Offered a Bichon

[azoci]

Hi gang, well, I have a problem, well no not really. But I have a "what would you do in my situation'?
A client that I have been doing her mom and dad dogs since puppies, has offered me the little girl pup from last Christmas litter (year ago) She's small, spayed, good puppy (I've been grooming her and brother, too) Anyway, the family has decided they can't do 4 Bichons...

Now the little girl has really good hair, and great bone and ear set (evaluated just reciently by a show groomer)

My issue is not the dog...I'd take her in a heart beat...but issue is the fact that we'll be moving , already have 3 cats, a bird, and a tank of fish...I really would like to do some competition show grooming, been waiting for the 'right' dog to come along...but now have this move, relocating of business, but my need for competition...so what would you do?

My common sense is telling me this is a bad time...but my want and the possiability if not finding another special (like I've been her only groomer) and she is special...OH, what to do???

[KarlaSnyder]

Sounds like you've got yourself a bichon! If you love her and she loves you, what's the problem? I'm sure she'll handle the move just fine. Those special ones don't grow on trees ya know!

[Pixie]

I would take her and be happy. I have moved soooooo many times, been in the Army and I never left a dog behind, or birds, or a cat, never had fish to move though. If it is something that you really want there is always a way to do it. It may be a little more difficult than it would have been, and this may not come around again, or at least for a very long time. You like this little dog, she has everything that you are looking for. I say GO FOR IT!!

[pamperedpups]

Edited.

[Helly]

Do you feel you have the time to dedicate to this dog right now? I know moving is hectic, moving your business is even more hectic, and you may not have the time to spend on another pet.

On the other hand, how much help can you expect from your family? Do you feel a special attachment with this dog? Do you feel "this is my dog" everytime you look at her?

You probably know I just adopted a puppy myself. I wasn't looking for a puppy, wasn't thinking "I need a puppy right now", and I have a puppy on order from Gemdach (which we're still getting, someday). But one look at that little face, and I knew he was meant to be mine. There were doubts; what about the pup I have coming from Gemdach? How am I going to deal with a puppy while I'm at work? Am I up to housetraining this pup at this point in time? What's Kath going to say when she sees him and I suggest he stays?

But he's owned us since he walked in the door. No more doubts. He's staying. I take him to work with me every morning, and he charms everyone. My boss said (kidding) he'd changed his mind, and they're taking him back. I said "I'll bet my little red sports car with the turbo charged engine goes faster than your mini van. If you want him, you'll have to catch us first."

I'd say have a long hard talk with your gut, and listen to what it's telling you. But all doubts aside, I think you already know what it's saying.

And, by the way, if you have any questions about moving your fish, let me know. I have a few hints from moving my own, 3 years ago. And all my fish survived the move just fine. Even the delicate glass catfish.

[rainingcats&dogs]

it sounds like its meant to be,maybe they can hang on to her until you move
trish

[Arrooh]

Hmmm, you don't have a dog

You want to do competitions and a dog is offered to you that has most of the basic training household wise done with loving temperament, good coat, that you like? I don't see moving as more hectic than lots of life's ventures. I think a dog petting session would be a good diversion. Perhaps in the midst of actuall loading the original owner would be glad to let her "visit".

I've not been too logical on my doggie gains. They are my joy, my loves, my comforts, my exercise buddies, my prettier than a picture eye candy, my laughter breaks and gee I could go on and on. You know my answer, huh?

[stacie-gotg]

Don't fret over this one. Get the dog. It's yours. You are the one. You having to move is an excuse. We all do it. A Bichon with good temperment....... priceless!

[azoci]

Hi gang, thanks for the thoughts. Yes, I really would like to have this baby. She melted my heart the first time I did her when she was just a ball of fluff. (whole litter, but she was special, and the littlest girl)...
Well, I'm off to Burbank next week, still need to finalize things with her mom,(she'll stay there until I get back)I've always had a soft spot for her.

Helly, thanks, we were thinking of moving the fish in a garbage can, with pump running (they will be with me in the mobile and I can have the inverter on for power) securing the can so it can't move, probably half to3/4 full? My fish are huge gold fish, about 8 inches or so...and a huge placo...we've had them a long time, and they each have a personality, can you say 'spoiled" in fishey talk? Like snapping bubbles at the top of the tank when they want attention...yeah spoiled. Any suggestions? We'll be going about 4-5 days in route, then maybe another couple of days before we can get them into a tank...

[Arrooh]

Yay, pictures as soon as you can.

Where are you moving? Please come by and see me at Groomers helper booth at Burbank. Last year there were more than a couple Bichons in the competiton, bet you'll like watching those.

[toomuchfunbnme]

It looks like you decided to go ahead and get her. I hope that everything works out with your new baby and that you will post a pic when you get her.

[Pixie]

I'm so glad you have decided to take her into your home. You won't regret it at all.

I just rescued a little Shih just over a month ago. I've talked about him on this board (a little hehe). He was a little matted mess when I first saw him, but I just fell in love with his little face at the get go. He was the sweetest (still is) little dog. Was perfect to groom. He has really moved right in and made him self right at home, like he has been ours forever. Never have regretted adopting him.

[petstylist]

I understand your problem! I too am wanting to return to the competion ring and want a mini poodle. I was just offered a beautiful black mini poodle from a breeder that I have known,owned,shown and learned from. The only problem and the reason she is being offered is she is from a breeding he did on a outcross and has developed juvenile cataracts. So she has been spayed along with the other litter mate that was sold as a show prospect. She was being kept by the breeder to be a brood bitch and has been shown. Is in full puppy coat (just turned a year so hasnt been cut down into a Continental clip yet)
She isnt totally blind yet, Ive met her and she is a doll, never moves on the grooming table and seems to be adjusting to her sight loss well. I talked with the canine opthomologist and the cataract surgery isnt to pricey.
So what would you guys do?
Tammy

[Helly]

I can't believe I typed out a whole big response, and lost it. Stupid computer.

Anyway, regarding moving fish. A garbage can would probably work. A couple of large insulated coolers might be more stable, and would keep the water temperature more stable. That's not as important with gold fish as it is with tropicals, but it deserves consideration.

You're biggest problem will be preventing a nitrogen cycle, or dealing with one if it starts. I'd suggest you not feed the fish the day before you pack them up to move, and limit their feeding during the move. Less food equal less waste, and cuts down on the ammonia build up.

Put your substrate in the bottom of the garbage pail, or devide it between coolers. This will keep your bacteria colonies alive, and help prevent a cycle from starting. I'd also keep all filter media wet, to keep the bacteria colonies alive. Don't change filter media until your tank is set back up, and all is running well.

I'd also pre-condition some extra water to take with you, so you can do a water change if need be. If you don't already have a test kit, get one and test the water every day during the move. If you have a cycle starting, do a 10% water change every day until the levels return to normal.

It's also very important to remove whatever cover you have over the fish at least twice a day to allow for oxygen transfer. Even if you have the pump running, you need to allow fresh air into the container, and stale air out.

My fish are spoiled too. Even the glass catfish, which are supposed to be extremely shy, will eat from my hand. And the Australian Rainbows will swim between my fingers, almost like they're petting me.

[mustluvdogs1]

Pam from jane

I was offered a Bichon this past weekend too. Bichon rescue is coming to Gilbert Sat Or Sunday to lookj and tke My Bichon clients' dog. Maybe she could hold yours for you. But I am thinking Heather.might. She was going to wait for YOU, yes you to drive me w/ dog to Heathers to approve or not. If ok was going to keep til fur groes back, then give to client whos' dog dies first. Don't tell Heather. but I thibk she would do Anything for you. To foster a good potential Bichon for you just may be something she would do...she does have a heart for good lil Bichon.....She is already open to the not so good one...and offered..i didn't ASK her to foster it. Funny co-winky-dink eh?please call me ASAP. Travelers' mom and the ozzzer guys.