My Nonprofit Reviews

In Spring 2008, we were looking to adopt a nonshedding family dog to bring into our family of four, which included boys age 3 and 5.

We were introduced to Jeanine at Bichons and Buddies, who had us fill out an application form and interviewed us. She said she would keep a look out for a family dog that would be great with kids.

A few weeks later, the phone rang. Jeanine wanted us to meet a 2.5 year old bichon/poodle mix, "Angelina", who she had rescued from the Ventura Animal Control Center. Angelina was emaciated and scared, tail tucked between her legs, but Jeanine saw her potential.

We brought Angelina home for an overnight trial and fell in love. She had extremely bad kennel cough, couldn't smell, could barely eat, but it was clear that she desperately wanted love and attention. We called Jeanine asking if Angelina had been de-barked, because she never barked. Jeanine said "she's just sick - she will get better."

For the first two days, our little sick Angelina simply cozied up in our 3 year olds lap whenever she could. When he pet her gently, you could just see the genuine appreciation in her eyes for the attention and care.

In about a week, Winnie wagged her tail for the first time with us. In about a month, she barked for the first time A few weeks after that she learned to chase a ball. Her hair grew out, and she became the sweetest, most loyal dog you could ever imagine adopting.

Several years later, our son was laid up on the couch with a cold. Nothing serious, but Angelina was now returning the favor, and she sat in his lap, cheering him up. I took a second pic, both attached.

This is just our story, but Bichons and Buddies is responsible for 100s if not 1000s of these stories.

Thank you Jeanine. Thank you Bichons and Buddies!