It is hard to believe that a whole year has gone by again! I have spent a lot of this year rehabbing from my broken leg last year, but there have been many Miniature Schnauzers and small terrier mixes that have come through rescue who have helped keep me motivated and active!
Sebastian was found running as a stray in Weld County. This enthusiastic and loving little boy was about 4 months old and had problems using his hind legs normally. We weren’t sure whether the problem was orthopedic or neurologic. A kind donor underwrote a visit to the specialist, who discovered that his condition probably stemmed from a distemper-like infection that could have been easily prevented by an inexpensive vaccine. The same wonderful donor also paid for Sebastian to visit a canine physical therapist. She examined him and prescribed a series of exercises to keep him limber and to develop strength in his legs. He also had a pool session. The physical therapist emailed Sebastian’s picture to a bunch of her friends, and one of them adopted Sebastian. He is now going up and down stairs by himself, and playing with his two new Schnauzer brothers.
Winston had to be relinquished by his owners because they were moving into assisted living, and he had had some house training accidents. When he came into rescue he had blood in his urine. The vet found that he had stones that were scratching the inside of his bladder and making it difficult for him to “hold it.” He had surgery to remove the stones and healed quickly. He went to a wonderful home with a businessman. Winston goes to work with him every day and greets all the customers and otherwise has the run of a very loving office.
Benji was in rescue for two years. He is a senior citizen and had teeth that stuck out of each side of his mouth. If he was human, he would have had braces on his teeth. He lived in my kitchen while a steady stream of dogs came and got adopted. I’d almost given up on ever finding a real home for him, but he found a home with a retired gentleman whose daughter just happens to be a dentist. Sometimes karma is wonderful!
Little Big Man came from a local shelter. He was only 14 weeks old, but he was too scared in the shelter to show well. Although he was supposed to be a Miniature Schnauzer, there was nothing miniature about him; at less than three months he weighed in at over 18 pounds. Once I saw him though, I just couldn’t leave him in the shelter to be euthanized. He has found a wonderful home that will appreciate the Labradoodle we think he will become when he grows into his paws.
Schotzie was turned into rescue at the age of 13. Her former owners couldn’t afford to have her teeth cared for. She lost 12 teeth, but now the rest are cleaned and she is comfortable and healthy. She is living in foster care until we can find someone to adopt her and give her a permanent home for her senior years.
Larry came into rescue with a terrible eye infection because his eyes don’t produce tears. For all purposes, he was blind. We were able to clear up the infection and he is doing great with the help of some eye drops. He still needs a home if anyone is interested in this handsome, loving well-mannered gentleman.
Mini schnauzer bonded pairs often come into rescue because shelters can’t agree to adopt them together. These poor little guys and girls have lost their owners and their homes, and they at least deserve to stay with their best friend. It is always harder to find an adopter who wants to adopt a pair of dogs, but if you are interested take a look at Casper and Priscilla, Conri and Tootsie or Victor and Nina.
Rescue dogs have been through a very scary time. Even the owner surrenders, who usually come from the best circumstances, don’t understand what is happening to them. Some of the dogs have been running as strays in the city with cars, big dogs and nasty people. Other dogs have been living alone out in the country with coyotes, cars and hunters. Some of them have come from owners who haven’t spent any time with them or given them much affection. Other Minis have come from rural shelters where their only alternative is euthanasia. What they need most is love. They would like to learn to trust, or maybe to “sit” or walk on a leash properly. Some need a little help with their potty training. Some need time to heal from dental surgery, or hip repair surgery. Some are just waiting for that special person to come along who is willing to see more than their age or disability.
If I have foster homes willing to take these dogs in for a month, or as long as necessary, these dogs will have a safe and loving home until I can find that perfect “furever” home for them. If you want to foster for a little while and try it, let me know. You are not committed to fostering always and forever, and you get to choose the dog you would like to foster. I can always work around vacations or other times when you cannot foster.
So, this year I am coming to you again with a plea to be a foster home. Miniature Schnauzer rescue is full of dogs waiting for new permanent loving homes. We are literally full. I can’t take in any more dogs right now, and there are always more dogs waiting to get into rescue. The only way we can save more lives and bring joy to more families is with more foster homes.
Fostering is not difficult and it can be very rewarding. The dogs are quarantined for two weeks before going into a foster home to make sure they don’t have any illnesses or parasites. Rescue takes care of getting the dogs vetted and groomed. They are spayed or neutered and they get their rabies, distemper, kennel cough and canine flu shots before I ask anyone to foster them. Rescue pays any vet costs that the foster dog incurs while you are fostering them. All you have to do is feed and love them, and they make that so easy! Thank you to all my existing foster homes: Cheryl, Donna, Laurie, Heather, Pam and Mike. You are there to help me with the seemingly never ending stream of dogs needing our help.
A special thank you to all the people who have helped out this year. I appreciate more than I can say all of the people at Chatfield Veterinary Hospital. They always go above and beyond the call of duty to squeeze the rescue dogs in for an appointment, and they have a whole bulletin board devoted to pictures of the rescue dogs and their stories. And a big thank you to Sarah Miller. She visits every week to groom the rescue dogs and keep them looking clean, sharp and ready for adoption. They love looking good!
As always, the rescue needs funds to provide proper veterinary care and good food to the Minis in rescue. Vintage Dog Rescue is an IRS recognized charity, so your donation is tax deductible, and we are happy to provide you with a receipt. I always need referrals, so if you know anyone who is looking for a Mini Schnauzer or terrier mix, please direct them to my web site, www.cominischnauzerrescue.com.
I love to hear about the dogs and how they are doing. Pictures and notes from you make my day. When adoptions are slow, the bills are mounting and the “incoming” requests get overwhelming, I sometimes wonder why I do this. Just about that time, I get an email from one of you telling me how much you love your new family member and how happy the little one makes you. Then I remember how important rescue is to the Minis and their families, and that carries me over the tough spots. (You can contact me at sblummanick@aol.com.) Thank all of you so much!