Bichon Frise Club of America Charitable Trust

01/03/2025

28/02/2025

UPDATE

The Bichon Community came through again! A wonderful lady with years of Bichon experience will be driving from Florida today to pick up the girl in Alabama tomorrow. We are more than grateful to her. Please watch this space for updates.

Thanks so much to everyone who offered to help. We hope you will sign up to become a BFCACT foster in the future! Our foster application is available at https://www.bichonrescue.org/volunteer.

28/02/2025

FOSTER URGENTLY NEEDED IN WETUMPKA, ALABAMA (13 miles from Montgomery)

We have received an appeal from the Executive Director of the Humane Society of Elmore County in Wetumpka, Alabama, to help find a home for this sweet girl. She came in as a stray about a week ago, filthy, matted and scared. The shelter staff did their best to get her cleaned up and, once she settled into the shelter, she blossomed into one happy, sweet and very playful pupper. We can’t be sure, but we think this 17-pound girl is spayed. She is heartworm negative. The shelter estimates she is somewhere between 5 and 10 years old. She is housetrained (she barks when she has to go outside) and is great with both dogs and cats in the shelter. She definitely does not want anyone to get near her muzzle, and she lost a tooth yesterday, so the shelter staff believes she will definitely need a major dental. Is there anyone in the area (or willing to travel a distance) who can pull her from the shelter and foster her for us? If so, please complete an application to foster as soon as possible at https://www.bichonrescue.org/volunteer. Thank you!

26/02/2025

TOBY NEEDS YOUR HELP!

We have learned of the desperate plight of Toby, a 14 ½ -year-old, neutered male Bichon Frise, who was turned into the Charles County Animal Care Center in Hughesville, Maryland (about 90 minutes south of DC) after his owner passed away. We don’t know a great deal about him. The shelter staff believes that Toby is housetrained but may need a refresher. He was great with other dogs and children, but he hasn’t been in contact with them in the recent past. He appears to have a cataract in one eye. What we do know is that this beautiful 13.6 pound boy must not live out his life, or worse, in a noisy, chaotic animal shelter. Could the Bichon Community once again step up to help? We are looking for someone who can take him in as one of our permanent fosters and allow him to enjoy his life as a senior pup with a loving family, a cozy bed and tasty, nutritious food. The shelter assured us that Toby will not be euthanized if a rescue steps up to pull him. If you can open your heart and home to save this boy, please complete an application to foster at https://www.bichonrescue.org/volunteer.

26/02/2025

BEAUTIFUL BONDED GIRLS IN NEED OF A LOVING HOME

Last October, we heard from a lady in New Jersey who asked us to take her two bonded female Bichons as she could no longer give them the care they deserved. We reached out to all our fosters in the area. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to find anyone who could care for them at that time. But we were overjoyed when our colleagues at Bichon Frise Rescue of NNJ, Inc. immediately agreed to take them into their rescue. They have done an amazing job of giving them everything necessary to thrive, including medical and dental surgeries and a devoted foster mom.

Now it is our turn to help them find these beautiful furbabies their forever home. They are a bonded Mother and Daughter pair and must be adopted and kept together for life.

Chloe is the 12-year-old Mom. She is sweeter-than-sweet and a champion cuddler. She is completely house trained and good-as-gold at the groomers. Of the two, and as an older girl, Chloe is more “chill”, loving nothing more than relaxing and taking plenty of dog naps when nothing else is going on in the house.

Zoe, the five-year-old daughter, is a lively, fun-loving, playful girl. In fact, she would play 24x7 with humans, other dogs, and her stuffies if given half a chance. In her quiet time, she, too, is a serious cuddler and lovebug.

Both girls do great being alone with each other during the day, relaxing in their beds until their Foster Mom gets home. They are fully vetted, spayed, healthy and up to date on vaccinations. We recommend a home without young children. They don’t love stairs, but they should do fine if stairs are carpeted or covered with non-slip runners.

Adopters would need to travel to southeastern New Jersey to meet them as part of the pre-adoption process.

Just a quick note about adopting bonded pairs. Some people believe bringing two dogs into the home can be too much trouble. We see it differently. Actually, bonded pairs frequently are “easier”. They have a friendly playmate available 24x7, which comes in handy when the human companion is otherwise occupied. With another dog nearby, destructive behaviors and loneliness can be minimized when paw-parents are out of the house. Transitioning to a new home is frequently less stressful because they provide security and comfort to each other in the strange environment. And you get two loving, entertaining and devoted pups to share your home and heart!

If you would like to give these adorable girls a home to call their own, please complete an application at https://www.bichonrescue.org/adoption-form. We will share it with the New Jersey Bichon Rescue. Thank you!
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24/02/2025

LOOKING FOR A SPECIAL ADOPTER FOR OUR SPECIAL GIRL, LUNA
(BEING FOSTERED IN ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, FLORIDA)

No one has stepped up yet for this girl, and we don’t understand why. She would be a devoted, loyal, spirited little companion for someone who wants to give a loving home to a dog that had a rough start in life. Our foster has shared more about her delightful personality:

Luna is a 12-year-old active, happy, energetic girl. She is just the sweetest dog, a “cuddler extraordinaire” and loves snuggling next to her foster mom in bed, where she snores quietly and contentedly all night long. She is loyal, dedicated and protective of her human companion. She is totally (and we mean TOTALLY) housetrained and will potty every time she goes out and will sit in front of her foster mom to signal her. She is great in the car and finds a long ride a perfect time to catch some zzz’s.

She needs a person or family with some experience with dogs who can continue the training her foster mom has begun. She is not fond of dogs she doesn’t know and can be reactive with dogs on leash or near her yard. She should probably be the only dog in the home. She would love a fenced-in yard to burn off all her energy! Luna always wants to be near her Mom and can get underfoot if you are not careful. This girl still begs for “people food” and loves nothing better than pulling Kleenex tissues out of the box for a quick snack (but nobody’s perfect!). She prefers that someone is home with her most of the time.

Luna is 13 pounds of love. She is spayed and fully vetted. She does have a heart murmur not unusual for pups her age, but her vet gave her a very positive report. She needs to eat canned prescription food to keep her kidneys healthy. No children under the age of 12, please. Luna is one of those pups who can capture your heart (she certainly did ours!). Beautiful in her own way and wanting to live life to the fullest, Luna needs someone to give her a secure, loving home and to pamper and cherish her. Are you the one? If so, please complete an application to adopt at https://www.bichonrescue.org/adoption-form.

23/02/2025

A BEAUTIFUL CINDERELLA STORY

In April of 2023, Bella, a very sweet senior girl, was turned into a Virginia shelter with two other dogs. Their owner had to take in three grandchildren and could not care for three dogs too. They were in pretty rough shape, dirty, matted and thin. Bella and her sister were placed with an amazing BFCACT foster family in Spotsylvania, Virginia. As the girls were not bonded, they were adopted separately. Bella was adopted by a wonderful man who had desperately wanted a Bichon and took loving care of her - until this January, when he unexpectedly passed away. Of course, her previous BFCACT foster welcomed Bella back into rescue and provided all necessary veterinary care. Cue the fairy tale ending! We are thrilled to announce that Bella has been adopted by a remarkable lady on Cape Cod (Massachusetts) who lost her beloved rescued Bichon companion Chloe last fall and felt a void many of us know so well. Bella, our Cinderella girl, is now cherished, pampered and adored, living a life beyond her (and our) wildest dreams. She is sleeping on Mom’s bed and the two new friends are enjoying getting to know each other. They are planning a trip in April to soak in some Florida sun. Our hearts are full and wish Bella and her new Mom much happiness together.

20/02/2025

FOSTERS NEEDED IN SOUTH FLORIDA

With your help, we hope to be able to save more abandoned and surrendered Bichons in South Florida, including Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. But we need more fosters. If you have the time and commitment and can foster Bichons until they find their forever homes, please visit https://www.bichonrescue.org/volunteer to learn about our foster program and apply to join our team. Thank you!

17/02/2025

CALLING ALL ARTISTS!

It is never too early to begin working on the beautiful artwork and crafts created for the Bichon Bash by the amazing Bichon Community every year. All proceeds for their sale help defray medical expenses for our rescue Bichons. If you have any questions, please reach out to us at [email protected]

In case you missed our announcement, here are details for Bichon Bash 2025:

DATE and TIME: Sunday, September 21, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

PLACE: Northern Fauquier Community Park in Marshall, Virginia

We hope to see you all there!

14/02/2025

Donations to help defray medical expenses for our rescues are gratefully accepted at https://www.bichonrescue.org/donate. Thank you!

09/02/2025

2/11 UPDATE ON DEXTER

Our thanks go out to all of you who have applied to adopt Dexter. He is one popular boy! Please bear with us as we go through the many strong applications we received. While we cannot immediately respond to all your individual inquiries, we will keep everyone posted on our efforts to find him the perfect home.

DEXTER IN DENTON, TEXAS, IS STILL LOOKING FOR A FAMILY TO LOVE

Dexter is a loving, curious, active, adorable 18-month-old, 16-pound boy who is looking for his forever home! Sadly, he has already lost two families in his short life. His first family gave him up because they had to leave him alone and crated more than they wanted. His second family, a senior couple, came to understand that, although they loved him dearly, they were not able to give such a young dog the attention, stimulation, and activity level he needed. The good news is this boy has been loved and knows how to love in turn - he wants to befriend every person he meets and will run up to them with a wagging tail and a "please pet me!" look in his eyes. This boy loves head pats and is a master of the Bichon head tilt! He gets along great with dogs, cats and children. He would be happiest in a home with another active young dog to play with. He would also love some older children to play with to burn off his abundant puppy energy. Dexter can be a little mouthy during playtime, but he can easily be redirected to a toy and does not try to harm anyone. This smart boy is house trained, although he has occasional accidents when he is left alone for too long or when he gets overly excited. Dexter also knows basic commands and would benefit greatly from a canine good citizen training class or some type of formal training. He needs someone who can watch him closely when he is by the front door and teach him not to dart out when he sees something exciting going on outside. Also, while he has done fine in his foster family's townhome, he would be happiest with a yard to run around in. Dexter does suffer from separation anxiety, so he needs either someone home with him most of the time or who works remotely to keep his anxiety under control without medication. Are you the family who can give Dexter the active home and lifelong love he needs? If so, please complete an application to adopt at https://www.bichonrescue.org/adoption-form. He is being fostered in Denton, Texas, which is 40 miles northwest of Dallas.

08/02/2025

MEET LADY GAGA, BEING FOSTERED IN CENTREVILLE, VIRGINIA

Meet Lady Gaga...and yes, she is all Lady! This beautiful girl was turned into a Maryland shelter in December by an owner who could no longer care for her. She was our first “pull” in 2025, and frankly, she is now first in our hearts. Everyone she meets immediately falls in love with her and, like her namesake, she is the star of the show wherever she goes. Lady wants to be friends with everyone...unless you are a bird, squirrel, or cat, who she delights in chasing. This girl is 13 years of age, but you would never know it. As an active pup, she enjoys going on walks up to one mile a day and playing chase for treats. But, at the end of a busy day, her absolute favorite thing is jumping on her Foster Mom's bed and snuggling in. Lady would love a house with a second friendly dog. She weighs about 15 pounds and is spayed, fully vetted and housetrained. As long as you have lots of time to spend with this little girl, she will repay you with a lifetime of love. If you are willing to share your bed and heart with her, please complete an application to adopt at https://www.bichonrescue.org/adoption-form.

05/02/2025

DRIVERS, START YOUR ENGINES. THE RACE TO BICHON BASH 2025 IS UNDERWAY!

Our 2025 BFCACT Bichon Bash volunteers are already busy planning for this fantastic event. Here are the details:

Date and time: Sunday, September 21, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Location: The Northern Fauquier Community Park in Marshall, Virginia (same as the past three years)

And we know it will be the best Bash ever. Our paws are crossed for a sunny day this year, but it will be held rain or shine. Please mark your calendars and watch this space for further details. We hope to see you there!

02/02/2025

UPDATE: POE HAS BEEN ADOPTED

Our hearts are soaring! Poe, the sweet little boy who had surgery to remove bullet fragments from his nose, has been adopted. A family in Connecticut, who had several Bichons in the past, hoped to find another and are thrilled they are now able to give Poe the safe and loving home he deserves. They have plenty of plans for him: walking, playing fetch, swimming in their pool and accompanying them on car rides. He has become besties with their Frenchie, Nala, and gets along great with Elvis, his new feline friend. This family is already head-over-heels in love with Poe and we wish them many happy adventures together. Way to go, Poe!

30/01/2025

UPDATE ON LUNA, A HAPPY GIRL BEING FOSTERED IN ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, FLORIDA (which is 15 minutes north of Orlando)

Luna was pulled from a Florida shelter in December. After a compassionate BFCACT foster started giving her just what she needed, including a loving home, nutritious food and warm, comfy blankets, she began to blossom into a devoted and loving companion. She is an energetic, happy, self-confident little girl who we believe is 12 years old, based on her activity level. Her absolute favorite thing to do is cuddle. She makes sure she is sitting next to Foster Mom every time she relaxes in her easy chair and sleeps close to her in bed, where she is definitely a “pillow queen.” Luna snores contentedly and quietly all night. Her Foster Mom is working on training her not to beg for treats when she is eating and to reduce her reactivity to other dogs on leash. Luna thinks a photo shoot is great fun, so these pictures may not do her justice.

She is spayed and weighed in at slightly more than 13 pounds. Luna does have a heart murmur not unusual for pups her age, but after a thorough examination and comprehensive bloodwork, her veterinarian gave her a glowing report. Luna is another one of those dogs who have nothing to give but a lifetime of loyalty, devotion and companionship. She would be perfect for a retired person or couple who are home much of the time. No children under the age of 12, please. If you would like to give Luna a cozy spot next to you on your recliner and bed pillow, please complete an application to adopt at https://www.bichonrescue.org/adoption-form.

29/01/2025

LAST CALL TO GET YOUR VALENTINE’S DAY CANDY THROUGH OUR SEE’S FUNDRAISER – ENDS JANUARY 31

This is your last chance this winter to buy See's candy to help us raise funds for abandoned and surrendered Bichons in our care. If you want to get ready for the holiday, or maybe just pamper yourself during the cold winter months with some delicious See's candy, we can help with that! Or you may want to consider buying the smaller individual boxes for your groomer, vet or vet tech, dog trainer, dog walker or other service providers as a special thanks for all they do for your Bichons.

To order, please use this link:

https://www.yumraising.com/secure/bichonfco_bichon_frise_club_of_america_charit19/SusPay2091/candy

You will be taken to our See’s storefront where you can select and pay for the items of your choice. They will be mailed directly to you.
THIS PROMOTION ENDS ON JANUARY 31. Standard delivery charges apply. Orders over $75 will be shipped free of charge.

Thank you from the BFCACT Rescue Team!

19/01/2025

MEET HENRY, A SIX-YEAR-OLD BOY IN GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA

We are looking for a foster or adopter for this absolutely beautiful boy. While Henry is much adored and pampered by his family, he is just not getting along with an older dog in the home, so his owner asked us to help find another family to love him. Henry’s current Mom tells us he is friendly, fine with children, walks well on a leash, is good with other dogs he meets on his walks and is housetrained. Henry is fully vetted and neutered. He had successful TPLO surgery to repair a CCL in November. He needs to be the only pet in the home. If you would like to foster this boy, please complete a foster application at https://www.bichonrescue.org/volunteer. Those interested in adopting him are asked to fill out our application to adopt at https://www.bichonrescue.org/adoption-form.