Kazm

Awesome. Let's hope more people respond to it. Cats are great creatures too. Despite having my 2 mini schnauzer girls and loving them to bits we actually have never been without a cat in the house. Somebody has to keep the dogs in check. Lol

Hi. I know this is a few weeks late but I just did the survey anyway. Relatively new to this forum.

Oh yeah. I certainly have been taking loads of photos. But I always have. My phone and iPad are full of my girls and all of their relations. But yes I have taken some very special ones lately. And yes we are enjoying her. She is and always has been an absolute delight. That's why it is so hard.

Thanks Persephone. I realise exact dates can not be predicted and I am very grateful to all the vets that have spent time discussing matters with me. We just love our little girl so much and are just trying to understand this horrible disease. What the vets say and everything that I have read, which is a lot, all point to the same scenario. She shouldn't still be with us. Each day I wake I worry about what it brings. And at times I feel she is so much better than when first diagnosed. We are considering getting in touch with another specialist centre. Just going to leave it for a few days to see how she goes. These last few days may be the "really good " before the end. Apparently cancer patients can have a really good moment before passing. This did work true with a male schnauzer we had who died from lymphoma. Or maybe we are just plain lucky to have a brilliant strong little girl. Certainly cherishing these days anyway.

Just an update on my sweetie Zena. It has now been six weeks since her diagnosis of possible hermangiosarcoma and we are still going strong. A few days last week she was really fussy with food and seemed very tired, I was beginning to think we had a decision to make. I had a really miserable night wrestling with my thoughts but on waking up the next morning she had bounced right back again and spent a good deal of the day wandering around. We also went for a short walk and she actually ran some of the way. She was back to barking at the horses next door and was a very bright and happy little girl. She has also been a lot better with her meals. Still not eating a lot but is feeding herself rather than me hand feeding. Just this morning she actually came into the kitchen looking like she was hungry and she really surprised us and ate more than she has in one meal for weeks. Actually what she ate yesterday was more than she had in ages too. We are now confused again and thinking are the vets right. She just seems so very normal. Yes, she is tired and not as active as she was months ago but everything else about her seems so normal. Yes, her belly is distended but it hasn't got any bigger in the last few weeks. She doesn't vomit and hasn't had diahorrea. Other than not eating much at all for those few days last week she hasn't had a really off day for probably 2 weeks. She does drink plenty of water. Really I just would like to know if anyone else has had an experience like this. Initially we were told she had barely a month to live. I have spoken to the specialist and 2 other vets I have used and they are all very surprised she is still with us. Other than suggesting another ultrasound they can offer no other reasoning behind what's going on. One did admit she is not a text book case. All of them individually have just told us to enjoy what time we have with her. That we are certainly doing but we just have our doubts. All opinions are welcome.

Ok Thanks. I didn't know all that. Sounds a bit nasty. I think doing anything to avoid future possible problems is a good idea.

Maybe females are different to males. Maybe it's the girls that try it on a bit , haha, but I do agree Mackiemad that short bursts of training are best. My Zena, as a small pup, during home training would just walk off when she had had enough. She was very willing to run through everything but if we went over the same command too many times she'd just go. That was my cue to try a new command and mix it up a bit. Needless to say she does know a lot of tricks, words and commands. How old is your little guy?

Fair enough Showdog. I can only go on what other owners have told me about the giants and standards. I have only owned minis. I will disagree with you though about the stubbornness. When I got my very first mini, 20 years ago, the first thing a dog obedience instructor ( who had worked with all breeds for 40 years ) told me was that they are fantastic dogs, eager to learn and please but yes you do need to be firm other wise they will rule the house in no time. Intelligent to the point of putting it all over their owner if they are too soft. And stubborn if you let them. I can honestly say my second mini, Zena, who is 9 is all of the above. She is a stubborn girl, likes to do everything I ask of her but on her own time. But she knows what I say and she's never in trouble. She has always made us laugh. She is the most amazing, beautiful girl I could ever have owned. Over the years of reading on the internet she is a schnauzer right down to the last word. I have often sat reading and thought, my gosh are they writing about my girl. Lol. Her daughter Molly, who is 5 is exactly the same as are all of her brothers and sisters. I also know other people who own minis that are not related to mine and they all say the same thing. But don't get me wrong, the stubbornness is not a bad thing in my eyes. It just shows the dog is smart and thinking and the schnauzer seems to be blessed with lots of brain power. Both my girls have been trained and learnt things very easily. An absolute dream to own.

I've always been led to believe all 3 sizes of schnauzers were very similar. I have always had minis but a friend owns a giant as well as 3 minis and she swears that the giant is just a huge mini. Same characteristics just more foreboding at the gate. Minis are definitely stubborn but hey keep a firm hand on them and they tow the line brillliantly. Highly intelligent, and very eager to please. I have people that have bought puppies from me who have owned other breeds previously and they all reckon they are now schnauzer addicts. Won't own anything else now. They are just a great all round dog. Sorry if I sound totally biased.

Total scum. Should be shackled in the streets and left for regular people to best the s***out of. On a nice note though I know the brother of a young guy who took on one of the staffys from there and the dog is gaining weight and confidence in human beings again. Sounds like he has finally found a good home.

Interesting read Boronia. Sorry to hear of your loss. We are coming into that time with one of my precious girls. She was given barely a month to live 5 weeks ago but with my love and her determination she is still here. Still here with sparkly eyes and a wagging tail. We know our days are limited. And that's hard to accept. Anyone who knows me knows my girls are an important part of our family. We are absolutely devastated to be losing Zena. We have been down this road several times before with a gorgeous boy and several cats and that last moment is special and I think that only an animal lover would understand. I know some people must think I'm crazy but then they don't have pets. On the other hand both my mini schnauzer girls have produced a couple of litters each and those people who bought puppies from me are amazing. These are true pet owners and have been so supportive during this rough time. More than I could ever have imagined. They understand that losing a pet is similar to losing a human relation or friend. I personally think that yes it can be harder losing a dog just because we spend so much time with them and do everything for them. Plus they give so much unconditional love in return. A friend and I have talked about this just recently. She feels the same way. We are very much alike. She has 2 of my puppies and is so attached to them. Just like I am with mine.

Cool. That's good to know DeltaCharlie. I shall pass this on to her as well as she is an older lady and will worry a bit less.

Thanks for all info. Good point Rebanne about being stolen. Purebred whole dogs would definitely be on some people's agenda. I have spoken to my friend this afternoon, I have actually been looking after her little fella for the past week. She was very grateful for all of the info and I have a sneaky feeling he will be weighing a little bit less very soon. Lol

Thank you everyone. I shall let her know and see what she decides. She does live in suburbia and goes to a dog park every day. And mentioning the c word, is it relatively common in male dog parts?

I have a friend who owns a 2 year old male mini schnauzer and she is unsure whether to desex him or not. I have females and they have been done but I have never had a male done before. Some have told her that once over a certain age it's not a good idea. I've never heard that before. Just putting the question out there for her. Any advice would be good.

Hey bushriver. I can't see any problems with drumsticks. What size dog are you feeding? I only have little ones and just in the habit of buying the wings and necks plus I also have a cat who eats them. Couldn't imagine her munching on a leg. Haha

Hi there. I know you mentioned a mid/large size dog but reading further everything you want comes in a smaller form of a mini schnauzer. Plus they are very adaptable and can be quite ok on there own during work/ school hours. I have 2 little girls (previously had a male) and they are just the most awesome dog. Highly intelligent, love their family, make brilliant guard dogs without being aggressive, can be energetic but if you're having a lazy day they are happy with that also, extremely affectionate and best of all non shedding. Pretty darn good package. Good luck with your decision

Thanks Jumabaar. Nice to know there are options out there. I really do worry about my Molly. (Zena's daughter) At 5 years of age she is still a little live wire and loves to play and wrestle but I guess that's what we are here for. The added bonus though which could help is that we often dogsit her brothers and sisters and also her own offspring. She has had 2 litters but is now desexed. I offer dog boarding and schnauzer grooming to all my puppy owners. We don't like the thought of them going to boarding kennels. I am actually kept quite busy through the year with them all. All my puppy owners are such beautiful people and have been to visit my Zena and have been very supportive. Over the years we have become close friends with a few and one in particular brings her schnauzers here every other week. It's awesome for all concerned. And yes, Zena is definitely hogging the bed and lounge. Loves sitting and being with us and her comfort is first priority. Tdierikx - I am sorry to hear Shadow was so young. I hate the whole cancer thing as it seems to take too many of our young four leggeds. I have read so much in the past few weeks and it just upsets me to know that horrible stuff like this is so common.

Thanks. Hope all starts going your way soon Harley. A fur friend greeting when you arrive home is the greatest. Can't live without our four legged friends. Life seems so dull with just humans. I agree tdierikx. Big surgery and chemo is not for the dogs. We all know hermangiosarcoma can't be beaten. We just want Zena to be comfortable, happy and know she is loved. She has had a really great day today. Went for a car ride, hung with us in the garden and finished up with a small BBQ. She just hasn't eaten much but did enjoy a bowl of custard. Woops I am sorry to hear about your rotti. Sounds nasty. How old was she? Thanks also for the hugs. I have let Zena know all about the nice comments from you all. She is a dog who has always loved people. All people. She is my little social butterfly and we are going to miss her so much. But she is still doing ok mostly so hopefully we still have a bit more time.

Yes it doesn't make any diff. Ticks can live in short grass and walking in the long grass she could get them. My opinion is the tablet forms of treatment are better than the liquid.

Yes I do realise tick season seems like it is getting to be just about all year round. I am super vigilant. My little girls are very much lap dogs and we are always feeling and checking plus being schnauzers I keep them trimmed ( their bodies at least, gotta have the proper schnauzer trim) . So their coats are fairly short which makes checking easier. My neighbours dog, a Westie, got done pretty badly a few years back. He survived but I'm not going to let it happen to mine if I can help it.

I swear by comfortis for my 2 mini schnauzers. But I believe in giving treatment when only necessary. I don't like chemicals etc going into a bloodstream unnecessarily. Who really knows what it can do to a dog. If my girls start scratching I pop them a pill and they stop very quickly. For ticks I use Nexgard and i only give this to them during tick season. We are on 2 acres and we also go bush camping a lot. I do not trust those little tick buggers.

11 days ago isn't long. Wow. How do you cope? I guess having your other foster dogs would have helped. And I think polly probably would have enjoyed them too. Once again so sorry about your loss. Two going so close together would be very hurtful.

I agree. It is a very insidious disease Very sorry to hear. No matter what the pet we love them all. Big and small. My kids had guinea pigs years ago and I was too attached to those lovely critters and along with the kids very upset when they passed.

How long ago did your girl leave? And what was her name? I don't know much about greyhounds