MEET CRUSTY – HIS STARTER NAME UNTIL HIS NEW FAMILY DISCOVERS THE PERFECT FIT — OUR TEXAS TREASURE LOOKING FOR HIS FOREVER HOME. He is being fostered in Houston, Texas One hot summer day in Texas, a kind woman spotted a little Bichon wandering alone down the street. Dirty, matted, crawling with fleas, and struggling in the heat, he looked scared and completely confused. She couldn’t just drive past — she had to stop and help him. After bringing him home, she called the number on his microchip several times but never heard back, so she did the next best thing and took him into her home. The Good Samaritan wanted so much to keep him, but she already had as many pets as her landlord would allow. She reached out to several Bichon rescues for help — and BFCACT promptly stepped up. Meet this special fluffy gentleman who stole her heart and ours. Crusty is a 13yearold Bichon with a big personality and an even bigger nap schedule. Completely blind but remarkably clever, he learns the layout of his home quickly and navigates with confidence. Snuggles, cuddles, and time with his family are some of his favorite things. Food brings out his mischievous side: this little marauder has been known to find his way around or over any obstacle, including knocking over the cats’ auto feeder to reach their kibble. He’s also a discerning critic of canine cuisine and has a few favorites he’ll eat reliably. Beef based foods don’t seem to agree with him. Around other dogs on walks, Crusty is easygoing and polite, often not even noticing they are there. He isn’t a fan of excitable dogs and simply needs to be steered away from them. He shows no aggression at all. He is mindful of his foster's cats, who are not fond of him, and lets them set the pace. Crusty would be just as happy as an only dog, as he loves attention and playtime, especially treat puzzle toys. He prefers having someone on the floor with him during playtime so he knows where they are. A delightfully dramatic streak adds to his charm: small whines and bossy grumbles appear when he’s mildly displeased, but his full performances--worthy of a standing ovation--are reserved for the groomer and the vet. At night, he settles comfortably in his open crate in a small room, where he feels secure and safe. Short, gentle walks are another joy, giving him time to savor all the familiar smells and sounds of his neighborhood. Above all, he thrives with a cozy bed, a predictable routine, and a patient person who can keep things calm and consistent — ideally someone home much of the time. Crusty is simply a wonderful little boy. He walks beautifully on a leash. He is housetrained and often signals when he needs to go out once you learn his cues. Typical of most Bichons, he may need a brief refresher as he adjusts to a new environment. We would love to find Crusty a home with a backyard where he could roam while his family stays close or one where someone could take him on several short walks each day. He could stand to lose a little weight, as he is currently 24 pounds. He is fully vaccinated and has several health conditions, not unusual for a senior Bichon: blindness, a sebaceous cyst on his stomach, dental disease, a 3/5 heart murmur, and an injured trachea that causes intermittent coughing. BFCACT will cover the cost of any necessary dental work if needed. Crusty's eyes have been evaluated by an ophthalmologist, who determined that, sadly, he is not a candidate for surgery to regain his eyesight. Because of his blindness, he will need a home without access to stairs, or one where stairways can be securely blocked to keep him safe. What we want most for Crusty is a forever home where he can be cherished and pampered through his senior years — a place where he will never again be alone or unwanted. Giving Crusty a home would be a beautiful gift to him, and just as much a gift to yourself: the chance to share quiet moments, gentle companionship, and unconditional love with a pup who was discarded by his humans when he needed them most. If you are ready to bring this amazing boy into your home, please complete an application to adopt at https://www.bichonrescue.org/adoption-form.