When my husband and I finally decided that we were ready to be owned by a dog, we did our homework to find the right breed for us.

The French Bulldog turned out to be just perfect! They are big dogs in small packages, small enough for an apartment or a Sherpa bag under an airline seat. Frenchies, although they may be small, don't take crap from anyone! They will only bark if they hear a strange noise, then they settle down. The French Bulldog bark is so quiet that it almost sounds like someone clearing their throat.

We also learned about the health problems associated with the breed. They are not built to withstand temperature extremes. They over-heat very easily and are susceptible to heat exhaustion. The reason for this is that their flat faces don't allow them to cool of by panting as fast as the long snouted breeds. Extreme care should be used when administering anaesthesia also.

Reputable breeders check for genetic traits that can cause problems, before breeding their dogs. Frenchies can have orthopaedic weaknesses that are linked to genetics.

We contacted a Canadian breeder in February of 1999. It took many months, a thorough screening of our home and the environment in which our Frenchie would live and lots of e-mail before the breeder found the right dog for us!

Blossom is a retired show-dog. Her official name is: CH. Lots of Licks Blossom, born on December 17 1994 and adopted on September 18 1999.

She weighs about 20 pounds, spends her days at work with her mama and her evenings just relaxing. When Blossom is very happy, she purrs like a cat... well she is really snoring and snorting but I think of it as purring! She also farts like a sailor! Oh well, she is a bulldog after all!