11. Beignet
Pet name (and nicknames): Louis “Beignet” Joines (Beignet)
Interesting story behind your pet’s name or nickname: We met him one weekend, and the next we were bringing him home. With limited time we spent each day coming up with names that combined French and southern elements—and were coming up empty handed. Nothing was just right that fit the runt of the litter’s big personality. One night Beignet’s mom, Shelly, went out for dinner with friends and shared that she was about to bring home a nameless dog, until she asked a friend about a recent trip to New Orleans in hopes she’d come up with a good, French-inspired name. The friend first suggested “Du Monde” for the famous café in the French Quarter and then suggested “Beignet.” Shelly squealed because the dog’s color and markings were similar to a freshly powdered beignet. Just like the sweet treat, Beignet is a little messy, undeniably delightful, and brings joy to everyone he meets.
Pet’s date of birth: 1/16/2023
Pet’s gender: Male
Is your pet spayed or neutered: Yes
Pet’s breed: French bulldog
Physical description: He is a maskless fawn—making reading his many facial expressions easier. His signature Frenchie ears are light pink, and his toes and belly look like he’s been rolling around in sugar, against his light cream coloring. He’s taller and more built than others that we meet, but we think that’s because he takes after his human dad.
How long have you had your pet? Since March 2023
If adopted, how did you come to adopt your pet: N/A
Favorite food/treats: Grilled chicken, Chick-Fil-A, chicken-flavored Benebones, and lizards when he can catch one.
Tell us about your pet’s personality: He’s the ultimate mix of Southern charm, mischief, and pure goofy joy. He’s a social butterfly—he loves meeting new people and soaking up attention like a sponge. If there’s a lap available, he’s in it. If there’s a crowd, he assumes they’re all there for him. You can usually find him “breakdancing” (spinning and wiggling on his back) or doing yoga poses to maximize pets and laughs. At the same time, he’s got a class-clown energy—never quite coordinated, always doing something ridiculous, and somehow managing to be both charming and a total mess. He’s the type to fetch too fast, will run into a wall because he’s so small and strong, and then look at you like it was your fault.
What makes your pet happy: Beignet has mastered the art of the dramatic pause on his walks. If he spots a neighbor in the distance, he’ll stop in his tracks, lower himself down onto all fours, and wait—completely still—until they come over to greet him. Meeting humans, making them laugh, and being the center of their world for a moment? That’s what truly makes his day.
What is unique about your pet: Beignet always knows what you need—like a walk outside for fresh air, a break from work, or to be close on a stressful day? He really reads people and matches energy to make you feel comfortable.
Please tell us about any of your pet’s unusual characteristics or special talents: He practices yoga each morning (with cobra pose and downward dog) and ends with a savasana on someone’s lap. He loves giving friends high fives. Beignet loves getting his photo taken and is very patient—as evidenced in his Instagram page (@hiphipbeignet).
Please share a heartwarming story: Since 2021, Price (one of Beignet’s human parents) has competed across Florida in body building competitions, a hobby that requires long hours at the gym and strict adherence to meal plans. When he competed in 2024, he didn’t know that he was going to have a partner. In the months before the competitions, Beignet could be found next to Price waiting for any leftover portioned chicken and rice. They did long walks around the neighborhood. When Price had to practice posing, Beignet was often found at his feet facing the same way and almost seeming to mimic the poses. What was a delightful surprise to his coaches, a steadfast partner in an otherwise lonely hobby.
What makes your pet special to you or your family: For close to 10 years, owners Price and Shelly spoke about getting a dog and IF they ever did how it would be a Frenchie because of their unique look and hilarious personality. Years went by and they collected and bought Frenchie trinkets and played with friend’s dogs—and it never seemed to be the right time. With life slowing down in a post-pandemic world, the time was finally right. Beignet is the joy they look forward to after stressful days of losing family members, the reason to get out of the house and plan an adventure for the day and be present, or the reminder to get outside and get some steps in and burn some calories.
Why should your pet be Tally Top Pet: Beignet has already made a lasting impact in our community by raising both funds and awareness for Be the Solution. Through his efforts, he has highlighted the health benefits of spaying and neutering, helping to protect and improve the lives of local pets and their owners. He is a role model by having his neuter completed last year. Thanks to programs like these, neighbors like Daisy, Benji, Archimedes, and Socrates are receiving the affordable care they need to live longer, healthier lives. If selected as the winner, he’ll continue to be an advocate for fundraising and sharing the resources that Be the Solution provides.
