About Me
I am Angela Swicegood from NW Arkansas. I am a Phlebotomist. I raise
frenchies as a hobby.
I grew up with a mother that was, and still is evil. She constantly
lives in the past. If she can hurt others, that is what makes her
happy. I thank the Lord above that he gave me such an awesome
grandmother. I turned most of my energy toward animals, due to
they would never dream of hurting you. Animals are so much
more rewarding than some people. They love you all the time,
they never talk bad about you, they appreciate you as a person.
When I first started out being a breeder in 1999, I thought that
Pomeranians were my breed. I bred a couple of litters, and soon
realized "this is not the breed for me" ( i had bought puppy mill
poms that got huge. Yes I was ignorant, I didn't know any better).
I placed my poms. I then thought Yorkies were my breed, they
were not either. I knew that I wanted dogs in my life, I just didn't
know what breed was "my" breed. Then I started researching the
web, and came across French Bulldogs. I even went to a national
specialty show for french bulldogs only, was my first real show to
ever see. I was amazed at what a cute little compact dog they
were. They were the cutest dog I had ever seen.
I bought a grown pair from a Show Kennel with the hopes to show
my frenchies. I went down each row looking at all the frenchies,
and came across this one little frenchie that sounded like a little
lamb, my heart melted!!! I couldn't purchase the dogs that day,
due to I did not have enough money. I went home and put the hot
tub up for sale, and the minute the hot tub sold, I called the
breeder and told them I am on my way!!!! I was soooo excited to
be reunited with that frenchie that sounded like a little lamb.
The minute I had them in my car, I knew this is my breed. The
most lovable dog I had ever been around, not to mention how
smart they are. This was it, this was "my" breed. I to this day still
cannot get enough of the french bulldog. There will never be any
other breed for me, the frenchie truly is for me.
I am a member of the North West Arkansas Kennel Club. I am
also a member and in good standing with FBDCA. French Bulldog
Club of America.
I enjoy going to the dog shows to "watch", I don't like being in the
ring with "eyes" on me, I will hire a handler to take my place in
showing my frenchies. I sent my boy off to be with a professional
handler, 2 months later, and $1500.00 spent (not including airfare
to ship him to and from the handler), he came home with 2 points.
I couldn't afford it any more. Plus it was unbearable being away
from him. I tried the shows myself, believe me the show world
was a cruel place to be for me as a beginner. People were nice to
my face, then I would hear through the grapevine that people were
saying mean things about me and my dog. It is like that in any
sport though. I suggest finding a breeder that will mentor you
through being in the show ring. Alot of the time breeders that
show will be very busy going to shows, and sometimes not have too
much time for mentoring. So I have realized that hiring a handler
(ring side) is the best. That way you stay out of the politics
sometimes involved in the world of showing. Don't get me wrong,
showing your dog is not always a bad experience, but in my case it
was. I would say just try it once on your own, and make you own
opinion. I have truly met some very nice people in the shows,
good genuine people, but they are few and far between. You can
count on one hand the "genuine" people.
Being a good breeder is hard work, but very rewarding at times,
and sometimes very disappointing. I am in hopes that one day I
will have lots of Champions, and maybe even a Special. That is
my goal. I have learned the hard way, that you cannot buy peoples
"nicer" stock, you have to produce it. I really thought when I got
started, I was going to buy the most awesome frenchies, have them
in the shows, and have lots of champions instantly. I learned real
quick it does not happen that way.
Show breeders are going to of course keep "the best" for
themselves. That is the way it should be. I too one day want to
have Champions, and be able to place my puppies in show homes,
but I know this is going to take years to make that happen. It
never hurts to dream and hope, without that, why even be in it?
I am still learning, and learn every single day something new. I
am truly thankful for such a wonderful mentor, without her, I
would still be clueless. She has taken me under her wing, been
there for me through thick and thin, has shared my tears of joy
and sorrow. Been there for me in good moments, and my
complaining moments. I am so very thankful for her. I tease her
that "when I grow up, I want to be just like her". You know who
you are! I appreciate you 100%. I too one day do want to be a
mentor for someone like you have been for me.
I feel a line of communication is so very important between a
breeder and the parents where my puppies go to. My honest
opinion Email is a very sorry way to communicate. Phone calls
are more preferred, when inquiring about a potential adoptive
puppy. I do not just place a baby, and then hope that I never
hear from those people again. My very first litter of frenchie
babies all went to good homes, but I had one family, that got the
puppy, and decided that me checking on the puppy was a bother
for them. Needless to say, I have no clue as to what ever
happened to that precious baby. I am however glad to say, I still
keep in touch with most all of my other babies families, and would
not have it any other way. If communication is a problem, then
there is certainly plenty of breeders out there, that would love the
lack of communication. I am not them though. If communication
is a problem, then please don't inquire about a puppy from me.
(please see contract page)
My French Bulldogs entertain me daily. They live in my house.
To me these Frenchies are my toddlers. The joy that they can
bring into your life is unimaginable. Nothing will steal your heart
faster than a Frenchie.
I have 1 girl: "Shadow", my boy is none other than "Big Tyma".
Frenchies tend to be better friends than some people in my opinion.
In the future I will screen adoptive parents for the babies that I
cannot keep to show. If you have any questions, please feel free to
give me an email, and I will be happy to answer them. CLICK
HERE TO EMAIL ME
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Dreamcatcher French Bulldogs
