Founded in 2005, we have rescued and rehomed over 3,600 FurKids, many of whom have needed special services or treatment. This amazing breed that we love is also somewhat predisposed to having dental issues, juvenile cataracts and luxating patellas (knee caps that move in and out.) We have also seen an increasing number of mammary masses that need to be removed
Every once in a while, a very special little angel comes into rescue – a little bichon whose needs are even greater than the others. For most of them to be ‘whole’ requires major surgery or long term healing. Each of these little angels has a special story to tell and is an inspiration for those of us that rescue and love them.
Even the precious pups we rescue that have no ‘special needs’ incur basic costs. With spay, neutering, shots, microchips and grooming our costs average more than our adoption fee. When dentals are required, which is most of the time, we add hundreds of dollars additional and often our dental costs exceed $1000 per pup.
To offset the costs of the care our pups require, we have established a sponsorship program. There are five different sponsorship opportunities: “Puppy Love…FurKiddo…Hipsters…Golden Oldies…and Snowflakes” (our once or twice in a million FurKids). You can sponsor a FurKid for an open-ended amount of time, can cancel any time or sponsor a dog only while he or she is in foster care.
Sponsor Levels
Puppy Love: A Puppy under seven months of age whose regimen includes shots, deworming, spay/neuter and basic care. Monthly commitment: $25
FurKiddo: A pup who is 1-5 years old. Monthly commitment: $30
Hipsters: These furkids are generally in good health but have not had their booster shots nor the yearly dentals. They are typically 6-9 years old and their dentals/shots typically cost an average of $480. Monthly commitment: $40
Golden Oldies: Many bichon owners are not aware of the need for bloodwork and dental as their dogs age. When these dogs are then surrendered at a shelter, they often need extensive dental work including extractions, blood work, often mass removals. Our ‘typical’ costs for the basic services averages $600-$800. The furkids are often 10 years or older, although we are also seeing a lot of mammary masses in younger females. Monthly commitment: $50
Snowflakes: All dogs are special – and furkids with special needs are even more special. Juvenile cataracts (that start at the age of 4) are becoming more frequent due to in-breeding, likewise with luxating patellas. We are also seeing more juvenile diabetes, the youngest being a five month old pup named Chipper that we rescued this year. There are also the pups who are in the wrong place at the wrong time – and are hit by a car, requiring medical intervention to save their lives. The surgeries required for our Snowflakes are extensive and start at $1,800. They often reach $5,000 yet we cannot put a price on the life of a deserving furkid. These unique needs are part of the Snowflake program. Monthly commitment: $75.
As a member of our amazing bichon-loving community you truly make a difference! You can contribute to the well- being of a specific category of FurKids, sponsor a special angel or help us foster him or her when it is time to leave the hospital. Whatever you donate will help these FurKids, and the ones that follow, to live healthier and better lives – and we thank you for your support.
Many thanks from the FurKids!