For rescue animals, the journey to a safe and happy life is rarely straightforward. But for a resilient French bulldog named Lovebug, currently in the care of Forever Paws Animal Shelter in Fall River, Massachusetts, the hurdles have been nothing short of heartbreaking.
As rescue staff and French bulldog owners alike know all too well, Murphy’s Law seems to follow the breed: if something can go wrong, it often does. Yet, despite the immense odds stacked against her, Lovebug’s spirit remains unbroken.
A Turn of Events
Last week, Lovebug underwent a much-needed airway surgery to correct issues with her nares and palate, a procedure that went smoothly. To spare her the trauma of a second round of anesthesia, her veterinarians recommended spaying her at the same time. It was a logical choice that made complete sense—until an unexpected and severe complication arose.
Her incision ruptured internally, causing her bowel to protrude through the opening. This dangerous shift is currently pressing on her other organs and putting the sweet pup at high risk for sepsis. Her emergency care team has emphasized that this was not caused by any surgical error, but rather an extraordinarily rare and unfortunate stroke of bad luck.
A Community Rallies
With emergency surgery and hospitalization costs estimated at $8,000, Forever Paws Animal Shelter
is once again turning to the community for help. The shelter acknowledges that they have already asked for so much in the past, but they refuse to give up on a dog who continues to show such a profound will to live, love, and thrive.
“We’re in this field to give animals like her a fighting chance and, as long as Lovebug continues to want to thrive and love and enjoy her life, we’re going to do everything we can to give her that fighting chance…”
How You Can Help Lovebug
Lovebug’s fight is far from over, but she doesn’t have to face it alone. Every contribution—even just $1—brings her one step closer to the healing she deserves. If you would like to support her medical fund, there are several ways to give:
- Online: Donate directly via the Forever Paws Donation Page or through their active social media posts.
- By Phone: Call the shelter at 508-677-9154 (Monday through Saturday, between 11:00 AM–12:30 PM and 1:30 PM–4:00 PM) to make a credit card payment.
- Venmo: Send a contribution via Venmo (@ForeverPaws-AnimalShelter), making sure to note “Lovebug” in the memo.
- In-Person or Mail: Stop by the shelter at 300 Lynwood St, Fall River, MA to drop off cash, a check, or a card, or mail a check directly.
- Spread the Word: If you aren’t in a position to donate financially, sharing Lovebug’s story with local groups and friends can make all the difference.
Lovebug is fighting with everything she has for the bright, joyful life she was always meant to have. Let’s show her—and the dedicated team at Forever Paws Animal Shelter—that she has an entire community rooting for her recovery.
