From Stray to Star: The Remarkable Recovery of French Fry

By: Jennifer Martinez

In March 2025, a severely emaciated dog was found wandering the streets of Price Hill, Ohio. The frail pup, later named French Fry, was rescued by a kindhearted individual and taken to Cincinnati Animal CARE, the county’s open-intake shelter. The dog’s condition was critical—his ribs visible, his energy low, and his future uncertain.

“He was strikingly thin,” said Lisa Colina, community support manager at the shelter. “We see a lot of tough cases, but French Fry’s condition really stayed with us.” The shelter’s medical team sprang into action, initiating a carefully planned refeeding regimen. For animals as malnourished as French Fry, recovery must be approached with great caution. Overfeeding too quickly can cause serious complications, including organ failure. The team focused on slow, steady nutrition and close monitoring to ensure his safety and comfort.

Despite his physical weakness, French Fry showed signs of sweetness and resilience. As the days passed, his eyes began to brighten and his tail began to wag. Once his condition stabilized, he was ready for a foster home—a safe space to rest, heal, and rediscover what it meant to feel secure.

That’s when Patty Todd and her husband, Jessie James, stepped in. Together, they fostered French Fry for a week, combining their love of animals with a deep commitment to community care. Patty, co-owner of the mobile pet grooming service Nails & Tails, and Jessie, owner of JJ’s Towing Services, are both known locally not only for their businesses but also for their shared passion for animal welfare. Through JJ’s Towing, the couple regularly supports local shelters and rescue efforts—using their platform to give back to those who can’t speak for themselves.

During his stay with Patty and Jessie, French Fry gained more than weight—he gained trust. “He has definitely blossomed and he has done so well,” Patty said, watching the once-fragile dog learn how to enjoy life again. With calm care and affection, French Fry began to thrive.

Soon after, French Fry was adopted into a loving forever home, where he continues to grow stronger each day. His transformation—from a neglected stray to a healthy, joyful companion—represents the powerful impact of teamwork, compassion, and community-driven rescue work.

Today, French Fry is thriving in his new home, surrounded by warmth, care, and the love he always deserved. His journey has inspired many in the Cincinnati area and beyond, shining a light on the incredible work of organizations like Cincinnati Animal CARE and the devoted individuals—like Patty and Jessie—who step up when it matters most. French Fry’s story is not just about survival; it’s about what’s possible when people choose kindness, and when second chances are given with open hearts.

Stray French Fry the Dog
Stray Dog French Fry

Is Your Pet Sneezing and Wheezing? 

Sneezy dog

By: Talandor Elias

Pet allergies can show up in ways that are very similar to human allergies. Symptoms such as itchy skin or paw licking, red, inflamed, or infected skin, “booty scoots”, ear infections or reddened ears, and respiratory issues, such as sneezing, coughing, or difficulty breathing all point a finger to pet allergies.  

These can be caused by many of the same things that cause human allergies, too, such as pollen and other seasonal allergens, household plants that aren’t pet-friendly, insect bites or stings, mold, certain foods, medications, dust mites, some fabrics and dyes, harsh chemicals, and smoke fumes. That’s quite a list! 

Luckily, there are a number of things you can do to help your pet feel better.  

Insect Bites and Stings: Give your pet a flea & tick preventative on a regular basis, and during outdoor playtime, keep an eye out to make sure they aren’t making friends (or enemies) with a bee or wasp. Some pets can develop anaphylaxis from a sting or bite, in which case a fast trip to an emergency clinic is in order.  

Household Cleaning Products and Chemicals: Many cleaning products contain harsh chemicals, such as bleach and ammonia. Keep your pet out of the area where you’re cleaning or working. Better yet, use natural cleaning products, such as vinegar and baking soda, or a commercial product, such as Seventh Generation, Ecos, Package Free, or Mrs. Meyers. You’ll be doing the environment and yourself a favor, too! 

Pollen and Seasonal Allergens: Reducing time outdoors is the best way to keep seasonal allergies at a minimum. If that’s not possible, the next best thing is an over-the-counter antihistamine. Be sure to check with your vet before giving anything to your pet.  

Pet Food Ingredients: Some pets can develop food allergies to certain ingredients, such as beef, chicken, dairy, and grains. If this is the case with your pet, you might notice some digestive upset, skin irritation, or ear infections. Talk to your vet about switching your pet’s diet to a special diet or a hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient diet. Some pet owners also have success with making their own pet food. If you already know which foods your pet is allergic to, this can be a great option! 

Smoke and Fumes: That incense and those candles you love might not love your pet! Smoke from tobacco, e-cigarettes, fires, incense, and candles, can irritate your pet’s respiratory system and cause an allergic reaction. Smokers should consider doing so outdoors and consider moderating your use of candles and incense if your pet is allergic or sensitive.  

Medications: Just like their humans, pets can have any degree of allergic response to certain medications, including antibiotics, flea & tick preventives, and pain relievers. Keep a close eye on your pet for any problems after they start a new medication or treatment, and after they are vaccinated.   

Mold and Dust Mites: Mold spores in the air can trigger allergic reactions in pets, causing sneezing, coughing, and itchiness. The presence of dust mites can be managed by frequent vacuuming, laundering bedding and pet beds weekly, and using air purifiers with HEPA filters throughout your home.