Lacey Lou

Resiliency is her doggie superpower!

Pet Name: Lacey Lou (all of our dogs have a middle name) Beck
Owner: Matt and Marianne Beck
Age: Will be 8 on March 23rd
Breed: French Bulldog

Lacey is a very special member of the Beck family and the folks that know her around the neighborhood. If you haven't met her yet, you'll know her when you see her! According to Marianne, Lacey's entrance to the family was totally unplanned! The same way they acquired all of their dogs. Friends in Maryland got Lacey's sister from a breeder and mentioned there was one more puppy left, and they suggested they get her. Of course, they sent the cutest video of the two pups playing. They couldn't resist!  

Our favorite thing about Lacey is her resiliency. After becoming paralyzed due to IVDD (a disc disease) at the age of 4, her spirit was not broken. She continued on with life as usual. For her humans, so much had changed, but her attitude kept us going, and we fully committed to caring for her despite her disability, which is incredibly rewarding.

Lacey's typical day begins when she wakes and goes outside to have her bladder expressed by me. She can't "go" on her own, I have to literally squeeze her bladder to get the urine out. Then she eats her homemade meal. A homemade diet full of fruits and veggies has benefitted her health tremendously. After sitting on the couch with her dad (her favorite person in the world) and reading the news, we strap Lacey into her wheels and walk the beautiful streets of the Moorings Neighborhood. We bring her stroller in case she gets hot or tired. Her walks are often happily interrupted by people she knows that stop to say hi or new friends that are fascinated by the dog in a wheelchair and want to hear her story. We've even made "business cards" with all her information. The afternoon is spent by the pool or in the yard sunbathing and chasing lizards. Before dinner, we take another walk, sometimes with one (or more) of her many doggie friends in the Moorings.

Lacey loves getting in the golf car and cruising around Naples and eating lunch out at one of the many dog-friendly restaurants here. So many people stop to give her scratches and chat about her disability. Sometimes cyclists, walkers or joggers will just shout out an uplifting comment.  

Lacey wants everyone to consider adopting or fostering a disabled pet. Sure it takes extra care and dedication, but you will be rewarded with the unconditional love of a perfectly imperfect pet. The French Bulldog Rescue Network often has IVDD pups like Lacey and Lovely Loaves in central Florida also rescues dogs with various disabilities.  

Follow Lacey on Instagram to see her living her best life: @laceythefrenchie23.