Mollabru Bichon Frise

26/11/2023

It’s dinner time …. But there’s always one who still wants to play!!

25/11/2023

Apologies to everyone who is waiting on us for puppy updates …. We have had quite a bit going on over the last few weeks

The puppies are going great - growing fast and developing their own little & big personalities.

Their Mother, Effie developed Eclampsia when they were 3 weeks of age. She is all good now but as a result we have had to start weaning the pups a little earlier than expected. Effie is still taking care and feeding them a couple of times a day as she still has plenty of milk to share but they are been given solids 3 times a day to ensure they don’t take too much out of her.

Mimi, as some of you may already know has been diagnosed with Stage 4 High Grade Mammory Gland Carcinoma and commenced Chemotherapy almost four weeks ago. She unfortunately did not take to the first round very well and after about 7 days, developed stomach ulcers, stopped eating and developed bowel problems that had her feeling quite ill and in pain meaning her chemo treatments have been delayed. Thankfully with the right medications she is now almost fully recovered and she will hopefully recommence her treatments (at a reduced rate) soon.

We also have one of our young boys, Robbie currently in the JCU Vet Hospital after developing a sudden onset neurological issue that caused him to loose function in 3 of his 4 legs. Unfortunately the cause and the exact neurological problem is still a mystery to us all but he is stable, not in any pain and under constant care of the staff at JCU Veterinary Emergency while he wins their hearts and keeps them smiling as he displays his unique personality traits.

As you could imagine with all this going on and the fact that we have work and of course the rest of our Bichon family to care for, we have been a little busy and photos & updates have honestly been the last thing on our minds.

Hopefully we will be able to share some photos with you all over the coming weeks.

30/10/2023

Milk Bar is always open for business!!

Two weeks old tomorrow and growing fast.

23/10/2023

It’s been an eventful first 6 days …. Unfortunately we lost the smallest little boy last Thursday and another little girl on Saturday night - they just weren’t strong enough to pull through no matter what we did 😪.

The remaining 6 puppies are thriving and gaining lots of weight. Effie is feeling much more like herself and is a truly wonderfully attentive mother.

Looking forward to when Effie’s stitches come out so I can give her a bath

17/10/2023

Welcome our newest Mollabru babies ….. unfortunately not as smooth an entrance as we had hoped for but thanks to the excellent care by the team at Tropical Vets Tully - Effie and all 8 bubbies all doing well.

Yes you read that right …. 8 bubbies!!!

08/10/2023

After a long break from breeding we are finally preparing for our next Litter. Miss Effie’s due date is one week away and she is feeling quite uncomfortable carrying such a big load …. She is however pleased with having her own bedroom.

11/06/2023

We feel sure that one of our readers (one in particular), will have something to add, but we're going there anywhere.

The Barbet.

The breed is so old that Henry the IV was hunting with Griffon d’Arret a Poil Laineux during his rule of France in the 16th century, and yet this tremendous breed we now call the Barbet remains somewhat rare. Before the advent of guns, it was the job of this seemingly tireless swimmer to retrieve arrows that had fallen into water or swampy land and couldn’t be reached by people.

Barbets are believed by many cynologists to be the principle ancestor of the Poodle, Irish Water Spaniel, Newfoundland, Briard and Bichon. The breed got full recognition by the AKC in January 2020.

“The Water Dog,” by Philip Reinagle (1749-1833)

16/08/2022

As breeders the health and welfare of our dogs is paramount. Caring and raising a litter of puppies to ensure that they are not only healthy but well socialised and outgoing is very demanding of our time above and beyond the commitments we already have caring for our much loved Bichon family.

It is for this reason coupled with overwhelming work / family / health commitments that we have made the decision that there will be no puppies in 2022.

We understand that this news may be quite disappointing for those who have been waiting for a Mollabru puppy, however we are not prepared to comprise our standards nor the quality of our puppies.

Thank you to everyone for your patience and understanding.

24/04/2022

25/03/2022

We received some sad news this week, Taiyo (who was soon to celebrate her 12th birthday) has said her final goodbye. Our hearts break for her Mum, who will always be a part of the Mollabru Family. The special bond that they both shared is truly irreplaceable. Taiyo may your journey from here on in be one of peace, Maddie is waiting to welcome you home.

23/03/2022

International Puppy Day is today 23 March. The day was created to generate awareness of puppy mills, where dogs are forced to breed puppies in poor living conditions. The puppies are then sold, while the parents are forced to breed until they become impotent. It is a very sad but true tale about how these puppies reach the market and then into the hands of naive pet owners searching for their furever friend. Read more about how to be on the lookout for puppy scams, puppy farms in this interview with Dogs Queensland President Ulla Greenwood https://bit.ly/3Nbjs9L

19/01/2022

Well it has been a long wait for the DNA Parentage results but the votes are in and we are pleased to announce that "Otto" (Mollabru State The Obvious) is now confirmed as the Sire of all 4 of Angel's puppies.

A little disappointed we didn't get any Zac babies as this will be the 2nd time now that we have "missed" with him - but guess that is the reason we took the dual sire route in the first place.

17/01/2022

Well done Otto!!!

07/01/2022

How cute are these designs?

Check out the page and see Winter (Mollabru Stylish Canine) looking like a fashion queen modelling another design 💕

06/01/2022

WHAT AN ABSOLUTE HONOUR to be asked to put together information for the Bichon Frise Breed Feature in this month's Dog World published by Dogs Queensland. And guess who made the front cover ..... Miss Mimi "Australian Supreme Champion Mollabru Its All About Me"

Huge thanks to Barbara at Dogs Qld for not only requesting this task of me but tolerating all the back and forth involved and putting the final layout together.

To see the finished article in print is truly a humbling experience.

https://cdn-au.mailsnd.com/59095/YCw-mzeE5BeObCvvKfpGQfoJeolCM0Me1nZ0Sjr3Fd8/2684868.pdf

05/01/2022

Despite the fact that I am supposed to be on holidays I’ve been busy working for the last few hours today ….. Basil thinks it’s all very exhausting but is showing his support by sticking close by 💕

30/12/2021

Well it was somewhat quieter at our place last night with the exception of Basil playing with his Mum. Updates starting to come in from new families, it seems they are all settling in quite well.

Lucky and Lucy have certainly made themselves right at home.

29/12/2021

Today we are farewelling these 3 cuties as they head off to their forever homes - we will miss each and every one of them so much but we wish them and their families all the best for the future 👋👋

27/12/2021

Angel playing with Basil but I can’t stop giggling at Molly (aka Sage) getting in on the action by dragging Basil around by his tail …. She had him by the leg before and Basil is having a ball!!

21/12/2021

We attempted a photo session with the Babies a couple of weeks ago ..... it was incredibly hot and puppies were incredibly wriggly but were thrilled when they were permitted to play in the water bowl and run a muck on the grass.

Thank you to Hana May Photography & Art for your time

20/12/2021

Been so busy leading up to Christmas that I have been very slack to carry my phone around for video & photos but here are the babies having run in the yard after we got home from work today …. Always so active and curious about what’s going on around them….. they are currently 9 weeks so they will be off to their forever families not long after Christmas . Please forgive noisy Grotto Otto in the background - he is not liking being separated from the girls who smell pretty.

11/12/2021

In just a few short weeks these babies are going to be heading off to their forever homes …. Thought I better start putting together there bags to take with them …. Just a few of the “essentials” they are going to be taking with them.

11/12/2021

Angel accompanied her babies for a visit to see Dr Dahlia at Tropical Vets this morning ….. all received a clean bill of health and were very curious but not fans of the needles or microchips. DNA swabs were also done this morning so we can now start to get their registration process underway….

06/12/2021

Our Ambassador Veterinarian Dr Robert Zammit will be on Channel Seven’s ‘Sunrise’ tomorrow at 8.40am local time discussing the importance of researching the three R’s when considering getting a dog. 1. The Right time, 2. The Right breed, and 3. The Right breeder. This process helps new dog owners avoid being scammed, getting a dog that is unethically bred or that is not suitable for their lifestyle. Sunrise Channel 7

01/12/2021

All too often I see posts or hear stories of ill or poorly bred Bichons and I feel I need to say something in this regard - so apologies in advance for this very long rant post.

Generally speaking the Bichon Frise is a relatively healthy breed. Juvenille Cataracts has been one issue in recent years throughout the world and due to the efforts of many dedicated breeders and much research, the incidents of this are becoming less common but there are still no isolated genes known for Bichons to allow breeders to test for any breed specific issues. The DNA profile testing available to us here in Australia does not test for any breed specific issues.

Many of the health issues I hear of are not scientifically ratified as a breed problem however many are quick to claim that it is because they find a single article by an unfounded and unresearched source.

Health issues come about for many reasons - poor breeding is just one of them. Environmental issues can often play a big part in the alleged allergies that many claim our breed suffers, it may have nothing to do with breeding. Diet and nutrition is another - I have seen so many meal examples which are supposedly the "best" for our dogs that might work for some but definitely not others.

Blame the breeder is the first call to action but as pet owners we all need to be fully aware of our own responsibilities when it comes to our pets health.

Yes there are a lot of "dodgy" breeders out there, I will not deny it. They have unfortunately filled the void to meet the demand for puppies and their popularity is fueled by those who can not wait for a well-bred puppy.

Responsible breeders will health test, research pedigrees, spend hours on end caring for their dogs and puppies so that they are well socialised and prepared for their new home. There is never a 100% guarantee that your puppy will live a long healthy life despite all this. Sometimes fate has other plans that we have no control over but a responsible breeder will support you in these situations .

As a breeder who daily does my best to do what is best for our beautiful breed it is very disheartening to see someone who has lost faith and chooses to jump to social media to point blame and gather followers for their personal ideas and views.

27/11/2021

Puppies are now 6 weeks old and they had there first full bath and blow dry today …. All handled the experience very well for a first time.

21/11/2021

💕Awwwww 💕 the girls cuddled up with Auntie Indy who is 15yrs 9mths …. We often find them curled up together and Indy has so much patience with the babies.

20/11/2021

Puppies exploring their new play centre with Mum Angel and Grandma Mimi …..lots of exciting new things to play with.

10/11/2021

Remembering our four legged heros