Florence’s journey began with an emergency call late one Thursday evening. Her mother was in distress, struggling to give birth, and urgently required a caesarean. The family couldn’t afford the necessary veterinary care, so RSPCA Oxfordshire stepped in to cover the cost, saving both the mother and her two puppies. Tragically, only one pup survived—Florence.
At just four weeks old, Florence’s struggle continued. She wasn’t feeding properly and appeared to be fading fast. When her owners couldn’t afford further veterinary care, our Operations Manager personally stepped in, bringing Florence into the care of RSPCA Oxfordshire. With around-the-clock attention and multiple vet visits, Florence slowly started to recover. At one point, there were fears she might be blind due to her unusual movements, but with patience and expert care, she overcame every challenge.
Now just over a year old, Florence has transformed into a lively, mischievous companion. However, her journey hasn’t been without further challenges. Her breathing—characteristic of flat-nosed breeds like French Bulldogs—was severely laboured. A specialist advised surgery to shorten her soft palate and remove her tonsils, an operation costing over £1,000. Thanks to her insurance and the dedication of her adoptive family, Florence underwent the procedure and can now breathe more easily, significantly improving her quality of life.
Today, Florence thrives with her loving adoptive family. She has a big brother to boss around, is obsessed with chasing balls on her walks, and exhibits the strong-willed, cheeky personality typical of her breed. Her family dotes on her, but they’ve also experienced the heartbreak of seeing her struggle with preventable health issues.
A Call for Change
Florence’s story highlights a much larger issue. Breeds like French Bulldogs, Pugs, and Persian cats are often bred for their distinctive flat faces, but this can lead to serious health problems, including breathing difficulties. It’s time to prioritize animal welfare over aesthetics and stop breeding animals in ways that compromise their health and quality of life.
Florence’s journey demonstrates the vital role RSPCA Oxfordshire plays in stepping in when animals are most in need. Thanks to the care and dedication of our team, Florence is now living the happy, fulfilled life every dog deserves.
