Rescue
Miniature Schnauzer Rescue – what is it?
Rescue – is the act of taking those displaced, stray, or unwanted dogs and finding suitable homes for them. A concept whose time has come! Rescue is a relatively ‘new’ concept promoted by the American Kennel Club and almost all national breed clubs. Rescue groups or individuals are ‘on call’ 24 hours a day – 365 days a year. We try to help find homes for those Miniature Schnauzers whose owners have died, or are moving and refuse to take their dog along. We also take purebred Miniature Schnauzers from some animal shelters. Normally these dogs are young, & healthy - eager for a new family and home. And sometimes these dogs have health issues or have abusive histories; requiring special attention. One young black female we fostered in 1997 was picked up as a stray and had clearly been abused. While physically intact, her temperament had taken a beating. Yet, she was a sweet, patient little dog and after months of ‘rehab’, “Angel” was placed in a safe, quiet home where her new owners made up for the hurt her former owners had inflicted.
I got a call from a local animal shelter in 1999, asking that I come take a look at a male Miniature Schnauzer who had been there for some time. Their records showed that he had been there a month. Given that the shelter is a euthanizing one, it’s a miracle that he was still alive! When I took him out of the run, it was easy to see why he had not been adopted…. as he ran over to a bush to hike his leg – growling the whole way! Knowing the terrier temperament, I knew that he wasn’t growling at me…. but more likely the fact that someone had dared cage him for so long!
We knew that this dog would be a challenge to place because of his ‘vocal’ temperament. He shows his tenacity and zest for life by numerous series of growls throughout the day!
We struggled a short while over what to name him and appropriately came up with “Sparky”. He fit into our house well, and it didn’t take long before we figured out that Sparky is one bright little dog. Though his ears are natural, he reminded both of us of my first Miniature Schnauzer, Magnum. Sparky is ours and always will be…