need help.... finding breeder

[Kati]

We had a wonderful bichon, Rose, for almost 11 years. Sadly she past away suddenly and our hearts are broken. We didn't know any better and got her from an ad in the paper. I wonder now if her health problem was because of bad breeding. I want to get another baby but this time I want to go to a responsible breeder. I live in east Tennessee and can not find any listed in our state but some are listed in NC and Georgia. Do any of you have any experiences with any breeders in this area? Our kids are all grown up and our house is very empty now that Rose is gone. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Alison]

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss.You must be heartbroken.I'd think it was impossible to know if she had a good or bad breeder now or if that contributed to her health,so dwelling on it now won't help you at all
I'm sure you gave her the best care and love possible and thats all that matters.She must have had a lovely life with you as you miss her so much.
I live in the UK so can't help with breeders sorry.
Just take your time and you'll find just the right new friend soon.Alison

[Princess Lucy Loulou (Tina)]

I am so so sorry to hear you lost your baby  and I know you loved her so much.  I would be devistated if I lost one of my babies,    I agree with Alison youve just got to remember no matter where she came from,  you loved and cared for her till the end.    I wish I could help with breeder's but I am also in the UK,  I know someone will come along to help.  In the mean time take your time looking for your new baby and Good Luck 

[Andrea]

Kathi, I am so sorry about your loss.  I know that I would be devastated to loose my little Noah.  I live in NC and got my  from a breeder in Wilmington.  I can send info to you if you are interested.  The breeder does genetic testing and most all of her dogs are champions.  I have been very pleased with Noah- he is such a sweetheart.  I think that she will possibly have puppies sometime in late spring or early summer. 

[Sherry M.]

Kati, I am so sorry for your loss.

I can't give you any breeder advice for your area as I live in Northern Ontario.

Try asking local vets or dog clubs in your area.

[EDDEL]

Kati, I'm sorry to hear of your loss.  Even as you make room for another, Rose will always be in your heart.  Your new Bichon will not be a replacement but a new love .  And I'm glad you're gonna get your pup from a reputable breeder.  Like Alison & Tina said, don't berate yourself for a purchase decision you made a decade ago.  What's important is the decision you make going forward.

You mentioned "list".... I assume you're referring to the BFCA's Breeder's Directory .  If not, you can check that list for breeders in states close to you.  One of our old members got her Bichon from LILYWHITE (in Asheville).  Andrea, who lives in NC, has already recommended her breeder .  Let us know how you get on.  We'd love to hear from you when you decide on your breeder.

PS: I moved your thread to this [Getting A Bichon] board.  There are many threads here in this board that may be of interest and help to you.

[Freedom (Sandie)]

I am sorry you lost you Rose.

There is a lot of good info on the Bichon Information Station.  Here is the link:
http://www.bichonfriseusa.com/

Scroll down, watch the left most column for BREEDERS.

[Kati]

Thanks for all of the kind words. I'll go to the list and see if any are near my home. Lilly White in Asheville would be close. I know I can't replace Rose so I have to make sure I'm ready for a new baby. I don't want to compare the two. I wish I had found this message board years ago. What a wonderful group of people.   

[Raewync (Rae)]

I am sorry for your loss , I don't personally think bad breeding was responsible , 11 years is a good age still.   Just like people we all die at different ages from different things.   

Good luck finding a new love.   Don't worry too much about comparing.   We lost our rotti cross, Hannah  September 08, we got a new purebred rotti, Hope , November 08.  We were still grieving , still are, but Hope gave us Hope , and we do compare her to Hannah daily.   It is not a bad thing, we laugh about Hannah was gentle and Hope is a clutz.   We talk about how Hannah  did this or that, and Hope does something else.   It is a good way to keep the memories alive we find , while still moving on

[Annie36]

Hi Kati

I am no help either. I live in North East Mississippi, there are not any close to me either. Jake has questionable heritage too. I wouldn't change one thing. I was meant to have him in my life when I found him. So don't beat yourself up about Rose's heritage.

I am glad you found our little hide away on the web

[kate1064]

Hi Kati
I'm sorry to hear about Rose, i lost my 1st bichon last march, Soph was almost 15. My 3 bichons have all come from people breeding their pets, Lucy is almost 11 and then theres the brat baby Bo shes 1 next month.
I talk about Sophie every day and at times think she picked Bo for me, some things about them are so similar.  .......both man daft 

I hope you get your new bichon soon  i'm sure he/she will bring a lot of laughter and love into your lives