You’re formally invited

Bichon and Little Buddies Rescue in Mukwonago, Wisconsin is requesting the public’s presence at the joining of paws for two very special rescue dogs. Stevie, a special West Highland White Terrier/Poodle mix will wed his mystery bride on Saturday, February 19^th at 6:00 p.m. at For Pet’s Sake Dog Training at 828 Perkins Drive in Mukwonago.  

Families and their canine friends are invited to witness the exchange of the dogs’ wedding vows and tags. An Elvis impersonator will serenade the couple and a dog and a human wedding cake will be served. An open Muttini bar will be available for all canine attendees and a secured dance floor will be provided for those four-legged friends who want to kick up their paws. A silent auction, interactive games, raffles, pet portraits, food, drinks and music, as well as animal communicator, Tresa Laferty ($25 for a 20-minute session), will be provided for everyone’s entertainment.

Bichon and Little Buddies Rescue is requesting a $10 donation at the door and/or a selection from the couple’s gift registry at End of the Leash in Mukwonago. They are registered for items such as Diamond dry puppy food, canned Pedigree® puppy or adult food, Kuranda dog beds and Martingale Collars in petite, small, or medium sizes. An RSVP is appreciated, but not necessary, to 414-750-0152.

Bichon and Little Buddies Rescue is committed to the rescue, care and adoption of Bichon Frises, Shelties and other small breeds and mixes. Primarily serving Southeastern Wisconsin and Northeastern Illinois, Bichon and Little Buddies Rescue takes in dogs surrendered by their owners, dogs found as strays and those rescued from puppy mills.

What’s in a name?

One of the things I really like about the shelter where I volunteer is how the owner names the dogs that come in. Those being surrendered keep their given names, but dogs coming from puppy mills or the streets need to be given an identity. She names the dogs after current events, holidays, celebrities, etc., so that she can remember when the dogs came in or things about their personalities. For instance, Tinsel, a senior Dachshund, came in around Christmas time. Bucky the Yorkie and T.C. and R.B. the Bichons came in during the Rose Bowl so they were named accordingly – Bucky Badger, Texas Christian and Rose Bowl. Curly Lambeau, the Standard Schnauzer/Lhasa Apso mix, came in after the Green Bay Packers won the National Championship. Streaker, the speedy terrier mix. When I first started, there were even some small Chihuahuas named after the Beatles.

While this is a clever technique, I’m more impressed that she takes the time to carefully and thoughtfully name them. She gives them an identity after they’ve come from a place where they were just one of hundreds or lost and alone on the streets.

What’s in a name? Sometimes it’s the difference between a lifetime of abuse and neglect or a lifetime of unconditional love and affection.