here. You can only do so much for people unwilling to take your advice. Just today, at the vet's office (we went to the famous LA vet, Dr.B) I saw a guy come in with a bully in pretty pour shape IMHO. He was dragging him on a chain. The dog had severe mange and cherry eye. I thought to myself that at least he was bringing him in. I really wanted to offer to take him off his hands. I chatted with another person who's dog had severe allergies. She was eager to tell me she can't wait to breed him. I said nothing.

As difficult as it is, trying to "guide" them in basic Bulldog care will get you a lot farther.

Good luck and be patient, it may pay off

Lynn K

I'm sure the majority of us here on this site had researched bulldogs and knew of certain problems and situations that can occur with this type of breed.

Mine for example has allergies and gets shots at home every month. He cries and runs (it breaks my heart when it's D-day) but I do it for his health because he's a special dog/companion.

I think Kris makes excellent points and I think maybe you should have your friends take a look at this site for themselves so they'll see what dedication we all have.

I know just how you feel....

The neutering - as for money, talk to lindsay about low cost spay and neuter - she can probably help with that, in fact I know she can advise you on that one....

As for the condition of this dog....Have you told them that the yeast infection is an infection? They need to understand that our kind of dog (bullies- sorry, eddie - I mean absolutely no offense - just in context)
need some special care for certain things....you need to get them to realize that it isn't being "an animal freak" or a "tree hugger, overly compassionate, etc." it is JUST NORMAL BULLDOG CARE. Keeping the dogs wrinkles clean,etc is just what they need to survive and be healthy- its not going overboard or spoiling them or being compassionate - it is like giving them shots or feeding them.

If you want to "rehabilitate them" I would set some goals for myself as to what I was going to teach them and in what order....Example - work on the wrinkle cleaning or the out-side thing first. Take it one step at a time - and help them.

Or if you think you want to pressure them to put the dog in rescue - think about how you would say that to them.....

Try to be as compassionate to them as possible - even though you want to beat them and then take the dog home. How is the kid treated? Is the dog the thing that is sacrificed in the situation?

I know this is secondary - but this is also setting a bad example for the kid. I have a next door neighbor who treats their dog similarly and worse (not a bully.)
I contemplated calling aspca, using manipulative tactics to get them to give the dog up - or shape up, etc.
In the end I decided that educating them (or trying like heck to) is the best thing - because primarily,I wanted to be able to influence the 12 year old kid and his friends.
BUT - there is a big dif. I am next door - I see what goes on, and I can "monitor" the dog silently and take action when I need to......So far it is working. And I think because I sympathized wtih them, was compassionate, but made suggestionst that would help in their routine.....

I know how you feel - take a deep breath! But consider yourself put there for a reason...take advantage of the situation as a good way to helpthe dog, set a good example, and teach the kid.

Kris

I am sorry for what you going through. I truly know how you feel and it's very hard! There are no perfect solutions to this terrible situation. You know the right thing to do, your heart is screaming it to you thats why you had to cry. Maybe consider just asking to take him in but he could still be "thier dog" I know this is not a great solution, but at least we know he would be loved and taken care of and by the sounds of it this dog NEEDS rescued. I wish you the best. Please keep us posted

Maybe if you speak to her about rescue and how they work with people to find great homes for bullies, a home where someone has more time etc. she'd consider an adoption.

neglected or abused in any way (I'm not passing any judgements here), you need to either confront her, or turn her in to the proper people. That dog can't speak up for himself, and you can't be there all the time. If it is bothering you that much, something needs to be done.
I hear you about not wanting to lose a friend over it, but if she was a good friend, she would take you advice to heart. Good luck! I put up with a friend like that for years...we don't speak anymore.

But I don't, I wish I did. Just try to be there for the dog. Sounds like the friends not going to listen no matter how well intended. I hope she will before the little guy has to suffer any longer. Vent to your hearts content. Lord knows I do!