Stanley, the French bulldog, now radiates happiness, but not long ago, he was discovered confined in a cramped cage within a squalid home in Modesto, California.

Image source: @ROADOGS

Nicknamed Stanley Smiles for his contagious grin, the fluffy French bulldog, Stanley, captured hearts. However, just a few months back, he endured “deplorable conditions” before being rescued.

Currently, Stanley has found his home at Roadogs Rescue, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit dedicated to helping and finding homes for bulldog breeds with medical conditions and disabilities. This compassionate organization is led by its founder, Nikki Carvey.

“Most of the dogs we take are pretty complicated. Yes, French bulldogs and English bulldogs are cute, but I think a lot of people have no idea how many health issues they can have and how expensive they can be to maintain. We spend a lot on vet bills,” Carvey added about Roadogs. “Ultimately, I am a big believer in the underestimated underdog, and I think people can be inspired by our dogs to see beyond their own limitations.”

Stanley’s journey is just one of the many inspiring stories of canines rescued by Roadogs Rescue. In May, law enforcement intervened and rescued 140 dogs, including Stanley, from a cramped Modesto residence, in California, after police officers responded to “a domestic violence call and found the dogs being kept in deplorable conditions,” Carvey told PEOPLE about Stanley’s origins. The dogs were confined in stacked crates, allowing minimal space for movement.

“One officer recalled gagging and vomiting at the smell of ammonia and feces outside, and inside there was dry urine and feces all over the floors. The owner was taken to court a month later, and the DA was successful in getting all the dogs signed over to the Stanislaus Animal Services Agency. They then chose to work with several reputable rescues to ensure these dogs get the best homes. Roadogs was one of those rescues. The others were Lily’s Pad Rescue, Oregon Humane Society, Panda Paws Rescue, NorCal French Bulldog Rescue, Res-Que, and the Humane Society for Southwest Washington,” Carvey added.

Despite being covered in the stench of urine and appearing quite disheveled, Stanley’s true personality emerged, surpassing the initial grim and unpleasant conditions he was found in.

“What surprised me was how sweet he was the minute we took him out of the car,” Carvey said, adding, “he has not stopped smiling since he first arrived.”

Image source: @ROADOGS

After being welcomed at Roadogs and receiving a much-needed bath, Stanley’s friendly nature blossomed to such an extent that his sleeping habits became one of the few lingering indications of his previous neglectful environment, as noted by Carvey.

“He will wedge himself into small places to sleep. He was used to being confined in a cage, so even though he’ll be in the bedroom with space and comfy beds, I’ll find him squeezed in a tight spot behind the treadmill — or under a chest of drawers. I’m just letting him come around in his own time,” she said of Stanley’s recovery.

As Stanley continues to thrive after his rescue, Roadogs aims to use his story as a reminder for animal enthusiasts to carefully consider the source of their pets, especially when tales like his highlight the grim reality of dogs being confined in unsanitary conditions alongside numerous others.

“There is a difference between a breeder who cares about the health and happiness of their dogs and a ‘Greeder,’ who just sees dollar signs and treats dogs like incubators. Some of them sell dogs for $10,000, $20,000, $100,000 — even more! These Greeders focus on creating the next rare ‘It’ dog just so they can charge more money — despite the fact that many of these dogs will have long-term health issues,” Carvey said of illegal breeding operations that sell dogs online.

Image source: @ROADOGS

As per the statement released by Roadogs Rescue, it was revealed that Stanley’s previous owner maintained multiple social media accounts advertising French bulldogs with “rare” colorings and fluffy coats, charging exorbitant prices in the range of thousands of dollars.

“All they want is money — and they don’t spend any of it on taking care of their dogs. That’s how you end up with a situation like Stanley’s, where dogs spend their lives in cages, living in filth,” Carvey said.

“Stanley is helping other puppy mill dogs by raising awareness that puppy mills are happening all around us! Stanley came from a Modesto duplex. And there are many more people out there with dog cages stacked in their homes or garages. Be vigilant. If you see something, report it. If you smell something, report it!” the Roadogs founder added.

Carvey further emphasized that the most reliable method to guarantee one’s support for animal welfare is by adopting a beloved companion from a trustworthy rescue or shelter.

“There are so many dogs — including many purebreds — waiting for their forever families. And if you adopt, you are definitely not supporting a puppy mill,” she explained.

 

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For those determined to acquire a dog through a purchase, Carvey strongly advised animal lovers to conduct thorough research, personally visit the breeder’s home, and never agree to online transactions without prior face-to-face meetings with both the breeder and the animal.

Having spent some time at Roadogs, recovering from the neglect he endured in his previous home, Stanley is now eager to find his forever family. The adorable fluffy French bulldog is in search of a patient family who is willing to assist him with housetraining and committed to maintaining Stanley’s raw food diet, as shared on Roadogs’ Instagram.