What is Rescue?

When you think of how much you love your Bichons, and how much they love you, it is almost unthinkable that these dogs could be homeless. Unfortunately, it happens all the time, and the numbers seem to be increasing yearly.

Some of these dogs are the victims of loving owners' ill health or other situations that force them into new homes. These are often easier to place. Many other Bichons come from puppy mill closings, dog auctions, and other unsavory parts of the commercial puppy-breeding trade. These dogs are harder to rehabilitate, and harder to place, because of their special needs...

Imagine, if you can, that your five year old male is intact, has never walked on carpet or linoleum - only on wire mesh. He has been bathed maybe once a year (maybe not that often), vaccinated by uncaring and ungentle hands, and completely neglected except when being put to stud.  Or your female is now six and has whelped 12 litters of puppies, without the benefit of decent food, shelter, hygiene or veterinary care. These dogs often show the true Bichon spirit - they want to please and enjoy life. But they don't know how. They have never played with a toy, had a treat they didn't have to fight to keep, never had a human touch them and talk to them with love...  This is the bulk of what rescue sees. And it can break your heart.

A recent puppy mill closing in Florida brought 128 Bichons Frises into the spotlight, among other dogs taken.  A local dog auction boasted of Havanese - a rare find, but not as rare as it used to be in the puppy-mill circuit. No breed is immune. And there do not seem to be enough rescue and foster homes to go around.  We hope to change that, with your help.