Dog Spelled Backwards Is… (Part 2)

Otto has come home to us!

Our family made the 3 ½ hour (one way) trip from Amherst, Ohio to Bluffton, Indiana yesterday and picked up our boy from the champion Standard Schnauzer breeder that I have been working with since February to arrange for this blessed day. I say blessed day because Otto coming home to us is an answer to prayer.

As I shared in an earlier article, I suffer from major depression and anxiety disorders; I wanted a dog for companionship since my 17 year old daughter will be going off to college next year and my 14 year old son is growing up as well. My wife, who did not grow up with animals, and who is a fastidious housekeeper was sympathetic to my need for a companion animal, but unsure how this new addition would jibe with her perfectionistic proclivities. As a consequence, I sought for, and received in abundance, Divine Intervention. My church family as well as my Gather.com friends prayed that my beloved would have a dramatic change of heart, and this is exactly what took place. With God, all things are possible.

I have been very impressed with the way our breeder conducts her Standard Schnauzer business. Otto was a well-socialized pup; having plenty exposure to other Standard, as well as Miniature Schnauzer puppies and adults. Our breeder boards as well as grooms Schnauzers, so at any given time there are 50-60 of these animals on her property.

This immediately conjures up images of canine chaos, but not so. Our friend runs an operation that would make Cesar Millan look like a piker by comparison. Each and every dog knows that she is the Alpha; her voice can immediately silence their cacophonous chorus of barking. They watch her every move and listen to her every word. She could have her own National Geographic show and call it "The Schnauzer Whisperer" for the way in which she interacts and communicates as the pack leader.

I think it is safe to say that ALL of us felt bad for Otto as we said our goodbyes yesterday. The breeder's husband made the comment that "this little guy has such a sweet disposition; he has become a part of the family already." While we were getting our final instructions, I spied him out of the corner of my eye pick Otto up to give him a hug and a kiss and whisper "Goodbye Otto." I immediately had a lump in my throat.

Next it was the breeder's turn; she held the little fellow in such a loving embrace, I could tell that breeding and raising Schnauzers was not just a business for this lady. It was something much more special. I looked on as she closed her eyes and held him close to her face and gave him her final kiss goodbye, whispering "Goodbye Otto." It was apparent that a part of her was going with this puppy; this was not unlike an "adoption."

I took our little boy in my arms as the breeder and my wife then exchanged hugs. For some reason, I was getting emotional. I heard them talk about meeting again someday if she was ever in the Cleveland area for a dog show. Oh how I wished this could happen! I would love to show off a grown-up Otto, mature, confident, and healthy, as a way to thank this wonderful lady for blessing my life with this bundle of love.

It was our turn to hug, and how I did not end up crying is still a mystery to me. I'm always emotional when it comes to these types of events. This was not just a big day for Otto; it was also a big day for our family.

For a little guy who was used to having his brothers and extended family at his beck and call, Otto has made a pretty smooth transition thus far.

For the first hour and a half he was anxious and fretful as he tried to nap. His breathing was labored and he could not find his "comfy spot." I felt sorry for him because he kept drooling on his blanket; he wanted to lay his face on it, but did not like lying on the wet spot, so I had to keep turning it over, which means he kept wetting the blanket. It took a while for the drooling to stop.

Otto had a mild case of the dry-heaves; after two episodes he brought up a small portion of his lunch, but after this he settled right down and slept the rest of the way.

He's had two meals so far today as well as a nice jaunt outside. Otto is developing his own idiosyncrasies; while I was typing an email to the breeder, he crawled behind me (I'm sitting on the den floor with the laptop on my lap) and slid half-way under the chair and slept with his butt sticking out! Right now, he is in his crate with his head resting in the doorway.

Way to make yourself at home, Baron Otto von Schnauzen!