Francis was our first Bordeaux.  He has captured our hearts and cannot imagine being without him!   If you'd like to know more about him, please scroll down to read his story.

 

I ONLY WANTED YOU

They say memories are golden
well maybe that is true
I never wanted memories,
I only wanted you.

A million times I needed you,
a million times I cried.
If love alone could have saved you
you never would have died.

In life I loved you dearly,
In death I love you still.
In my heart you hold a place
no one could ever fill.

If tears could build a stairway
and heartache make a lane,
I'd walk the path to heaven
and bring you back again.

Our family chain is broken,
and nothing seems the same.
But as God calls us one by one,
the chain will link again.

--- Anonymous ---

In April of  2004 our sweet Francis began having yet more health problems.  After consulting with different specialists he was finally diagnosed with Wobbler's Syndrome, a devastating genetic neurological illness.  Through the help of a wonderful and caring vet, Dr. Durkes in Indiana,  we tried to restore Francis to a productive life, but it wasn't meant to be.  Through it all Francis fought hard to overcome this ailment, always with a smile and a zest and happiness for life.  But in the end it had taken it's toll and he let us know when the time had come, he no longer had the will or strength to fight.  It was when this happened we knew, and made the painful decision to let him go.
 
On June 8, 2004 my sweet Francis went to sleep peacefully in my arms to live in eternal love and happiness.  He was ready to go, bless his pure and gentle heart,  and he is now playing with the angels.  Once again he is the strong and proud soul that had captured my heart.  God love him, he's changed my life forever. 
 
In the book The Saga of the Dogue de Bordeaux there is a description that fits this breed, and Francis, so perfectly.
It reads.....
 
"The Dogue de Bordeaux loves to be stroked.  He is 'clinging'.  He will give a paw ten times to get what he wants.  When you let him do as he likes, he will overwhelm you.  He will scramble on your lap, on your shoulders.  He will stand up when his master or mistress gets up.  He waits at the door of the bathroom.  He will look fondly into your eyes.  He sits on your foot and can stay there for hours.  He lies forgotten under the table.  He will accompany you on your walk and stay close. In short, he loves you. "This fidelity lasts till the day he dies."
 
Francis, you will always have my heart, my sweet boy, though I miss you terribly and always will.  The joy and wonderful memories you brought into our lives will live forever, I am so grateful for having been given such a gift as you.  Sleep well my baby.

I'd like to express my sincere appreciation and love to "Francis' Special Friends".  Though some of you are states and even countries away, your love and support shown to Francis will never be forgotten.  He knew he was special, and I'm so grateful for all of you for helping him feel that too.

 
Our forever thanks and love from Francis and myself to my family and sons, (Francis' Boys), and to Francis'  friends Renie, Hedy, Nicole, Bonnie & Zoi, Amy & Bosley, Joan C., Hilary, Linda M., Steph, George and Gina, Joey, Carol, Susan, Aimee, Terri, Jan, Will & Paula for their help in trying to find a diagnosis, and all those who held him in their hearts.  We will always remember your thoughtfulness.

 


"The Sweetest Face"

 

 


 All Comfy


Halloween. . . Francis loved dressing for the occassion!

 

 


Francis  is a Dogue de Bordeaux purchased from a Nationally Advertised Kennel.
His story is meant to help anyone interested in purchasing a dogue, and hopefully help them avoid the problems and heartache we experienced.

Francis has become a very special part of our lives.  We brought him home in October of 2000.  We had been looking for a breeding dogue.  After speaking to several breeders, as well as looking at advertisements on both the internet and in magazines, we chose this breeder.   This gentleman sounded so knowledgeable and helpful, I felt secure we could rely on his expertise.

We were told of a pup he had that he said was a $2800 dogue, good breeding stock, so we decided to go see him.  The first thing I noticed was that the pups' tongue hung out all the time.  We were assured  that this was a sign that he would have a GOOD head.  I will say right here that, although I've had dogs all my life, I was new to this breed, and was relying on this breeder to tell me the truth about what would be good or bad conformation-wise.  We were told the pup would be registered NKC.  I questioned this also, never having heard of this registration.  He stated this was another registry the Bordeaux can be registered with.  I was told the pup could also be registered FIC.

We purchased the pup for $1100.  After a while, I contacted another breeder for a second opinion on his mouth.  I was told this was a fault, to neuter him.  I called the breeder to  inform him that I had neutered my breeding dogue.  He sounded somewhat upset, stating that he wanted to breed to him.

As time went on, we discovered the pup was not only dysplastic, but that his lineage could not be traced.  We now  had a neutered "breeding" dogue with a severely undershot and twisted jaw, health problems,  and a pedigree that was no good.

Francis will be with us for as long as he lives, we love him dearly.  But no person or dogue  should  be put in this position.  In my opinion, this is an unethical breeder.

I have filed  formal complaints and I encourage anyone looking for a Dogue to contact the DDBS and USBC before purchase.  They will tell you if there have been any complaints filed.  
I also encourage existing owners to file complaints with these organizations on any kennel problems.

 

 
This is Xena

She is a half sister to Francis.  Same sire as Francis, bred to Francis Granddam.  Her tongue hangs out continually.  She was rescued by Stace Eakle and friends from a shelter in California.  She was an owner turn-in.  The owners had let Xena become very sick and did not want to take the responsibility for Veterinary costs.  The wonderful people that rescued her got her the veterinary care she needed and she is on the road to recovery, though she has health problems like the others from this line. Unfortunately, Xena passed away in 2002 due to health problems. She is sadly missed.

How many more will end up in shelters?  How many more will be euthanized, or worse, be neglected, because they are not healthy?  She was lucky to have been rescued, many others won't be so lucky.  This kind of breeding will only result in puppies who will not be taken care of either because of the expense, or because they simply are not wanted anymore.  

Xena has a wonderful temperament just like Francis, and was lucky to have found a loving home.  How sad for the others that this continues.

In addition, we were led to believe that this pup was a result of this breeders' personal stock at his kennel.   Francis, in fact, came from somewhere else, as this breeder's  name was not on the transfer papers.  Ask  to see the sire and dam before purchase, if this is not possible, ask for phone numbers to check the lineage.
I have since been contacted by two other owners of pups from this same kennel.   I have been told by one owner that his pup is of the same lines as Francis.  I was told by the other owner they have yet to receive papers.  Both of these people told me their dogues have health problems.

For further information or any questions regarding this matter, please feel free to e-mail me at:   Joan@HomesteadBordeaux.com