WHAT IS BREED RESCUE?

For many reasons, sometimes for no fault of its own, a miniature schnauzer may need to find a new home. Some of these reasons include a death in the family, owner's relocation to an assisted living environment, divorce, runaways, and abandonment. The purpose of the Rescue Committee is to find a new, deserving home for all placeable dogs. Most rescue dogs surrendered are between the ages of 5 and 8 years of age. However, we do occasionally take in dogs older than 8 and younger than 5. Puppies are rarely surrendered.

When a dog is surrendered to our group, it is taken to a veterinarian for a health check. Older dogs are given a blood panel to rule out health problems that might not become apparent during a normal health check. If we are unable to determine that the dog is current on all vaccinations, it is given all shots, and other necessary treatments such as testing for heartworm and teeth cleaning. It is not always possible to detect every illness; therefore, we cannot guarantee the health of the rescue schnauzer. After its health check, the dog will go to the home of someone on the rescue committee to live until we find an acceptable home for the dog. During that time, we get to know the dog and most personality quirks the dog may have. We also work with the dog on housetraining, unruliness, barking, and general good manners. We do not place any dog we know bites.

It is our policy not to take dogs that we know bite, nor dogs that have a terminal illness. We also do not purchase dogs from auctions, as this would only perpetuate the cycle, and we believe dogs should be purchased from responsible breeders.

All dogs need routine medical care, which includes annual vaccinations, dental examinations and occasional teeth cleaning. As with any breed, there are sometimes other health needs to be addressed, especially as the dog gets older. In addition, miniature schnauzers require grooming at least every six to eight weeks in order to keep their skin and coat in good condition.

We usually have more homes wanting dogs, than dogs available. Since the dogs are matched up with the home for which they are most suited, it is not necessarily first come, first served. We encourage everyone on our waiting list to keep in contact with us if they are still interested and haven't found a dog by other means. We do check into the new adoptive homes, and get a referral from their current veterinarian. The dogs are not free, but we ask for a reasonable donation to defray the costs incurred in taking care of these dogs. Getting a rescue schnauzer is not an alternative to paying full cost for a purebred dog. Schnauzers need all the same medical care than any other dog would, plus there is the additional cost and time involved to get the dog groomed every six to eight weeks. If you would like to get on our waiting list, please contact someone from the rescue committee.

If you need information on other breed rescue groups, please contact someone from the rescue committee. We will do what we can to put you in contact with other groups.