Sue Swindle

I didn't want a dog.

It was 1996 and our youngest child was in college. My theory was to phase out the kids and the dogs at the same time. My husband, Bob, had a different idea. He did his due dilligence and his breed of choice was Bichon Frise.

He contacted Dale Hunter and we arranged to see her puppies. Not just any puppy would do. One little girl caught his eye and he wanted no other. Romio's Juliet of Craigdale, "Duchess," came home with us that day. It didn't take long for her to win my heart.

I was "hooked." I was in love.

Through Duchess we learned about the fun and competitive world of dog shows. (She received her American and Canadian Championships) We experienced planning, whelping and raising puppies. (Duchess was awarded her ROM.) We have made many new and lasting friends.

My special area of interest is breeding. I love to study dogs and their pedigrees, think and plan a good match, and work to maintain and improve the characteristics that make the Bichon Frise such a wonderful breed.

Sheri Kennedy

Just a pet, of course. I did it the right way. I researched breeds and decided the Bichon would suit me well. After months I found a breeder (Sue) who “just may have a puppy available.” And by the way…”Would I consider a show dog?.” “No thank you, just a pet,” I said. After all, I know nothing about showing dogs. I am certain my story is very familiar to a lot of us “dog” people.

I visited Sue and Bob to see Duchess and her three puppies. I thought they were glorious!! So the puppy that was available was one that it was determined should go in the show ring. Am I certain I wouldn’t consider a show dog? Well…..what’s involved? I was already in love with Roxee.

After learning that someone else would groom and show Roxee, I conceded. I was told all that I would have to do was “keep her coat up”. Okay….I can do that. Roxee came home with me. Her first puppy match….she wouldn’t show for anyone. Not the experienced handler, not the junior handler…not anyone….but me. The lead was placed in my hand and I was shoved into the ring. A moment that changed my life.

I started to learn to groom, I took handling classes. I watched everyone else. I listened. I watched some more. I read books. Everyone who ever wrote a dog book became my mentor. I even went to the BFCA Nationals!! I kept grooming. I made mistakes!! I kept trying, and trying. I’m still trying!! I groomed Roxee and I showed her. I showed her to her American, Canadian and International Championship with a few Best of Breeds and a Group placement sprinkled in.

I love grooming. I love handling. I love puppies!! I would love raising puppies if I could stay home all the time with them. Since I can’t, I am leaving that up to others who can. It’s waaaay too stressful for me. Along the way…Sue, Karen and I formed a friendship, an alliance and a bond. We look out for each other. We are a team. Collectively we are moving forward in this little Bichon world and having the time of our lives!

Karen Paulson

I wanted a dog.

After 18 months without a dog in our lives, it was time. I did my research, found several breeders listed on the AKC Breeder web site and made some phone calls. A breeder referred me to a local Bichon Frise breeder, who just happened to have a litter at the time. Another phone call to the local breeder, which was Sue. Sue invited us (my husband and I) to come see the puppies and other Bichons at her house. Less than 20 minutes later we were at Sue’s house (she didn’t have to invite me twice!!) We visited and Sue interviewed us as prospective Bichon owners. We wanted a pet (hadn’t even considered showing in conformation). Our first Bichon, Sprout, came from Sue that November.

Sue and her husband, Bob, took me to several dog shows trying to get me interested in showing. After a few months we decided Sprout needed a Bichon companion. By now, Sue and family knew us much better. When Sue bred one of her females we asked to be put on the list of potential puppy owners and that this time we would like to have a female.

The litter arrived, 2 females, 3 males. Litter evaluation time came around and both females were evaluated to be “show quality”. This is where it started!!! We said we would allow her to be shown, but never having been involved with dogs in the show world, I needed a lot of help. Off to another dog show where I was introduced to Sheri. I asked if Sheri would groom and show her, she said she would. Sheri tried to show Pebbles (Agape Decinaje Affinity Gem Stone), but Pebbles had other ideas. Off to handling classes and lots of training. Showing Pebbles taught me so much—not only about dog shows and the conformation ring, but about the Bichon Frise breed.

After finishing Pebbles to her American and Canadian conformation championships the logical progression—do the health testing and consider breeding her—since I LOVE PUPPIES, it was a “no brainer”.

Sue, Sheri, and I continue to show our Bichons and now have decided to team up and continue to pursue our shared passion and goals for the Bichon Frise breed.