Tribute to Winston & Bonnie

First is my Winston

Before I knew of rescues and puppy mills I saw the sweetest little schnauzer puppy behind the glass at my local pet store. For over a month he was there. Sitting in that tiny cage. His eyes would meet mine and we had this connection from the first time. From day one I was calling him Winston. It fit him.

Finally after a month my husband and I decided it was time to get him. He was 4 months old and no one wanted him. The owner decided to make a deal with us and I picked him up a couple days later. Our son was so surprised that someone left a puppy at our door with a note hehe. When I looked at his pedigree guess what his grandpa's name was? Winston. So Winston became a part of our life for the next 4 years 5 months.

He was the smartest dog I ever had and learned sit, down, roll over in 30 minutes. He would dance and turn around for a treat. He would hop and walk on his back legs. He would get his own leash for a walk and the best trick was wiping his paws on the rug when he came in. He sure made us laugh after a bath when he would dive all over the carpet, grass, or couch to try and rub that yucky smelling clean stuff off his hair.

After a wet dinner he would wipe his beard on the couch. He would do the silliest rocking horse movement across the backyard while playing Gonna get you. After getting him though I learned all about puppy mills and knew in my heart I would never buy another dog from a pet store.

When Winnie was about 1 1/2 we adopted another mini schnauzer. She was black and supposed to be 5 and missing a couple of teeth. We drove over 2 hours to see her and when I saw that shaking little old lady I knew no matter what she was mine.


Bonnie joined our household and didn't have a clue how to act. Winston showed her how to play, to come in the dog door, and that getting excited after got you a treat. She was quick to catch on that treats were really cool and crowing for one got her two. Bonnie ended up being about 9-12 years old instead of 5 and missing all but 3 teeth instead of the couple she was supposed to be missing. I didn't care. There was so much about her that made her unadoptable per rescue standards. I am glad she ended up with us. The poor thing had been a breeder and then went to a home for awhile where her owner had a stroke and wasn't able to care for her.

She came to us and she had to have her 3 rotten teeth pulled out. Her age was showing and she started having trouble sitting up. The time came for me to leave my husband and the two dogs came with me and my son. I loaded up my son, and two pups and headed off to FL. Along the way we stopped at a motel and several rest stops for potty breaks. Somewhere the night before I arrived in FL, Winston had eaten something. Later I found it was an amphetamine. The next morning he started acting strange. I ran him to the emergency vet. They thought he was having seizures and treated for that. Instead of listening to me, they chose to treat that way. I said he may have eaten something and shouldn't they pump his belly? He stayed overnight and shortly after being told that he was coming around he died. I was devastated.

I had just moved over 1300 miles away after ending my marriage of 11 years and my Winnie Win was gone. My son, Bonnie and I all went to say goodbye and we cried and Bonnie was beside herself.

Winston was born 10/25/02. He died 7/8/07. Bonnie was so sad and looked around for Winston. He was her eyes and ears as her sight was dimming with cataracts. She soon got used to being the only dog though when I started doing rescue for Schnauzer Love Rescue. I chose to do fostering for SLR in memory of Winston.

Four months after Winston passed I brought home a very sad little mini named Fritzy. Bonnie quickly took to him and the two would snuggle together constantly. Bonnie was his shadow until she really started to go downhill. She was having trouble sitting without looking like a teddy bear. She had trouble getting up. She no longer was able to back up. She started having dementia spells and would romp like a puppy for a few minutes each afternoon. Each day I watched her taking the stroll down hill. Eventually she got to the point that she was having trouble pulling herself up from a lying down position. She had been incontinent for awhile, and had constant accidents when I got her.

Her quality of life was falling short and I made the heart breaking decision to send her to the bridge. I picked up Bonnie on 6/11/04 and she went to sleep on 6/11/08. In less than 1 year both of my precious babies were gone. Fritzy was so sad for several days after. He wouldn't sleep in the cozy bed they snuggled in. He would stand in Bonnie's bedtime crate for a few seconds looking at me. I wrote a poem for Bonnie after she was gone.

Today I made a painful choice
For my little friend without a voice
I held you close against my chest
I saw you relax for your final rest
You looked at me with tired brown eyes
I felt you breathe just one last sigh
No more pain in the moment of release
Just gentle sighs and lasting peace
It was the hardest thing to let you go
I only did it because I love you so
Kerri Beatty

In Loving Memories
Winston
10/25/02 - 7/8/07

Bonnie
6/11/04 - 6/11/08

Schnauzer Friends Memorial

boomp3.com

Tribute to B.J.

'BJ, our male Miniature Schnauzer, was diagnosed with cancer, Lymphoma, 12-26-03 via biopsy. Originally our vet said he had just 1-2 months without treatment and 4-6 months with treatment.

We decided to go to the Specialists, Dr Ray Radd and Dr Jessica Heard, who said 12-18 months. We started BJ on the COPP protocol that day, 12-31-03. BJ went into remissions and stayed in remission for 18 months. His second remission lasted for about 9 months and though we tried and tried we just could not get the third remission.

BJ was the 'poster boy' for chemo, minimal side effects and he maintained a high quality of life the whole time. In fact he was out chasing squirrels the day before he died!

Sadly, most dogs do not make it to the one year mark once diagnosed with Lymphoma. BJ was just short of 2 1/2 yrs since dx. That is a great testament to our team of Vets (Dr Mann and Dr Rudd), vet techs (Tracy and Lina), our support groups, his homemade diet, his family's help and support but, most of all, the fight in my boy!

BJ died in the car next to me, while heading for his favourite place to go, his vet's office. He raised his head, looked up at me and then stretched out and took a nap! Even in death BJ took care of his Dad as I was dreading having to make the 'final decision'

BJ was a laid back dog, unusual for a Schnauzer, but never backed down from anything or anyone. The list includes dogs, geese, ducks, possums and his favourite pastime, chasing and catching squirrels.

He was and still is giving hope and inspiration to those still in the fight againt Lymphoma.

BJ was a true Cancer Warrior who willingly went to the vets, walking in with his tail wagging and was the perfect patient, even wagging his tail during treatments.'

Da Boyz!
Butkus and B.J.

B.J. and the Hooter Girls



Rob and B.J.


"This was right after BJ was diagnosed with cancer, Rob was heading back to Richmond, Va after a short visit.
Told him to fight the cancer and Win'

'We Believe He Did'!!!

RIP B.J. Your fight was tremendous and has inspired so many of us!

B.J.
June 11, 1998 - May 28, 2006

Tribute to Bailey

Several years ago, when my dog, Hallie, was about a year old, I decided I wanted another dog. I went to a local shelter because I knew the had a Jack Russell. When we arrived the dog was already getting adopted. This was a small shelter and there were no other really small dogs there I connected with. I realize now this was a sign from above. I told my husband, Steve, we should head up the river to the next county pound to see what they had.

When we arrived many of the dogs were tied up outside while the kennels were being cleaned. Steve went inside to the small dog room but my eye was immediately drawn to a gray dog tied up to the fence. He was laying down and acted as though he could barely move. He looked up at me and quickly put his face back on the ground. Out loud I asked "Are you a Schnauzer?" It was hard to tell. Aside from being gray and having a docked tail you'd never know he was a Schnauzer. He was a filthy matted mess with only one eye. I asked the dog warden to take him inside for me. I sat on the shelter floor and looked into the eyes of a dying dog. "Today's his last day" they said. He smelled. His teeth were gray and he could barely stand. I grabbed a pair of scissors and started hacking away at his hair. He had two eyes. One was just matted shut with infection.

Steve came out of the back room glowing saying he'd found a cute gray poodle that was all groomed. I told him "I'm not worried about the poodle, I want this one." I'm pretty sure Steve thought I'd lost my mind. We paid the adoption fee, made the neuter appointment on the shelter's phone and took him home. Just three hours before he was to be put into the gas chamber he was free. Out of the blue, we named him Bailey.

When we got home it took 5 baths to get him clean. The water that ran off him looked like chocolate milk. I got him an emergency grooming appointment. After being completely shaved down, it was clear, he was an old purebred Schnauzer. He perked up a bit after getting cleaned up but he still seemed sick and didn't want to eat.

Two days later we took him for his neuter. I told the vet to do a dental cleaning while he was under. About an hour later the vet called and said Bailey's jaw was broken and he had six broken teeth. He said the injuries were consistent with a kick to the head. He doubted it was from a car. I called the shelter and was told the police had brought in Bailey but they had no other information.

Bailey sported a bar on the outside of his face for eight weeks. The poor kid looked like Frankenstein, even winning the ugliest dog award at Barktoberfest. His appetite immediately improved and he blossomed into the most lovable dog I've ever known. Our local NBC affiliate came and did a rags-to-riches story on him.

Baileys' wonderful temperament and ability to melt the heart of anybody who knew him made me think he would be a good therapy dog. Bailey went along with me and the president of our humane society to local schools where we talked to the kids about proper pet care. Bailey was in Heaven with all those kids loving on him. I also took him to our pet friendly mall where he could get "wallered" by the kids. One of his favorite things to do was to go to the pet stores and watch the hamsters play.

Just 11 months after we adopted him Bailey had an abscess tooth. Our vet pulled the tooth but was concerned with the tissue around it and sent a sample off for biopsy. By now Bailey had become my "heart dog". I felt such a strong connection with this wonderful animal. It's hard to describe. When the biopsy came back stating he had malignant amelanonic melanoma I was devastated. I was told there was no cure and I should just take him home and make him comfortable for what time he had left.

I kept thinking this wasn't happening. Bailey had all those years of possible mistreatment and just as his life was getting good... Cancer! I refused to let him die without a fight. I managed to get him an appointment at Ohio State University vet clinic. I was told for about $10,000 we cold remove half of Bailey's face including one eye and at best we'd have him 6 months. I was told they would do chemo and radiation along with the surgery but this type of cancer never reacts to the treatments. Again, I was devastated.

By this time the tumor had grown so far into Bailey's mouth he was biting it and it was bleeding all the time. It smelled like no other rank smell I‘d ever encountered. The stench of cancer permeated everything I owned, my house, my car, my clothes. I took Bailey home and pleaded with my local vet to do something... anything. Dr. Romano took Bailey into surgery and removed as much of the tumor and he could without cutting into Bailey's skull. It bought Bailey a couple comfortable weeks but by the time the stitches were out, the tumor was back and just as big.

I joined a Yahoo group for people who owned dogs with cancer. They were wonderful and taught me about holistic treatments and special diets. I cooked every one of Bailey's meals.

Just 13 months after his adoption Bailey was fading. He wouldn't eat and couldn't get up to meet me at the door. My husband and I fought over when/if we should end his suffering. Finally on October 24th, 2003 we drove to the vet clinic. We asked if the vet would do it in the back seat of my car because Bailey HATED going in that place. He agreed. We waited in the parking lot. I managed to get Bailey to walk around a bit. By this time the tumors had multiplied and were all over his face, eyes, and in his throat. He looked a fright and smelled even worse. A lady came out of the clinic. She'd just put her kitten to sleep. She sat on the curb and cried. In truly Bailey style, he walked over to her and put a paw on her knee as if to say "It's okay lady". Little did he know, he was next.

My vet and my favorite vet tech came out and as I sat holding Bailey in my lap, they set him free. It was the worst moment of my life. I felt the life slip from his body and in an instant his pain was over. We left his body there for cremation. I remember vividly watching Cindy walk away with his lifeless body with his beautiful white leg hair blowing with the breeze. That was the last time I saw my handsome little man.

Adopting Bailey changed my life. Some say I'm the crazy dog lady now but I wear it as a badge of honor.

Thank you for reading this.

Rest in peace my handsome little man.
Bailey
Sept 19, 2002 - Oct 24, 2003

Tribute to Lovie & Pepper

Sir "Pepper" Wolfgang was an AKC registered miniature schnauzer born on Oct. 5th, 1992. He and his littermate sister, Lovie, became the beloved pets of Leslie and Deborah Hammock on Dec. 26th, 1992 in celebration of Leslie's birthday.

Affectionately known as Little Man, he proved himself to be an extremely loyal dog from the very first day he arrived at his forever home. In his younger days he was quite the squirrel chaser and bee catcher. He loved his cookie treats, and would wait very patiently for them. Though he never had puppies of his own, at the age of 10 years when new puppy, Mollie, arrived in the home, he proved himself to be a great Big Brother.

Pepper died on Friday, August 17th, 2007, just 7 weeks shy of his 15th birthday. Always the follower, his sister, Lovie, lead the way for him on this final journey.

Lovie and Pepper, you are irreplaceable, unforgettable and will be greatly missed by your "Papa" and "Mama", Leslie and Deborah Hammock, as well as "sisters" Mollie and Pennie.

Leslie and Deborah Hammock wish to express our gratitude to Dr. Jeff Brantley, his assistant Charlotte, and the staff at Brantley and Jordan Animal Hospital for your gentle care in helping Lovie and Pepper on their journey.

Lady "Lovie" Katrinka was an AKC registered miniature schnauzer born on Oct. 5th, 1992. She and her littermate brother, Pepper, became the beloved pets of Leslie and Deborah Hammock on Dec. 26th, 1992 in celebration of Leslie's birthday.

Affectionately known as Lovie Girl and Muffin, she proved herself to be a dog of extraordinary intelligence from the very first day she arrived at her forever home. In her younger days she was quite the climber, mastering the art of jumping onto and balancing herself on the roof of her dog house. She was also an avid stalker--particularly of her brother--as she would crouch down and approach him in a manner similar to that of a lioness stalking prey. Though she never had puppies of her own, at the age of 10 years she became the surrogate mother to new puppy, Mollie, and proved herself to be a great Mom.

Lovie died on Friday, August 17th, 2007, just 7 weeks shy of her 15th birthday. Always the leader, she lead the way for her brother on this final journey.

Lovie and Pepper, you are irreplaceable, unforgettable and will be greatly missed by your "Papa" and "Mama", Leslie and Deborah Hammock, as well as "sisters" Mollie and Pennie.

In the Loving Memories
Lady "Lovie" Katrinka & Sir "Pepper" Wolfgang

Lady
Oct 5th, 1992 - Aug 17, 2007

Pepper
Oct 5th, 1992 - Aug 17, 2007

Tribute to Maggie

This beautiful little girl came into our lives the summer of 2005. She was a senior stray whose health had been neglected for years. Lucky for her she was recruited into Schnauzer Love Rescue. The short story is we volunteer for SLR, fostered her & fell deeply in love. She became our Maggie, also affectionately known as Magpie, Magenta & Magatha Titsy, just to name a few. She was our precious baby girl, full of spunk and sass. She was a spit-fire and added much joy and love to our lives and the lives of our friends and family.

In March of this year Maggie was diagnosed with breast cancer. After two surgeries cancer cells remained and they quickly spread to her lymph nodes. We learned that if she had been spayed before her first heat cycle the breast cancer could have been prevented. Maggie would want everyone to know this fact so others can avoid going through what we experienced.

Maggie's presence enriched our lives and through her illness we have grown in many ways. Thank you, Maggie, for the positive impact you made in the lives of your mama, daddy & schnauzer brother, Niko. You have permanently changed us! We feel blessed to have shared your last two years on earth. I hope that the love & care that we gave you could somewhat make up for your less than perfect past.

In the Loving Memories
Maggie's Tribute Video

? - 09/21/07

Tribute to Misty

Misty
I also lost my precious little Misty in August 2006. She was a rescue and had been used for a breeder, kept in a cage for the five years before I got her. She flew into my arms and never ever willingly left my side. She slept right beside me, touching me all night for the next nine years. I never even knew she was sick. She was a little short of breath going up the stairs, but I did not think much about it. She was a little old fat dog and I am even short of breath going upstairs

Schultz & Misty

She and my other Schnauzer, Schultz, were fighting over a piece of watermelon on Thursday. Friday, she did not want to eat, took her to the vet and she had enlarged lymph nodes. They thought maybe her teeth, the few she had left. They gave her antibiotics and sent her home. She ate a little on Saturday, wouldn't eat Sunday, ate a little bit Monday and I took her back to the vet Tuesday. They sent me to a specialist, and they ran a lot of tests, kept her overnight, the only night she ever spent away from me. They called me at 6 the next morning and told me it was lung cancer, and I went early that morning and held her during her last moments of life.

She was the most precious little dog I have ever had. She loved only me, and as one person put it, she had never seen a dog who had her own personal god. She only tolerated the other dog, the cat, and my husband. She loved only me. I am so glad I was with her to the end. She had a happy life with me and I am ever thankful I answered the ad in the paper June 1, 1997.

Shadow

Katie

I have two puppies, one year old , Katie and Shadow, and I love them dearly. I guess there is always a schnauzer shaped hole in your heart when you lose one. There is room to love them, but nothing can ever fill the void she left in my heart.

Schultz & Katie

Schultz

My Schultz is now 15, and deaf. He mourned and looked for her for a long time. He is happy and comfortable, but I realize he does not have long. I am thankful for him. He has been my travel buddy on many trips across the U.S.

Misty
Will be Missed
July 13, 1992 - August 2, 2006