Saturday, 06/17/2006 was a busy day for SRC. Due to another puppy mill bust – this one in Cartersville, GA, SRC had the privilege of helping another 5 very needy mini schnauzers.  This brings our total up to more than 350 canines rescued in three years as a rescue organization! Congratulations, SRC because that was actually just before your 3^rd anniversary as a membership. It seems almost funny when my husband, Jerry,  and I  think back to that time when   we actually thought that as a rescue organization for schnauzers  we would probably be helping no more than 10 to 15 schnauzers a year.  The Lord  has provided in abundance!

Coordinating efforts with other rescues, a transport was arranged by Melissa Tupps of SMCR (Southern Comfort Maltese Rescue) and the schnauzers arrived in Hickory, NC at approximately 2pm.  A remarkable vet that has been helping SRC for a few weeks now set aside her entire weekend to assure that these dogs received whatever medical care was necessary to get them to their foster homes which were spread over NC , SC, and VA.  Arrangements were also made to perform the first heartworm treatment on  Abby (SRC # 335) and check Little Girl (SRC # 336) to determine when she will be strong enough for her first heartworm treatment.  Karen Rich came  from Virginia, Calvin Pleasants and Vasily Goncharov came from Durham, NC, Lloyd Newland, Sandy Warren and  her fiancé’ Randall traveled from Charlotte, NC. My trip was only from Lenoir, NC.  My husband, Jerry Pritchard handled a portion of the main transport and went to Black Mtn, NC to pick up these minis and brought them to the vet’s office in Hickory.  To everyone’s credit the all of the transports  went very smoothly both before and after the medical services done by Dr. Zebley.  SRC is so grateful for the superb efforts that each one of you made to assure that these schnauzers’ transports went so smoothly.

After theses schnauzers came into SRC’s care, we were blessed that they could go directly to a fantastic vet who is very rescue friendly.  Dr. Melissa Zebley of Mobile Vet to Pet went out of her way to assure that each one of these schnauzers was spayed/neutered and received any other medical procedure needed.  Since SRC has become affiliated with  Dr. Zebley and her husband Andrew who assists her in every area of her work, we have been amazed at the quality of service that she provides and the excellent prices she has given this rescue organization.  It is obvious that this veterinarian is committed to helping animals because of her love for them and not for the money that it brings her.  SRC recommends her services to all our members without reservation.  You may find out more about her by visiting her website:

http://www.mobilevettopet.com/ 

The eldest female, (SRC # 345) now called Suzy Q, required extensive surgery for not only a spay but also a hernia, and in addition she had a terrible mouth that required a number of teeth to be pulled.  It appeared that she might have had a broken jaw at some time in the past.  Dr. Zebley said that Suzy Q had probably been in pain for a long time with her mouth the way it was, so even though she was in surgery for an extensive period of time, she would feel much better in a couple of days.  Due to previous C-sections that this 7 year old mini had already endured, Suzy had a great deal of scar tissue  to deal with in addition to her hernia.  Her surgery took a great deal longer than anyone had anticipated, and what we had thought would be a long afternoon turned into a very long evening.   Most of us were at the vet’s office from 2pm until around 9pm that evening.  It was worth every minute of the wait!   Each one of these precious ones got the special attention that was necessary. Every dog received necessary medical surgeries including dentals where needed and they were all micro-chipped.

Fortunately (SRC # 346) Lucy  could get a quick examination and her micro-chip and then she, Karen and Karen’s standard schnauzer, Gabby were on the road again. Later on Lucy will require eye surgery to relieve a condition where her eyelashes grow in towards her eyes and an extensive dental.

The rest of us had the entire evening to visit and care for the little ones as they came out of surgery.   Since they would be shivering trying to bring their body temperature back up to normal, we  wrapped each one in a warm blanket and took turns cuddling them to assure them that all was well.   Suzy and Bailey (SRC # 347) were probably in the worst condition, although Lucy (SRC #346) will require extensive surgery as soon as she is well enough.  Bailey is quite a character!  He was determined to take care of his pack even when he was given a sedative to prepare him for surgery.  It is probably for the best that he was separated from them in foster homes so that he will not have that responsibility anymore.  Bailey really was interested in Abby too but that interest was absolutely not reciprocated!  She just grumbled at him and he could not take a hint.  His foster mom, Evelyn Von Hagel has already let us know that he is settling in well but having a “marking” frenzy which she is working with him to help him understand that this action is a thing of the past.  The younger boys, Teddy (SRC #348) and Chewy (SRC # 349) were more interested in being petted and were truly frightened yet not aggressive at all.  Amazing how they could be so neglected and abused yet be so loving.  The minute I opened the first crate, my greeting was a lick on the nose and sweet schnauzer kisses! Each one of these precious little ones has already gotten settled into a loving foster home already thanks to your kindness and efforts in assuring that they reached their foster homes safely. Abby did very well with her first heartworm treatment, thanks to the wonderful care of both Lloyd and Vicci Newland.  It was truly touch and go for both Abby and LittleGirl because they had been so starved that they almost died!  The Newlands are amazing when it comes to knowing how to care for their schnauzers, especially Giants! Teddy is being fostered by Janet Woodson and Chewy is being fostered by Sandy Warren and Randall. SRC is forever indebted to these dedicated members that take time from their busy schedules to assure the safety of these wonderful dogs. Remember next week we have another set coming in so there is plenty of time to get your foster fur-child if you don’t have one – or two yet!    .