Petunia
Adopted!
New Name: Gladys
Age: Young
Sex: Female
Breed: French Bulldog
Weight:
Current Location: United States
Adoption Date: July 27, 2025
Adopted by: Tyler & Shelley
Latest Update:
About Petunia:
Age: Young
Sex: Female
Breed: French Bulldog
Weight:
Current Location: United States
Adoption Date: July 27, 2025
Adopted by: Tyler & Shelley
Latest Update:
Peony and Petunia came to us in heartbreaking condition—their skin was in such terrible shape that Renee described them in her original post as looking like they’d come “from the bowels of hell.” That’s exactly why she gave them such delicate, hopeful names. She knew, with the care and love of Dog Ranch Rescue, they would bloom into something beautiful.
From the start, both girls had big personalities—spunky, strong-willed, and not always the best match for each other or the other dogs at the Sanctuary. They were rotated in and out of playgroups: together, separately, and sometimes solo, as we tried to figure out what would make them happiest. Based on their behavior, we initially thought they’d need to be adopted into separate homes—ideally as only dogs.
Then something unexpected happened.
They both came down with a case of the sniffles and had to be isolated together… and surprisingly, they got along pretty well again. Sure, they still had their moments, but something had shifted. Just as we were rethinking what might be possible for them, Tyler and Shelley reached out—with interest in adopting both girls.
We explained everything—their challenges, their history, the dynamics we’d observed. But Tyler, it turns out, has a bit of a dog whisperer touch. Confident and committed, they decided to take both girls home for a trial.
That trial ended up lasting longer than we all expected.
In rescue, we often talk about the “3-3-3 rule”: three days to decompress, three weeks to adjust, and three months to settle in. It couldn’t have been more accurate for Peony and Petunia. By the three-week mark, something just clicked—routines were established, boundaries were understood, and peace began to take root.
When we reached out a week ago to ask if we could share the adoption news, they told us to hold off just a bit longer. Then, we got the message:
“Tyler said you can post. He said he’s got this. We’ve learned the triggers and found routines to manage them. They’re getting better. We’re all getting better. Trust the process, right?”
Not every adoption is seamless. Not every dog instantly “fits.” But with the right people and a willingness to put in the work, it can be so rewarding.
We often remind new adopters to revisit the integration materials Renee wrote, especially when signs of tension arise. Many don’t notice the subtle cues that lead up to a scuffle—until it happens. But Tyler and Shelley have been observant, proactive, and dedicated. They’ve put in the effort to recognize the signs and prevent problems before they start.
We’re deeply grateful to this couple for their dog-savvy commitment to these two special girls. Today, Peony is Gracie Mae, and Petunia is Gladys—and we see a future filled with structure, love, and the kind of life every rescue dog deserves.
It just keeps getting worse. We were told about these two girls last week, sadly they had to stay in the shelter or several more days waiting on their “stray hold” I don’t know about you but it seems unlikely there is a loving owner out there somewhere hoping to be reunited with the dogs they love. Shockingly nobody showed up…not..instead they got to be exposed to illness while clearly their bodies immune systems are already shot.
Ricky drove to Houston bright and early this morning to rescue them.
They will be immediately driven for medical care of which they will need a ton.
Both girls, no clue how old, no clue if they are related, no clue about anything other than its very clear the fall from grace for the French Bulldog continues to sink lower and lower, thee girls look like they came from the bowels of hell.
We thought we should name them after beautiful flowers because right now they are far from it.
The brindle girl (darker, on the right) will be Petunia and the merle (on the left) will be Peony.
We think they are about 3 years old.
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