One of the first "Special Needs" Schnauzers I took into Rescue and fostered was Deeogee (Pronounced D-O-G. I know, but that's the name he came with). We were told when he came into Rescue that he was 7 years old and what a handsome gentleman he was, good confirmation, cropped ears, Salt & Pepper but not neutered. First on the agenda was neutering and when the vet examined him, he said, "Do you know he has a leaky heart?" OOPS. Then he said he thought Deeogee was probably 10 years old or better. Well, now what? Somewhat in shock, I left him to be neutered, not even thinking we could lose him in surgery!

Well, Deeogee made it through surgery and recovery just fine. While recovering, I happened to check out his eyes. They were already starting to get a little cloudy. Well, now what? Just who will want to adopt this guy? In the course of his recovery at my house, I really discovered what a wonderful little man he was. He never marked in the house, he did well with the cat, he traveled well and he liked little kids. What more could you want? I never even tried to place him. We kept Deeogee even knowing he would only be with us a couple of years.

Deeogee was with us just about 3 years before he started to decline but let me tell you, it was a wonderful time for him and us and I have never looked at an older dog the same way.

You, too, could be one of the special people who adopt special Schnauzers and find great rewards. We have never yet let a Schnauzer be put down because it was old, or sick, or needed lots of veterinary care, unless it was suffering. We rescue all Schnauzers.

We rescue a small number of very special Schnauzers. You can check out a couple of them at Waggin' Tails. Some of the special Schnauzers we rescue are warm, loving dogs, which will gladly lick your face clean. However, they could be blind in one or both eyes, or perhaps deaf, or even, in the case of "Tripod", have only three legs, but he never knew any better.

They could have a heart murmur or "leaky heart" (like Deeogee), or a leaky tiki and need to take inexpensive medicine for the rest of their lives.

They could be like Pepsi and Sprite, sister litter mates, 10 years old, somewhat elderly, forlorn Schnauzers who have given their life-long devotion to a human, only to be abandoned to certain death at the pound.

They could have a terminal illness and need somebody to love them deeply for the little quality time left to them before we must help them exit over the Rainbow Bridge.

They might have diabetes, which is a somewhat common ailment but easily managed in dogs. Again, check out our "Memorials" for Curly. He sure got lucky! If you would like more information about caring for animals with diabetes, Pets with Diabetes is a most informative site.

Please don't overlook a Special Needs Schnauzer. They, more than others, really need that Special Person, and I can promise you, the rewards are great!

"Of course having Toby has been quite expensive for us but it has been so very worth it. He is such a totally lovable little character, giving us far more than we have given him. We know he is on "borrowed time", but as long as he continues to enjoy life as he so clearly is, we will get him all the care he needs." Read more.


Pepsi and Sprite, two elderly lifelong companions, came into rescue with the promise that they would be re-homed together. Their owner had become ill and there was no family member to look after them.

The girls were fortunate to find that home to live out the golden retirement years being well cared for.