** This post was initially written in 2016.

My Story of a Bichon

For 12 years I had a furry kid who was pretty much my best friend.  Her name was Cashew (yes, as in the nut) and she was a Bichon Frise who happened to be the best dog I’ve never known.  How to know if a Bichon Frise is right for you?  Well if you don’t know by now, hopefully this post will change your mind.  🙂

I’ve had many dogs in my lifetime, but she’s pretty much the first small dog I’ve had (I won’t count the “devil dog” that I had has a child who was a black poodle).  I began looking for a dog right after graduating high school, towards the end of the summer, and I knew that I wanted something small so I could cuddle with.  I first started looking at white Peke-a-Poos until I realized how expensive they were — then checked out the Westies.  I was almost dead set on getting a Westie until I saw an add in the paper for Bichon Frise puppies (at that time, I had no idea what a BIchon was), and I thought, why not?

I did some research before I made an appointment to go check out the puppies and found out that I quickly fell in love with the white puff balls!  I had my mind set that I would go look at the puppies, but I would not come home without a white one (Bichons also come in apricot and buff).  I get there and the breeder only has one white male available to take home that day, but there was a litter that was just born.   I wasn’t too keen on getting a little boy because I had heard that they weren’t much into the cuddling thing.  So the breeder took me to see the new five day old puppies.  He said that there were only two females born and one was already spoken for; and she happened to be white.  The other one was a buff color one and she was available; I was a little weary about looking at her because I really wanted a white one; however, I took a peek.  The breeder took her out of the box and placed her in my hands and it was literally love at first sight!  🙂  She could not open her eyes yet and yet, she was completely adorable!

Since she was only five days old and I would have to wait eight weeks to pick her up.  There was no contemplating about this decision; I wanted to bring her home in eight weeks!  🙂  I must admit, that was the longest eight weeks of my life.  I had decided that since she was so tiny and very tan in color when I first met her, her name would simply be: Cashew…as in, the nut.  🙂

During this time, my grandpa wasn’t doing so well and was in the hospital due to emphysema; he was pretty much getting weaker by the day.  Mom and I spent many days/nights with him at the hospital and then one Friday night in early November, he passed away.  I was hoping he’d hang on long enough to meet my new fluffer, but he missed her by one night — I was scheduled to pick her up the next day.  When I picked her up, she was super nervous and wouldn’t even look at me in the car; except for one time.  🙂  I took her straight to my grandma’s so I could be with family, and little Cashew never left my side.  🙂  Ever since then, she was my baby and pretty much another member of our family.   From day 1 that we brought her home, she had slept in my bed each and every night, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way.  Since I work from home, she was the one I talked to throughout the day and I swear she talked back to me!  She had quite the personality and was spunky from day one until the end; however she did indeed love her naps and a good cuddle from her humans.  She wasn’t the type of dog that knew a lot of tricks, but she was a pretty smart dog who could almost spell out her fav treats and commands, and knew what time it was (treat time and time for her humans to return).  🙂

What is a Bichon?

Bichons are small to medium sized dogs (depending on the colors).  Most of the white ones are smaller in size and many have short legs; the Buff and Apricot ones tend to have longer legs.  Most know the Bichon Frise as a small, sturdy, white powder puff of a dog whose merry temperament is evidenced by his plumed tail carried jauntily over the back and his dark-eyed inquisitive expression.  Bichons are curious, peppy, and pretty playful (but not aggressive).  Sometimes they can also be pretty demanding with their “attitudes” and want things done their way.

You’ll need to get your Bichon groomed about every 6-8 weeks as their hair grows pretty fast.  Their health issues tend to be loose knee joints, back troubles, and chronic ear infections.

If you’re looking for a dog for your family, or just one to keep you company during the day, I would highly recommend a Bichon Frise.  🙂