French Bulldog, Camille, steals hearts of Stafford residents

STAFFORD COUNTY —  The Stafford County community rallied together in an attempt to save Camille, a two-year-old French Bulldog.

In the end, however, the famed animal didn’t survive her surgery.

Nicole Bates, assistant manager at the Stafford County Animal shelter and foster mom to Camille, said the frenchie was brought to the shelter on a Saturday right before closing. Bates says the owner bought Camille two years ago as a puppy.

“Every puppy in her litter died before they were 18 months old. Camille was the last of her litter,” says Bates.

Bates said Camille was having breathing problems, which are common for the breed.

“I didn’t think there was anything we could do for Camille, but I want to try,” says Bates prior to the surgery. “I took her home. She really wants to live. She’s a fighter.”

Bates said Camille’s health problems were never diagnosed. Previous cost estimates to get her topped $13,000. The shelter posted photos of Camille to Facebook to chronicle her story, and to rally support for the needy animal.

Bates said they were referred to a surgeon, who said Camille needed a soft palate reconstruction to open her nostrils to improve her breathing. Camille was given a 50/50 chance of surviving the surgery.

Bates said Camille was very calm.

“She has to be in the company of you always,” said Bates. “She is a joy to have. The hardest thing is hearing her breathe.”

Megan Hubbard, president of Friends of Stafford County Animal Shelter (FOSCAS), said the surgery was estimated to be between $2,600 and $3,000. Hubbard said she formed Friends of Stafford County Animal Shelter to support the needs of the shelter.

Bates said since the animal shelter is a government agency, they cannot ask for financial assistance. Friends of Stafford County Animal Shelter fills that gap.

Hubbard established the FOSCAS in fall 2015. Hubbard said they were able to provide emergency vet care their first year. She said they are growing each year with the number of animals they are able to help.

“When people have a way to help, they will,” says Hubbard, “We have great community support.”

Hubbard said they raised $3,165 for Camille’s care and they already paid for her initial vet evaluation. Hubbard said FOSCAS is also paying for her medications.

Camille went for surgery on Tuesday, April 9, but she died during the operation. “We tried,” said Bates. “I have to remember that.”

Hubbard said FOSCAS continues to work with the Stafford County Animal Shelter to provide homes to animals. Hubbard said federal employees can donate via their paychecks, and donors also have the option to donate to a specific animal, like Camille.

Hubbard said when the goal has been met, FOSCAS deposits the excess into an emergency fund. Hubbards says the donations can cover expenses such as flea and tick medications for the shelter.