Estella

This sweet girl is baby Estella, with her compelling eyes, and cropped ears, she’s an eye catcher for sure. Imagine us about two months ago, getting sent her beautiful photo in a Craigslist add for a couple hundred bucks. A Bordeaux pup with cropped ears is not a sight we see every day, and it’s a very odd thing to do to that breed. Everything about her situation was odd, but regardless, Ricky went to pick her up and she touched down at the sanctuary within a day. She was very scared, bluffing, barking, completely unsocialized. After a few minuets she warmed up to us and became her regular sweet self. Little did we know that within a few days she would be diagnosed with Aortic Stenosis, a heart condition where the aortic valve narrows and prevents her blood from flowing normally. There are no treatments for this condition, and it is impossible to say how long she will live. All we can do is give her a wonderful life with the time she has. It’s been a journey trying to find a home for her because of this condition, but finally the perfect home has come up for this special girl. Tom Roomsburg is retired military, and now works as the director of nuclear medicine for Texas Oncology in Austin. He lives with his girlfriend Terrie, and thirteen year old Makala. They have a “spicy” tegu monitor lizard named Zena. She has a gorgeous enclosure in their house and lives a spoiled lizard life with them. Tom is an experienced dog owner, having had a Great Dane, and a boxer, who have both unfortunately passed due to cancer. He told us he would love to give Estella the great life she deserves and we couldn’t be happier about that. This afternoon, Tom, Terrie, and Makala came up to the sanctuary to bring their girl home. Upon introduction, Estella was fearful at first, bluffing, barking, and hiding behind me. It only took about two minutes, some pupperoni, and some sweet talking, before we knew they were a perfect fit for this sweet girl. She warmed right up to them, and soon it was all hugs and kisses from her. They love her so much, and have already prepared everything she needs to get settled in their home. This was such a rewarding adoption for us, because we know this pup, despite her odds, will get to enjoy life to the fullest with this wonderful family. She will want for nothing, and will be adored for the rest of her days. Tom is a bourbon collector, like our very own Ricky Barnes, so he decided that Estella’s new name will be Balmorhea, or Bali for short. It fits her perfectly. We can’t thank Tom and his family enough, and we can’t wait to see Bali get settled into her new life on Happy Tails.

Good Night Everyone

**Meet Stella – A Big Heart in Every Way**

Stella is a breathtaking Dogue de Bordeaux with a powerful presence and a heart full of love. She’s a perfect mix of stoic and playful—one moment standing tall like a noble guardian, the next bouncing around like a happy pup. She’s energetic, responsive, and always ready for fun, whether it’s a game of chase, a romp in the yard, or simply leaning into you for some well-earned affection.

Stella was born with a heart defect, which means her time may be shorter than most. But don’t tell her that—she lives every day with joy, enthusiasm, and love, making the most of every moment. She just needs a family willing to embrace her for who she is: a strong, sweet, and deeply loving companion.

If you’re looking for a dog who will fill your life with adventure, laughter, and unconditional love, Stella is waiting to meet you. She may not have forever, but she’s ready to make every second count. Will you be the one to give her the home she deserves?

UPDATE

Yes, she is a Dogue De Bordeaux. Yes, her ears are cropped. Yes, it makes our eyes roll out of our heads. She’s 7 months old, born June 30th of last year. It’s the age old tale, they’re moving, there won’t be a yard, so we’re selling her to whoever will come get her. No worries, our village is far reaching- and we received an email earlier in the week from a concerned village member begging us to go save this girl from an uncertain fate. As usual, Mr. Ricky Barnes sprung into action and made his way to Houston on Friday to bring this girl back to the Sanctuary. She is all puppy, so very sweet, and most importantly, she’s safe now with us.

Welcome to Dog Ranch Rescue, Estella.