My Fire Hydrant

SMALL PAWS BICHONS ARE LOOKING FOR FUREVER HOMES!
Are you looking for a sweet, fluffy, charming companion? These little dogs are looking for people who will love them and a family they can join!

This is Tuffy and Lil Joe--a bonded pair so you get 2 for the price of 1!

This is Boo Bear. He's housebroken, loves to give kisses, but he's nervous with cats.

In memory of Bailey, join our online Bichon Bash by clicking and donating to Small Paws Rescue. No donation is too small, and every donation will make a difference in a dog’s life.

SMALL PAWS BICHONS ARE LOOKING FOR FUREVER HOMES!
Are you looking for a sweet, fluffy, charming companion? These little dogs are looking for people who will love them and a family they can join!

This is Cody, a senior Fluff who is a happy, gentle, quiet boy. He is housebroken and crate trained.

This is Button (as in "cute as a"). She might be a Bichon mix. Because she came into rescue from a bad situation, she had to be shaved. We know she will be very pretty once her hair has grown back.

In memory of Bailey, join our online Bichon Bash by clicking and donating to Small Paws Rescue. No donation is too small, and every donation will make a difference in a dog’s life.

Our First Bichon Bash--Bailey and I are on the left, in the first row.

BICHON BASH?

A Bichon Bash is when you get a bunch of little white fluffy dogs together and have a party. Just imagine a sea of white pooches! OK, if you’re into Labrador Retrievers you might not appreciate the cuteness factor. But if you like little dogs, it’s an overdose of cute!

Bailey, attending her first Bichon bash, is annoyed when she discovers that she is not the only cute white dog at the party.

Over the years, Bailey and I attended several Bichon Bashes here in Dayton. And that’s where we first learned about Small Paws Rescue.

This month, I’m working with my friend Romeo and we’re having an online Bichon Bash to raise money for Small Paws Rescue.

WHAT’S SMALL PAWS RESCUE?

Small Paws Rescue was started by Susan Sebring and Robin Pressnall (Executive Director) eleven years ago when they were turned down by an already existing Bichon rescue group because they were “not been suitable for rescue work.” Robin and Susan decided they would form their own Bichon rescue and Small Paws was born.

Higgins begins his Small Paws journey!

SOME NUMBERS

• Over 800 volunteers, over 6,000 members in 20 countries: Small Paws is the largest Bichon Frise rescue in the U.S.
• Available to take in Bichons in need 24/7/365
• Since September 1998, has rescued, vetted and re-homed over 7,500 Bichons
• 18 experienced Team Leaders oversee rescued Bichons and volunteers regionally
• Typically, 150 to 200 Small Paws Bichons fostered all over the U.S., are available on Petfinder every day
• Typically, 50 to 100 Small Paws Bichons are in various stages of quarantine, heartworm treatment, surgeries, or permanent hospice care every day
• Over 5,000 Small Paws Bichons have been flown to their forever homes without incident
• 25 adoption processors to thoroughly screen each applicant
• Typically between $25,000.00 and $50,000.00 per month is paid out in vet bills (posted publicly on the site)

HOW DOES SMALL PAWS RESCUE BICHONS?

Small Paws is entirely supported by donations and fund raisers. Donations are generated mostly from the membership though a newsletter. Small Paws also raises money through an eStore and on eBay–both great places to shop if you’re looking for Bichon-oriented clothes and accessories.

Small Paws is totally volunteer-driven. It is virtually an army of  foster parents, pooch transporters, shelter-watchers, prayer circle participants, blanket-makers, eBay suppliers, auction attenders, financiers, and emotional supporters. Every member is connected to the group through the newsletter, emails, phone calls, and a shared urgency to help Bichons.

A SIMPLIFIED VIEW OF THE SMALL PAWS PROCESS

Robin Pressnall, Executive Director, holds some rescued Bichon babies who will soon have furever homes.

• A Bichon–or “Fluff”–enters Small Paws through owner surrender, from commercial kennel auctions, from shelters, or any other avenue that results in a homeless Fluff.
• Each dog’s health is evaluated by a veterinarian, and a medical plan is made.
• For major medical expenses (for instance, surgery), a call goes out to the membership for donations.
• Once the Bichon’s health issues are taken care of (also spay/neuter if needed), the Fluff is placed in a foster home with a Small Paws member
• Often, the foster home is a learning and socialization environment for the orphan Fluff
• Photos are taken, and posted on Petfinder
• A prospective pet parent fills out the application form on the Small Paws site
• Each applicant goes through an extensive and proven screening process that includes an interview with the applicant’s veterinarian.

Small Paws takes lifetime responsibility for the Bichons who enter the Rescue. If an adopted Fluff is ever orphaned, it is returned to Small Paws and a new home is found. The Small Paws Bichon is carefully matched to his or her new home–at a high rate of success. And there are followups done on every adoption.

Scarlett and Rhett, a bonded pair with a questionable heritage, just arrived from a shelter. They will be placed in the same furever home.

Sometimes a Bichon will enter Small Paws as half of a bonded pair–two dogs who have bonded emotionally (and often they’re not both Bichons). Bonded pairs are never separated, but are offered at the adoption fee of a single dog. Senior dogs’ adoption fees are always reduced. And puppies are reserved first for people who are grieving for a lost loved one. A home is found for all–no matter what the special needs.

The volunteers of Small Paws operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. They are tireless and creative in their missionto help orphaned Bichons find furever homes. At first, they appear to be a loose  gathering of do-gooders. But on further examination, they are a refined organization motivated and motivating people to work together to make this world a better place.

That’s why I love them!

SMALL PAWS BICHONS ARE LOOKING FOR FUREVER HOMES:
Are you looking for a sweet, fluffy, charming companion? These little dogs are looking for people who will love them and a family they can join.

Rocky gets along well with other dogs and enjoys playing with his foster brother but would also do well as your only dog. He loves people of all ages. He loves walks, but knows how to use a doggie door too.

My name is Paxton. Right now I'm staying with a family who have dogs and cats--I like to play with them and I need to find a furever home where there is another doggie. I love people and playing with my toys!

This month, Romeo the Cat and My Fire Hydrant are hosting an online Bichon Bash in memory of Bailey and to raise money for Small Paws Rescue, our favorite Bichon rescue organization. Do you have a dollar or two to spare? Help us help the Fluffs by making a donation to Romeo’s FURPOWER! And thanks for remembering Bailey.

SMALL PAWS BICHONS ARE LOOKING FOR FUREVER HOMES:
Are you looking for a sweet, fluffy, charming companion? These little dogs are looking for people who will love them and a family they can join.

Gizmo is a senior Bichon-Poodle mix. He is very small--only 7 pounds--and only barks when he wants to go out.

Muffin has had a hard life. She is a shy girl, but there is a sweet Bichon spirit trapped inside just waiting for the right parents and doggy brother or sister.

This month, Romeo the Cat and My Fire Hydrant are hosting an online Bichon Bash in memory of Bailey and to raise money for Small Paws Rescue, our favorite Bichon rescue organization. Do you have a dollar or two to spare? Help us help the Fluffs by making a donation to Romeo’s FURPOWER! And thanks for remembering Bailey.

SMALL PAWS BICHONS ARE LOOKING FOR FUREVER HOMES:
Are you looking for a sweet, fluffy, charming companion? These little dogs are looking for people who will love them and a family they can join.

Zen likes to chase and play with cats--though as you can see by his photo he is learning to simply snuggle with them too. He is a senior who loves long walks.

Sugarman got his name 'cause he's so sweet. He has very special needs because of his background, and must find a family who already have a dog that he can be brother to.

This month, Romeo the Cat and My Fire Hydrant are hosting an online Bichon Bash in memory of Bailey and to raise money for Small Paws Rescue, our favorite Bichon rescue organization. Do you have a dollar or two to spare? Help us help the Fluffs by making a donation to Romeo’s FURPOWER! And thanks for remembering Bailey.

SMALL PAWS BICHONS ARE LOOKING FOR FUREVER HOMES:
Are you looking for a sweet, fluffy, charming companion? These little dogs are looking for people who will love them and a family they can join.

Dalilah is a sweet, lovable senior girl who sits for treats and goes to her crate when it's time for bed. She is a snuggler!

Dillon is a sweet young dog with big beautiful brown eyes. He needs a home with another dog. His hobbies include, watching TV, chewing on his toys, getting belly rubs and playing.

This month, Romeo the Cat and My Fire Hydrant are hosting an online Bichon Bash in memory of Bailey and to raise money for Small Paws Rescue, our favorite Bichon rescue organization. Do you have a dollar or two to spare? Help us help the Fluffs by making a donation to Romeo’s FURPOWER! And thanks for remembering Bailey.

SMALL PAWS BICHONS ARE LOOKING FOR FUREVER HOMES:
Are you looking for a sweet, fluffy, charming companion? These little dogs are looking for people who will love them and a family they can join.

Sweet Skipper loves kids, adults, men, women, dogs, kitties, playing, eating, and cuddling.

My name is Jingles and I'm a very sweet, loving little Bichon boy.

This month, Romeo the Cat and My Fire Hydrant are hosting an online Bichon Bash in memory of Bailey and to raise money for Small Paws Rescue, our favorite Bichon rescue organization. Do you have a dollar or two to spare? Help us help the Fluffs by making a donation to Romeo’s FURPOWER! And thanks for remembering Bailey.

SMALL PAWS BICHONS ARE LOOKING FOR FUREVER HOMES:
Are you looking for a sweet, fluffy, charming companion? These little dogs are looking for people who will love them and a family they can join.

Meet Bistro--a sweet little goofball who loves to cuddle!

Corey is (we think) a Bichon-Havanese mix. He has big beautiful brown eyes and is friendly and gentle.

This month, Romeo the Cat and My Fire Hydrant are hosting an online Bichon Bash in memory of Bailey and to raise money for Small Paws Rescue, our favorite Bichon rescue organization. Do you have a dollar or two to spare? Help us help the Fluffs by making a donation to Romeo’s FURPOWER! And thanks for remembering Bailey.

SMALL PAWS BICHONS ARE LOOKING FOR FUREVER HOMES:
Are you looking for a sweet, fluffy, charming companion? These little dogs are looking for people who will love them and a family they can join.

This is Roxie, a senior lady who loves to cuddle and get belly rubs. She's a little charmer!

Rudy is a sweet senior cuddler who needs to find someone special to love him.

This month, Romeo the Cat and My Fire Hydrant are hosting an online Bichon Bash in memory of Bailey and to raise money for Small Paws Rescue, our favorite Bichon rescue organization. Do you have a dollar or two to spare? Help us help the Fluffs by making a donation to Romeo’s FURPOWER! And thanks for remembering Bailey.