Hi! My name is Maggie. I am an 8 yr old Bichon Frise. My mother, Kay and my daddy, Tom adopted me when I was 7 from a very special group called Tidewater Bichon Frise Rescue http://www.virginiabichonrescue.org who took care of me when my former owners decided they did not want me anymore.

At my old house I used to be confined to a crate all day long with two raggedy threadbare toys. I don't want to say how they treated me, but I can tell you I wound up very scared of humans and the rescue people had a heck of a time getting me to trust enough to come out of my crate.

Even though there were many other dogs at Rescue, Robin and Jack Gray of White Dog Cottage gave me lots of nurturing and attention. Through their endless patience and unconditional love finally the day came when I was ready to join a family of my very own.

Love at First Sight

The moment Mother and Daddy walked through the door of White Dog Cottage I just knew I wanted to be with them. They had come to adopt another dog, but I could tell my Daddy was a real softie and a clown just like me and I could see Mommy had a real big heart and would fall crazy in love with me and spoil me rotten.
I needed to do something quick to get their attention, so as soon as Daddy sat down to chat with the Grays I scooted up into his lap and snuggled myself into a fluffy little ball...I must say I did look pretty cute. I knew Robin would make a comment about my behavior because I was known for not liking men and this sudden act of friendliness would be recognized as quite out of character for me.

Later after quietly slipping past the other dogs and sleeping contentedly in Mommy's lap -Mommy said she was in love with me and told the Grays she thought I was choosing her and Daddy. The rest, as they say, is history.

Living the Good Life

It's only been a year, but I think I've adjusted pretty well...I get home cooked meals every day specially made for me with Bison meat and lots of veggies and wheatgrass...the food is so delicious that I start licking my lips while Mommy is preparing it. When I see her spoon it into my bowl on the counter I jump up really high to make sure she knows I am VERY excited!
I have so many toys now I can't even count them and it seems like I get new ones every time someone goes to the pet store. I have beautiful leashes and collars with gold tags on them and a really cool pink tent with a big cuddly pink leopard fur blanket that says "Princess" on it. I don't want to brag, but boy do I have a lot of neat stuff.

My Buddies Need Help Too

It feels really good to have a forever home with parents who love me so much, but I often wonder what would have happened to me if the rescue people hadn't been able to take "just one more dog".
You know it costs quite a bit to take care of us when we come into rescue since many of us have been neglected for years or simply dumped when we become ill and need medical treatment. That's why Mommy and Daddy will be donating a portion of the profits from this website to Tidewater Bichon Frise Rescue.

Check out me and my doting daddy in the photo below.

Here's a note from Daddy

I especially love my baby girl Maggie who was the amateur model for the photo on the home page of this site. Although she was somewhat of a reluctant model at first, she got much more enthusiastic when she found out that treats were involved for being good.

Kay and I got the idea for this site when friends, family and strangers on the street continually said, "What a cute POODLE you have!" Well, although Maggie loves other little dogs, she is quite clear about the fact that she is a "Bichon" and NOT a Poodle.

We'll be expanding to People T-Shirts and other Bichon accessories I know you'll love. We're also planning a gallery so you can put a picture of your baby wearing an "I Am NOT a Poodle" T-shirt on the web for the world to see.

Hi! We are deeply committed as our long range ultimate goal to helping all unwanted, neglected and abused animals in need that we possibly can. As with any cause it's important to choose that which is closest to your heart, start with a goal that is manageable and build from there.

As we expand our product line and increase our sales we hope to be able to help other Bichon Frise Rescue groups across the country as well as all-breed animals shelters, beginning with those that are the most underfunded.

In closing I'd like to share with you something that struck me as one of the most profoundly perceptive observations I have come across regarding our precious friends in the animal kingdom. This quote is from the book "The Outermost House" by writer and naturalist Henry Beston -it really resonated in my heart and soul - hope you enjoy it too.

"We need another and a wiser and perhaps a more mystical concept of animals. Remote from universal nature, and living by complicated artifice, man in civilization surveys the creature through the glass of his knowledge and sees thereby a feather magnified and the whole image in distortion.
We patronize them for their incompleteness, for their tragic fate of having taken form so far below ourselves. And therein we err, and greatly err. For the animal shall not be measured by man. In a world older and more complete than ours they move finished and complete, gifted with extensions of the senses we have lost or never attained, living by voices we shall never hear.

They are not brethren, they are not underlings; they are other nations, caught with ourselves in the net of life and time, fellow prisoners of the splendour and travail of the earth."

-Henry Beston

$19.95 Click here for Little Girl Pink




$19.95 Click here for Little Boy Gray

Bichon Frise: Signs of Aging

Since aging Bichon Frises experience the same ailments as we do when we grow older you'll probably start recognizing some external changes first. You may start to notice that your pet's coat is losing some of its youthful lustrous sheen and his/her nails are becoming more brittle. Your little doggy may be slowing down and moving more stiffly too. Make sure that any noticeable change in habits or behavior is due to aging and that you're not overlooking a condition needing treatment.

Your Bichon Frise may be experiencing other changes due to aging that may be harder to recognize too. These can include; loss of hearing and vision, arthritis, diabetes, kidney problems and breathing difficulties. Aging Bichons are especially vulnerable to allergies, bladder stones, pancreatitis, luxating patellas (weak knee joints), eye disease, collapsing trachea and diseases of the endocrine system.

To monitor and maintain your Bichon Frise's health schedule yearly veterinarian exams. This may include blood tests or x-rays that will help your vet to evaluate how well your dog is doing internally. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your dog exhibits any signs or symptoms of concern in between visits.

5th Ave. Pink SUV Stroller and Pet Carrier

Due to numerous requests from people wanting to purchase Maggie's pink stroller we have decided to carry it as a courtesy to our customers.

Check out all these awesome features:

*Removable Carrier Section

*Rear Safety Brake

*Easily Maneuverable

*Independently Turning Front Wheels

*Removable cup holder

*Plush Washable Faux Fur Cozy Pad

Dimensions:
Portable pet carrier
31" L, 16" W, 20" H
Handle height from the ground
37 1/2"
Folded for Storage
33" L, 24" W, 12" H
Holds Pets up to 50 lbs.

You and your baby will be the hit of the sidewalk.

$279.95 Click here to let your baby ride in style!

Remember-Part of all our profits goes to Bichon Rescue

Since 1994, 200 abused and abandoned dogs in Virginia have regained their health and found loving homes thanks to Robin and Jack Gray. Their first rescue was a little dog found chained to a fence at a local vet's office during a storm one night. He was so sick he couldn't stand. The rescues have continued and today they are caretakers of approximately 20 dogs a year plus 8-10 unadoptable residents.

It's a monumental job caring for that number of dogs in their home. As
Robin says, "I work full time, I rescue full time, and then I sleep."

It has been a challenge to financially care for the dogs' needs (ongoing expenses for food, supplies, and vet care - with vet care requiring the most). In the beginning, all of Robin's part-time salary was used for the dogs' expenses. Now the rescue has 501(c)3 status which means they qualify as a tax-deductable organization which encourages more people to donate.

Tom Antion and Kay Hubin of IAmNotAPoodle.com, donated over $24,000 to White Dog Cottage in just one fundraising event!

Congratulations to Jack, Robin, Tom, and Kay for a job well done!

$70.00 Click here for Bronze.


$130.00 Click here for Silver.


$1800.00 Click here for 14 Karat Gold.


$2700.00 Click here for 18 Karat Gold.

Calendars

Bichon Frise Calendars by Calendars.com

Click here to order Bichon calendars!

People T-Shirts

"I Am NOT a Poodle" People T-Shirts

Click here to order people tees!

Here's your link to great articles about the Bichon Frise!

Free Bichon Articles

Read great tips on training, history, grooming, humor and much more.

Here is an excerpt:

The crate is your Bichon Frise's special private place. When your pet goes into his/her crate it is seeking a personal den-like space where he feels safe and can relax and should be left undisturbed. Your Bichon Frise's crate should be large enough for your dog to stand up, turn around and lie down in. Make sure though it isn't too large where he can go potty in one end away from where he lies down.

When you first bring your Bichon Frise home and he/she is out of its crate you want to keep an eye on it. Create barriers or use gates at entrances or exits to the room where you and your pet are if you are busy doing other things.
If possible do not leave your Bichon Frise in a crate all day long. Even though your pet may like its "little den" being locked up in one all day is sure to drive him/her crazy. If you work all day long find someone to come in and take your dog out for a lunch break or a long afternoon walk.

If you have to leave your Bichon Frise in the crate for extended periods of time, establish a regular routine. Such as... 20 minutes after feeding when your dog needs to go.... take your dog outside to potty before returning him/her to its crate.

Better yet find a space preferably a room without rugs for your Bichon. Place the crate or bed at one end of the room and housebreaking pee pads at the other end. Be sure to place plenty of toys in the center of the room to keep your pet occupied. Remember your Bichon Frise is a lively, intelligent loving little dog and he/she depends on you to keep him healthy, happy and safe!

Introduce your Bichon Frise to a regular routine as soon as possible. This is true for walks and especially outdoor potty trips. Return to a familiar spot and offer praise and treats to encourage good potty behavior. Have Fun!

Click here for articles