Schnauzer Sisterhood

By Julia

2011-11-07T11:31:00.001-08:00

Last night was not a good night.

I have been doggy-sitting my friend Susan's dogs for the weekend. The sweet elderly diaper - wearing schnauzer named Shadoe has always been a favorite of mine. She was intelligent and so even-tempered and loved everyone. I thought her name was clever. Her fur was a silvery grey - like a shadow, and also was a female - like a doe.

For the most part of the weekend, Shadoe acted like a gentle little furry bump-and-go car. She padded around the house contentedly, yet since she had poor vision and hearing, occasionally she would bump into things after which she'd just back up and head off in a different direction. Yes, she needed doggy diapers, but overall she seemed comfortable and enjoyed her dog food and snacks and lots and lots of snuggles.

That is, until late yesterday evening. Suddenly, her whole posture and demeanor changed. She arched her back and began to pace, unable to settle anywhere. She wasn't interested in her food, and gradually her breathing went from being even and easy to panting. When she began to whimper and cry, I began dialing Susan's cell, who had muted her phone for the night and didn't realize that I was trying to get in touch with her.

John and I and our friend Naomi tried to assess Shadoe's condition and attempted to comfort her, but the best we could do was make the obvious assumption that something was seriously wrong and that she was in pain. Which meant we all felt her pain too. The poor little woogie. I hated feeling so helpless. I wrapped her in her blanket and tried to soothe her but nothing seemed to relieve her distress. After finally reaching Susan and contacting the local emergency pet clinic, it was by then nearing midnight.

What do you think I should do?!?, asked my anguished friend over the phone.

I'm going to tell you honestly, Susan....we know Shadoe has had some serious health problems lately and that she's almost fifteen years old. I'd like to take her over to the clinic and have the vet look at her and see what's going on, but....

I paused and took a deep breath.

....I think she's telling us that it's her time to go.

There was nothing but silence from the other cell phone.

Then, You're right. You're right. I have known for so long that something like this would happen but it's still so hard. Thank you for being there for her - and me.

Naomi and I bundled poor Shadoe, who by now had begun to quiver uncontrollably, into a car and headed into town. We were met at the clinic's door and were ushered back into a small room furnished with a comfortable sofa and a rocking chair. The young veterinarian, having already spoken to Susan on the phone, gently examined Shadoe and came to the same conclusion that we had.

An assistant carefully carried her to a procedure room and inserted an IV into her hind leg, then returned her to me. I tucked her into her little blanket and held her close, smoothing her fur and telling her how much we all had loved her while slowly rocking her in my chair.

As the doctor gave her medications through her IV, I felt Shadoe relax, her breathing slowed, and finally her muscles became totally limp. He placed his stethoscope over her heart and told us that she was gone.

Naomi and I wept as we embraced this sweet little dog that we had known and loved for so many years, and after several minutes, rather reluctantly handed her back to the vet.

It seemed so surreal to just walk out of the clinic into the very early hours of the morning without her. Yet Naomi and I both expressed the same thought - that we were grateful that we had been able to have been there and that Shadoe was finally released from her pain. As we drove home through the darkness, we were able to brush away our tears and reminisce about Shadoe's life and adventures with smiles and laughter.

I know that the day will come when I will have to say good-bye to one or both of my little schnauzer girlies. I hope that day is a long, long, time coming. And if I'm not able to be there, I hope that I will have a good friend who will wrap her in her favorite blankie, and while whispering loving words in her ear, rock her to sleep.

We're Back!

2011-08-27T00:44:00.000-07:00

Two rambunctious schnauzers. One beautiful day.

One schnauzer per chair works pretty well. Two? Not so much.

Lulu's hogging my side of the chair, Julia!

Get me off this stupid thing!

Let the bitey-face games begin.

Wait - do you hear something?

Seargents McSchnauzerpants on squirrel patrol.

No squirrels? Let's get our duck!

A Schnauzer Yarn

2011-06-05T18:28:00.000-07:00

JULIA:

For the last few days, I've been trying to untangle two skeins of cotton yarn. Why? Because SOMEONE decided to act like a kitten instead of a puppy.

Yes, you, Miss Lulu Naughty Schnauzerbutt.

Nice try. John doesn't believe Maggie did it either.

Who, me?

Detangling the mess took awhile since she dragged yarn from one end of this house to the other.

Halfway done.

So I rolled and untangled and when I had it all into two tidy balls of yarn, I grabbed my knitting needles and began knitting washcloths. Which is what I meant to do with the yarn when I bought it before Christmas. I can't imagine why after all this time it caught that little stinker's attention...

Lulu. What were you thinking, girl?? Hm. She's not telling....

Sergeants McSchnauzerPants

2011-04-20T14:01:00.000-07:00

We're on duty. Every time we head out to the backyard, we make the rounds. Birds? Check. Squirrels? Double check. Cats sitting ON TOP OF OUR FENCE? Triple check.

All clear, Ma'am. You can count on us.

Springtime Grass Rolls

2011-04-15T08:27:00.000-07:00

Maggie: Isn't springtime great, Lulu?

Lulu: Mmmffflllgggurrrg...

Maggie: Remember you promised to act dignified, Lu. Julia has the camera out.

Lulu: Can't stop....must roll in grass....ahhhhhh!

Maggie: You're hopeless, girl.

Please Please Please Please Please Please

2011-03-28T10:04:00.000-07:00

John has POPCORN! Our favorite!

Schnauzer Sweaters

2011-03-26T06:10:00.000-07:00

We're so snuggly in our new sweaters.

Out of Hibernation!

2011-03-24T09:21:00.000-07:00

It was a busy and COLD winter.

Warming up inside after a romp in the snow.

We are so glad that spring is finally here. Yeah, dog park!!

Schnauzers and schipperkes love sunshine.

Happy New Year!

2011-01-09T12:41:00.000-08:00

Well. Things have finally settled down around here. Julia and John had the nerve to invite a zillion people over the holidays but they didn't consult US. Tsk. Luckily they thought to invite our BFFs Skippy and Shadoe.

We put on our best hostess faces and mixed and mingled. Here's some pictures.

Our pet boy went nuts with Christmas lights. Lulu kept close watch so that he didn't electrocute himself.

Skippy helped to entertain the guests.

Decorating and serving meals to this gang took a lot of work, but we did our best to help. Here Lulu is tidying up her toy basket.

Well. We tried our best to keep everyone entertained.

Belly rubs were nice....

.......and Maggie snuggles.

Shadoe takes a break from all the festivities.

When do we get to open OUR presents??

Someone invited a really really short human. He smells funny. But we were tactful and didn't say anything.

Some guests can be SO trying...

Whew. Glad the holidays only come once a year.

What's This White Stuff?

2010-11-21T21:35:00.000-08:00

We know that it showed up around this time last year, but we don't like it much. It's cold. And strangely wet.

John took us for a walk, but we told him that HE could walk. We preferred to be carried.

MORE Excuses

2010-11-03T20:44:00.000-07:00

Hi. It's Julia.

Lulu and Maggie are SO miffed that they haven't had a chance to put their pictures and adventures up on a blog post recently, and I don't blame them one bit. I do promise to be more diligent in making sure that they get that opportunity. My only excuse, and I know - it sounds really lame - is that I was sick with asthma/pneumonia for a few months, plus then made a trip to Vermont and then to Philadelphia. AND then my beloved camera died! You can read about my escapades over the past few months on my blog, Reasonably Well.

Mags and the Lu have been hanging out all fall with John, and I'm not saying that he's NOT good company here, he does work full time after all, but the girls tell me that they have been bored silly. I'll see if we can rectify that situation soon.

Bored. Bored bored bored bored bored. Bored.

Did we mention that we're bored??

In The Doghouse

2010-08-19T11:16:00.000-07:00

Lulu: So, it's been like, forever since we've put stuff up here on our blog. But Julia has been busy. She says she's been busy with stuff like....well....here, I'll let her explain:

Julia: Did I mention that we are doggie-sitting for some friends?

My friend Susan and her family left for a three week cross-country trek. She and Dave loaded up their mini van with snacks and soft drinks and their two very good-natured teenaged sons. We waved good-bye after taking possession of their elderly schnauzer and an eight month old schipperke puppy. As we saw the mini van head down the road, John looked at me and said, "Jul. There's more of THEM than there is of US," with a meaningful glance down at the pack of doggies which had already melded into one big swirling blob of grey and black fur.

Woo hoo! Skippy's here!

Overall, we've enjoyed having the two woogies join our pack. Mags and Lulu have a ball running and chasing with the others and it seems that they all get along well.

However.

It's a real circus getting all four of these critters into their kennels for the night. Come to think of it, it seems strikingly similar to the experiences I remember with my kids when they were small.

OK! Let's go beddy bye! Kisses all around! Everyone have their blankie? And favorite toy? This said to the dogs, not my children. Yikes. My kids did not sleep in kennels, although there were those days........just kidding, guys. Hehe.

Skippy! That's Shadoe's beddy bye.....Out! Out! Good boy.....Lulu! Get back here this instant, young lady. Just where do you think you're going? Maggie? Maggie? Where are you, missy? Oh, Shadoe, you're in your bed. What a good girl. I knew I could count on you.

Klink. Latch. Sproing. Snap. All kennels with appropriate doggies inside were closed for the night. I tiptoed out of the room and turned off the light.

Woo! Woo! Scratch, scratch scratch.....Hooooowwwwlllllllllll!

What? Oh, no. You can't have to go potty again, do you? Really? Go to sleep!

Aaaaooowwwwwooooooo! Scratch, scrabble, scratch scratch....

Settle down, you guys! Don't make me come in there!

Whimper. Whine. Scratch. Scratch. Rustle rustle rustle. WHINE! WHINE!

I impatiently headed back to their kennels and was greeted by four smiling slobbery doggie faces and happily wagging tails. As I crankily unlatched and unsproinged and unsnapped and unklinked all their cage contraptions, I gave them all a very stern lecture. Which I'm sure that was about as effective as it was with my children.

Did I or did I not tell you all to go potty about fifteen minutes ago when you were outside? Yes, I did. Remember? Now we're going to have to go all the way downstairs and out the basement door and outside AGAIN! So this is it! Last call! Last time for potty and drinks and a last little snack!

And I mean it this time!

The herd thundered down the stairs ahead of me and pranced outside as I slid the door open. As I grumpily turned to head back indoors to wait for them all to do their doggie potty thing, I glanced up at the sky.

A bright, almost full moon was just rising in a clear night sky. Far in the distance, the northwest slope of Mount Hood's snow fields seemed to glow in the moonlight. Pretty, I thought. My hair was tousled by a gentle cool breeze and I could hear the subtle sounds of a summer night. My hammock chair swayed enticingly in the night wind.

I can't remember the last time that I sat outdoors, alone, and watched the moon rise on a glorious summer night. I rocked gently in my swing and listened to the dogs tussle and play and the distant soothing splash of my neighbor's fountain.

Not bad, I thought. Not bad at all.

The dog pack eventually gathered at my feet under my swing and looked expectantly up at me. Shadoe trotted to the door and gave it a decisive scratch.

What? You woogies want to go indoors already? Really? Please can't we stay outside? Do we really have to go to bed? Do we haveta? Aww gee......

Dancing Doggie Debut

2010-08-17T11:14:00.000-07:00

So sorry we haven't been posting here for awhile.

Julia's been busy with other stuff. BUT we're back and wait till you see what we've learned!

Dirty Doggies

2010-07-12T21:57:00.000-07:00

Lulu: Well, you won't see a picture of us this time.
Maggie: Wanna know why? LULU???
Lulu: Julia says that we're too filthy dirty for a picture. I think she's mad.
Maggie: Well, duh.
Lulu: I don't see the problem. It's my job to check things out around here, and that big old hole in the ground looked suspicious. I had to get to the bottom of things.
Maggie: No kidding.
Lulu: Hey! You jumped in there right after I did!
Maggie: I was just making sure that you were OK.
Lulu: Suuuuurrrrreee you were, Mags. I think there used to be a tree there........

Salon on Wheels

2010-07-02T17:46:00.000-07:00

Maggie: I don't think others realize what a burden it is to be beautiful. They just don't see all the time and effort that goes into achieving this glamorous look.

Lulu: Righto. Who am I talking to? I can't see through my eyebrows.....

Maggie: Today, we tried out a new stylist duo. They brought their salon with them and parked it in the driveway.

Lulu: Julia and John thought it was great. They just handed us out through the front door to the groomers and we could see our house through the big windows in their salon on wheels.

Maggie: I have to say they did a fabulous job. I think the seasonal bandannas were a nice touch.

Lulu: Well, I'm exhausted. Beauty is hard work.

Have Schnauzer, Will Travel

2010-06-28T20:47:00.000-07:00

Woo hoo! We had a great day. Julia and John put us in our car - we let them drive, it makes them feel important - and we headed out for a fun day in the mountains. Here's our favorite pictures:

Lulu On The Mend

2010-06-23T20:31:00.000-07:00

Maggie: So, how are you feeling today, Lulu?

Lulu: *cough.....kerchoo!.....sniff* It's terrible, Maggie. I don't know if I will pull through...You can have my favorite pink blankie if I don't make it. *cough* *ack!* You know, I caught this from Skippy. Wonder how he's doing. Probably suffering like me....

Ding Dong!

Julia: Well. Guess who's here, girls? Skippy! Wanna play with Skippy? I guess it's OK since you all have the same germs. Good thing you are all on antibiotics.

Lulu: Skip! Skipperoo old buddy! *chasing and barking and bitey-face commences*

Maggie: Hey wait a MINUTE! I thought you were sick!

Lulu: Geez, Mags. That was SO yesterday.

Sneezes and Snuffles

2010-06-21T12:44:00.000-07:00

Lulu: I have the sneezes and snuffles in my woozle. And a teensy cough, too.

Julia took me to the doctor today. She gave me medicine which she said would make me all better in no time. Julia and the doctor were surprised that I am sick because I have had all my nasty shots already.

I'm working on my poor pathetic me look. To maximize the snuggles and special treats.

Maggie: Gee, thanks Lu. Now I have to take those stupid pills too. Way to go.

Lulu: The ear hanging over the edge of the couch adds to the poor puppy look, don't you think, Mags? Maggie? Work with me here, girl.

Pomp and Circumstance

2010-06-18T21:26:00.000-07:00

Lulu: We're graduates of a very prestigious obedience school, right, Maggie?

Maggie: Oh, yeah. Sure. AFTER we were let out of the naughty doggie corner, thanks to you, Lulu!

Lulu: Whatever. Do you think we trained John and Julia well enough?

Maggie: Well, I think there's hope for them. All we can do is continue to practice with them.....maybe we should enter them in agility training......

Thanks

2010-06-10T10:27:00.000-07:00

........to everyone for their support and kindness to us during the loss of our Sammy.

Life is slowly finding a new routine without him. Maggie and Lulu initially were bereft - Maggie and particular - but they seem to have accepted that Sammy just isn't here anymore.

I think I have yet to make that adjustment.

As fate would have it, the same week that we lost our Sammy, our neighbors brought home a new puppy named Skippy, a Schipperke full of energy and a zest for life.

He is quickly becoming a favorite playmate for doggie gatherings in our back yard and a welcome diversion to our loss.

Helooooooooo, Skippy! Welcome to your new home!

Sammy

2010-05-28T11:04:00.000-07:00

It was a very sad day for all of us yesterday as we said goodbye to our Sammy dog. He had been having problems with his hips for some time but finally reached the point even with medication, that he became unable to walk or stand. It happened so quickly that I really still can't believe that he's gone. We will all miss him for a very very long time.

Sammy was gentle and patient and loving - not only to us, his family, but to others as well. Earlier in his life, he regularly visited an Alzheimer's community every day as he accompanied me to work. Patients there quickly adopted him as their own and even some who had already surrendered to Alzheimer's their ability to speak were able to say, "Good dog.....good dog...." when he would gently place his chin in their lap.

After I quit working there, the Alzheimer's community continued to ask for Sammy's help. They would send their activities bus up to our house to collect Sammy. He became excited and happy when he would see the bus pull up into our driveway and would bound out the door and hop in the bus amid the resident's happy greetings and pats.

Each time we adopted a new puppy or kitten, Sammy was sweet and tolerant to each new family member. When Maggie was a teething puppy, she found Sammy's front legs tasty. And although he would vocalize his complaints, he would never growl or snarl as Mags chomped away on him. When one leg became too sore, he would offer her the other.

As I became disabled due to autoimmune disease, Sammy an invaluable ally. He was my constant companion, giving love and support expecting nothing but my proximity in return. He knew when I needed him the most.

I hope that he knows how much we all loved him. Thanks for sharing the last fourteen years with us, our dear Sammy whammy bammy hammy. We were blessed to have had those years with you.

Sammy is Slowing Down

2010-05-26T10:31:00.000-07:00

Maggie: We've been worried about our Sammy.

Lulu: He doesn't want to play, or chase, or do anything.

Sam: Guys. I'm an old dog. Give it a rest!

Maggie: Well, I'm glad that the medicine that the doctor gave you makes you feel better. Most of the time.

Munch Munch Munch

2010-05-10T14:18:00.000-07:00

What is this sweet, crunchy snack? Julia said it's an apple. Nom nom nom om nom.......

Hey. Leave some for the rest of us, Lulu!

We're Baaaaccck

2010-05-04T19:40:00.000-07:00

Lulu: Well, it's been boring around here for the last few weeks. First off, we spent a week next door with Shadoe. John and Julia went for a trip somewhere. Brought back a picture of the celebrity greyhound racer Slammer. But they didn't get a pawtograph for us! What were they thinking? He's not racing anymore. Lives with a friend of Julia's.

Maggie: Then ever since they got back, it seems like all they want to do is sleep!

Lulu: If they don't liven up a bit, we may have to make things more interesting by ourselves.

Maggie: Wait a minute.....don't be getting us into trouble, missy!

Lulu: Hmmmm. I'm sure we could think of something......

Frank

2010-04-19T16:20:00.000-07:00

Maggie: You guys will NEVER guess what kind of a dog we saw today.
Lulu: Yeah! Strangest looking critter I've ever seen!
Maggie: They said his name is Frank. He walked all around the dog park and threw sticks at us.
Lulu: I couldn't chase him away! He wasn't scared of me at all!
Maggie: *rolling eyes* imagine that.

Maggie: Tsk. They'll let anyone in the dog park these days.

Sam On The Run

2010-04-17T13:14:00.000-07:00

Lulu: Where HAVE you been, Sammy?
Maggie: Yeah. We haven't seen you for hours and hours.
Sammy: Not telling.
Lulu: *sniff sniff sniff sniff* Hm. Smells like you've been over to Shadoe's house....and I bet you were over visiting Coconut, too.
Maggie: *snuffle sniff snuffle* Wow, Sam, you made it all the way down to the park! What was going on down there?
Sam: If you guys weren't such chickens, you would have went with me when the garden gate blew open. Then you'd know.
Lulu: You do know that John is out in the car driving around looking for you, right?
Maggie: AND that you're going to be in big trouble when he gets back! Nanner nanner!
Sam: Don't bug me, girls. Time for a nap.

Another Lulu!

2010-04-12T09:10:00.000-07:00

Lulu: Julia took Maggie and I to a new doggie park yesterday. It was the best time EVAR. I met a new buddy. She's a schnauzer like me, she's the same age as me, AND she has the same name as me!

Maggie: Yeah. She's as doofus as you are too.

Lulu: Pffffffffttttt. Julia didn't bring her camera. Duh. She should know by now that any schnauzer outing makes for great pictures.

An Easter..........Schnauzer??

2010-04-04T20:51:00.000-07:00

What is it?

It's an Easter schnauzer?

Doesn't taste like one.

Frankly, we're suspicious.

Time For a Trim

2010-03-28T11:06:00.000-07:00

What does "scruffy" mean, Mags? Julia keeps saying that.

I think it means we are overdue for haircuts, Lulu.

From I Has a Hotdog.....

2010-03-23T11:30:00.000-07:00

Ha!

see more dog and puppy pictures

Wild

2010-03-21T10:26:00.000-07:00

Julia went to the zoo, took a bunch of pictures, and told us that these are wolves.

They look like dogs to us.

My, what big teeth you have.

Are you going to Grandma's house?

No, we don't know anyone named "Little Red Riding Hood".

New Blue

2010-03-17T10:41:00.000-07:00

Lulu: I hate my new blue collar.

Maggie: Well, I TOLD you that would happen if you didn't leave those stitches alone!

Lulu: Nyea nyea! I'm sticking my tongue out at you, Mag! Pbbfffllllttt!

Maggie: You, Miss Lu, are a brat.

Doggie Family

2010-03-10T11:34:00.000-08:00

Julia went back to Wisconsin to visit relatives. This is our cousin, Jiggs. He seems to be an interesting guy. He lives on a farm, loves to ride on four wheelers and tractors, and gets to go fishing frequently.

We are not sure why WE weren't invited along on this trip. Sniff.

We'll sneak inside the luggage next time, Jiggs.

This is Annie, another doggie cousin. She also lives on a farm and gets to keep two hundred black angus cattle in line. It's a big job, and she takes her work very seriously.

How DO you keep your beautiful blonde fur so clean and pretty, Annie?

Blue Plastic is Tasty

2010-03-03T11:30:00.000-08:00

Lulu:
What can I say? I hate wearing this stupid thing. Eeeet simply must be removed! Ehn! Eh!

Time to Say Buh-Bye Kid...

2010-03-01T11:03:00.000-08:00

Lulu: I really don't see the appeal. He doesn't do tricks. He doesn't have hardly any fur. And, well, I wasn't going to say anything......but he kind of smells. They keep calling him the baby. Don't they know that I'm the baby?

Olympics?

2010-02-25T17:28:00.000-08:00

Lulu:
Humans doing tricks? And they only get ribbons and hunks of metal for a reward? We'd demand cookies. At the very least.

Julia says I should get a gold medal for good behavior after my surgery. I still say a cookie would be better.

Our Hero Amos!

2010-02-23T19:27:00.000-08:00

By Regina H. Boone, Detroit Free Press

Wow. We're so impressed with Amos. He's doing such an important job. And he's cute, too. Woof!

Is This Really Necessary?

2010-02-23T09:22:00.000-08:00

Lulu: Do I have to? Do I have to? You promise you'll give me lots of cuddles and hugs and treats after it's over?

I promise, baby girl. You'll be pampered and indulged and snuggled after your doggie girlie surgery today.

Wait - That's Our Car!

2010-02-20T22:02:00.000-08:00

So Julia and John took off for a while week in OUR car. They didn't even ask for our permission, just packed it up with all their stuff, took us over to Shadoe's house, and took off.

Can you imagine.

We love spending time with Shadoe and her family.......but honestly. That car is our doggie park/going for a ride/getting french fries vehicle. What if we had made plans?

We may need to have some serious discussions with those two. They're getting out of hand.

Well.....Duh!

2010-02-10T09:56:00.000-08:00

Today's New York Times has an article entitled," New Yorkers understand why one fifth of people would rather spend time with their pets."

Siegel for News

Garry Merzlyak, 42 of Union Square with Inga, his 5-year-old miniature Schnauzer. New Yorkers understand why a new poll finds one fifth of people would prefer to spend Valentine's Day with their pets.

Why would anyone think otherwise? BTW, great sweater, Inga.

Walking Attitude

2010-02-08T11:43:00.000-08:00

We simply don't know what's gotten into Julia.

Lately, when we go for our walkies, she gets all weird. She KNOWS that when we want to go on walkies, it's our job to tell her how to go about everything. We get the leashes, we bark loudly and run in circles, and we growl at Sammy to get him ready to go. It's what we do. We're Schnauzers, and we're in charge.

But Julia is in need of some serious re-training. Over the last week, she's just not cooperating with our routine. We don't get to leave until we sit and stay and wait and are quiet. Can you believe it.....and what's even worse, she keeps telling us we have to heel. Which means we can't go any further ahead of her than her heel. What's with that??

We're going to make her think we're going along with her strange little requests. For now.

Sock Addiction

2010-02-04T10:05:00.000-08:00

LuLu:
Hi. My name is LuLu, and I am a sock addict.

Hi, LuLu!

This thing is bigger than I am. I........I.......well, I don't know that I even want to quit yet. Come to think of it, what's the big deal, anyway? Hey! There's nothing wrong with a good chew on a sock!! Ppttthhhhbbbbbttt!! So there!

Julia:

You can read more about LuLu's, um, problem here.

Kitteh Talk

2010-02-02T16:50:00.001-08:00

This is why we don't have cats. They are SO sassy.

Spa Day

2010-02-02T10:38:00.000-08:00

Maggie:
Yesterday, Julia finally took me for a spa day. And, like, oh my gosh, I was so totally overdue for a haircut! I saw Sheila, she's such a gem, I simply don't know what I would do without her. So I had a pedicure and of course a bath and cut and style.......Girl, after what I've been through over the past month......sigh......a doggie deserves a little pampering. Julia? Julia? Hellooooo? A little more snausages over here? Do you think this cut makes me look fat? Oh, and while you're here darlin', I could use another belly rub......oh, yeah.........a little to the left.........

About Those Box Muzzles......

2010-01-29T23:20:00.000-08:00

So anyone that's been reading Schnauzer Sisterhood knows that Maggie and Lulu are wearing these box muzzles to prevent a repeat of the rock-surgery incident.

A WORD OF WARNING!

Tonight, little stinker Lulu wanted to take a small chewy toy outdoors with her and hid it in her mouth. We put the muzzle on not knowing that she had something in her mouth.

We didn't realize that she had it in her mouth until we brought her back indoors and removed the muzzle.

She could have choked!! Oh my gosh!!

We learned a valuable lesson tonight - always check doofus doggie mouths for stuff before putting the muzzle one.

We - and Lulu - were lucky tonight. Won't happen again.

Doggie Park, Yeah!

2010-01-27T15:20:00.000-08:00

The doggie doctor gave the OK for Maggie to return to the doggie park. What a gorgeous day for an outing!

Are we there yet?

C'mon, Julia. Drive faster. I know you can.

Hey, buddy ol' pal! Good to see you again, Muffy!

I don't believe we've met. Howdy!

Whoa - that is one seriously large schnauzer. Meet Harley, a giant schnauzer.

Watch out, world! Maggie and Lulu are back in action!

Rocky No More!

2010-01-26T22:51:00.000-08:00

Maggie:
Well, it's official. After a very annoying visit to the lady in the white coat, and some very undignified picture-taking, everybody is happy. All better!! They keep saying. No more rocks!! Good Maggie!!

Woo hoo. Does that mean I don't have to wear that stupid plastic snout cover anymore?

No?

Well, whoop dee ding dong doo.

Things Just Aren't The Same Lately.....

2010-01-21T11:04:00.000-08:00

Lulu:

Wish you could play with me, Maggie.

Maggie:

Me too. Sigh.

Julia: Yikes. If it isn't one thing it's another. Maggie has developed some kind of allergic reaction to the suture material used for her surgery, and each stitch has become inflamed and infected. Poor little fur baby! The vet started her on antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications in the hopes of avoiding yet another surgery.

At least she looks cute as a button in her new blue "keep Maggie from chewing on her incisions" cone.

We're Not Convinced

2010-01-18T23:21:00.000-08:00

Maggie and Lulu:
Julia said that she had some special presents for us. She said they were the latest in schnauzer accessories and that all the girls were wearing them.

We doubt that any self-respecting schnauzer would consider these stupid things attractive.

Then Julia said that our doctor told her that yes they were very schnauzer cool, plus we have to wear them so that we don't eat rocks. While John shovels a couple of dump truck loads of rocks out of our yard.

We think that's just a shame. What a waste of perfectly good crunchy treats.

Silly People - Treats Aren't Soap

2010-01-17T11:14:00.000-08:00

Lulu:
Julia has some straaaaange friends. I mean that in the best possible way, I do. But they simply don't know what to do with doggie cookies.

You can read more about it here.

What a funny story. Ha.

WAIT A MINUTE.......idiot dog??? Idiot dog??

That does it. Where did I hide Julia's favorite leather shoes? Needs a few more chew marks......I'll show her idiot dog......

Maggie Saga Continues.....

2010-01-15T08:28:00.000-08:00

When we arrived at our veterinarian's office for Maggie's check-up, which went fine, by the way - the vet assistants met us at the door and started singing the Rocky theme song. Har har har...

You can see more of the rock-eating-one's pictures here.

I Didn't Sign Up for This!

2010-01-10T20:34:00.000-08:00

Maggie:
Wha.....wha.....what happened? Julia takes me to see this nice lady wearing a white coat and the next thing I know, I wake up with a shaved belly!

And feeling pretty crummy!

Who's responsible for this? And why is my new nickname "Rocky"?

Maggie Update

2010-01-09T12:20:00.000-08:00

We just brought Maggie home from the hospital, and she's still really groggy but overall is doing well. Surgery went just fine, and she has a large abdominal incision. They put a pain medication patch on her rump which will dispense medication through her skin over the next three days so should remain comfortable but maybe a little drugged out! She's lying on my lap right now and I can just imagine her thinking, "wow, man......groovy......"

We have about a half an acre backyard, and have several paths around our fruit trees and outdoor fireplace that are made of small rocks and apparently Maggie finds these rocks pretty tasty. They will all need to be removed and Mags will have to be muzzled while she's back there until we can get this large landscaping project completed.

Poor baby!

Maggie

2010-01-08T21:30:00.000-08:00

Just asking everyone for good and healing thoughts for our Maggie. She is currently in surgery. She hasn't been feeling well, and an x-ray showed that she had several large rocks stuck in her tummy! Surgeon called and said he had found at least 20! Oh my!

Happy New Year

2010-01-03T21:04:00.000-08:00

Sammy:

So I was asleep on the couch while there was a party going on. What's the world coming to when a guy can't even take a nap without somebody playing a joke on me.....I didn't have even a sip, really! Cross my heart!

Treats

2009-12-22T11:15:00.000-08:00

Our pet people are making something that they call "Bacon caramels". Please give us one. Please please please please.......

We promise we'll be very very good.

Oh Boy, Oh Boy - A Boy!

2009-12-14T11:28:00.000-08:00

Our pet boy came home for a visit! We are all maximizing lap time while he is here.

Snuggle Saturday

2009-12-12T09:11:00.000-08:00

Maggie:
Nobody has better snuggles than John. Mmmmmm......Zzzzzzzzzzz.

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas tree......

2009-12-07T19:23:00.000-08:00

Lulu:

What? What? I'm stuck here in the doggie detention room? So how was I supposed to know that you're not supposed to eat a Christmas tree?

That is an egg. It looks like a perfectly delicious egg. An edible egg.

I promise to be a good schnauzer, Julia. Really, I promise not to do it again.

Maggie:

I'm skeptical. Very skeptical.

Sam:

Not to worry. I'm on security detail.

So Not Fair!

2009-12-02T12:25:00.000-08:00

We were soooooo good on Thanksgiving.

But did we get even one nibble? No!

We are so not sharing our kibble. So there. How do you like that?

Charlie The Thanksgiving Dog

2009-11-24T12:24:00.000-08:00

Maggie and Lulu would NEVER think of doing such a dastardly thing. You can read about my sister's dog Charlie and his Thanksgiving adventure here.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Triple Schnauzer Whammy

2009-11-22T14:38:00.000-08:00

Maggie:

Today started out like any other Sunday - snoozing while John and Julia watched football games.

But then - our buddy Shadoe showed up!

Wow! Schnauzer sleepover - for a whole week!

We were all so excited that we decided to power nap together!

Where's Waldo? Er, I Mean Maggie and Lulu

2009-11-21T00:46:00.000-08:00

Maggie and Lulu:

We're off on an adventure. Can you guess where?

Are we there yet...?

Good morning, Mount Rainier!

Guess a zillion other people decided to take a drive today, too.....

Check out the space needle.

Did you guess Seattle? You'd be right!

Double Duck Wordless Wednesday

2009-11-18T11:21:00.001-08:00

Woogie Park

2009-11-16T15:07:00.000-08:00

Lulu's first trip to a doggie park. She's a little reluctant to get out of the car, but Maggie is ready to go!

Love that Pacific Northwest mossy forest.

Lulu had a great time at the park, but I had to put the camera aside as Maggie and I made sure Lulu had a good time greeting all the other doggies.

New Chews

2009-11-15T19:06:00.000-08:00

Julia:

I can't believe the things we do for our woogies. So the dogs love love love rawhide chews, but we've been reluctant to give them to baby Lulu, since they seem to make her gag. We've been trying to find a replacement chewie that she loves as well, but had no success until we noticed her dragging out dirty socks from our laundry hamper. So I put on some socks that I would be willing to donate to Lulu's chewing habit.

She took a sniff and told me that they weren't stinky enough. So I slept in them. The next morning, she couldn't wait for me to peel them off my feet before she began to gnaw.....

Lulu:
Yay! Gnaw munch nyeh slobber chew...

Puppy Boredom

2009-11-13T12:35:00.000-08:00

Lulu:

C'mon, Maggie. Let's play.....I'm bored, Maggie......How long are you gonna just lie here, huh?......Huh, Maggie?......Let's go outside.........Hey, Maggie.......

Maggie:

Girl. You. Are. Driving. Me. Crazy. Don't make me come over there....

Schnauzer Duck Duel

2009-11-11T20:35:00.000-08:00

Lulu:
It's mine. All mine. You hear me, Maggie? This duck is MINE. You think you can take it away from me? Just try it, missy.

Nah. Ner. Nanner. Nanner. Nanner nanner.

Maggie:
*sigh*
Girlfriend, you have no idea what you're getting yourself into.
Gimme.

You have much to learn, grasshopper schnauzer.

tsk.

amateurs.......

I Just Wanna Be Free

2009-11-10T12:03:00.000-08:00

Lulu:

Nuh uh. I don't do coats and I don't do anything that leads me around. Gentle or otherwise. Gotta catch me first! Nanner nanner!

Is That Really You, Lulu?

2009-11-06T10:44:00.000-08:00

Well, of course it's me. Just had my first haircut.

I do not smell funny. Juuuullliiiiaaaa! Maggie says I smell like a cat!

Julia: Ooooooooo. Such a sassy shiny coat.

Sniff...sniff....they just grow up too fast.

Vaccine Trauma

2009-11-04T21:37:00.000-08:00

Lulu:

I........I.......can't......believe it.........Julia took me to the vet and they were so rude......

(Dramatic sigh)

Did they really think lots of attention and a lame doggie biscuit would make up for the agony of getting poked with a very sharp needle?

It was exhausting. I may not be able to move for days. Unless there's treats involved.

Stylin'

2009-11-01T15:17:00.001-08:00

Our costume theme for Halloween this year was spiders. Subtle. Black on black theme, don't you know.

Schnauzer Pumpkin

2009-11-01T15:07:00.000-08:00

Whoa! Our friend Greg carves one amazing pumpkin. He came up with this design all on his own. We think it's an excellent likeness of Maggie.

Schnauzer Wheels

2009-10-31T13:04:00.000-07:00

Wonder what that baby's got under the hood? Doesn't seem to have much for horsepower. I could see us in a nice little pink convertible, whattya say, Lulu?

Ghostly Doggies

2009-10-31T12:49:00.000-07:00

Showoffs. WE are waiting until dark to go trick or treating. Like it should be done. Daylight? Wimps.

It's That Time of Year..

2009-10-30T11:35:00.000-07:00

The best Halloween costume we've seen so far.....

Found on Loldogs.

Yeah. Like it Says!

2009-10-28T12:46:00.000-07:00

Image found here.
Maggie and Lulu love this.

Stars are Made, Not Born

2009-10-26T10:05:00.000-07:00

Julia:
I've discovered a feature I didn't know that my computer had - iMovie. It's amazing, and I haven't even begun to scratch the surface of all it's features.

Here's my first try at movie making, starring those wild and crazy schnauzer sisters, Maggie and Lulu. Sam has a small cameo appearance.

Maggie: No autographs, please.
Lulu: What's an autograph?

Time For Tummy Tickles

2009-10-23T10:50:00.000-07:00

We're on strike.

Not going anywhere or doing anything....

Until we get our tummy tickles for the day.

Good Julia! Good for you! She can be trained, but we must be firm. That's the key to obedience training.

Simon Says.....

2009-10-22T19:09:00.000-07:00

Julia:
Yay! The newest Simon's Cat film!
Maggie:
WHY would anybody watch this? Ew. Cats.
Lulu:
I just knew all cats were evil....
Sam:
Can't see much difference between cats and schnauzers. Ouch! Hey! Quit picking on me!!

You can see all of Simon's films here.

Deprived Puppies

2009-10-22T10:50:00.000-07:00

Lulu:

Juuuuuullllliiiaaaaaaa........there's nothing to do. I'm boooorrrrrrreeeeeeddd......

Maggie:

Can we go over to the store and buy some new toys? There's nothing to play with. Can we, can we??

OMG!! What is It??

2009-10-21T12:09:00.000-07:00

Maggie:

Shiver shiver shiver shiver.......so cold......I don't like this rainy stuff at all. What? What are you doing, Julia? Stop it! Wait a minute! What is this thing?

Must.......chew......it......off!!

Gnaw gnaw gnaw.......

Chew chew chew chew......gnerk....snork.......

Maggie! Girl, you've got one too!!

Eh! Aarg! Don't worry, I'll chew yours off for you!

You actually like that thing? Keeps you warm? Are you CRAZY??

Well. I'll think of a way to get out of this thing. After my nap.....must admit.....so snuggly......ZZzzzzzzzzz......

Oh, Really?

2009-10-20T19:34:00.000-07:00

Hey. C'mon. Let us in. Wasn't us that chewed up those stupid shoes.

Really.

Sammy Says....

2009-10-19T14:50:00.000-07:00

Sammy:

You know, when a guy gets to be 14 or so......not sure exactly how old I am since we dogs don't do math and Julia got me as a pound puppy on a day when all the dogs were labeled as two years old......anyway, my point is, a dog my age should be treated with some dignity and respect. Is that too much to ask??

These schnauzers are a bit much. When it was just Maggie, well, it wasn't so bad. First of all I was a bit younger and secondly, there's just one of her. So she'd try to chase and chew on me but if I just ignored her she got the idea.

Then along comes this stinker puppy, Lulu. No respect for her elders, none. She and Maggie wrestle and bark and chew and chase and take all my favorite chewies all stinkin' day long and, in my opinion - get waaaaay too much attention from John and Julia.

Young whippersnappers.

Evidence

2009-10-18T11:48:00.000-07:00

Julia:

Take a close look at the title of this book.

I......I.......words escape me.

Any thoughts who may have done this, miss chew-on-anything-within-reach Lulu?

Lulu:
Nah. Wasn't me.

Maggie's BFF

2009-10-16T18:04:00.000-07:00

Maggie:
While I was at the salon today, Julia visited some friends of mine. They're pretty cool. There's Millie:

And Bea and Romie:

And Shorty:

I asked Julia if I have to introduce them to Lulu once she's had her shots, and Julia is all Heck yea, and I'm all So not fair! What if she's all immature and weird and everything?? and Julia is all Too bad so sad Lulu is still your sister and I'm all Whatever...

Mistaken Identity

2009-10-16T17:48:00.000-07:00

Lulu:
Well, jeez. Can you blame me? Maggie goes off to who knows where. She's gone, like, forever. So when this dog shows up all smelling weird and not looking anything like Maggie, what am I supposed to think?

Maggie:

Lulu is just jealous of my fabulous new look, silly girl. Imagine not recognizing your own sister.

I simply don't know what I would do without my stylist, Sheila. She's a gem.

My Turn

2009-10-15T10:32:00.000-07:00

I just want to say that it's hard being a puppy.

I remember living somewhere else...can't quite remember where...then I came here. I like it here. Ooooo - squeaky toy!! Chew chew chew chew....

What was I saying? Oh, yes. It's good at my house. Maggie, my big sister, is kind of bossy, but she's OK. John and Julia keep calling me all sorts of names. I think mostly it's Lulu, and I like that one. Sounds just right. Sassy but girlie. Sometimes they call me Puppy, and lots of times they say I'm Too Stinkin' Cute, and when they talk to Maggie and Sam and me all at the same time they call us Rotten Dogs or the Bumpus Hounds. I think it's hard for People to remember stuff.

Well, since I came here, I've had to learn all sorts of things. I think the hardest was to learn how to go up and down stairs. The up part wasn't so bad. But going down? Scary.

I met some nasty furry things called Cats. Maggie says they're not so bad once you get to know them, and they run like heck if you chase them, so that sounds fun. I'll give that a try sometime.

Then there's the whole pee and poop thing. When I have to go, I go! Why should I hold it?? Julia isn't happy when I go inside the house. Then she's not happy when I don't go outside. I think that it's alright to use those white thingies on the floor. They're handy.

See you later. So.....sleepy.......ZZZZzzzzzzzzzz.......

Hello

2009-10-14T16:17:00.000-07:00

Well.

It's about time someone dedicated a blog to us.

I'm Maggie, a two year old mini schnauzer. And yes, I am in charge. Of everything. Little schnauzer-come-lately Lulu is my second in command. Together we manage the household, and it's not an easy job. Keeping tabs on another dog, Sam, and our two people is a responsibility that we take very seriously.

We do try to keep everyone entertained and happy too. Ours is a benevolent dictatorship.

Welcome to our world.......and bring treats.