WPCNR DOG DAYS. By Candyce Corcoran. November 7, 2004: Last year on December 22, 2003, you were kind enough to write about a wonderful organization that I am proud to be a volunteer with; Small Paws Rescue Incorporated. WWW.SmallPawsRescue.org.   SPR is a national organization with over 5,700 members dedicated to finding homes for Bichon Frise and Bichon Frise Mix dogs whom are homeless and desperately need a warm and loving home and more importantly . . .A family to call their own.

Robin Pressnall, of Small Paws Rescue hugs Oliver, owned by Candyce Corcoran, Highlands resident, above right. Ms. Corcoran "rescued Oliver," and he's become a member of the family. Photo, WPCNR News Archive.

The Holiday Season is quickly approaching and many families will be purchasing animals as gifts.  My Oliver is a Small Paws Rescue Bichon Frise that was going to be euthanized.

He was no longer needed as a stud breeding dog.  When I look into his eyes everyday, I know that he is telling me, “thank you for saving my life.”

 I would hope that the residents of Westchester County, NY would be willing to also open up their hearts and homes to a Bichon Frise.  This wonderful popular show dog breed can be purchased in a pet store for around $1,200- $2,000.  The minimal adoption fee from Small Paws Rescue is a fraction of the cost. The adoption fee is $150.00 which includes vaccinations, heartworm check, teeth cleaning and altering if the puppy is over 6 months old.  There would be a $175.00 additional charge if the Bichon needs to be flown by American Airlines to any city within the United States.   Our Bichons have flown throughout the United States and have been greeted with open and loving hearts, and drenched cheeks from tears. 

Small Paws® Rescue Inc’s  Mission is a charitable, Federal not-for-profit organization, that rescues  any Bichon Frise or Bichon mix, nationwide, regardless of age or medical condition, with love, shelter, food, human companionship, medical care, and spay-neuter services through local veterinarians until a permanent placement is secured into a prescreened loving home.

Small Paws® Rescue Inc. will accept into rescue any Bichon Frise or Bichon Frise mix who is either abandoned in a shelter or living with an owner who can no longer supply care. We also participate in rescue and placement of Bichons who are culled from the Puppy Mills or purchased at Puppy Mill auctions.

SPR’s wish is to eliminate the euthanasia of any healthy, adoptable Bichon Frise in our country. We do not accept euthanasia as a means of population control for animals. We believe each Bichon's life is meaningful and each deserves a loving home. We take responsibility for each Bichon rescued and placed through Small Paws® Rescue Inc. for the rest of his or her natural life.

Educating and informing the public about the commercial dog industry in America and about responsible pet ownership is also very important to us, as well as reviving the spirit of volunteerism across our country.

Small Paws® Rescue Inc. is composed of approximately 5700 people and over eight hundred volunteers across America. Our volunteers are willing to foster, transport, or otherwise assist in this massive rescue effort. We are supported entirely by donations and fundraisers. We have approximately 35 volunteer staff members as well.

Small Paws Rescues Vision: We hope to see a day when there is no longer a market for puppies sold in the pet shops of America. Then and only then, will the suffering endured by thousands of companion animals in the puppy mills of America end.  Our Future Goal is to ensure that no Bichon Frise is forced to live his or her life in a Puppy Mill or needlessly euthanized anywhere in America because of the lack of medical care or an available, loving home.

Our Accomplishments: Small Paws® Rescue has rescued, vetted and rehomed over 4500 Bichons since it's inception in September of 1998. Small Paws® Rescue is the largest organized Bichon Frise Rescue organization in the country today.

Small Paws® Rescue has been featured on the cable network Animal Planet for the two years and reruns of the episode still continue today. This episode tells of our commitment to obtain full medical services for even the most critically ill Bichons. We have never turned down any place able Bichon or Bichon mix in need of rescue.

If you are interested in adopting, fostering, contributing or becoming a part of this wonderful organization, please contact me at CandyceCorcoran@aol.com, or 914-684-2081.  You can also go to the website of SPR, at WWW.SmallPawsRescue.org.  Thank you once again.  Candyce Corcoran and Oliver

Oliver, Beemer and Lexus