Queso

My story

Hi, I’m Queso, and I’m Finally Learning How Good Life Can Be I’m one year old and came to Freedom Frenchie Rescue from the Arizona Humane Society alongside another little pup who looked an awful lot like me. We had clearly been through more than young dogs should. I arrived with bite wounds across my body, missing fur and very little confidence. I wasn’t sure if people could be trusted, and I definitely didn’t understand all this talk about toys, playing and just being a puppy. Thankfully, someone looked past what had happened to me and saw the dog I could become. Watching Me Bloom Has Been Pretty Incredible There’s a lot less of the scared dog I used to be and SO much more of the happy, curious boy hiding underneath. My wounds are healed, my fur is growing back beautifully, and I’m finally learning that I don’t have to worry about what comes next. I get to play, sleep somewhere safe, have a full belly and wake up knowing my people are still going to be there. Those may sound like normal things, but they were all new to me. Plot Twist: I Have Valley Fever We recently discovered I have Valley Fever. The GOOD news is I’ve started medication, and since beginning treatment, my puppy side has officially entered the chat! I’m feeling better, getting stronger and apparently have some lost puppy time to make up for. My future family will need to continue my medication and veterinary care as recommended, but Valley Fever is just one part of my story — it certainly isn’t my whole personality. Turns Out Dogs Are Pretty Great My foster brothers and sisters have taught me more than they probably realize. Foster Mom gave me three full weeks to decompress before introducing me to the pack, and once I was ready, I fit right in. At first I mostly watched everyone play. Now? GOOD LUCK keeping me out of it. I’m chasing everyone through the yard, wrestling, learning tug-of-war and discovering toys, Bambones and balls. Roxy, my fellow foster, and Bolt, my foster mom’s dog, have officially earned BESTIE status. Having confident dogs around has helped me tremendously, and I would LOVE another playful dog in my forever home. Play Hard, Crash Even Harder Now that I’m feeling better, I get genuinely EXCITED about life. I’m excited when it’s time to eat, excited when the door opens and we’re going outside, and REALLY excited when somebody wants to play. My preferred schedule is causing backyard chaos for approximately 20 minutes and then dramatically crashing on the couch in whatever ridiculous position my body decides is comfortable. Professional Snuggler With Zero Respect for Personal Space Once I’m done playing, I’m ready for my other full-time job: cuddling. I climb into laps and somehow melt myself around whatever human is holding me. Foster Mom says I turn into a slinky because I stretch into the strangest positions just to make sure as much of my body as possible is touching you. If you’re looking for a dog who respects personal space, we should probably just end the interview now. Learning the House Rules I’m doing really well with potty training and continue improving. I stay clean overnight and while Foster Mom is at work, and I’m starting to let everyone know when I need to go outside. I may occasionally have a small accident if I really have to go, but they’re becoming fewer and farther between. I also know “go home” and will head into my kennel when asked… unless I decide pretending to be asleep might earn me a few more minutes of cuddle time. Building Confidence One Adventure at a Time The outside world can still be overwhelming, and when I get really nervous, sometimes my tummy gets upset. I need a family who understands decompression and knows confidence isn’t built overnight. Patience and positive experiences have already taken me SO far. I’ve explored Home Depot and Pet Planet, and once I realized everyone was friendly, I even climbed into an employee’s lap for some love. I’m also a great passenger in the car and walk beautifully on a leash. Occasionally I may stop or bark when something unfamiliar makes me unsure, but every successful adventure makes me a little braver. Could You Be the Family I’ve Been Waiting For? I didn’t come into rescue knowing how to play, trust or simply enjoy being a puppy. Today I wrestle with my besties, cause backyard chaos, curl up with my people and wake up excited about what the day might bring. My forever family needs to be patient, continue building my confidence and stay committed to my Valley Fever medication and veterinary care. In return, you’re getting one incredibly sweet, goofy boy who is finally discovering just how wonderful being loved can feel. Queso is vaccinated, microchipped and neutered and is currently fostered in Mesa, Arizona. His adoption donation fee is $1,100. You can apply on our website at freedomfrenchierescue.org. Please Note: All learning and guidance must continue in Queso’s new home. A dog’s behavior can change with a new environment and energy, and every family’s dynamic is different. What works or is allowed in one foster home may not be the same in yours, so consistency, patience and continued training are key to his success.

If you have any questions or would like to adopt Queso, please reach out to the adoption group directly. PetSmart Charities does not facilitate the adoption process. Thank you.