[Lil Chief]

My husband and I want to buy a bichon puppy. We've talked about making this commitment for years, and now that we are here, we are ready. BUT, I have fear because of a situation my son found himself in when he purchased a saint bernard back home and it turned out to be a puppy mill dog. Does anyone know of a reputable breeder who has a female puppy ready to go? If yes, will you please email me at flossaz@gmail.com. Are there any "puppy clubs" here?

[angiefox10]

I support rescues.... And Yes they may be puppy mill dogs but they are the best!!! Our last poodle was a mill dog and sat in the Humane Society for almost a year because everyone was afraid of adopting him. He is the sweetest thing!!! He KNOWs I rescued him and shows his appreciation every day!

But then... I'm a dog rescuer!!! I transport these angels out of the mills and kill shelters to get them up here to good homes.

Adopt one... until there are none.

To answer your question... No, I don't.

http://www.petfinder.com/pet-search?...tsearch=Search

Just in case you want to take a look see.... And don't forget... the way they look in the pictures is nothing like they will look after you get them all spruced up!

[Skybo]

I think a good starting point would be with the Bichon Club of America. Here is their breeder referral list, it has two breeders listed in Florida, one of which is in Ocala.

http://www.bichon.org/InfoDirectory.htm

[meowbunny]

Check local dog shows. One of the best way to find good breeders. Ask the judges who they would buy a puppy from.

[duffysmom]

Duffy pictured above, was purchased 12 years ago from a well known breeder. Her dogs won at westminster and I paid mega bucks as well as my airfare to pick him up. When my vet looked him over she found thar he had sarcoptic mites (which is mange) as well as a bad overbite. Later we found out thar he has a sever liver condition (liver shunts) which was terminal. He was bred for beauty and size at the expense of his health. He is handsome but very ill and is in pain as well. He lost most of his teeth at a young age and has only one tooth left. He is on two expensive meds.

Please consider a rescue. Ar least you will know what you are getting.
I'm using my iPad for the first time so please excuse the errors.

[angiefox10]

Duffy is so lucky he found you!!!!

[seashorecaroline]

I have two bichons and absolutely love them! My first girl Mandy was purchased from looking my local newspapers and buying from a private owner - not a breeder. My second girl Abby is puppy mill rescue and she was only seven months old when I got her. I saw a television show that featured a bichon rescue called Small Paws and that is where I got Abby. I agree with Angiefox about checking out the dogs on petfinder.com. You will also find the bichons that Small Paws Rescue have listed for adoption or check out their website at smallpawsrescue.org. Good luck and keep us posted.

[angiefox10]

Since everyone is playing show and tell... Here is my adopted baby.

[The Villager II]

Mutts are many times more friendly and healthy than their pure breed lookalikes. Just a thought. We have always gone to a shelter to adopt. Our Little boy is 16 and still very playful.

[missypie]

We rescued a puppy 17 1/2 years ago. We lost her 2 weeks ago. She was the best doggie for us. Never paid a dime for her on any health issues except for the yearly checkups and shots and all the other preventative stuff.

We are still in mourning....

[The Villager II]

Originally Posted by missypie

We rescued a puppy 17 1/2 years ago. We lost her 2 weeks ago. She was the best doggie for us. Never paid a dime for her on any health issues except for the yearly checkups and shots and all the other preventative stuff.

We are still in mourning....

Sorry to here of your loss. We lost one a year and 1/2 ago and I still feel the pain. She was so special. We have one left that is about 15 1/2 and dread the day that must come.

[missypie]

Originally Posted by The Villager II

Sorry to here of your loss. We lost one a year and 1/2 ago and I still feel the pain. She was so special. We have one left that is about 15 1/2 and dread the day that must come.

Thank you. I never thought we would feel so much pain. I keep saying it was just an animal, but she was really a part of all of us. I really loved that doggie.

Just keep loving the doggie you have now, give your doggie extra hugs for me too.

[angiefox10]

Originally Posted by missypie

We rescued a puppy 17 1/2 years ago. We lost her 2 weeks ago. She was the best doggie for us. Never paid a dime for her on any health issues except for the yearly checkups and shots and all the other preventative stuff.

We are still in mourning....

Oh Missypie... I am so very sorry for your loss. We lost our firstborn on November 8 and I still miss him. I was on petfinder (just looking, I wasn't going to adopt another one) about two weeks later. I saw Doodle's sweet face but of course.... We weren't going to get another dog. Three weeks later, he was in our home... He needed me as much as I needed him. I still miss Killer, I always will.... but I know he is smiling down on us knowing that another puppy has a home.

When you fell up to it, I hope you can find it in your heart to "just look" at the babies in Petfinder.

My heart is breaking for you.... You will always miss her, but after awhile you will be able to look at her pictures and remember the good times and smile!

[Schaumburger]

Not to hijack this thread, but I believe our beloved pets will meet us at the Rainbow Bridge someday...sounds sappy I know, but that's what I believe.

If you Google "Rainbow Bridge" this appears...from a pet loss grief support website:

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

[missypie]

Thank you for your kind generous words. Oh what a sweet story. I hope that's how it happens. Hubby won't let me get another doggie yet. I think he might be right, I have to get over her not being there.