Rescue Bulldog Who Learnt 'How to Be a Dog' Now Fosters Hundreds of Puppies

A dog who has taken on the heartwarming role of mentor for foster dogs is melting hearts.

French bulldog Louis is thought to be around 9 years old and was rescued from a cruelty case in 2018. "Louis was severely emaciated, he was in a foster home, gaining weight and learning how to be a dog again," his owner Kelley Likes told Newsweek. She is vice president of philanthropy for the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

However, Louis has a unique talent for supporting his fellow canines and, since his own adoption, has helped to foster almost 200 puppies in the last three years. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Louis and Likes relocated to Colorado, and she decided to resume fostering animals in need.

The initial encounters between Louis and the foster puppies were kept in a soft-sided carrier for safety. However, the French bulldog, known for his mischievous yet lovable personality, expressed intense curiosity and enthusiasm. Unable to resist his excitement, Kelley allowed Louis to join the puppy introductions and, before long, his role was clear.

"Louis was pretty upset that he wasn't physically in the carrier with them and was bouncing and rolling around outside of it," Likes said. "Eventually, we let him play with them, and he's loved having a party with puppies ever since."

Before long, Louis was excelling in his new role as a foster-dog mentor. "Louis makes puppies feel comfortable and shows them how to play," Likes said. "He's also super snorty and loud, which helps them get used to different kinds of dogs and noises they might encounter."

Each year, 6.3 million pets are surrendered to U.S. shelters, which is an average of 17,260 a day, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The number of dogs and cats taken in by pet shelters hit 46,807 during January 2023, an increase of 1,744 compared with January 2022, the 24Pet 'Shelter Watch Report' found.

Fostering is an essential part of animal rescue, offering a safe environment for animals to heal and grow after trauma. It helps to create space in shelters and lets dogs who may struggle with shelter life thrive.

The Frenchie's small stature, coupled with his lively demeanor, made him an ideal companion for foster puppies. He effortlessly demonstrated the ropes of doghood, fostering a sense of comfort and confidence among the young canines.

Now an irreplicable member of the family, Louis brings joy to his owners and all of the foster puppies that he encounters, helping them boost their confidence.

"He's been through a lot in his life, but he is so resilient," Likes said.

"Louis is a clown," she added. "If you're ever looking for comic relief, he is it. He doesn't take himself very seriously and can frequently be found doing something super mischievous."

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