It is with heavy heart that I must announce that our Schnitzel was put to rest at 3:15 PM on Nov. 20, 2011. She had three seizures in as many hours and proved to be too much for her. Schnitzel who was formerly known as Annie was acquired through ABR and continues to be a blessing to our lives. From what I know, she was rescued from a puppy mill in North Texas and was found in very poor condition and circumstance. Also, she had trouble finding her forever home. She had a ear that was partially flea bitten, some visible wounds on her side, and a few teeth askew. She also needed to be treated and cured of heart worms. However, she was a peaceful and loving baby. Always wanting to be at your side, and when family members were in different parts of the house, she would find a central location so she could keep tabs on everyone. She loved to run and run she did. Schnitzel was able to run at least a half mile on a daily basis while at home. And when she figured out the deer on “her property” was not the enemy, she paid them no mind.
When we first got our Schnitzel. I felt as she would never be off her leash. She was a tractor on paws. I remember my grandson then eight years of age taking her for a walk. They were walking along the road when Schnitzel spied upon several deer. Well, she decided to introduce herself. Under the rail fence she went with the grandson now on his stomach being dragged up to the fence. He hung on to the leash for dear life. His thoughts at the time was if Schnitzel gets away, “Grandma is going to kill me”. All ended well and they both returned a little shaken but just fine. His hand did hurt for a few days afterward, but to him, it was well worth it.
After several months of Schnitzel being walked on the leash, it seemed she got the idea, or perhaps I did. The leash was no longer stretched to the limit and Schnitzel was probably getting tired of dragging me along. I removed the leash and with limited circumstance for her safety, ever put it back on.
Schnitzel is recognized via newsprint coast to coast as a crew member of our racing team. Fortunately, there are many photographs taken of the team and Schnitzel in the winners circle. I suspect that hundreds of children have petted Schnitzel. Because of our racing activities, we are involved with many people. She was a fixture in the race pit areas riding shotgun on the golf cart.
Schnitzel had a way of treating the immediate members of our family in different ways. With me, it was that she sensed when I was about to put on my shoes. She would try to help me by standing in them. It was a battle each and every day including her last day. She knew that meant it was time for “outside”. Time to run and investigate. She would wait for me to get my scooter and follow her down the road. She would be beside herself with excitement. She never tired of that routine.
We never left Schnitzel alone for more than a few hours. She had us trained very well and our daily routine included her and make time for her. Schnitzel traveled in the motor home to most every state in the Midwest on more than one occasion and a great traveler she was. From the mountains of Colorado, to Branson, Mo., the swamps of Louisiana, the shores of the gulf coast. Of all the wonderful times we had together, my favorite was walking with her along the Little Missouri River in Arkansas. Total quite with serene beauty abound and nothing missing Schnitzel’s senses. It was simply magical moment to be almost as one.
Schnitzel being a older dog when we got her almost five years ago, one tries to use logic and come to realize that there is only so much time left. But, there really is not a way to prepare for the inevitable. The silence of the house is deafening. The celebration of Schnitzel life will come, but not today.
We still have a tough day coming when we bring your remains home for the last time. Yes, Schnitzel, you did find your Forever Home. We would never leave you.
We love you Schnitzel, and in our heart, you will live forever.
Russell & Inge Snyder