Check out our sister brand, Kinship, for vet chat, a nutrition calculator, basic obedience training, and (much) more. So you're never flying solo in this pet parenting thing.
I found a new home! Plenty of my friends are looking for one too. Check out other pets at this shelter, or start a new search.
Find a pet to adopt
My basic info
Breed
Bichon Frise/Poodle (Miniature)
Color
White
Age
Adult
Size
Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less (when grown)
Weight
–
Sex
Male
Pet ID
–
My details
Good with dogs
Purebred
Shots current
Spayed / Neutered
Has special needs
My story
Share
Here's what the humans have to say about me:
Two years ago, a sweet, innocent, loving, trusting and beautiful bichon pup was born in a puppymill (a commercial breeder that mass-produces dogs for resale). Some of his brothers and sisters were sold on the internet or shipped to pet shops, but he was chosen to stay behind and breed more puppies. He longed to be a loving, and loved, companion and family member (that's what bichons live for) but, through no fault of his own, this puppy was sentenced to live his life in a filthy, cramped cage, exposed to the elements year-round, with little or no medical care and, at times, insufficient food and water. He had very little human contact, and when he did it wasn't nice. Finally, the authorities shut down the puppymill and Paulie was rescued.
He came into rescue as a typical mill dog – shy, unsocialized, filthy, and very scared. His hair was very dirty and matted (see his "before" photo), so of course he had to get the extra-short summer cut. Paulie has also been thoroughly vet checked -- he's healthy, neutered, and up-to-date on all his shots. He's about 2 years old, weighs 14 pounds, and will be absolutely gorgeous in a couple of months when his hair grows back.
Paulie is very sweet and has never shown any aggression. But, as adorable as he is, he is not without the emotional scars from his former life. He is very cautious with people, and needs time to accept someone new. He's got that wonderful bichon spirit, and he is gaining more confidence with people, but it's a slow process.
Paulie loves other dogs and would do well in a home with another pooch so he can have a role model to follow. Please consider giving Paulie the greatest gift of all -- his very FIRST loving forever home.
UPDATE from Paulie's foster mom... Paulie is fearful of humans, but in his foster home he is just now showing some progress. He will tolerate being held, but it still makes him nervous. He is comfortable with the other dogs and takes his lead from them with exception to approaching a human. Many techniques are being employed to encourage human trust with Paulie but evidently something horrible has happened in the past to make this transition very difficult. If you have experience with traumatized puppy mill dogs, we need your help to help Paulie turn that corner. I feel like we are close to acceptance but just can't quite get there. Paulie has never shown any aggression whatsoever, only fear. He is sweet and deep in my heart I know he wants to be a normal dog. Please help if you can.
All of our dogs are spayed/neutered, vet checked, current on vaccinations, microchipped, groomed, de-wormed, de-flea'd, and come with a collar, leash, and ID tag.
Find a pet to adopt
Other pets at this rescue
Pet Type
Age
Sex
Pet Type
Age
Sex
We'll also keep you updated on Chico's adoption status with email updates.
