I started in the Bichon Frise breed as a pet owner. I found my first Bichon in a pet store more than twenty years ago. At that time, there was little information available on the reasons not to buy from a pet store. I was unknowledgeable and uneducated about the role that puppy mills played in supplying pet stores.

I was raising two young, extremely allergic children at that time. Although the doctor had warned me against having a dog in the household due to the house concerns, the children and I longed for a puppy. Because the saleslady assured me that this breed would be fine in our situation, we took the cute and cuddly puppy home. Indeed, the children did well with him in the house.

The new puppy, “Jacques”, did not aggravate their allergies.

As this cute, cuddly puppy grew up, “Jacques” turned out to be a poor representation of the breed. His body was too long, his legs were too short, and he had a horrible coat not to mention several health problems.We nevertheless adored him and his great temperament.

As the years went by, we added additional Bichons to our household. The temperament alone had sold us on this breed; they were ideal family pets. We used to pack up the kids, the dogs and the trailer, and travel to Canada and throughout the States with ease.
The Bichons are fabulous travelers. Actually, it was a lot easier dealing with the dogs, than with the kids, what, with their constant yelling, “He’s on my side of the seat” and “He’s not sharing.”

After the boys grew up and left the nest, I began to pursue my passion for the breed. I purchased a lovely female from a local breeder. Unbeknownst to me, “Cricket” would become my foundation bitch and the kennel “Legends” would be born. “Cricket” produced three future Champion show dogs with her first litter. It was from this very same litter that I decided I keep one of the show quality females, “Trinket”. Since “Trinket” was the first dog I ever showed, I was very naive about showing and the dog world in general. So much so, that most of the time, I didn’t fully appreciate her wins. When she showed at the Westminster Kennel Club and took a Best of Opposite Sex, I had no clue that this was a real feather in our cap, for both “Trinket” and me. “Trinket” went on to become an American/Canadian champion.

Many dog shows and champions later; I have become quite seasoned in the dog arena. I truly enjoy showing. I gain a great deal of satisfaction from placing puppies with loving and responsible owners and the friendships that have evolved. We become an extended family with a common love of the breed.

“Cricket” and “Trinket” have produced numerous Champions and have largely furthered my line to what it is today. They both have earned the Register of Merit award granted by the Bichon Frise Club of America. (This award is given to females that have produced five or more champion offspring.) I continue to study the breed standard as presented by the American Kennel Club, as well as other related subject matter, in my attempts to better the Bichon Frise breed. From the first breeding with “Cricket” I have produced numerous champions, as well as quality companions. I am proud of what my line has produced and what my offspring have contributed to the betterment of the breed.

I have been honored to be an AKC Breeder of Merit and breeder of certified Therapy Dogs. Jackie Ransom in her book "The Bichon Frise Today" mentioned me and Legend as being a breeder who is making substantial contributions to the future of the breed.

Hope you enjoy your visit with my Bichons.
Erayna

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