommended.

Darwin needs a patient and experienced family. He needs people that will take the time to gain his trust and not overwhelm him with too many new things at once. I think he would love to have a dog sibling, but this will take time to build a relationship. In the big picture, it took us 3 weeks with the resident dog. 3 weeks is not long for heart of this wonderful guy. I do not think Darwin would do good with children.

Whoever gives my Charlie Darwin a home will be rewarded by with undying devotion, love, affection and companionship. His heart is as big as Texas, it just needs a little effort to get it to shine. And when it does, it will blind you in love.

Kisses, snores and farts,

Charlie Darwin’s Foster Mom

4/13/2020 Update:

Hey dogs and pups! Charlie Darwin here, checking in on everyone. I am doing FANTASTIC! Even if things are a bit strange right now. My FM cut my FD’s hair, and it looks funny. My FM has almost finished Netflix. Me and My FD have put together all this organization stuff. The whole house is organized and clean. We used to go to ‘events’ and people would stop by. But now my FF just stays home with us. Probably because I am so lovable, they cant stand to be apart from me. My coat is extra soft and they love to pet me. My FM says I have wild whiskers, like a sea lion they are so strange with my soft fur. I love it when she puts it on DOGTV instead of the news and we watch it together on the couch. This is my happy place. I would rather be on the couch with her than anywhere else in the world, unless FD wants to take me in the Jeep. I love to ride in the Jeep. I am a Jeep dog! Me and my foster brother are best friends. We were not at first. I am a bit suspicious of other dogs and it took me a while to trust him. But now, oh boy do we play! I even forget sometimes that I am in the house and play. After we play, we take naps together. One day they took me to a trail and we walked near a pond. I got to get in the mud and even saw a bullfrog! We all take lots and lots of walks. So many that I was limping a bit. I got to ride in the car to go see Doc H and the crew, they said my hips are a little off, but not so bad. Now I get special treats. If I play too hard or get a little sore my FM gives me a tasty pill that helps a lot. I only get this every now and then. She has put down some rugs to help make sure I don’t slip and slide on the wood floors. Plus I might have put on some weight, my foster mom says it is my Covid15.

I am a long way from all those shelters I was bounced around in, and life is good! I keep searching for my forever family, and know that NBBR will find me the perfect match, even if I am a bit complicated. I need a fairly calm home, and an experienced dog owner. I am sweet and loving, but a bit wary. My confidence is so much better, and I am much more trusting than I was. I still have set backs sometimes, and I need help getting past it. Sometimes I growl a little. If me and FM are watching DOGTV on the couch and FD appears, I sometimes growl. Not all the time. But then other times, he walks up, sits down and I am fine. I even love to watch DOGTV with him and nap on the couch. He is a really good napper. I have never nipped at him or even thought about biting him. I am just trying to communicate that I am uneasy, or not comfortable. If my FM has a clothes hanger in her hand, I back away, but if she gets out the brush, I run to her a sit down to be brushed. I like to be left alone with my food bowl, but happy to get treats with my foster brother. I want to be right next to my family all the time, unless I want space. Then I will go curl up with my giant teddy bear for some alone time. Like I said, I am complicated.

Well that is all for now, except my FM says I should tell you that I am the best companion, and that she loves me to the moon and back. That someone will be very lucky to have such a good boy in their life….. Awe, shucks Mom

Kisses, Love & Farts,

Charlie Darwin

3/28/2020 Update:

Darwin here! Did you know that today is National Weed appreciation day? I am really confused by this. My Foster Parents wage war on weeds, but there is also a day they are supposed to appreciate them? Then when we were on a walk, my FM said that some weeds grant wishes? Can people make up their minds, do we destroy weeds, appreciate them or get wishes from them? Whatever….I think weeds are fine. Some are pretty, and the bee’s like them.

I found a patch of the wishing weeds, and made a wish. I am not supposed to say what my wish was, or it won’t come true.

Kisses, Love & Farts,

Charlie Darwin

3/4/2020 Update:

Darwin here. And When I say here, I mean here. I am a big fella, weighing in at 80 pounds.

My Foster Mom asked my Foster Dad to do an update on me this week. He wrote ‘Charlie Darwin is such a good boy, whoever gets to be is forever home is in store for a whole bunch of love’. I thought that was very nice of him to say, but not nearly enough! Since I am confident and comfortable with myself, I figured I would do my own update!

My foster mamma says I look Amazing. I am also getting walks, so that keeps the body looking good 😊 Me and my foster brother play hard in the yard, I still do not like playing in the house. The house is not for playing. I will get a little goofy when my foster mom or dad runs around the house and hides around corners. When I know I am about to get fed, I rear up like a stallion and prance- dance. I love feeding time. I am so gentle when I am getting treats, my mom says that is because I am so sweet. I am fascinated by my foster brother and his toys. I watch him when he plays. Then when he takes a nap, I sneak over grab the toy, take it back to my elevated bed and try to figure it out. I mouth it and nicely toss it around, but I never destroy things. Things are not for destroying. When the Roomba comes on, I leave the room. At first, I was a little wary of car rides, but now when the parents put on the ‘walking’ shoes and grab the jeep keys, I know what that means! A RIDE IN THE JEEP! If they only put on the ‘walking’ shoes, that means a walk, and I love to go on walks! I don’t need crazy long walks, but I do love them! I don’t pull on the leash or go faster than the people can on their two legs. I don’t like it when I see dogs behind fences barking at me, but who does? Can you imagine If a human was standing behind a fence screaming at you? You probably wouldn’t like it either.

I am the best boy. I don’t pee or poop in the house. I don’t chew anything up. I sleep all night in my crate (because I love it). When left alone I am just as good as when the humans are here. I have no health issues. I don’t bark too much. I am infinitely affectionate.

My foster family thinks I am ready for my forever home. They say that takes time to find and not everyone is right for me, or any dog. Here is what my perfect home looks like

Pretty calm. Normal house noises, TV, XBOX, Music and people are fine. But loud parties and a bunch of activity might make me nervous. It doesn’t need to be a library, but if you have parties and kids and activity all the time, I might get nervous.
I love both my FM & FD, and I can bond with more than one person.
Older children. The smaller ones move really fast and are a bit too unpredictable for me. I do get interested when I see them.
I don’t mind cats. I don’t chase them. They are really strange.
Other dogs. Now this one is tricky. I met the F Parents granddog and I liked him right from the start. Me and my foster brother took some time. But now we are best buds. So, if my forever family has a dog, I am confident we can be buddies too. If the humans set us up the right way.
An experienced dog owner. Someone that knows when I growl a little it is just me talking. I don’t want to bite and I am not aggressive, just an over communicator.

I am a low maintenance guy, looking to be a loving companion for someone. I am the BEST boy.

Love, Charlie Darwin

1/23/2020 Update:

Darwin Here!

Ever had one of those months that you felt like you could sleep for a week or two? That was me. I was so tired and suspicious. I had been bounced from one shelter to another, then to a vets office where they took my ‘jewels’. Then, this family picks me up and takes me home with them. There was a bunch of holiday activity. So I just slept and watched. I almost felt like I was kidnapped by aliens and sent to a ‘better place’. I won’t get into the details, but this new place was too good to be true. So I was a bit scared and suspicious. But this ‘Foster Family’ is sort of cool. But don’t tell them I said that. We are working through our adjustment period, and I find myself being a happy, goofy, loving young guy. CRAZY HUH?

I am getting used to the noises of a home and learning manners. Apparently, a 75 pound hunk like me is not supposed to jump on people. That’s OK by me. I am a fast learner. I am also allowed to get on the couch, this blew my dog mind. In fact, I did not want to get off the couch, but these nice humans are showing me it is OK, and that if I get off, I can still get back on. My foster mom bought these food puzzles, and I solve them quick. This guy takes his food seriously. I guess almost too seriously, so sometimes my FM feeds me by hand. At first I did not understand this, because I just wanted my food, and got a little growley. After I understood that she was not going to take it and that hands are good I got over it and dug in. She is really gaining my trust. Then she sits close to me while I eat, and that it is OK. So now I am not so suspicious or jumpy about my food. I am still a bit unsure about the car, but my Foster Dad says I look great in the Jeep, and I will be a Jeep Dog in no time. I love the walks they take me on so much I don’t pull on the leash. My Foster Brother is sort of grumpy, I wish he would play more. We were separated for a while with gates and crates, and I watched. I was a little wary of him, but I am past that now. The ‘Me’ time they gave me helped a lot. Now I love to play with him, but only outside. The house is not for pooping, peeing or playing. That is a hard fast rule I will not break. I like cats, other dogs (mostly) and people. Man I love me some people! They scratch me and tell me I am a good boy. I want to tell them I am not a good boy, I want to be the BEST boy, but they don’t speak dog.

So, that is it for now. I will check back after I go to work with my Foster mom and meet all sorts of different people, meet some small people, and attend an event. I am not sure what all this is, but I hope to be the BEST boy. Maybe I will, and when my FM says I am ready I will find my Forever home!

Kisses, Wiggles and Slobber,

1/13/2020 Update:

The evolution of Darwin, Part 1

Hi everyone, My name is Mike. I am Darwin’s foster brother. I am an English Bulldog, Darwin is an Old English Bulldog. He is taking a nap, he has had a heck of a week, and he is a bit scared. So I figured the nice brotherly thing to do was to do his update this week.

Darwin will not tell us his story, all we know is that he was bounced between a few shelters after his owner surrendered him. After a short stay with Doctor H and the crew, he came to stay with us. My mamma says that you can not plan for things like Darwin so when we got him, we already had a house full. My human sister was here on winter break. She has a giant dog that is a Great Pyrenees mix, named Manni and a sassy calico cat, that I will just call ‘the cat’. Right away Darwin really liked Manni, Manni is a gentle slow moving dog that everyone loves. He never scares the stray kitties or even the squirrels. So Mr. D figured he was ok to be close too. ‘The Cat’ wasn’t so sure about Darwin, but Darwin was sure about ‘the cat’. The cat and Mr. D ended up getting along great. Now this is perplexing to me, because as far as I am concerned I am the BEST. I like to run, jump and play. I move fast and really get in your space. I know everyone loves that, right? Well everyone except Mr. D. Mamma says it will take time, and before I know it we will be best buddies. Right now we take walks together, and are separated in the house. This is not awful, mamma and dad both work at the house so we both get lots of love and people time. But when Darwin gets used to me and we can play, and we will have a blast!

Darwin is afraid. Loud noises scare him. Heck, lots of things scare him, the ice dropping in the ice maker, the heater clicking on, or a door shutting. And if you move fast, that scares him. He flinches if Mamma or Dad make a fast movement with their arm, like he is expecting them to smack him. He also doesn’t want to play with toys. Mamma has tried balls, things that squeak, ropes and bones. Nothing gets him excited. Weird Hu? One time, he was asleep and got startled by a movement and woke up ready to rumble. It was scary for him, and that makes me sad. But despite his fears, he is a lover boy. I see him cuddled up with my mamma, or my giant teddy bear and I get a little jealous. But my mamma says I have to share and that he is my foster brother. Which is like a real brother, only for a little while. The first time my mamma wanted him on the couch, he would not do it! Can you imagine, a dog that doesn’t want to get on the couch? He does love his belly rubbed, and he loves to give kisses. This guy has endless kisses. I could not even kiss for that long. And his snuggle, it is impressive. I have taken a few notes and plan to incorporate it into my mamma time. But, so far he is a good brother. He doesn’t pee or poop in the house, He doesn’t chew anything up, seems to be in perfect health, he walks better than me on a leash, and he loves sleeping in his crate. He also knows sit and down. Mamma is teaching him to crawl and shake paws. We will see if that works, brothers are such show off’s.

12/26/2019 Update:

Please welcome Darwin to No Borders Bulldog Rescue. Darwin is a 3 year old male Olde English Bulldog that weighs 72 lbs.

Darwin joins the NBBR family in a very round about fashion. Technically Darwin (not his original name) was an owner surrender to a local shelter. The shelter that Mr. D was originally surrendered was a very small shelter that did not feel they could adequately provide for him. So, Darwin’s next stop was another shelter. The Director of shelter 2 is a friend of shelter 1 Director and after discussing Darwin they decided it would be in Darwin’s best interest to transfer him. After Darwin arrived at the second shelter they quickly decided that it would be best for Darwin to go to a breed specific Rescue that could help find him the perfect home. Unfortunately or fortunately, depending on how you look at it, the first Rescue the shelter staff contacted stated that Darwin wasn’t “Bulldog enough” for them to help. The shelter staff then contacted NBBR and asked if Darwin was “Bulldog enough” for us to help. Guess you can figure out the answer to that question…….. All of this activity occurred right before Christmas. While we tried our very best to get Darwin sprung from the shelter in time for Christmas, we missed it by a day. Frist thing on Dec 26th a NBBR volunteer drove to the shelter and signed the paperwork allowing Darwin to become the newest member of the NBBR family. Due to the “bouncing around” we do not know a lot about Mr. Darwin’s history. We don’t know why he was originally surrendered. Was it a bad situation? Was there trauma? We have asked Darwin many times and so far his lips are sealed.

Like all new NBBR intakes, Darwin’s first stop was the clinic to get a complete check-up and determine if there were any hidden issues. Darwin’s medical history was a little like a patchwork quilt. We started with a complete “Welcome to Rescue” package (which 99% of all our new intakes get). vaccinations, Heartworm testing, fecal testing and labs. All in all, Darwin came through with flying colors. He is Heartworm negative, intestinal worm negative and all labs looked as they should. There were a couple of “Bulldog” things: an ear infection and his facial creases needed some work (infection). In addition to those two minor issues, Darwin needed to be neutered. So, the next day Darwin was scheduled to be neutered, microchipped and brought up to date on all his necessary vaccinations. He came through with flying colors.

While we don’t know the why’s about Darwin being surrendered, we do know that he is a complete LOVEBUG. During his overnight stay at the clinic, the term “Gentle Giant” was used many times. Darwin by no means is a giant, but being an Olde English Bulldog, he is taller and more athletically built than his English Bulldog cousins. When Darwin was originally picked up at the shelter we were told that he was slower to warm up to men. However, when our male volunteer picked him up, Darwin showed no signs of a slow warmup. Darwin quickly jumped in the truck and was ready to head out on a new adventure. We would say that Darwin warmed up very quickly in that there was A LOT of Bulldog kisses passed out on the trip to the clinic. Darwin greets everyone he meets with kisses. Although we haven’t confirmed this, but we think that Darwin may be a big snuggler. Why do we say that??? Well Darwin seems to want to be in everyone’s laps as soon as he meets you. Darwin joined his foster family and is currently settling in with them. Stay tuned for weekly updates as we get to know more about this great guy.

Darwin

Darwin

No Borders Bulldog Rescue

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