Today is my birthday but because I’m ugly I haven’t received any birthday wishes yet.

This is no ordinary birthday celebration. Today, we honor Lilou, the tiny bulldog who, against all odds, transformed from a helpless stray to a beloved and thriving member of her forever family. Her story, which began with heartbreak and uncertainty, is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and second chances.

A Rough Start

Lilou’s early life was a difficult one. At just 7 months old, she was found wandering the streets of Southern California in a dire state. Her body was ravaged by mange, her skin covered in painful scabs, and she was suffering from a respiratory infection. She was all alone, her fur almost entirely gone, leaving her with bright pink skin that made her resemble a little piglet more than a dog. It was never clear where she came from, but one thing was certain: she desperately needed help.

Fortunately, Lilou’s story took a turn for the better when Love Leo Rescue came to her aid. They picked her up from the streets, providing her with the urgent medical care she so desperately needed. Thanks to the dedication of her foster family and rescue teams, Lilou began the long journey of recovery.

The Road to Recovery

In her first foster home in California, Lilou received medicated baths and coconut oil rubdowns to soothe her damaged skin. Despite her suffering, she showed an incredible spirit and a will to survive. Over the course of several weeks, her fur eventually fell out completely, leaving her bald and vulnerable. But that wasn’t the end of Lilou’s journey—it was just the beginning.

As Lilou’s health improved, she was transferred to another foster family through Northwest Dog Project in Oregon. There, she continued to receive the care she needed, and slowly but surely, her fur began to grow back. By December of 2015, Lilou was finally well enough to be put up for adoption.

A New Beginning

Cora Frazer, who had been following Lilou’s journey for months, knew she had to meet the little bulldog. Despite initial doubts about how Lilou would fit into her active lifestyle, Cora quickly realized that this small, brave pup was more than capable of keeping up with her two other dogs. After a successful meeting, Cora and her partner Carl Ernst welcomed Lilou into their family in January 2016.

From the moment she arrived, Lilou fit right in. Though she was the smallest member of the pack, she quickly established herself as the leader. Whether hiking through the Oregon wilderness or playing in the backyard with her new dog siblings, Lilou embraced her new life with boundless energy and enthusiasm.

A Life Full of Love

Lilou’s life today is a world away from the streets of Southern California. She spends her days hiking, playing, and working alongside her mom and dad at their vintage boutique. While she’s always ready for an adventure, Lilou is also a devoted snuggler, and she found her perfect cuddle buddy in Hope, a foster dog that Cora and Carl later adopted.

Lilou’s bond with Hope is just one of many ways she has blossomed since her adoption. It’s clear that Lilou’s journey, while filled with challenges, has brought her to a place where she is deeply loved and cherished. Her once pink, bald skin is now covered in a thick, healthy coat of fur, and her infectious smile lights up the room.

Celebrating Lilou’s Special Day

Today, as we celebrate Lilou’s birthday, we also celebrate her incredible journey of resilience and transformation. From a sickly, mange-ridden stray to a confident and joyful dog, Lilou’s story reminds us of the power of love, care, and second chances.

Happy Birthday, Lilou! May your day be filled with all the treats, belly rubs, and adventures your heart desires. Here’s to many more years of happiness, health, and love with your forever family!