The following description of Small Paws Rescue was submitted by site visitor Barbara V. and was one of the literally hundreds of heartfelt and moving nominations for this organization we received.

Small Paws Rescue, Inc., performs a very worthwhile service in this country where we have so many people who have a mentality that dogs are "throw aways" just like old paper bags.

This is a charitable not-for-profit organization, with a mission to rescue and supply 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 permanent placement is secured into a prescreened loving home. They 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. They also rescue and place Bichon Frises whom they purchase at Puppy Mill auctions and also those culled from the Puppy Mills. As a part of their mission, they educate and inform the public about the commercial dog industry in America, and about responsible pet ownership.

Believing each Bichon Frise's life is meaningful and each deserves a loving home, they attempt to eliminate the euthanasia of any healthy Bichon Frise in the United States and do not accept euthanasia as a means of population control for animals. They actively seek out rescue Bichons, hoping that by spaying and neutering each of them, down the road there won't be so many in the shelters. Presently they vet between 40 - 50 rescue Bichon Frises each month, and have rescued and placed over 900 Bichon Frises, Nationwide. Many of these dogs have medical problems and require specialized vet care. They have financed heartmurmur repairs for eight Bichon Frises.

Small Paws Rescue, Inc., is the only Bichon Frise rescue organization who pays all bills associated with fostering the rescue Bichon Frises. 100% of the donations they receive go for the rescue of the Bichon Frises. Each Bichon Frise that is taken in is fully vetted, including teeth cleaning and grooming, before delivery to the new adoptive parents. None of the staff is paid, they are all volunteers. Each month, the bills and the income are very close. Last month they paid out $1,436.00 more than they took in.

This organization takes responsibility for each Bichon Frise they rescue and place for the rest of his or her natural life. And based upon the foregoing, I am sure you will agree with me that Small Paws Rescue, Inc., deserves to be chosen as your Charity of the Month.