My name is Ham!

Thank you for stopping by to see me!  Please fill out an application to set up  a private meeting. 

Hi, I’m Ham! I may be a bit shy and reserved at first, but I’m secretly a little lovebug just waiting for the right family to come along and help me shine. I’m a one-year-old Frenchie, about 19 pounds, and I’m happiest when I get to spend time with other dog friends. They help me feel brave and show me it’s okay to let loose and have fun! So, I’d love a home with another dog who can be my buddy and show me the ropes.

At first, I’m an observer—quietly watching everything from a safe spot until I feel comfortable. Once I know I’m safe, you’ll find me joining in on the fun! I love a good chase around the yard with my foster siblings, and you’ll usually find me chomping on my favorite bacon-flavored benebones (they’re great for my teeth!). Since new situations can be a little overwhelming for me, I’m hoping my future family will be patient as I get settled and learn that I’m safe.

I do best in a calm, stable environment, so I’d prefer a home without young kids, as they can be a bit much for me right now. I’m still working on leash training; it’s all pretty new and can feel a little scary, so I’d really love a yard where I can safely roam and play until I’m more confident with the leash. Potty training is also a work in progress, but I’m getting close when I’m on a good schedule!

Even though I’m still learning, I’m really sweet, patient, and ready to grow into the best version of myself. If you’re looking for a quiet, gentle companion who will blossom with a bit of time and care, I’d love to be your Ham.

*Please note that some of our dogs are obtained from shelters, surrendered to our care, or released from breeders. Each animal's bio is based on our experience of the animal within our care, an educated guess based on physical characteristics, temperament and information shared. Each dog receives basic grooming when coming into rescue, but for some dogs they have not received grooming attention until recently and grooming may be required shortly after adoption. This will be at the adopter’s expense, so we encourage you to research the breed and be prepared for grooming expenses. Underdog cannot guarantee hypoallergenic or non-shedding qualities of any dogs in our rescue. Some of the animals come from situations where they are lacking experience in a home and confidence in humans. In turn, they require another companion dog and/or a fenced in yard in their forever home in order for them to feel safe. If you are interested in a particular dog whose bio states those needs and do not currently have them, please understand that your home might not be the right fit. Please use the filter on our Adoptable Dogs page to find the perfect match for your home. 

Bulldogs are a member of the Brachycephalic breed and therefore have a host of health issues that may arise.  Because these dogs are new into our rescue, health issues in the future may arise that we are not aware of.  Some of these issues are allergies, eye issues, yeast infections, interdigital cysts, slipped disks in their back, breathing problems, among a host of others that can occur at any time or when seasons change. While breed experience is not required, we encourage you to thoroughly research the breed and its financial, medical, and environmental needs to be sure the breed is a good fit for you and your family.  It is estimated that the average bulldog owner spends $2,000 per year on medical needs. Ham should have his breathing evaluated between 18-24 months to see if he needs nares and soft palate surgery. This will be at the adopters expense, if needed, when full grown. It is estimated that 80% of bulldogs require this surgery.

Bulldogs are one of the most expensive dogs to own, maintain, and rescue and our adoption fees reflect such expenses.  The application process for bulldogs usually moves quite quickly as they are a popular breed, so we ask that adopters do research and be prepared for adoption at the time you submit your application.  They are happy, goofy, playful characters and we are excited you are taking the first steps into rescuing one!  

This dog requires an application fee.  This fee must be paid within 24 hours or your application will be considered void.    We will not review or contact applicants that have not completed the payment portion. Bulldog Applications will be responded to within 5 business days, after receipt of the application fee.  Please understand that paying the fee does not guarantee you will be approved to adopt the bulldog. Our goal is place bulldogs in homes that are suited for their individual needs. You may be willing and able to provide a great home, but if it doesn’t meet the specific needs of the bulldog, we will not approve your application.

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If you have other questions about me you can email Underdog Rescue at <inquiries@underdogrescuemn.com>

ADOPTION EVENTS:     

Adoption events are updated at the top of each dogs animals' as their foster home signs up. Check back for updates on which events they will be attending. If an event is not listed within their bio above, the animal is not planning to attend.  Please understand that all of our pets are in volunteer foster homes and sometimes "life" happens and the foster family cannot make it to their scheduled adoption event. If you are traveling from a far distance to meet a specific animal, please understand we cannot guarantee event attendance. We recommend filling out an application and we will set up a private appointment. Private appointments are only scheduled after an application is submitted and approved.

ADOPTION PROCEDURE:

FOSTER CARE:

All of our animals are fostered in individual homes or doggie daycare facilities. While they are in our care, they are part of our families and given lots of love. We work on training, crate-training and socialization prior to adoption, but each bio is written by the foster as they see them, in their home. Each animal's behavior is evaluated and we have a sense of its temperament and personality, but it cannot be guaranteed. We look for adopters who will give each animal the wonderful life and permanent home that he or she deserves in time and with patience.  If you have an interest and ability to be a foster home, please visit our website  www.underdogrescuemn.com/foster-applications  and fill out a foster application.

NUTRITION:

Nutrition is vital to the rehabilitation and life-long health of our pets.  All of our foster animals are fed a premium diet such as NutriSource, Canidae, Orijen, Nature's Variety, Fromm, Pure Vita, Stella and Chewy's, Primal, or balanced raw diet.  All adopters are required to continue providing premium diets for the life of the animal.

YOU CAN HELP:

Not able to foster or adopt right now? Please consider sponsoring an Underdog. Your donation will help us buy dog food and pay for medical costs. Visit this link  www.underdogrescuemn.com/donate   to donate. 
(Please note: A Paypal account is not necessary to use Paypal. When you get to the Paypal page, just use the link to the left of their login to make your donation via Paypal without an account.)