Meet Fern and David, Natural Rearing Bichon Frise Breeder

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Meet Fern & David, Natural Rearing Bichon Frise Breeder from Ontario
BY PICKAPAW TEAM · PUBLISHED AUGUST 27, 2015 · UPDATED JANUARY 5, 2016
Olga Melnikova

On May 25th 2015, we visited Fern’s and her husband David’s home in Ontario, about two hours west of Toronto. Fern is a responsible Bichon Frise breeder with a natural rearing holistic approach to breeding. We had a little tour around the kennel and were pretty impressed by the nursery made by David, the wardrobe with cute little doggy clothes and a huge freezer filled with homemade food, specially prepared for the lucky Bichons.
We thought this would be an hour-long visit, but the stories, lessons and Fern’s enthusiasm kept us in the kennel for at over 3 hours..

Interview with Fern
How did you become a breeder?

We have been breeding dogs for over 20 years now. First the beagles and then we discovered the hypoallergenic Bichons, a French breed that touched our hearts like no other breed and we fell in love with them immediately. David and I and many others often say once you go Bichon, you can never go anywhere else! We also tried breeding Yorkies but decided Bichon are the best breed ever and the only breed for us. Today we are both retired and can dedicate all our time to our fluffs.

What is the life of a breeder like?

It is a full time job and it never stops – day and night 7 days a week 365 days a year with no holidays or days off. There is always something to do, especially when we have puppies. Our girl Samantha gave birth May 17 2015. We were helping her feed the pups every two hours because she had eight babies. One girl was quite tinnie tiny only 4 ozs so we woke up several times per night to feed her. We gave her and the others goats milk and a special all natural immune booster. This also gives the mom a bit of a break around the clock for a week. They doubled their weight in one week!

Samantha and her babies

This can be a difficult lifestyle but one we choose because we love the breed and love helping others find a healthy happy pup to love and be loved for many many years.

For example, we don’t travel together. When our son in law Rev Mike Jones in Belding MI died unexpectedly, we weren’t sure if we could go to his funeral. Our daughter and grandchildren needed us. Two of our past puppy owners stepped up and stayed at our home taking care of everyone so we could go together (pickapaw note: Read here). When our daughter had a graduation in Chicago, only one of us could go. That time David went, I went to our son’s graduation.

What is your view on immunization and nutrition for animals?

We feed a species appropriate raw meat diet. Something else that is near and dear to my heart is providing information for my puppy owners about immunization. They will learn how to have their pups immunized not just vaccinated. They will learn a way that will provide their pups with immunities safely for life. We are natural rearing breeders.

Who is, in your opinion, is a responsible breeder?

They should be a reputable breeder! They should provide a very personal service, offer years of knowledge and ongoing puppy guidance at no extra charge. They should provide health certificate, registration papers and a written guarantee. Veterinarian wellness exam is a must. They should raise their fluffs in a relaxed healthy smoke free home with an all natural nutritional program and lots of tender loving care. They should welcome Visitors. They should willingly, without being asked, provide references from happy past puppy owners.

Who are your customers?
Families from Ontario and other provinces mostly referrals. We very rarely and only under special circumstances ship our pups. We encourage our future puppy owners to come to us to pick up their puppies. They arrive from places as far as Saskatchewan, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, California, Alberta and South Africa. Once we had a Hollywood movie star who bought a puppy for his mother! Some of the men that visit claim the puppy is for their wife …

Pickapaw note: we found this article about Fern and David

When men choose a best friend, size really doesn’t matter: For the past nine years, Fern Flett and her husband David have been breeding bichon frises at their home near Langton, Ont. The breed can weigh between eight and 18 pounds, says Flett, who’s clearly partial. “They are entertainers. They love to please. And they are easy to train,” she says. “We bring them up like little children.” She says men come in frequently, insisting the puppies are for their wives. “They make it clear it’s not for them. They say, ‘small dogs are not for me.’ ”“My husband and I just chuckle to ourselves,” says Flett. They know that within days the dog will be his. “It’s so interesting to see the transformation,” she says, as the little bichon puppy wins the burly man’s heart. By: David Graham Living, Published on Thu Aug 26 2010

What are some of the challenges currently the responsible breeders are facing?

To provide a chemical free environment and finding the time and funds to provide this very important needed living conditions. To find new owners that will provide this environment after the pup leaves the breeders home.

Also, often breeders are attacked for what they do by people that don’t distinguished between puppy mills and responsible breeders. I am a dog breeder. I spend a lifetime learning pedigrees, taking care of the dogs, doing shows, talking and learning from those in my breed and those outside it. I raise each litter as if I gave birth to them and spend an equal amount of time finding them loving forever homes. I only put puppies on this planet that I think will be the healthiest (mentally and physically) and nicest examples of their breed. I support each family who choses one of my puppies and let them know they are now a part of our extended family. I am there if one needs to come back and will aggressively pursue the return of one of my dogs if its in the wrong place. I support my breed in rescue and education. I don’t keep track of the money and time I put in to my love of dogs, it would not be true measure of how I feel. I support my friends in the fancy, because it takes a village sometimes and only WE know how things are for us. The price I charge for my puppies is an investment in the next generation. I will not be ashamed of who I am, I work hard at being a good dog person and encouraging others to be the same. I am a natural Rearing breeder and I am proud of it.

What would you advise to all your future customers?

Our new puppy owners receive an incredible amount of information to read so they can learn how to make informed educated not fear base decisions, about the health and well being for their pup. In this free information there are natural ways to protect from heartworm, flea and ticks. How to obtain natural immunities and the potential dangers of vaccines and the potential dangers of spaying and neutering, how to feed a species appropriate diet and lots more. This is a package I distribute to all of my puppy owners. Education is very powerful. We let people make their own decisions, but ask them to make these decisions based on knowledge and accurate, up-to-date information.

What makes Bichon Frise breed special?

Bichons have an independent spirit, are intelligent, affectionate, bold, lively charming. They have a self-assured, happy temperament that is easy to live with. They are easy to train, they are social and love everyone. Bichons need people and are the happiest when they are part of a family that takes them everywhere. Bichons are fine in the company of other pets and are excellent with children. They will alert you to intruders. Bichons love to perform tricks because they love to entertain you. And they are just white fluffs of joy.
Nursery
It was a pleasure to meet you Fern and David. We wish you all the best and many more healthy and beautiful Bichons in your lives!

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