I want to let you know how much we love our Bichon/Poodle Abbie Rose. She is the sweetest dog we have ever had. I am so grateful to Bichon Furkids Rescue for having saved her and to her foster mom, Daria, for being so wonderful. Abbie has been with us now for 2 ½ months and her personality is sweet, smart, playful - and she loves everyone.
Although we live in
Abbie Rose loves our 8 year old daughter Sophia. She adores my husband and goes crazy when he walks in the door. She follows me everywhere I go all day long.
She loves her toys and chew bones. She is still working on convincing our Shih Tzu to love her more, (Abbie sneaks up on him and gives him kisses when he is not paying attention. Soon she will win him over as well.)
Thank you Bichon FurKids for all that you do!
Love,
The Thurow family in
og?" The answer was no. I said 2 children, 2 dogs, we're good...how 'bout something else? We agreed on an aquarium...but I'm not holding my breath. He's not the saver, but he might become one?!
ostered less than a mile from my home. A volunteer came by Wednesday afternoon to inspect our home and then the kids and I were off to meet Emily that same day! Emily was very sweet, but not a fit for our family. I was very disappointed, but Daria, Emily’s foster mom, assured me that we would meet our perfect Bichon. “Don’t worry,” she told me, “You’ll just know when you find him.”
the kids played with Danny.
eeded to adopt from. I called Marti and she picked up the phone on my first attempt and thoroughly explained the process to me. We chose a tiny little guy named Gibson who has stolen all of our hearts. He was very thin and a little frightened when we brought him home. The first few days Gibson's favorite thing to do was hide! Less than 2 weeks later, however, he wasn't missing a beat -- and was the first one to greet people when the doorbell rang. We fed him small, frequent meals and he quickly put on weight.
Gibson is truly the sweetest little guy in the world! He loves to ride in the car and we take him with us to watch our kids' games on the weekend and he is always the main attraction at the ball field! We can't imagine who would ever have let him go because he truly is the "perfect dog." Gibson loves people (big and small), dogs, and is eager to please. He enjoys his walks and is perfect on the leash. The kids can't wait to see him when they get home from school and he has learned to wait in the afternoon near the door anticipating their return.He's a wonderful addition to our family, and we feel lucky to have found such a nice (not to mention cute!) dog by working with Bichon FurKids.
He is friendly and so very smart. He is loving and playful and although I havehad to purchase more than one new pair of slippers it is well worth the joy he brings our
Although no transition is ever perfect, and it always takes time to adjust to a new family member, we feel that Marti could not have made a better choice for our family. We have two small active children who just looooovvvvve Prince. He is great with them.
I tell anyone I meet about Bichon FurKids and hope others will experience the joy of having one of these beautiful dogs become a member of their family.
Thanks again!!!
Prince’s new Family
s as an omen.
was love at first sight! Ira was ready to take Sampson home with us 5 minutes after he met him. He was so happy and excited about Sampson. This was important to me -- as I wanted Ira to decide. Sampson was so cute - with his long legs and such a happy guy - anyone would have fallen for him. He walked into our car kennel and made the long drive back to My three daughters have been asking for a dog since the day they could talk. We wanted to wait until they were old enough to take good care of a dog. My oldest daughter, Jackie (age 7), finally wore her dad down and convinced him that she would be a good dog mommy. This began my search in August for the right kind of dog. We knew we wanted a small dog that would not shed.
I was a previous owner of a Golden Retriever and as beautiful as they are, they are not a lap dog and shed a lot. We did not want to buy a puppy from a puppy mill and after visiting so many animal shelters, we knew we wanted to rescue a dog. That is when I remembered that my neighbor, Marcia was a foster mom for Bichon FurKids so, I gave her a call. She told me about the web site and that the first step was to complete an applica
tion. We all looked at the web site and fell in love with all the doggies.
I immediately completed the application and soon had a house inspection. We constantly viewed the web site and that is when we found Mindy (now called, Fluffy). We went to visit her at her foster mom’s (Daria) house. It was love at first sight and we took her home that day! I want to thank Marti Colwell for starting this rescue program and all the volunteer Foster Mom’s for all the caring and love they provide until the doggies are adopted. Fluffy has really changed our world for the best!
Happy Holidays!
Phil, Joy, Jackie, Cristina and Caitlyn

and people stop to say hi alot and notice what a cute face I have - especially when I cock my head when they speak. I'm still kinda skittish about people touching me and there are some dogs that I just don't like. (This is from my past and I'm working on trusting more.) But all in all - I eat well, snore when I sleep, do tricks for treats, enjoy an occasional sleep-over with my new sitter and just am happy. I know I'm lucky and I let them know it when I just look at them. Thanks to Bichon FurKids, my foster Mom, Marci , and Marti - my second half of life is DOGFASTIC!
Before we got Cody, we had visited my husband's boss and his family in Phoenix. They have two Bichons which I fell in love with. They showed me the Bichon FurKids web site and I filled out an application around April 4th. Phyllis called me the next day and I had an immediate home check. I passed and picked up Cody on the 7th, Talk about service! I can't thank BFK and Marti enough. Marti has been wonderful with all my questions. What a great organization.
Polo who desperately needed to be rescued. We were a little hesitant about fostering since we didn’t have a whole lot of information about the dog, but once we saw a picture of Polo, we couldn’t resist. The poor little guy had wounds to heal and needed a little time and extra love to make him healthy again.
From the moment Polo came into our home he melted our hearts. After that first night with us, we knew we would adopt him! He is such a wonderful dog and has just fit right in with our family – it’s like he’s always been a part of us! Polo and Boots play together perfectly, just like brothers. And the kids absolutely adore him.

Lucie has fit right into our family. She’s an adorable little dog. She enjoys walking the kids to and from school and getting showered with attention from all of the kids who come and coo over how cute she is.
Even though she’s a little dog, she loves to go on long walks and is always happy to be outdoors. Afterward, she relaxes on the couch with us while we are watching television or reading.
Her favorite place to sleep is with Isabelle in the princess room. (The perfect place for the little princesses!)
We were so happy to find a dog through Bichon FurKids.
When Lucy came to us, she had been abandoned and was recovering from wounds she received from being covered in foxtails—one had even been in her eye! It has made us all even more protective of the little dog that we saved—making a difference in her life has made a difference in ours!
Tonya, Eric, Olivier & Isabelle
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| Diego - Before |
The process that took place with Bichon FurKids was amazing.
Diego has adjusted well to his new home and to Abbie. He is a very intelligent little guy! Our entire family has fallen in love with him and is amused by his cute personality, energy and loving nature. The two pups love to cuddle, take walks together, play with toys and chew rawhide bones. Abbie has gained yet another opportunity to love and mold a new companion - and it has made her young again!
We were amazed at the attention to every detail and love that was demonstrated by Marti, Barbara and Katie. I would like to thank Marti and Bichon FurKids for the work they do - and for making a commitment to each dog to find the very best forever home for that dog. We are so grateful that we were chosen to provide a forever home for our little Diego!
Frank, Susan, Abbie and Diego

Ricky and Lucy love to play with each other by running at lightning speed through the house and out the doggie door into the back yard where the “Bichon Blitz” takes place. They hunker down and chase each other in a circle or figure eight looking like well trained race horses! Ricky and Lucy are incredibly beautiful. We never know when the “Blitz” will take place, but when it starts, we stop everything and sit on the sidelines to watch and laugh.
One of their favorite ‘hangouts’ is their private sunny massage table located under a window in the front of the house. They have a stair step up and can see up and down the street when we are away. Lucy can watch for her “boyfriend” (aBorder Collie) who lives across the street.
When we took Ricky and Lucy to the local Dog Park for the first time, we were thrilled to see how happy they were. They enjoyed running with the packs and getting to know other breeds. They fit right in and expressed their playful, pleasant personalities with everyone.
They are our family now, our forever dogs. Thanks Bichon FurKids Rescue, Marti Colwell and Barbara Riggs for the work you do with this precious breed and for bringing Ricky and Lucy to our home.
Loretta and Piero

Back to Mission Viejo I drove with this extremely shy, scared little boy who would only hide in the corner of his carrier.
Upon arrival at my home I had to remove the top of the crate in order to get the puppy who we named “Conner” out of his box. He just sat in my lap with his head buried and shook. My family and I continued to hold and snuggle the little guy for the remainder of the week, while working with him on a leash for potty training. We paper trained him in a small environment during the day when we had to leave him - and Cody would sniff him and visit with him thru the fence. After week two Conner would cry when I put him in the kennel at night, as he could see Cody in bed with me. I decided to let him join us and so the “love affair” began.
After several weeks of communicating with Marti on “Conner’s” progress she was starting to talk about what type of family Conner would need. At that point I realized I was in love and hooked – line and sinker. There was no parting with this cute little fur ball. Even with his extremely shy ways we had bonded thru and thru. My boy Cody had completely accepted him as his little brother, taking him in and literally training him on how to use the doggy door, how to walk on a lease and how to trust two legged friends. We are a family now and couldn’t be happier.
Sure, I could have waited for the perfect female puppy for my family but the rewards would not even compare to the wonderful ways in which this little guy has grown and is growing daily. We still have a way to go – but boy is it worth it!! I guess you could say I am a failed foster mother but an extremely lucky adoptive one!!
Sasha and our family are so grateful to Marti Colwell and her network of BichonFurKids volunteers, who not only care deeply about the welfare of animals, but actually do something about it. They drive to animal shelters, saving the lives of countless sweet doggies, such as Sasha. After rescuing the dogs, BichonFurKids carefully screens adoptive parents, who will provide loving forever homes for these precious doggies. The BichonFurKids network of volunteers are also able to place dogs that are being given up, but luckily have not yet been taken to the pound!
As in Sasha's case, each "doggie" story is different--but all are sad.
Everyone of the dogs saved by BichonFurKids needed a home through no fault of its own. Some are homeless because their owners had died; others lost their homes because their owners got divorced; and still others, like Sasha, were simply dumped! But they all have one thing in common--the sadness in their eyes can easily be replaced with happiness when they find forever homes as a result of the kindness of the BichonFurKids volunteers.
Anyone, who has ever adopted a rescue dog, knows the joys that their companionship brings. They are there for you--all of the time--ready to kiss you, play ball with you, walk with you, or simply watch television with you. (They never argue with you about the channel and will even sit on your lap while you watch reruns of reruns!)
With love and some of our home cooking, Sasha is gaining needed weight. She was about 8 pounds when she was rescued--our vet says she should be about 15 pounds. Sasha has become such an important part of our family--it is hard to believe she has only been with us about a month.
If you want your life brightened by a pet or pets, please think about adoption rescue--it does not matter if a pet is young, old, or in-between--just look into its eyes, see its wagging tail, and know that you have made a love match for life!
Beth W. (Sasha's mom)

Our entire family has fallen in love with him and he shows his appreciation by rolling around on his back with joy, and then popping up and looking at us in a way that says, life is good, thank you. Pedro loves to sniff around the neighborhood and check out what is going on. When we first brought him home he got very excited when he saw other dogs and people, and wanted to run up to them and sniff and play. But in training he learned the command "leave it" and can now control his desire and need to be loved and noticed by every person and dog that sees him. We have all adapted well and can't imagine life without Pedro!Thanks, Bichon FurKids!
Tara, Steve, Jeremy, Simon and Gabi

My foster Mom Jan and her son Patrick took such good care of me and I began to trust people once again. I lived with them and their doggies for several weeks while my “forever” Mom and Dad fostered Lucy and Ricky. When Lucy and Ricky found their forever Mom and Dad, I was then able to meet my sister Lily (she’s a yellow Lab). We hit it off right away and today are the best of friends. We sleep together on doggie pillows next to Mom and Dad’s bed. We also love to chase each other through the house and play wrestle. Lily has taught me how to use the doggie door and also how to sneak on Mom and Dad’s bed in the morning.
My Dad says I’m really part kitty cat because I adore climbing on top of the pillows on the sofa and love to ride in the car on the tops of the seats. I also like to sit on the chair next to our front room window and watch doggies walk by our house. I am a very good watch dog and let my Mom and Dad know each time some one walks by. I’m also terrific at turning in circles on my back legs when Mom gets out the treats. Mom says I’m dancing for treats. Lily does most of the talking for us, she tells Mom when it’s time to get the treats out for us.
I’m so grateful to Bichon FurKids for their dedication to little lost dogs like me. I will always remember my wonderful foster Mom and her son and thank them for being able to give me up to my forever Mom and Dad. I know it was hard for my foster Mom because she cried when we drove away. My forever Mom and Dad and my sister Lily are the best things that ever happened to me……(Mom says Lily and I are the best things that ever happened to them).
Please consider adoption if you’re thinking about bringing a fur kid into your home, or if you’re not certain, foster a little rescued pup. If it wasn’t for Bichon FurKids Rescue, I’m certain my life would not be the wonderful life it is today. We rescued doggies are grateful pups and try to be on our best behavior for our new Moms and Dads. We thank them and Bichon FurKids every day for helping us.
God bless you Bichon FurKids, your wonderful volunteers, and your compassionate foster Moms and Dads.
Love, Higgins…….the wonder dog!!
Dear Foster Mom,
This is Gizmo, and I am writing to say thank you for being my foster Mom and finding my new forever home. I love my new Mom and brother Murphy - well at least my Mom, I'm trying to be a good brother to Murphy. He wants to play and lick me, but I'm not ready just yet. Murphy 'puts up with my growling at him' when he gets close to my toy, but also comes running when I bark at something. I have lots of new toys and my favorite is a small red hard rubber ball. I go everywhere with it. Mom has to watch when I take it on walks because sometimes I lose it.
I also love to bark at the 'condo cat' and I want to chase him, but Mom tugs me back and signs to stop it. Mom says I have to learn not to bark at every dog or cat and be quiet like Murphy. I'm trying. I have learned to use the 'doggie door' and only had one accident. She is proud of me. Mom also says the hardest part was getting me to settle down to go to sleep at night. I kept her up many nights because all I wanted to do was bounce my ball off her head and have her throw it.
Mom now takes the toy box with all the toys and puts them away when it is bedtime and she gave me a 'blankee' to chew and snuggle with. I sleep on one of her pillows with my 'blankee' so I don't chew the comforter anymore.
I'm so good now and sleep all night right next to her. My brother, Murphy, sleeps on the bottom of the bed or under the bed.
Just wanted you to know I am happy and Mom is too!
Love,
Gizmo and Family

He also fits perfectly into our family.
Sam has made it his job to watch our us as we shower in the morning (he peaks around the curtain to make sure we're okay), monitors meals (just in case something drops!) , and has made the whole left side of our couch his own. Around 8pm, after everyone has had dinner, treats, a run in the 1 acre backyard where we play fetch, the family settles down. Rex (my fiancé) at the right side of the couch with Bailey on his right thigh, Trouble the cat at his shoulder and Sam, with head on the left thigh-stretched over 3/4 of the couch. Dog in heaven- belly being scratched. I swear he grins!
Thank you for the part you have played in making our family complete. We just love him and his tail just keeps wagging!
Valerie Eidson and Rex Bowman
Sam's Ma & Pa

...Perhaps you remember the movie "Jerry McGuire" where Tom Cruise's character tells his girlfriend of his love for her by saying "You complete me." That's how we feel about sweet Molly - she truly completed our family.
Molly is beautiful both inside and out. She has a woderful temperament, loves to cuddle and kiss, and is very loviing and tolerant towards our little schnoodle, Goldie. We love her dearly and are very grateful to Bichon FurKids for arranging this "marriage made in heaven."
Jeannie,Kurt, Molly and Goldie

After a day or so of looking online, I found Bichon Fur Kids and began talking with Marti about finding a dog. Being surrounded by females, my husband was hoping for a male, but we all fell in love with a little dog named Sara (whom we re-named Sara Belle!)
Sara Belle has been with us four weeks, but it is like she has always been here. She gets along with our poodle, has lots of love and kisses and adores the girls. They fight over who gets to sleep with her so we alternate each night, although Paige seems to be getting more nights lately. Adopting Sara Belle has been a good experience made exceptional in that she has brought so much love to our family and we have helped to save her life. Thank you to Marti and all the volunteers at Bichon Fur Kids for the wonderful work you do!
Tina Huston and Family – and, of course, Sara Belle (San Diego, CA)
We would first like to thank Bichon Fur Kids for bringing Jackson into our lives. My husband and I recently got married and we really wanted a dog to keep us company and be apart of our family. We looked at shelters and other rescue foundations, and knew after a while that we wanted a small little fuzzy dog to snuggle and play with - and none of the dogs we met seemed to fit what we were looking for.
A few weeks after applying to Bichon Fur Kids to adopt a dog, they contacted us about being a foster family for a dog they recently rescued from the pound. After Marti described this sweet little dog and how he was so scared in the pound that he hadn't eaten for four days, we knew we wanted to take care of him.
When we first met Jackson he wasn't exactly what I had imagined. He was very skinny and dirty and, because he had lots of bites from bugs and from other animals, the shelter had completely shaved him -- and he was so scared that he hardly even moved or made a noise. But after a couple days with us and a good bath he started to become more comfortable and began to eat well and run around the house like he owned the place. My husband and I knew then that there was no way that we could give this cute little guy up!
We have had Jackson for about a month now and he is definitely part of the family! He loves to go on walks with us, lie in the sun, go to the beach, chase birds, get belly rubs, run around the backyard, play tug-of-war and curl up with us on the couch while we watch TV. He is extremely smart and was housebroken in only a few days and he responds very well to commands and to his own name. He is so sweet and calm and he has gotten really soft and fluffy (and a little round). He just follows us around the house wagging his tail and he always wants lots of love and attention, which we happily give him!
Thank you so much for the wonderful addition to our family!
Dan, Katie and Jackson Doornink
I put my 15 year old dog to sleep 1 year ago, and I was wanting a new dog, but not sure about getting involved with a rescued dog. I was a bit apprehensive about adopting a new dog, especially one with a questionable past. When I found Bichon Fur Kids, I was very excited about adopting a small, little ball of fur. I saw Riley on the site, and decided he was a custom ordered dog for me. He is only 8 pounds, and I wanted a small dog. His foster mom said he had some issues and that I needed to be very firm with him. He had been turned into the shelters twice. He was an angel from the first moment I saw him. He drove in his crate with me from San Diego to Orange County, and was just as happy as could be the whole way.
On his first day home, we went for a long walk to let him explore and burn off some energy. I practiced making him sit and wait for me as much as possible for him to see I was the “pack leader”. On the first day, he was as comfortable as can be in his new home. He stretched out on the rug in the sun for a good rest while I worked.
He has been the best dog. I named him Milo, and he is already responding well to his name. He comes when called, is housebroken, and will sit nicely while waiting for me to throw him a toy. He loves to play with his toys. He lets me brush him, and he didn’t mind the bath.
He is so cuddly. He loves everyone. He will even sit on my lap while I am working. I have not even had him for 2 weeks, yet it feels like he has been here forever. He sleeps so nicely in his crate every night. He puts himself to bed around 8:30pm. I call out for him, and find him curled up in his crate ready for bed. He can be coaxed out with the lure of some playtime or a walk. We walk every day to make sure he gets his energy out, and he loves it.
Milo loves his backyard. I have planters all along the back wall, and he thinks he is a big shot walking on the tops of the walls.
He is very curious. He loves to stand at the front door and watch people walk down the street. He especially loves standing outside on the upper deck to watch the dog next door. He never barks, and is always on his best behavior. He is a beautiful dog, and I love him more and more each day. Thank you for the work you do. I hope many other people know the pleasure of finding such a wonderful dog.
Kendra and Milo Williams

We always had a love for dogs, but as young newlyweds and career people, didn't think we wanted to or could fit one into our schedule. So we decided to help foster dogs through Bichon FurKids. We figured it would be a nice, slow way to spend time with dogs and test things out. Rosie was the first dog brought to us, and within a few hours we were debating whether to keep her or not. We thought we had officially lost our minds! And we've definitely failed fostering because we couldn't give her up!
She's the cutest dog and I wish pictures could capture her personality because she's a bundle of energy and kindness. She loves to run around the park and chase birds, helicopters, and other flying objects. Her favorite nighttime activity is snuggling on the couch with us. We can tell when she's really tired because she turns on her back with her legs wide open and rolls her eyes back into her head. She's already sent three toys to the toy-graveyard. Apparently fuzzy stuff tastes good.
We're working with her on leash obedience, and she would prefer to be the only dog in the entire world. We have our work cut out for us, but in the best sense of the term.
As I'm typing this she's curled up on my lap keeping me warm. Thank you again for this wonderful addition to our family.
Sincerely,
Jeff & Sarah Boyle

He's so cute. Friendly with neighbors, growls at the man across the lake, loves his new fleeced top bed, not into retrieving yet -- but that's ok. Our families are all so excited for us since they know we've been thinking of adding a new family member.
We've purchased the suggested line of food ... and he licks the bowl. Well it's time for our 1/2 hour walk around the golf course. He's become a favorite with the women golfers.
Thanks for uniting us!
Suzanne, Janet & Cali

She said it all started with my name... that I was not a 'Fluffy' nor did I act like one. She named me Rudy ('cause sometimes I'm not the most sensitive of little guys) and the real me started to come out. I'm now very independent but loving - I like to play and play and play. And I've taught all my brothers and sisters a thing or two, Of course Mom flunked fostering - she said I was (and am!) the perfect addition to the family. And I am.
Now, can you find me in the bed? I think I'm hiding pretty well... That's as much running away as I do any more. I'm so happy that I live here I'll never run away again.
All my love,
Rudy (and Mommy Kristin, too!)

This morning I woke up with a precious little head next to mine on the pillow and thought "It doesn't get any better than this." Teddy is able to look right into my heart. Since he came, my blood pressure has stabilized enough that the Dr. thinks I may be able to cut the blood pressure meds in half!
You cannot be around Teddy and be depressed or whatever. He is so much fun! We play games, explore the neighborhood, go for car rides, visit people who have doggies, etc.
I dearly love him and tell him so every day and I really think he knows what I'm saying. We have lots of cuddle time because we both like it. He has brought joy and purpose into my life that I had been missing for a while. I'm even inspired to start writing again!
He is generally such a sweet loving little guy. One day he decided to get snarly when I was trying to get a burr out of his paw. I got right in his face and said, "Don't you talk to me like that." The shocked expression on his face was so funny -- but he hasn't done it again since. He does like to push the envelope sometimes - just like you said.
Thanks again. You are truly special.
Love,
Teddy and Rosemary
PS Do you realize that you not only saved a wonderful little dog but you saved a grateful old lady too! Thank you!

His signature pose is laying on the floor with his back legs out. He lets me cuddle him whenever I want, which is the most important thing of all!Emmalee, Dan and Rocky Hulls

The day Angel came home with us, Chester fell in love. The two of them play together, romp around and have a great time. Angel has fit right into our family. She is incredibly patient with our three children, who adore her. Every night, she picks a child's bed to sleep on and "goes to sleep" with one of the girls. When they fall alseep, she comes downstairs to be with us! She is truly a "people person" and just loves to be with us. She definitely has made a positive impact on our family and we can't imagine life without her now! Here is a picture of her in her nightly routine with one of our daughters. Thank you, Bichon FurKids, for a fantastic adoption and an amazing addition to our family!
The Spiegel Family
Eric, Lisa, Madison, Jillian, Camryn, Chester and Angel

Dash is doing very well now. He has gained weight, goes to the groomer (which he loves) is housebroken, leash-trained and crate-trained. He stays in the crate when we leave the house and sleeps - but we don't leave him for more than 3-4 hours because he would get very lonely (and so would we!)
When we are home he has the run of the place! He even sleeps with mommy and daddy on their feather comforter. Dash has learned to fetch and has about 15 toys to play with, all of which reside in his own toy basket. He even has his own treat jar on the counter next to the kids' cookie jar. We've started dog training classes and found Dash is pretty easy to train and likes to socialize with other dogs.
Dash has moved right into our home and has become one of the family, We appreciate all of the great work that Bichon FurKids Rescue has done in San Diego and Los Angeles. If it wasn't for their tireless efforts, we would never have met our Dash. Thank you!!
Christina, Kelly, Kyle, Riley and Dash Carter