PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. – A Palm Beach County animal rescue group is giving disabled French bulldogs a second chance at life, as the popular breed faces increasing health complications tied to genetics and inbreeding.
Aimee Galarza, founder of A&E IVDD French Bulldog Rescue, has made it her life mission to care for French bulldogs abandoned due to costly medical problems.
“They are cute, they’re a great breed but they are just so riddled with health issues that they’re suffering. The dogs are suffering,” Galarza said.
French bulldogs are currently America’s most popular dog breed, but many owners aren’t prepared for the challenges that come with them. Galarza said many dogs are surrendered once issues like paralysis and incontinence surface.
“I compare it to having children, young children that never grow up, you have diapering, you have accidents,” she added.
One of the most common and debilitating conditions is Intervertebral Disc Disease, or IVDD, which can lead to partial or full paralysis.
“IVDD is for Intervertebral Disc Disease - it’s when a disc herniates and depending on where it hits the spine, it causes paralysis, whether it be in the front, in the back, or all four limbs,” Galarza said.
Despite the challenges, Galarza and her team are determined to help every dog they can, using physical therapy and alternative treatments like cold laser therapy to stimulate nerves and improve mobility.
“It’s a cold laser but it has a warm feeling and it just helps stimulate the nerves,” said Animal physical therapist Sandy Gonzalez.
Gonzalez also volunteers her expertise, guiding exercises that slowly help the dogs regain strength and coordination.
“So this is just shifting her weight to her back legs but she’s also getting a workout in the front legs, her back is also getting stimulated,” Gonzalez said during therapy.
One of the rescue’s many success stories is Minnie, a once-paralyzed pup who now runs around without assistance.
Little Minnie right there beat all the odds!
The doctors said she would never walk again but now, she does everything on her own!” Birch said.
“When Minnie first came to me she was completely down on her back end, and I got her up and walking in a few months,” Galarza added.
Galarza said the rise of health issues in French bulldogs is tied to irresponsible breeding.
“Why do Frenchies have all these medical issues?” asked Local 10 News Animal Advocate Jacey Birch.
“So I call it the new age French bulldog that is just genetically screwed! They have so many health issues. It’s not just the spine, it’s the breathing issues, it’s the allergies, the ear and eye issues,” said Galarza.
Despite it all, she believes these dogs still have plenty of life left to live.
“What do you say to the person who says why are you doing all this? Wouldn’t it be more humane to put them down?” asked Birch.
“I get that a lot. And they are still full of life and they have so much life left to live that it’s a disability that they are able to live with,” added Galarza.
To learn more or support the rescue, click here.
