How to Rescue a Bichon Frise in Illinois

If you're a resident in Illinois and are considering purchasing a bichon frise, try to rescue one instead. Best know for their small, compact statures, frizzy white hair and playful personalities, these dogs make excellent pets. But bichons are not for everyone. They require moderate, daily exercise, have extensive grooming needs are difficult to house train. If you have a loving home and adequate time to devote to an orphaned bichon frise, rescue one in need.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Locate Illinois-based bichon frise rescue organizations. Contact Central Illinois Bichon Frise Rescue that is listed online at Pet Finder, or speak with your local Humane Society. They will connect you to bichon frise rescue organizations located in Illinois or let you know when they have an orphaned bichon frise available for adoption.

2. Complete the adoption application. Most bichon frise rescue organizations require you to fill-out an extensive questionnaire. Be prepared to answer questions about your family, your home, your employment situation, your other pets, your past experiences with dogs and your reasons for rescuing a bichon frise. Prepare a list of personal references as well as a list of veterinarians and dog groomers that you use. Attend a face to face interview, if the rescue organization requires it.

3. Pay the adoption fee. Many bichon frise rescue organizations ask that you cover the costs that the dog incurred while in their care. This typically includes the cost of food, medical care, spaying or neutering and micro-chipping. Make an additional donation of food, related care supplies, or money if you want to support the organizations continued efforts of rescuing bichon frise dogs.

4. Get your home ready. You're likely rescuing an orphaned adult bichon, but you are not familiar with the dog's history. Puppy-proof your home to ensure that it is safe for your new pet. Move all poisonous chemicals, plants and insecticides out of your dog's reach. Inspect your backyard fence to make sure it is completely secure. Unplug any electrical cords that your dog has access to and might chew on. Find more information about how to make your home safe for a bichon frise online, at Bichon.org.

5. Know how to take care of your bichon. Bichon frises are unique dogs with unique needs. Talk to your vet about how to prevent common health problems such as, skin infections, bladder infections and ear infections. Speak with your groomer about how maintain your dog's coat to prevent matting. Find more information about how to care for your bichon frise online at Canis Major.

Tips & Warnings

• Bichon frises are known for their gentle dispositions and do not typically display aggressive behavior. Contact a professional obedience trainer if your rescued bichon frise demonstrates agression towards other dogs or humans.

Resources

• Contact Central Illinois Bichon Frise Rescue
• Puppy-proof your home for your bichon
• Know how to care for your rescued bichon