Spike came to us from the Schnauzer Rescue, in April of 1999. He had just turned 8 years old. He was in pretty rough shape, with a good percentage of fur missing from his back, and hurting pretty bad. It was apparent that he had been a victim of abuse along the way. It took him a couple of months of mostly sleeping and healing, before he started trusting us.

In late July, we attended the Schnauzer Walk, and as he and I were standing watching some dogs perform, they announced that they wanted the "Rescue" dogs to come to the arena area. I said, "Spike, let's go," and a lady walking by stopped, and asked if this was the Spike that was in such sad condition at Rescue. I said that he is the one. She was just amazed at how good he looked.

In September of 2003, Spike was diagnosed with a Melanoma on his paw. It was determined that it was a fast-acting variety, and they gave him 3-4 months to live, even with surgery. We went ahead and had the surgery, anticipating a very sad Holiday season that year.


Well, Spike is still with us, with no reoccurrence of the cancer more, than two years later. We call him "God's Dog," because he is still happily with us. He is almost 15 now, and has lost most of his hearing. He has one bad rear leg - probably as a result of his early abuse. But, like the rest of us who are getting older, he has his really good days, where he runs and prances around like a puppy. He loves the outdoors, and just sniffing around everything.

Our wish is to at least give him as many "good" years, as he apparently had "bad" years. We are almost even. Rescue dogs come with baggage. But, to see them heal and come out of their shell, as we did with Spike, is so heart warming. He is my "Boy"!

Gordy and Marlene Grochau

Spike turned 15 on April 1st, so we had a party and he had a hamburger.

He still is doing well, but you can see the loss of strength, and the deterioration of his back when he gets tired. Spike has his attitude, and once in a while, gets that look in his eyes, lays his ears back, and tries to run down the street. It is humorous to see this look come over him, as you know what he has in mind. Like us all, some days are better than others.

Our next milestone is to have Spike at the Schnauzer Walk in August. Unless there is a dramatic down turn, this should be no problem. The warmer weather really agrees with him, and he loves to be outside. You all take care, and we are looking forward to seeing you at the Walk.

Gordy and Marlene