A New Wenzler

We've made a new addition to the Wenzler Family! After a couple of years of talking non-stop about wanting a miniature schnauzer, Keith FINALLY got one today. A few weeks ago, we decided that the time was right and we filled out an application with a schnauzer rescue that serves most of the southeastern states. A couple days later, there was a phone interview and about a week and a half after that, we had someone come for a "home visit". Then, we were just waiting for a match.

The dog had a few criteria to meet. Keith wanted "a smaller, athletic dog that could jump in and out of the car, go on moderate hikes, and be a companion for our family". Keith's number one requirement was for a "handsome" male dog. This meant that he should have a docked tail and "natural" (un-clipped) ears that fell forward and not off to side all crazy ("bat ears"). Mini schnauzers come in a few different colors; traditional salt & pepper, black, and white. I have also heard of a rare chocolate mini schnauzer. Our preference was for a black or salt & pepper one. We also, obviously, needed a dog that would be good around small children, cats, and other dogs. 

So, we were waiting. For less than a week. *Some* of us were waiting more patiently than others of us. We got an email on Friday that there were a couple possible matches in Florida and Keith was ready all weekend to travel. I think he checked his phone every ten minutes to see if there was a new email.

Then, at 5:30 this morning, Keith saw an add in the paper.

SCHNAUZER MINATURE

male, 6 mos old, white,

house broke, very loving,

to loving home, $275 cash only

Hmmm... white?

I went back to bed and Keith waited all the way until 8:58 to call. The lady called him back a little before 10:00. She had a good answer to all of his questions. The number one question (I'm sure you have the question) was "why are you rehoming this dog?". Her answer was that she is ill and is having a difficult time caring for him. She thought it was not fair to the dog to keep him.

So, we drove up to meet him. About an hour and fifteen minutes away. I knew before we left that we weren't going home without this dog.

The lady brought him out and he was very shy. He hid behind Francis and seemed very timid. She assured us that he was usually quite active and interactive. He was obviously very bonded with his mama and I felt bad that we were taking him away from all he's ever known. We visited with the dog some more and asked a few more questions and made the deal. We were probably there for a total of 30 minutes.

I took a picture of his first house as we drove away.

Poor guy was pretty nervous at first.

He eventually settled in for the ride back home.

During the drive we settled on the name Whiskey. Keith had decided on a name for his mini schnauzer a while back, but it didn't seem to suit a white dog. I suggested Moonshine, but it seemed to maybe be a mouthful and since moonshine is a form of whiskey, we went with Whiskey. I guess "Moonshine" is his first name? lol.

Once home, Whiskey enjoyed exploring his new backyard.

He was still pretty timid. He wouldn't come to us and actually shied away when we approached him. If we managed to catch him, he was very content to snuggle in our laps. But then we'd put him down and it would be a chasing game again.

Later in the evening, after the kids were in bed, he took a nice little nap on my lap and then spent some time bounding around the living room and kitchen and actually came to us some.

I think, in a few weeks, he will be just fine!