By A. Campbell

Good morning! I’m Franklin, a 10-year-old French Bulldog living with IVDD — intervertebral disc disease. IVDD is a spinal disorder that follows from the herniating of an intervertebral disc inside a pup. Symptoms can range from pain to paralysis. Despite my diagnosis, I’m lucky to have such a supportive parent who prioritizes my health and physical needs. My mom refers to me as her “meatball” and says our relationship has brought her so much joy.

While genetic testing is available for IVDD, dog ownership can come with all sorts of different surprises and I’d like to issue a friendly reminder to anyone considering bringing a pup into their family that it’s important to be ready for a lifelong commitment to a dog’s health and happiness. Love dogs but not sure you’re ready for a long-term commitment? Consider volunteering as a short-term foster parent for adoptable pups with one of the many organizations listed below.

Aside from our two fantastic parks, one of my favorite things about the Upper West Side is how friendly people are. Mornings start with coffee and a treat from The Sensuous Bean and evenings are best spent soaking up the sunset alongside fellow Pupper West Siders at Pier i Cafe. No matter what the season, you’ll often find Mom and me perched on our front stoop greeting fellow West 69th Street neighbors. Hi, Mayor! Hey Bernie! Good to see you Max and Chuck! And of course, I would be remiss if I didn’t give special recognition to an Upper West Side dog community fixture and legend — Larry, the chicken man.

It may still be August, but anyone who lives on the Upper West Side knows that the residents of W. 69th Street take Halloween very seriously. Weeks and months of preparation are required to ensure a successful Halloween block party. This year, I’ll be doing my part by volunteering to dress up and greet trick-or-treaters on my stoop so numerous costumes must be taken for a test-run. May I ask that you kindly provide feedback on this option?

Read all of our Pupper West Side interviews here!

If you think your pup deserves a shot at neighborhood fame, we encourage you to reach out to Audrey at pupperwestsideuws@gmail.com to be considered for a future profile on West Side Rag and follow your fellow Pupper West Sider’s adventures on Instagram at @pupper_west_side_uws

If readers are interested in becoming pet owners, we encourage you to consider adopting or volunteering to be a foster parent with one of the many shelters and nonprofits based in and around New York City. These include but aren’t limited to Muddy Paws Rescue; Animal Lighthouse Rescue; Animal Care Centers of NYC; NYC ASPCA; Humane Society of New York; Bideawee; Social Tees; Badass Brooklyn Animal Rescue and Animal Haven.