The Four Girls: Living all their life in a breeding kennels these girls were not cared for, other than fed and given water. They were not held, petted, played with, and they are not comforted when they are afraid. The only goal for a puppy mill operator is to make money from puppies. These girls probably didn’t produce good sized litters, or didn’t have the best color puppies. When the dog is no longer “needed”, the dogs are “disposed of” by euthanasia, shot, or drowned usually. If they are lucky, they get into Rescue and time for them to live a dogs life, be spoiled rotten, given proper medical care, and keep them groomed as ALL dogs should be!

The Story: A rescue group notified us of a breeder wanting to downsize her kennel. They would get 3 miniature schnauzers along with the dogs they were to rescue. (We ended up taking 4).

The Plan: The rescue coordinator of that group would go to the State where they lived, get the dogs from this woman, bring them to a vet, and then they would be transported to MN. We got foster homes in place, transportation was arranged, and a meeting place was determined. The rescue then called us and said that it is canceled due to weather conditions. We were disheartened knowing they might be there all winter long.

A New Plan: One of our volunteers family was determined to get these dogs out and offered to drive there themselves. They drove over 7 hours each way. Before crossing the border they would stop at Banfield “walk in vet clinic” to get them vaccinated and then back to Minnesota. The family told me that they did this in memory of their beloved Lola who just recently passed away to Rainbow Bridge. Their mission wasn’t over yet.

Driving Home: All the dogs had feces in their furnishing, paws, and rear end. They really stuck horrible and badly needed grooming. They got on the phone and got a grooming party together before getting them off to the foster homes.

The following a.m.: Everyone got a bath, groomed, and clipped down, as a schnauzer should be kept. They then went off with their new friends to start their new life.

All Dogs: Are very shy. They do not have a mean bone in their body. They are very sweet, loving, and so pretty now. They are all between 4-7 years old and an approximate age will be determined once they get their teeth cleaned. House training is coming along better than we thought. They all love the warm cozy home life and are learning new things every day.

Rehabilitation: Fortunately, all the girls are very friendly and want attention.   These dogs do respond well to kindness and love.  It just takes a lot of time and patience to gain their trust and teach them how to be a house pet.    We do begin training as soon as we get the dog in.  However, this rehab process can take about a year to complete.    These dogs will turn around, and they eventually do become more normal.  But it takes a lot of time and patience.

BEFORE

Note: Each foster will posting Blogs about their foster dogs, how they are becoming a family member, and we hope they will all find loving homes. Please follow their story as they transition into having a life that dogs deserve. If you are interested in giving one of these girls a new home please fill out an application, and send it in. Adoptions will resume in a couple weeks once the Holidays are over. They all need a happy ending with us, though a new happy beginning with a real family to call their own.

AFTER