Arizona Schnauzer Rescue News

Arizona Schnauzer Rescue News

Published by Arizona Schnauzer Rescue, Inc.

Volume 1, Issue 2 July 2005

Newsletter 1

‘Paws’ Raises Funds for the Cause

Santa and Sunshine Lure Schnauzers to Patio

A soon-to-be-happy diner waits for his gourmet dinner

More than 100 dogs – and their people – enjoyed the holiday festivities at the Paws on the Patio fundraiser in Phoenix on Dec. 11, 2004. Arizona Schnauzer Rescue, Inc. was the beneficiary of this annual fundraiser to help animals.

On a beautiful December afternoon, the dogs enjoyed their three course gourmet doggie meals, while owners dined off the regular menu at Sam’s Café at the patio of downtown Phoenix’s Arizona Center. The all-breed happy doggies also got to visit Santa, have their photos taken, enjoy a goody bag, and check out the schnauzer population, from giants to minis. The humans also had fun buying souvenir Tshirts, winning raffle items and meeting other canine fans.

Continued on p. 3

Inside this Issue

Diabetic Dogs Need Homesp. 2

Schnauzer Fun Dayp. 2

Paws on the Patio Returns in 2005p. 3

Where Your Donations Gop .4

The Mighty Brunop. 5

Happy Endings

Rescued Mini Brings Love to Patients in New Mexico

All of our rescued miniature schnauzers bring love and companionship into their new families’ lives. But one of our rescues, a mini named Elke, has made a profession out of bringing joy to patients in nursing homes and hospitals in the New Mexico community where she lives. She was the first certified therapy dog in Silver City. And her work has spread to a thriving animal visitor program that now keeps a dozen local dogs busy.

Elke is a six-year-old mini. Three years ago, she came into Schnauzer Rescue after a divorce. Elizabeth Bolling, of Silver City, New Mexico, took the little black and silver dog into her home and into her heart.

Elke is a high-energy dog who needs lots of activity to keep her truly happy. Elizabeth enrolled her in obedience trials. Elke did great, but she clearly was not very interested in simply parading around a ring. So then Elizabeth tried agility. “She was bored with obedience. But boy is she good on the agility course,” Elizabeth said.

Elke at play

That’s when Elizabeth thought of getting Elke certified as a therapy dog.

Continued on p. 4

Dogs and Diabetes

A Message from Gail Greeley

In the twelve years that I personally have been rescuing miniature schnauzers, I have been overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity you all have displayed towards schnauzers in desperate need. You have adopted elderly dogs, disabled dogs, dogs that need daily medication – as well, of course, as literally hundreds of young and healthy schnauzers and schnauzer mixes. We – and you -- are the special needs dogs’ only hope, once their original families have proven unwilling or unable to care for them.

Since we believe that every dog deserves a home and family of his or her own, our challenge is to find homes and owners who are willing to take on the responsibility of care for a special needs dog.

Currently we have four diabetic miniature schnauzers in rescue.

While doggie diabetes cannot be cured, with treatment the dogs can live normal, happy lives. All four of these pooches need committed owners who can easily learn to give them twice-daily insulin shots.

Dogs living with diabetes cannot have snacks and treats -- only meals timed to accompany their shots-- and owners must administer the insulin at 12hour intervals. The dogs do not mind the shots which are very easy to inject. I am certain that somewhere among our supporters, there is the right family for each of these special needs dogs.

Leo Martin, MD, from our board, assists any adoptive family in learning how to take care of diabetic dogs. No medical background is required. Diabetes medication and equipment costs $30 to $50 per month per dog. We have already adopted out five diabetic schnauzers and all are doing great in their new homes. If you would like to discuss the care/feeding, adoption or sponsoring of Max, Buddy, Allie or Corky please call me at 480-917-4710 or email at , or fill out the coupon on the page 5 of this newsletter.

Check out the upcoming stories and photos of these special boys and girls on our website

P.S. What happens if we can’t find a family for a special needs dog? I want to emphasize that we would never euthanize a dog that has a manageable medical condition and a good quality of life. While our goal is to find a forever home for every adoptable dog, those who have not been adopted live out their lives with us, in loving foster homes where they receive the care– and the affection – they deserve.

Schnauzer Fun Day

If you’ve ever wanted to own a beautiful schnauzer quilt, a schnauzer serving tray, or an almost-life-sized toy schnauzer, join us on Sunday, October9th. Arizona Schnauzer Rescue will be hosting a Schnauzer Fun Day and Picnic. This outdoor event will be held in the acre fenced backyard at Dee Ann Simpson’s home, 5118 W. Monte Cristo Ave, Glendale AZ. The party starts at 2:00pm.

Our volunteers have been scouring the Internet for beautiful and unusual schnauzer-themed merchandise for a Schnauzer Raffle and Silent Auction. You will be able to preview the offerings on our Web site at

We are planning grooming, simple obedience, and agility demonstrations. All schnauzers and schnauzer mixes are welcome to enjoy the fun, food and festivities, including biscuit-eating and doggie costume contests.

We Have a Web Site!

Check out Arizona Schnauzer Rescue, Inc.’s new Web site at . It’s still a work in progress, but one day we hope to move our adoptions on-line, as well as offering you Schnauzer news, links to great Web sites, and the most important thing of all – photos of available dogs.

“The new Web site is just beautiful,” said Arizona Schnauzer director Gail Greeley. “We hope that it will allow us to more quickly match dogs with new homes, so they spend less time in rescue, and more time with their new families.”

Little Doggie Is a Star

Catch the September issue of Bark Magazine. Well-known Tucson writer Edie Jarolim visits the canine hotspots in Scottsdale and Sedona with Frankie, a small mixed-breed she adopted from Arizona Schnauzer Rescue last fall.

Etc. “If you think dogs can't count, try putting three dog biscuits in your pocket and then giving Fido only two of them.“ - Phil Pastoret

“If your dog is fat, you aren't getting enough exercise.” – Unknown

Continued from p. 1

“This was a wonderful event for us,” said Arizona Schnauzer Rescue director Gail Greeley. “We raised enough money to fund the first months of rescue in 2005. People had a great time. Plus the event helped educate people about the vital role rescue plays in saving dogs’ lives.”

Greta the Giant Greets Santa:

”And I want a rawhide bone and a squeaky toy and…”

Paws on the Patio raised $3,000 for Arizona Schnauzer Rescue, Inc. If you missed this fun event, we are doing PAWS ON THE PATIO with SANTA again on December 11th from 3:00 to 8:00 pm. Mark your calendars and plan to attend.

Mini. Schnauzer Fun Day/Picnic

October 9, 2005

2:00pm

5118 W. Monte Cristo Ave.
Glendale, AZ 85306

Fun, food, games, demos,
unique raffle and silent auction.

Save the date!

Look for details in August.

Buy a Dog a Bone –
or a Ticket to a New Life

As many of you know, our adoption fee only covers about half the cost of rescuing and rehabilitating an average schnauzer. Some dogs come to us adoption-ready, but many others need significant veterinary care and socialization. We thought you would be interested in seeing some of the things your generous -- and tax-deductible -- donations buy for the minis.

If you would care to help pay for any of the above, check out the coupon on the back of this newsletter.

About AZ Schnauzer Rescue, Inc.

We are a tax-deductible 501(c)3 charity, registered with the Internal Revenue Service and the Arizona Secretary of State’s office. We operate under the rescue rules of the American Miniature Schnauzer Club ( We also belong to CABRA, the Phoenix-based organization of purebred rescue groups, which establishes ethical standards for rescuers.

Under our previous name as Cactus State Miniature Schnauzer Rescue, we have been saving the lives of schnauzers/schnauzer mixes for twelve years. We cover Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada. We work closely with Giant Schnauzer Rescue and Standard Schnauzer Rescue to save the lives of our little guys’ bigger cousins. Last year we rescued 108 dogs. Find out more at:

Board Salutes Our Volunteers

We would never be able to save so many dogs’ lives without the help of volunteers. We are profoundly grateful to each of you.

Carole Malan, Senior Tax Manager of Beach, Fleischman & Co. CPAs (Tucson), without her expertise and her generosity, there would be no corporation or tax deductible charitable status.

Dr. Leo Martin, who has generously shared his expertise, his home, his time, and his checkbook with numerous rescue schnauzers over the years. (Phoenix)

Shari Robinson, for all the time, effort and good-heartedness she has put into fostering, grooming, traveling and her unbounded help with rescue. (Phoenix)

Christine Hands, for her unending help, always being ready to save a dog, for organizing our Paws on the Patio event, for recruiting family and friends into fostering. (Phoenix)

Rebecca Boren, for calmly taking on all the Tucson schnauzer rescues and doing a remarkable job with the newsletter. (Tucson)

Boni Galarneau, of Doberman Rescue of New Mexico, Inc., who has unselfishly saved many schnauzers and helped transport them to us. (Albuquerque)

Darlene Phoebe, for her weekly devotion to dog walking, yard policing, and grooming help. (Gilbert)

Tracy Streichert, for fostering the most difficult rescue schnauzers and working wonders with them. (Mesa)

Kindra and Mark Theismann, for being so generous and always saying yes to fostering. (Apache Junction)

Beverly Hesselschwerdt, for saving dogs from Westside Animal Care & Control on a moment’s notice. (Phoenix)

James Higginson, for creating and managing our great new Website at his own expense. (Tucson)

Larry Hudman, DVM, and Carol Lind DVM of Kennel Care Veterinary Hospital (Chandler) and their amazing staff – undying gratitude for years of generous, wonderful care of our schnauzers.

Havah Haskell, DVM and Randy Eberhard, DVM, Catalina Pet Hospital (Tucson) – many thanks.

Julia Newfeldt, DVM, Mobile Animal Hospital. – many thanks. (Phoenix)

Cactus State Miniature Schnauzer Club for its support and encouragement.

And finally special thanks to our network of wonderful foster parents and all the kind folks who have sent in a donation, small or large, to help with the expenses of rescue – we couldn’t do this without you!

Happy Endings - Elke
Continued from p. 1

When her late husband was in a nursing home, she had seen first hand the joy doggie visitors spread.

Therapy dogs have become a staple in hospitals, nursing homes, programs for disturbed children, and other medical settings where an adorable, non-threatening dog can elicit responses from people who have otherwise shut themselves off from the world.

Elizabeth contacted the non-profit Therapy Dogs, Incorporated in Cheyenne, Wyoming, to get Elke certified as a therapy dog. Now the little girl and her owner maintain a busy schedule of visiting local nursing homes, hospitals, and the nearby state hospital -- even a nursing home in Deming, New Mexico, 50miles away.

“She really excels in the mental health unit. She will not give up on anybody until they pat her,” Elizabeth said. “She always goes back to the person that won’t pet her and she stays there. And eventually they will pet her.”

Since Elke began her career, Elizabeth has also found a busy life coordinating a program that now has about a dozen dogs visiting local medical facilities. She says she owes it all to Elke. “I was just lost without a dog,” she recalls. “But I got Elke from Gail and I couldn’t have gotten a better one.”

For More Information

There are a number of organizations that certify therapy dogs. To qualify, a dog must be at least a year old and meet health and obedience criteria. For information about certification contact Elizabeth Bolling at 505-538-2459 or Therapy Dogs Incorporated, PO Box 5868, Cheyenne, WY 82003. EMail: . Website:

Newsletter 1

Bruno the Mighty by Walter Allen-Henderson*

My dog is black like ash from a volcano.

His fur is smooth like silk.

His eyes are brown like earth,

And big as turtle shells.

Vines grow over his eyes.

He peeks through, inspecting all his territory.

He drinks ten times as much as a camel the size of an elephant.

He has four teeth, like elephant tusks.

And his nose is fissured like a black-sanded desert.

He hobbles on one leg, because it is sore sometimes.

Surviving cancer is a feat he achieved like climbing Mount Everest.

His howl shatters mountains, and terrorizes all.

Yet the surprising thing is, he’s only one foot tall.

His tail is a single boulder on a great mountain,

Because it is so small.

* Many of you may remember a story in the last newsletter about Walter, 14, adopting Bruno, now 12 ½.

Arizona Schnauzer Rescue, Inc. Board of Directors:
Christine Hands, Gail and Dennis Greeley, Dr. Leo Martin,
Dee-Ann Simpson, and Sharon Robinson

YES! I want to help save more schnauzers! I will pay for:

• 40 pounds of dog food ($25)

• One month Valley Fever meds ($18)
• Valley Fever test ($50)
• Spay or neuter (Pima County $75)(Maricopa County $50)
• Teeth cleaning (hand scale) ($35)
• Teeth cleaning w/extractions ($450/$150)
• I want to pay the total cost to rescue a dog ($300)
• I wish to sponsor a diabetic dog ($30 -$50 per month)
• I want to make a donation, use it where needed most. ______

Please send your check or money order payable to Arizona Schnauzer Rescue, Inc. at
2173 W. Enfield Way, Chandler, AZ 85248-1760. For more information call (480)9174710 or visit our Web site at

Arizona Schnauzer Rescue, Inc. is a federally recognized, all volunteer, tax deductible charity. Every penny goes toward helping mini schnauzers and schnauzer mixes find new, loving homes.

Newsletter 1