brisket

Brisket

Life's Better With the Windows Down

Sometimes the Scenic Route Is the Right One

Hi, I'm Brisket.

I'm a three-year-old Exotic Bully with some pretty handsome tri-color markings and tan points that seem to stop people in their tracks everywhere I go. Every time my foster family takes me out, somebody asks what I am. Some folks are convinced I'm mixed with a Rottweiler, others have their own theories, but my veterinarian believes I'm exactly what I appear to be—an Exotic Bully with a pretty unique look and a whole lot of charm. Personally, I've never worried too much about labels because they don't really tell you much about who someone is.

Before coming to Freedom Frenchie Rescue, I found myself sitting at San Bernardino Animal Shelter. Nobody really knows why I ended up there, and somewhere along the way I decided I didn't need an answer to that question. The rescue couldn't make it to the shelter before time ran out, so one of their rescue partners entered the shelter lottery hoping for the chance to pull me. She won, and because she did, I got another shot at finding the family I was always supposed to have.

Funny how life works sometimes. One day you're wondering where life is headed, and the next you're realizing everything changed because someone decided you were worth saving. I don't spend much time looking behind me anymore. I'd rather see what's waiting around the next bend.

Windows Down. Worries Down.

If there's one thing I've learned, it's that life looks a whole lot better through an open truck window.

Give me a seatbelt, crack the window just enough for the breeze to roll in, and let me watch the world go by. I don't really care if we're headed across town, across the state, or just making a quick stop for coffee. Around here, the destination has never been the important part. It's the ride, the people you're with, and maybe finding a dog-friendly patio along the way. That's a pretty good day if you ask me.

Now, I should probably mention that if you forget to buckle me in, I'll politely assume you intended for me to ride shotgun...or maybe directly in your lap. I'm not trying to make your drive complicated. I just think life's a little better when you're close to the people you care about. My foster family solved that little issue with a seatbelt, and honestly, it works out just fine. I can still stand on the center console, stick my face toward the window, and let the Arizona breeze remind me that life is pretty good.

I don't think there's a bad destination when you've got good company riding beside you.

Everybody's Welcome Around Here

I've never really understood why anyone would spend their day looking for problems when making friends seems like a much better option.

I love people. I love dogs. Big dogs, little dogs, fluffy dogs, wrinkly dogs...it really doesn't matter much to me. My tail starts wagging before I've even finished saying hello because meeting new friends is honestly one of my favorite things.

I enjoy being part of the pack, whether that means playing in the yard, hanging out on the couch, or simply existing together. I don't need to be the center of attention. I'm just happy being included. The rescue hasn't introduced me to cats yet, so they can't honestly promise how I'd do. What they can say is that my personality has been consistently kind, social, and easygoing from the day I arrived. If my track record means anything, it's that I'd probably be more interested in making a new friend than creating unnecessary drama.

Some Things Just Make Sense

There seems to be one topic my foster family and I don't completely agree on.

They keep insisting I'm not a lap dog.

I keep reminding them that nobody ever asked my opinion before making that decision.

If you're sitting on the couch, there's a pretty good chance I'll find my way beside you, against you, or directly on top of you if I think you'll allow it. I don't climb into laps because I'm needy. I do it because being close to the people I love feels exactly where I'm supposed to be. There's something comforting about leaning against someone who makes you feel safe, and maybe that's something rescue dogs understand a little better than most.

A Little Adventure, A Little Relaxation

I've never believed life has to be one speed.

When it's time to get outside, explore, go for a walk, or load up in the car, I'm all in. I've got plenty of happy energy and I enjoy seeing what the day has planned. My excitement shows itself with a constantly wagging tail and a smile that seems to come naturally, but I don't spend my day bouncing off the walls or trying to wear everybody out.

Once we've had our fun, though, you'll usually find me stretched out somewhere comfortable enjoying one of my legendary naps. Some people think you've got to choose between being adventurous and being relaxed. I don't see why you can't enjoy both. The way I figure it, life is about knowing when to chase the moment and when to simply enjoy it.

Good Food. Good Company. Good Manners.

I've always believed food deserves a little respect.

Around here, meal time is one of my favorite parts of the day, and I've never met a bowl I didn't appreciate. I clean my plate every time, and if you've got freeze-dried liver treats tucked away somewhere, you've officially become one of my favorite people.

One thing my foster family really appreciates is that I don't resource guard. Food, bones, toys, treats...I'm happy to share my space and don't feel the need to protect what's mine. That makes living with other dogs pretty easy because everyone gets to relax and enjoy life together.

We're also working on taking treats a little more gently. Sometimes my excitement gets ahead of my manners when something especially delicious appears, but I'm catching on quickly. Every day I become a little softer, a little more patient, and a little more polite. Foster mom says good manners will take me far, and I think she's probably right.

Home Is Wherever My People Are

One thing I've become pretty attached to is my foster family, especially my fourteen-year-old foster brother. We spend a lot of time together, and somewhere along the way I decided his room was where I belonged. While some dogs sleep in crates, I get to stretch out in his bedroom every night, and if you ask me, it's pretty much the VIP suite.

Now, before anyone gets the wrong idea, I didn't earn those privileges overnight. Good manners have their rewards. I'm house-trained, respectful around the house, and my foster family trusts me because I've shown them they can. That's kind of how life works—you earn trust one day at a time, and before you know it, you're sleeping in the best room in the house.

My foster brother also has his own dog named Pinkey, and she's one of my favorite little characters. The funny thing about Pinkey is she can never seem to grow any fur, but don't let that fool you. She's got plenty of personality packed into that little body. I think she's become pretty attached to me because whenever another girl tries to get my attention, Pinkey comes flying over and jumps right on her back like she's reminding everyone that I've already been claimed.

Jealousy is a funny thing.

Personally, I just sit there wondering how I somehow became the popular guy without even trying.

Easy Company Is Hard To Find

My foster family says one of my best qualities is that I'm simply easy to live with.

I'm house-trained, I have really nice leash manners, I ride beautifully in the car, and I genuinely seem happy wherever my people happen to be. I don't spend my days looking for trouble or trying to test boundaries. I'd much rather enjoy the moment, make a few friends, and remind everyone that life doesn't have to be so complicated.

Sometimes the best dogs aren't the ones doing tricks or demanding attention. Sometimes they're the ones quietly sitting beside you, happy just to be included, making an ordinary Tuesday feel like something worth remembering.

Looking For My Forever Co-Pilot

I've spent enough time thinking about life to realize something.

You don't always understand why certain roads become part of your journey until much later. Maybe ending up at the shelter wasn't the ending I thought it was. Maybe it was simply the road that eventually led me here.

Now I'm looking for someone who enjoys slow mornings, open windows, good company, and a dog who's always ready to ride shotgun. Someone who doesn't mind sharing the couch, appreciates a loyal companion, and understands that some of life's best memories happen on the way to wherever you're going.

Life has a funny way of working itself out. One day you're sitting in a shelter wondering what comes next. The next, you're riding down the road with the windows cracked, the sun on your face, and a whole new future waiting around the next bend. I'd say that's a pretty good reminder not to give up too early.

Maybe that's why I don't spend much time looking in the rearview mirror anymore. I'm more interested in who's sitting beside me on the next adventure. If that's you, I promise to bring the wagging tail, the easygoing attitude, and enough loyalty to last a lifetime.

I can't promise we'll always know exactly where we're headed, but I have a feeling we'll both enjoy getting there together.

Love,

Brisket

Brisket is neutered, vaccinated and microchipped, his adoption donation fee is $1100.00. He is currently being fostered in Mesa, AZ, you can apply for Brisket at freedomfrenchierescue.org