The bichon frise has a loyal following.
The small, fluffy white bichon frise attracts attention and a following. Dog owners are often drawn to bichon frises for what the American Kennel Club describes as "[a] cheerful attitude...the hallmark of the breed." Despite their charm, these dogs do end up in shelters and dog rescues and in need of foster care. Foster homes care for the dogs until a permanent home can be found. In addition to daily feedings and exercise, this care may include taking the dogs to veterinary visits and attending adoption events.
Instructions
1. Find a dog rescue organization that specializes in taking small dogs or bichon frises in particular. The Bichon Frise Club of America keeps a list of bichon frise rescue groups around the country. For small dog rescue groups near you, search the Petfinder website. You can also contact your local animal shelter to ask if it works with local rescues that specialize in bichon frises.
2. Fill out the application forms provided by the rescue group. You may need to fill out multiple forms including a volunteer application and a foster home application. These forms are often available online on the rescue group's website or at the rescue group's adoption events.
3. Attend events held by the rescue organization while you wait for your application to be approved and to get your first dog. Some groups may require that you attend one or more of the following to prepare you to foster a dog: a volunteer orientation, foster home training, or adoption events. Even if the group does not require this, it is a good idea to become involved with the group's activities to increase your chances of being accepted as a foster home for bichon frises. These events and trainings will teach you about the special needs of bichon frises, such as their need for constant grooming (they do not shed like other dogs).
4. Prepare your home to take in a bichon frise. The steps you need to take will vary depending on the requirements of the rescue. For example, some may require that you have a fenced-in yard. You will get a list of requirements from the rescue when you sign up to volunteer as a foster home.
Tags: bichon frises, foster home, adoption events, rescue group, bichon frise