Meet Tex, our new family member. (Pic)

[Maddy McCall]

Yesterday, after I went to the Gulf Coast and met merh, I ventured further east in the state's coastal region and adopted a schnauzer. My son has named him Tex, because the little guy was born in Texas, according to his former owner. He's the same age as Lucinda--2 1/2 years.

I was sad to see that, when I arrived at the place where I adopted Tex, he had been raised at a puppy mill. HIs owners no longer wanted him because he was "too big to breed for small mini schnauzers." Tex was locked in a kennel, and he hadn't been socialized or groomed in months, if not since he was "acquired" by his former owners.

The conditions at the puppy mill were appalling. There were at least six breeds of dogs, with at least 10 breeding females of each breed. There was dog feces all over the place. In the "whelping room," there were ten females with litters from newborn to five weeks old. The woman told me that she sells her puppies when they reach five weeks. I wish I knew who to call to have her shut down.

I took Tex home with us to save his life.

On the way home, I stopped at the 24 hour vet in Hattiesburg, MS, and had Tex checked for heartworms. He was HW neg. For that, I am happy.

Tex has lived all of his life in a cage. He had so many clumps of matted hair (matted with dead hair, urine, and fecal matter) on him that he weighed 17 lbs. before I groomed him. He only weighed 13 after I groomed him, and I groomed him from midnight last night, when we got home, until 6AM this morning. His hair was so matted around his penis that he could only drip when he peed. His back legs had begun to atrophy because the clumps of hair restricted the movement of his hind legs. He was underweight for his height.

I am happy to say that Tex is socializing well, is playing with Lucinda, my other schnauzer, and LOVES my son. He visited the firehouse with us tonight, and he really loved playing with the firefighters, and they all liked him, too. His photo below was made at the fire house. He gets along well with Luci AND the cats.

So, without further adieu, meet Tex--he's the guy on the right:



Question for those who know schnauzers: What would you call his coloring.

[Dave Reynolds]

1. Good job, and a cute dog.

The toothy frog is okay, too.:thumbsup:

[Maddy McCall]

28. I wish I had a frog like the toothy one.

I just have some red-bellied frogs. :D

[RevCheesehead]

2. He is beautiful!

Wow - what a day you had! Seeing Merh AND getting Tex! :7

[Maddy McCall]

3. It was an awesome day.

Merh is as fabulous as you can imagine. We had a nice chat. And, well, Tex just made my day. :D

[RevCheesehead]

4. Yes, she is!

She just called me about an hour ago. She keeps saying "baby steps," but she's really getting her life going!

What a wonderful thing you did for Tex. I'll bet he's already paying out doggie dividends in love.

[Tsiyu]

5. You're a very cool person

to think of the pup.

How is merh doing? I'll read the whole thread now in case you already answered that question....Duh

[Maddy McCall]

7. Honestly, I think she's doing fine.

She's probably the most resillient woman I've ever met. She's been through hell that I can't even imagine, and she's upbeat and optimistic that everything is going to be OK.

She has a FEMA trailer on her lot where her house was. We took her stuff that she needed...I think she liked the baked ham more than anything else! :D

I think that, because she's so tough, she's going to be OK. Not just anyone could go through what she's been through and have her attitude. She's a survivor.

[Tsiyu]

15. You're a good DU friend to look after merh

She has cheered me up and brought me so much inspiration in the past, I just know she is all you say.

Glad she is making some progress in the shelter department as well. It makes such a difference to sometimes have a private place to lay one's head. And ham. MMMMMMMMMM

Congrats on the new cute pup and for being there :toast:

[Maddy McCall]

17. When my car broke down in Texas, on the way to Camp Casey, merh...

looked after me. She is one of the most decent people I've ever known. A genuine, kind person.

Thanks for the congrats! :hug:

[SeattleGirl]

6. Dear dear Maddy

You have done two fabulous, beautiful things in one day -- visited merh (and brought her some goodies), and rescued this beautiful dog.

What a lovely soul you are.

:loveya:

[Maddy McCall]

8. Awww....you ain't so shabby yourself!

Hi, SG! :loveya:

[SeattleGirl]

9. Thanks MM

:hug:

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

10. Hugs to you. Mehr, the kid and Tex

I would call that charcoal, but what do i know about schnau's :shrug:

He's quite cute

[Maddy McCall]

12. Thanks for the hugs. Oh, by the way, you played a role in yesterday.

Funny thing happened in Slidell, as I was driving on I-12/I-10 across south Louisiana, on the way to merh's.

My cell phone beeped to let me know that I had received a text message. Well, it was like two text messages, from MisU and you, worried about me during the hurricane. The dates on them were, like, September 2. I replied to the message, or, rather, I had MMjr. reply, but, again, the phone went wonky, as our cell service has been since the storm(s).

So this is what I told MMjr to type:

"Hey. Just got y'all's text messages just now. You know I'm ok, but wanted to reply. Love you both."

Well, here's where the story gets funny. MMjr., who is only 11, asked me to whom he was texting. I told him "NSMA and MisU, my two friends on DU who are a couple." He asked, "Are they lesbians?" And I said, "Yes." and he asked me, "Are you telling them that you love them because you want them to think that you are a lesbian, too?"

LOL! I told him, "No, silly! They know I'm straight. They are a couple. I love them both as friends, not as girlfriends!" He shrugged and said, "Oh, OK."

You can ask merh--she met him yesterday. He's a funny kid, and minces no words. :-)

So, anyway, I thought you'd like to know that you and MisU were the topic of conversation on our drive over to merh's . :7

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

36. LOL...

Jr is too funny..we didn't get a text message from you so it may not have gone through

[Maddy McCall]

42. When MMjr. replied to the number that the text message came in through...

Well, the text message came from phone number 000-000-0000.

Don't know how that happened. I guess that somewhere traveling from tower to tower, the phone number got dropped to all zeros.

[merh]

40. Thanks for the hug, NSMA!

Now that you have spoken to both of us on the phone, which one of us has the cutest Southern accent? :shrug:

:hi:

[Maddy McCall]

43. LOL!

You nut! :D

[merh]

55. LOL

Takes one to know one!

:hug: :hug: :loveya:

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

59. I can't choose...they are both charming :)

[NMMNG]

11. I swear, people who abuse and/or neglect animals cheese me to no end!

I'm just so glad you saved Tex from those jagoffs. I have no doubt that he has the perfect home now. :-) Best wishes to you all!

[Maddy McCall]

13. Buffy, they piss me off, too.

I wish I knew how to shut them down--which avenues to go through. There is NO WAY anyone in an official capacity could visit that place and allow it to continue to operate.

Yes, Tex is extremely happy now. He's snuggled up with Luci by my feet as I type. :-)

[LynneSin]

29. Maddy, please call the local SPCA in the area of that puppy mill

Those dogs are suffering and someone needs to rescue them. I've watched enough Animal Police to know that the SPCA can come in there and take those dogs away. One episode of Animal Police on the Animal Channal did exactly that with a group of terriers that were living in horrible conditions just like you described - matted hair, caked up feces, it was horrible. You can also contact the local law enforcement - there may even be criminal charges filed.

So if you can, please try to do something to help the rest of those dogs. It's obvious this woman cares about nothing except the bottom line

[friesianrider]

14. Looks to me like a dark salt and pepper..

We have had two Schnauzers in my lifetime and they were both salt and pepper. I think there are only three colors, right? S&P, black, and white? My grandmother was (is) the most incredible human being I have ever known in my life (will be one year since her passing come November 24) and she adored Schnauzers. In fact, just under a month after my Mom-Mom passed away, her Schnauzer Kelsey passed away due to complications from cancer (My dear Mom-Mom passed 11/24 and Kelsey went to the Rainbow Bridge on 12/23). Schnauzers are awesome doggies - you're so lucky :) And, it seems, Tex is quite a lucky pup too to have found such a kind soul in you. Thank you for saving him :hug:

Anywho, I would definitely still call him S&P as the true black ones are very black. He's probably just a bit darker variety than your girl. Don't they both look smashing sitting there!?

[Maddy McCall]

16. Thank you, friesianrider.

Is silver a schnauzer color? I think lucinda is "silver." And I agree with you. He looks salt and pepper. He has the white patch on his chest. But the rest of him is that bluish charcoal color.

Tex is my third schnauzer. My first I had when I was 18 until I moved to Texas in 1991. He stayed with a friend until we were set up in our apartment and then I was to come back and get him. Three weeks after I arrived in Texas, my friend who was keeping him let him out and he was hit by a big-rig truck. :cry: He was my baby and I'll rue the day forever that I left him with a friend instead of taking him to Texas with me.

So sorry about your grandmother passing. My grandmother who passed away this past April was the most beautiful person I have ever known. It still hurts to think about it.

[friesianrider]

18. I think you're right!

I just checked the mini Schnauzer club's site, and here's what they say:

"The US breed standard recognizes 3 colors: Salt & Pepper, Solid Black, and Black & Silver. Whites and parti-colors are specifically disqualified. Salt & Pepper and Black & silver are bicolor patterns. In the Salt & Pepper, the eyebrows, beard and legs will be light gray or silver white. When stripped for the show ring, the body hair is banded in various shades of black, white, gray and tan. Black & Silvers follow essentially the same pattern as the Salt & Peppers except the top coat and undercoat color are solid black. The beard and legs tend to be more silver than white and the dark hair may extend farther down the legs. Solid Blacks are entirely black with a black undercoat, except they may have a small white patch on the chest. When the Salt & Peppers are machine clipped, the characteristic banded hairs disappear and they become a solid shade of gray, which can vary from a very light gray to dark slate gray. Some people will refer to dogs who have a very light gray undercoat as 'Silver', but they are 'officially' Salt & Pepper. As they age, many solid Blacks and Black & Silvers fade from black to gray. Salt & Peppers will often fade to lighter shades of gray."

So, it's too late for me to attempt to comprehend that (giggle), but he's of course either a S&P or a black & silver. Either way...wow! Such a gorgeous guy and looks like such a doll. He probably thinks he died and went to heaven living with such a gorgeous girl Schnauzer and in an actual home with people who treat him well! Again, you're a true gem for taking him in :)

And on a side note, I am so sorry to hear of your grandma passing, too. :hug: What is it about grandmas? They are always the most beautiful angels on Earth :)

[Maddy McCall]

19. No, I think you're right.

After reading that, I believe that they are both salt and peppers, with just different undercoat colorations. Wow, I learned something tonight. :D

My grandmother was the best listener and advice giver of anyone in my life. She was not judgmental...she truly loved me. I held her hand as she passed. I think of her everyday, and always will.

Hugs to you. :hug:

[Wapsie B]

20. Those are two very nice looking dogs.

Nice job!

[Maddy McCall]

21. They look like they were made for each other, don't they?

Thanks! :D

[Wapsie B]

24. Yes they certainly do!

Almost like they have been together for a long time. They look about as well groomed as show dogs.

:D

[Maddy McCall]

25. I began grooming Lucinda about a year ago...

I couldn't find a groomer who wouldn't groom a schnauzer like a poodle. I bought a cheap pair of clippers and studied the cut on the internet, and then started doing it myself.

Last night was the test. I had to cut Tex really short because of all of the clumps. But, in about two months, his long coat on his legs and his beard will grow out, and he'll look really schnauzery then. :D

[Wapsie B]

26. You did a superb job on both of them.

You've got a talent for it that's for sure.

And with this I bid you and Lucinda and Tex a fond goodnight Maddy.

:)

[Maddy McCall]

27. G'night, dear.

Sleep well.

[driver8]

22. Hugs for Maddy and Tex! He is a good looking dog and looks

very content in his new home!

[Maddy McCall]

23. He's very content. He's eating a piece of popcorn for the first time.

You should have seen him today when he tasted his first piece of ice. It was sooo funny!

[FLSurfer]

30. Awesome Maddy

So many people here qualify for hero status, in my eyes.
You have certainly shown the qualifications to join the club.
Thanks.

[Maddy McCall]

44. Ah, he was just a little guy who needed help.

Nothing heroic about that. If you would have seen him in the distress he was in, you would have taken him outta there, too.

:)

[Richardo]

31. Tex found a great family

:hug: to you, Maddy.

and :grouphug: from the minischnauzies at the Richardo's Lone Star Estate. :hi:

[Maddy McCall]

46. Aren't they the greatest little dogs?

Most loyal, loving breed I've ever been around. Smart little fellas, too, aren't they?

:hi: :hug:

[progmom]

32. oh maddy....

you are such a beautiful soul. :hug:

he looks like a wonderful dog. :)

[Maddy McCall]

48. Thanks! He is a great little guy.

Thanks! :pals:

[texas1928]

33. HMMM

Well I could ave sworn I was still in Texas.

BUT...

:shrug:

[Maddy McCall]

49. LOL

[Shell Beau]

34. What a wonderful thing you did!

You gave him a life he deserved. He is very very cute!

[Maddy McCall]

50. He hasn't quite figured out what a couch is.

He is really hesitant to get up on the couch. We have to pick him up and put him on it. He'll stay for a minute or two, and then back on the floor he goes.

He's already learned to do his business outside, after a couple of accidents inside.

All in all, we have a great little guy, and he has a family that loves him.

:hi:

[Misunderestimator]

35. He's beautiful!

Thanks for saving him... he's lucky to have you for a mom.

[Maddy McCall]

51. Hey!

Did you see my message above about the text message?

Would you send me another text message when you have a moment so that I can try again to reply to you?

:pals:

[Misunderestimator]

54. Oh cool! I just now read that.

And what a cute story.

I'll send you a txt message in a few minutes.

[mzteris]

37. call the SPCA on these people!!!

They sound guilty of animal cruelty - at the very least neglect.

[Maddy McCall]

52. Here's the strange part.

There was a cute little rat terrier mix on the grounds there. The woman said that it had just walked up after the hurricane and that she was going to call animal control to come out and get it.

OH HOW I PRAY THAT HER CALL BITES HER IN THE ASS. That little rat terrier just might end up shutting down her operation, if she indeed calls.

I am strongly considering calling. I'm doing research to find out just who to call over there. Still, Mississippi laws on animal cruelty are rather lax. Basically, the only way you can be charged is if you don't feed or water your animals. All of the dogs were fed and watered. It was just the conditions in which they wre kept that were despicable. At the most, she'll be charged with a misdemeanor.

A sad note. She had a white schnauzer in the same condition as Tex-had not been groomed in ages, had the same mats in his hair, and cowed down when you even walked toward him. His temperment concerned me, so I was afraid to bring him with me.

I am saving the hair that I cut off of Tex, just in case it is needed to make a case later. Believe me, the whole situation is occupying my mind all of the time.

[mzteris]

57. what's that show

where the "animal police" arrest people? Is it on Animal Planet or maybe Discovery Channel.......

Maybe they're interested in doing a show on dog rescues in that area and WHILE THEY"RE THERE - maybe they could investigate this horrible puppy mill. It's worth an email, maybe.


edit typos......

[Wcross]

38. Thanks for saving Tex!

I don't understand why people insist on buying "vanity" dogs. They are the ones that support puppy mill operators.
Buying a "special" dog may feed your ego but it also encourages the abuse of animals.
I am a confirmed "Mutt man" although if I found a pure breed dog in need I wouldn't hesitate to help.

[Maddy McCall]

53. I agree with you.

I have never bought a dog until I bought Lucinda. We had a scottie before Lucinda that we had also rescued, and she was hit on our driveway and killed.

My son was pining for a puppy and our neighbor had these schnauzer pups for sale, so we visited the pups not long after we lost our scottie. Well, my son was smitten by Lucinda, so she came home with us. I have no regrets about bringing her into our family.

I also have a rescue weimy. And now Tex.

People who want pedigree dogs usually don't realize that there are animal societies who recue pure-breds, and they, too, are readily available.

[merh]

39. Wow Maddy, he is gorgeous!

And he has found such a good home! You and Casey are angels, I agree with the poster above, you definitely qualify for hero status. You are a hero to me! :hug:

I love the ham and am listening to Louie Armstrong as I type this. Tuesday morning I woke to the coffee being ready (thanks to the cutest coffee pot with a timer I have ever seen ) and the dual alarm - alarm clock (how did you know I have trouble waking?) Your care package was wonderful, you thought of everything!

Both Tex and I are so lucky to have Maddy McCall in our lives. :hug: :loveya:

Hugs to you and MM,Jr.! :grouphug: :loveya:

[Maddy McCall]

41. Hey! What a sweet post!

So great to know that everything is helping you out. Hope your trailer is starting to feel a little bit like a home for you.

:hug: :loveya: :pals:

[merh]

56. Home Sweet Home!

Thanks to you and so many DUers who have sent me care packages and who have given me such support. :hug: :grouphug: :loveya:

[newsguyatl]

45. did u get before and after pics?

[Maddy McCall]

47. No, but I still have the garbage bag of fecal matted hair...

just in case I decide to talk to authorities about the condition he was in.

I know that this sounds crazy, but I was going to make a photo of him, but I didn't want to put him through the indignity of being photographed in that kind of condition.

The vet to whom I took him for the heartworm test said that he was in the worst condition that he'd seen a dog that he could remember. He quizzed me about where I got him. Wanted to know the town, the name of the owners, etc. I wonder if he planned to follow up. His vet office includes a no-kill shelter that takes in animals to find new homes for them. I am thinking that he may be planning to attend to it. I told him about the puppy mill and the conditions there.

[bigwillq]

58. Aww...what a cute doggie!

:)

[jus_the_facts]

60. What a good lookin' couple....

....feels good bein' a life saver doesn't it! Congratulations!! :hi:

[flamingyouth]

61. Oh he is gorgeous!!!

Lucinda looks a lot like Heidi, Fenris's family's Schnauzer. :)

Cute pooches! :hi: