My Best Friend

Our family has suffered a major loss. This little guy has been with us for 15 years, pretty much all of his life. He has always been small at 15 lbs, but with big personality. He and Finn Sisu have been so very close.

A couple of weeks ago JJ had a bad episode of fluid in his lungs as a result of heart disease. He spent the night in the animal hospital and was much better when he came home, but not even fully recovered. We did everything we could for him the next few days-helping him rest, getting his medicine in him and trying to feed him every few hours. Unfortunately he would not eat and did not recover. You know the rest of the story.

It has been a week since he has gone and our life is still discombobulated. It is so odd to not have to go outside before bed, always watch where you walk, or worry about every crumb that falls on the floor. Yes, he was old and had heart problems. We knew this day would come, but there is a great disconnect between what the intellect understands and what the heart feels.

I suppose this period of grief is the price we pay for those 15 years of affection and laughter. We have many wonderful memories and stories to tell. We have met many wonderful friends by sharing our love of this breed and by doing rescue for several years. If you have never experienced the unconditional love and faith of a four legged friend you are really missing out.

We will recover, but for the time being we are missing the big personality that was JJ.

Schnauzer Cut

Our little guy just had a check up with a local vet and the doc was very impressed by what good shape he is in for a 15 year old. He was also groomed. When I called to make the appointment I wasn't sure that they knew what a schnauzer was supposed to look like, so sent photos as they requested. I found some great photos of championship schnauzers and the typical cut. I also added considerable notes about caring for my little guy. I think I went overboard. The staff were terrified of our response. They all seemed to hold their breath when they presented him. But we were very happy!! The doc admitted to holding the pictures up to him and asking, "Is this you!?!"

Playful Pit Puppy

We took Spanky for a grooming last weekend. He always comes out so wound up, full of vim and vigor! You would never know he was 15 by watching him run to the nearest green spot.

I had to stand in the cashier line to pay for his grooming and as is the norm, all the people stood with nary an acknowledgement of one another. There was one who showed attention to us. It was a full grown pit bull puppy, straining at the end of his leash for a sniff. The owner spoke to me quickly, "He just wants to play."

You know me-I'll talk to anybody. It was funny that I was the one doing all the talking, but then maybe they are just shy. The puppy was so very playful and so much larger than my petite miniature schnauzer. He literally put his head on the floor and his muzzle right under my little guy's chest in inviting submission, his long legs splayed in all four directions.

I said, "It jus' don' get no cuter than that!!" Still not one word from any of the many people surrounding me. Guess I didn't really wow them with my southern charm, I might even have frightened them. Hmmm.

Miss Pepper

We headed off to a vacation for the purpose of letting our emotions settle but we had gotten only a few hours away when we had bad news. Our 15 year old Miniature Schnauzer, Pepper was getting worse, we thought she would get better. We had to make the very emotional final decision for her.

Many tears later I can say that I have no doubt that we made the the right decision for her, but we will miss her very much. She's been with us for 10 years, full of personality and energy. She was always vocal and, from day one, protective of us. Frightened of thunder, fireworks and stairs, she was our little princess with the China girl eyes. She trusted us in everything. She suffered from allergies that for the most part we held at bay. With age came loss of hearing so I hummed to her when I held her.

Part of making the decision to pursue this position with State was the fact that all material things don't really matter, as long as we have each other and the dogs. My sadness is for my loss of the joy she gave me everyday.

Life is all about transition and evolution. We can neither separate the joy from the sorrow nor chose when either happens.