Pepper's Story

In a small farmhouse in Wiarton, Ontario, Canada: breeder ALS de la Renta’s Bichons wait eagerly for the news of a new litter to be born. Wiarton is about 220km (4 hours drive) north west of Toronto, on Georgian Bay - which is part of Lake Huron. To be most accurate, it is at the southern tip of Colpoy's Bay with Highway 6 running through the middle of town.  Wiarton is also best known for Wiarton Willie (the infamous groundhog that pops up to see his shadow every spring).

If you are curious and want to learn more about the famous “Wiarton Willie” , visit his website here.

On Wednesday, October 29th in the year 2003, my mommy Aquarelle gave birth to a litter of 5 bichon puppies.  My daddy Ch. Excell King’s of Black Hekate (Cze) was beaming with pride and was panting with excitement as each of the pups were kept warm in the kennel.

For 7 weeks, the breeder tended to our care 24/7.  They also had other animals to take care of.  They had a lama, a standard poodle, cats, fishes and of course a number of bichon frises.

To learn more about ALS de la Renta’s Bichons, visit their website.

At about 8 weeks of age (December 18th), I was introduced to my new human parents PoLee & Peter.  Before they arrived to visit my brother and me, I got a nice warm bath from Jin.  I guess she wanted to make sure I was presentable so that I could make a first good impression.  While it was exciting to meet new people, I was also very scared.  I didn’t want to leave my mommy and siblings with some strangers.  I think it was love at first sight when mommy picked me up.  She had nice soft hands and she smelled really nice.  I could see the humans were very interested in “me”.  We had a chance to play and bond while mommy and daddy asked lots of questions.  Before long, they were preparing to take me home with them.  I wonder where that is?  Daddy picked me up gently and placed me in a tall round laundry basket that was lined with a soft blanket.  It was very cold outside as daddy carried the basket to the backseat of the car.  This was my very first car ride.  Oliver and Jonathan were with me as they kept petty me and spoke reassuring words.  I was still scared but as the car started to move it lured me to sleep.  I don’t remember much except I woke up in the middle of the ride feeling kind of sick to my stomach.  I threw up a bit on Oliver’s hand and it really disgusted him but mommy reassured him it was quite normal to be carsick.  After a long ride home, we finally reached our destination --my new home and human family awaits me inside.

They carried me through the front door.  I didn’t remember much because I think I was still in shock.  Mommy took me out of the basket and placed me on the slippery ceramic floors of the foyer.  It felt strange as my little paws kept going in all different directions.

We went to see my new vet the following day and her name is Dr. Stephanie Ewing.  She’s real nice!  She gave me treats and played with me as she examined me.  The worse part was getting a shot in my bum.  OUCH it hurted a bit but I was a good boy.  At least I got a nice treat out of it.  Her office was very nice.  I saw a few dogs and even a cat at the counter.  Of course I was very excited and wanted to play with all of them but mommy said we had to go home so I could take an afternoon nap in my crate.

Today we went to Petsmart for my first class in puppy kindergarten.  I got to meet 6 different dogs and they were so much bigger than me.  The teacher was a bit mean but eventually I warmed up to her with my cuteness.  There were lots of things to learn and we practiced all the basic commands at home.  By the end of the 10 week course, I graduated with honors amongst my canine buddies and we even have a certificate to show for it.

Today mommy received in the mail my CKC registration papers from the breeder.  It’s official …. I am now a member of the Yee Family and I couldn’t be happier.

I went to “Bark Avenue Grooming” today for my first hair cut.  Mommy thought I looked scruffy but I beg to differ.  Joan, the groomer, was really nice.  She breed border collies and I got a chance to meet a few of her pets.  They were huge compared to me but they were very friendly and playful.  At the spa, I received the full royal treatment:  luxurious bubble bath and hot oil treatment for my delicate skin.  Then she dried me off and blow dried my coat with a powerful hairdryer.  It felt like I was in a wind tunnel.  Then Joan proceeded to give me my first hair cut.  I felt chilly as I stood on this tall table but soon enough it was all done.  Joan sprayed some doggy cologne on me.  I hated it but Joan said I smelled wonderful.  What do humans know?!!!!!  She also attached 2 bows to my ears and wrapped a spiffy bandana around my neck.  She stood back to admire her creation….a bichon Ken!  OH BROTHER!!!!!  Mommy and daddy came knocking soon afterwards and they were totally blown away by my “new” makeover.  Mommy kept rubbing her nose into my coat.  What is with these humans.  I, personally, like my doggy smell and wouldn’t trade it for anything else.  We went home after my morning at the spa and I took a nice long nap.

On October 29th, 2004 I celebrated my first birthday.  What an exciting year it was for me.  I have learned so much …. “sit”, “stay”, “lie down”, “leave it”, “shake paws”, do the “high 5” and do a bichon ballerina dance but I’m still working on the “come” command.  Mommy says I have “selective hearing”.  We celebrated with cake.  I just wish I could have had some of it but mommy said it’s too sweet for me.  I did get lots of hugs and kisses and lots of yummy treats to celebrate my 1st birthday.  Mommy bought me a new squeaky bone toy which I loveeeeeeeeeee.