How Vivi the Bichon Healed Our Family | Custom Pet Portrait Inspiration

There are pets who enter your life, and there are pets who transform it completely.
Vivi is the second kind.

Meet Vivi – More Than Just a Pet

Name: Vivi
Breed: Bichon mix (Maltese x Havanese)
Age: 4 years, 5 months
Home: Bucharest, Romania
Favorite things: Sofa time, Mom’s bed, and secretly thinking she’s a tiger.
Favorite food: Whatever Mom eats (though I’m stuck with gastrointestinal kibble).

I Thought I’d Grow Up in the Fields

Vivi’s story begins in a quiet countryside village. Born with the sunshine in her fur and curiosity in her eyes, she imagined a peaceful life chasing butterflies through tall grass. But fate had other plans.

At just 8 weeks old, a woman arrived in a cab. She exchanged a quiet envelope with Vivi’s first human and swept her away to the city. That woman would become "Mom"—and the reason Vivi’s story turned magical.

Love at First Bark

Her first stop in the city? Meeting Grandma.

It was instant. No barking, no sniffing—just a look, a spark, and a bond formed in silence.

Vivi had found her purpose. She wasn’t just a pet. She was a healer.

Having recently lost a beloved dog, Mom and Grandma were quietly grieving. Loneliness had taken root, especially for Grandma, whose health was declining. Vivi entered their lives like a joyful whirlwind—tail wagging, eyes sparkling, soul wide open.

“She makes us laugh again,” Mom says. “She brings the light back.”

A Tiger in Disguise (and the Café She Owns)

Despite being a cuddly Bichon, Vivi insists she's a tiger. And to be fair—she kind of is.

She patrols the streets of Bucharest like she owns them. Her favorite territory? A charming neighborhood café called The Roastery, where she confidently drags Mom in for a daily cappuccino (though she only gets water).

Vivi guards that café like it’s her kingdom—side-eyeing other dogs, sniffing every seat, and accepting pets like royalty. To her, it’s not just a café. It’s hers.

Balls, Toys, and No Fetch, Please

Vivi’s idea of fun? Collecting balls… but not fetching them. That’s Mom’s job.

"Why would I bring them back when watching her chase them is so funny?"

Her beds are filled with plush toys, but the sofa—and Mom’s bed—are where the real naps happen. She’s spoiled, cheeky, and smart. And somehow, she’s earned every bit of it.

Friends, Crushes, and Canine Politics

Vivi is popular. Her best friends include Stella the Golden Retriever, Yoda the Alaskan Malamute, and Bandit, a fellow (but bigger) Bichon.

But her one true crush? Apollo the Samoyed.

She once had a princess friend, Lolita, but apparently, Vivi’s “rough and tumble” vibe didn’t suit her royal standards. No hard feelings—Apollo’s smile is fluffier anyway.

Capturing Vivi Forever with a Custom Pet Portrait

With a pup like Vivi, how could we not preserve her story in art?

We chose a  Custom Pet Portrait from Pethandmade—not just because it’s beautiful, but because it captured Vivi’s soul. The sparkle in her eyes, the tilt of her head, even her tiger-like confidence—it was all there, hand-painted with love.

These portraits aren’t just art.
They’re memory keepers. Healers. Gifts that last forever.

Whether your dog is a quiet companion or a café-owning diva like Vivi, a personalized pet portrait makes their story eternal.

Why Pets Matter—Especially to the Elderly

Vivi spends most of her days curled up next to Grandma, who often forgets her medications but never forgets to cuddle Vivi.

The gentle presence of a dog can lower stress, ease depression, and give the elderly a sense of routine and responsibility.
In our case, it gave Grandma laughter—and a new reason to get up every morning.

Vivi is more than a dog,” Mom says. “She’s a carer, an entertainer, a soul healer. We couldn’t imagine life without her.”

Want to Remember Your Pet Like We Did?

Whether you're celebrating a new puppy or honoring a senior pet's legacy, Custom Pet Portraits let you hold onto those special memories forever.

✨ 100% hand-painted
✨ Made from your favorite pet photo
✨ Perfect as gifts, memorials, or daily inspiration

Your pet’s story deserves to be told—just like Vivi’s.

Want More Heartfelt Pet Stories?

👇 Click below to explore more real stories about rescue, remembrance, and the pets who changed us forever:

How Phoebe, My Clever Cat, Changed My Life Forever

Meet the Hip-Hop Bichon Who Changed a Life — The Tale of Bandit

From Rescue to Royalty: How Anastasia Found Her Forever Kingdom

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