PART 3 Considering buying a Miniature Schnauzer dog? Here's why you should.

PART 3
...of my Schnauzer dog blog post series. If you have not yet read parts one or two of my series, here are the links to them.

For part 1: http://mysteriousrosegabs.blogspot.com/2015/02/considering-buying-miniature-schnauzer.html

For part 2: http://mysteriousrosegabs.blogspot.com/2015/02/considering-buying-miniature-schnauzer_2.html

LOYALTY & HOME SECURITY
Schnauzers are very loyal. They develop an immense and deep attachment to the family they reside with. There's always at least one person in the home, however, that the Schnauzer is more deeply connected to than everyone else. But they love all of their family just the same! They will stick by your side no matter what. They can also tell when you are sick and seem to want to cuddle with you more during those times. Many times, they can sense when a woman is pregnant (even very early on), and they tend to lay their head on her belly and sniff around like they smell something you cannot see. Due to the general loveable and friendly nature of Schnauzers, your home owners insurance will not be affected by owning one as they are rarely known for harming someone, even when provoked, they usually deal with it unless they can sense real danger.

Which is why they are great guard dogs. They will not attack someone simply for being on your property. They will always bark and let you know someone is approaching your home. They can sense a person pulling up in your driveway, before that person is even out of their car. So you'll always know when someone is on your property, whether you know this person or not, but Schnauzers will not attack for no reason. However, if they do sense that you are in real danger, they will go into defense mode and will bite the person or animal that is potentially harming you if they feel it is necessary for them to keep you safe.

DIGESTIVE SYSTEM ISSUES
Some dogs are more prone to heart problems like pugs and bulldogs (due to being overweight), other dogs are prone to osteoporosis and arthritis like bloodhounds and beagles. Schnauzers generally do not have major health concerns however, one thing I will warn you about and it is crucial to know this to ensure the survival of your Schnauzer! Do not ignore what I am about to tell you. Schnauzers have VERY sensitive digestive systems. Their bodies absolutely cannot tolerate mass amounts of table food like other dogs can. It's okay to give them a tiny piece of chicken or turkey or ham on occasion but do not feed them table food every day. Even if they bum and give you that sad pathetic puppy face, ignore it.

One of my relatives, who is also a Schnauzer lover, ignored the veterinarian's warnings to stop feeding her dog so much table food. Long story short, she didn't stop. Her dog could not handle it and as a result, he suffered from a stroke and became paralyzed. He had to be put to sleep. It may seem harmless, but this is no joke. Schnauzers can die from overconsumption of table food. I have worked in a Vet clinic, I have witnessed this happen more than once. If you want to treat your dog to something different and special on occasion, here are a few foods that Schnauzers CAN tolerate (but still use moderation). Cooked Eggs (they LOVE eggs), potatoes (odd but true, most of them love potatoes too), half of a homemade biscuit with no more than 2 tablespoons of homemade gravy (a few times a year on holidays is okay). The gravy you make from scratch, do not feed them canned gravy or made from packets gravy, they contain too many sodium preservatives which they cannot handle. Do not feed your Schnauzer bacon, pork chops, fatty meats, and raw/under-cooked meats! An occasional small piece of cooked hamburger, is okay.

SKIN ISSUES
Schnauzers are prone to getting dry skin, which makes them itchy, and causes more dander if left untreated. If your dog gets a cut or scrape, treat it with antibiotic ointment right away because the dry nature of their skin can make small cuts get infected very easily. No need to buy expensive ointments or creams from a Vet clinic or pet store. Those are a scam anyway. They have the exact same ingredients as human anti-biotic ointment creams, so go to the dollar tree and buy a tube of their brand for $1.00. It's safe for your dog and works just as good as the kind you get from the Vet, but the vet will charge you $14.95 for the same thing! To avoid dry skin issues in general, bathe your Schnauzer at least once every 2 months. Once or twice a month is best. The moisturizers in the shampoo, will help him retain moisture in his skin.

Another tip: Don't buy dog shampoo! You're over paying. It's another gimmick, a way for pet supply companies to make millions of dollars when in fact, human shampoo is just as safe for your dog (any dog, not just Schnauzers), it costs less money, lasts longer than the small dog shampoo bottles, and your dog will smell a lot cleaner. The clean smell, will also last for a few months. With dog shampoo, the clean smell wears off in a few days. It's designed to wear off quickly, so you'll use more shampoo at a faster rate, and have to buy more dog shampoo. You just assume your dog stinks again already, because he's a dog. No, I'm telling you, the dog shampoo is designed to wear off fast. Try using Herbal Essences or even cheap Suave or White Rain on your dog for the next few baths and see how much better it does!

Thanks for reading PART 3 of my Schnauzer dog blog post series! I hope you found my series to be helpful, informative, and fun to read.

PART 2 Considering buying a Miniature Schnauzer dog? Here's why you should.

PART 2
...of my Schnauzer dog post series. If you have not yet read PART 1, here is the link for it.
http://mysteriousrosegabs.blogspot.com/2015/02/considering-buying-miniature-schnauzer.html

TRAINABILITY & INTELLIGENCE
All Schnauzers are extremely smart dogs! They are in no way, stupid. They are incredibly easy to potty train (also called housebreaking your dog). I will make another blog post soon for first time dog owners, on how to potty train your dog effectively and quickly with little to no accidents and I will address the number 1 potty training mistake that 70% of new and existing dog owners make, those of you that wonder why your dog just will not stop peeing indoors despite constant efforts to train him. But Schnauzers, if you know how to train them the right way, it literally only takes them 4-12 days to be fully house trained and know that going pee-pee on the carpet is bad. Now, when they're a baby, one or two accidents can be expected. They are just like human babies, they don't know any better yet and if you ignore the signs that your dog needs to go outside, puppies cannot hold it in like mature dogs can. Their bladders are tiny. They also don't know how to "tell" you they need to go out like older and already trained dogs can so, you have to work with them and learn their body language to effectively interpret their way of communicating with you.

As for other training efforts and tricks, Schnauzers are well disciplined and will mind you 98% of the time. Occasionally, they do get a "I don't care what you say" attitude but with a little verbal scolding they are quickly reminded that YOU are the boss. Because they pay so much attention to verbal commands and they have excellent memories, it's not very hard to teach them how to give you their paw, how to sit, lie down, stop and stay, roll over, get in your cage. With repetitious teaching, they can learn these tricks within a few days to a few weeks. Beyond that, a really well trained Schnauzer can learn many more tricks just for fun. My dog knows how to play dead when I point a toy squirt gun at him. When I pull out the dog treats I say "where you supposed to be to get a treat?" and he goes straight to his pillow and waits on me to walk over there. I also taught him to shake the snow off his back and paws when I sing the Taylor Swift song "Shake It Off". That trick was actually a piece of cake, he caught on after 2 attempts. I will make another post in the future to teach you how to train your dog to do that trick as well.

PLAYFULNESS
Schnauzers LOVE to play. They have a ton of energy. When they are babies they are a bit hyper but not annoying hyper, it's actually really cute to watch. As they age, this tones down on its own a bit, and after you get your dog neutered or spayed, they really calm down. But a bit of advice, like I said, they love to play and they love affection. So if you are a work-a-holic or everyone in your home works and is gone most of the time, don't get a Schnauzer. They need lots of attention and lovins!

They also like to chew. As a puppy, you will probably have to take a shoe or one of your child's stuffed animals away from them on occasion but once they are taught that shoes, your kids toys, clothing, etc. are off limits, that won't be an issue, but they still like to play. Do yourself and your dog a favor, buy him a rope toy, a squeaky rubber toy, and as an occasional treat a plush toy. Allowing them to burn off some of their energy by rolling around with and chewing on their own toys, keeps them from having too much bottled up energy. Also, they eventually learn which toys are THEIR toys, just for them to play with. Eventually, they will only touch just their toys and will not try to steal your children's stuffed animals or chew on household objects. They need their own toys for multiple reasons.

GROOMING & HAIR
The absolute best thing about a Schnauzer (whether a short haired miniature breed or a long haired full size breed)? They do not shed fur, not one single ounce! You'll be amazed. No matter what kind of pillow or blankets they sleep on, when it's time to wash their bedding you won't find a single hair anywhere. Which is good news for your washing machine and any allergy sufferers in your home. They are really good dogs to own if you or your children have allergies. Many people have horrible dog allergies but honestly, I've have had dozens of people in my home with really bad dog allergies and they are shocked that they pet my Schnauzer and do not sneeze one time, no watery or red eyes, no stopped up nose. Why is this? Schnauzers produce little to no dog dander, which is what is mainly responsible for triggering allergic responses in certain people.

As for grooming. Their hair grows pretty quickly. Shave it all off and it's long n curly again within 4-6 months but with the soft texture of their hair, it can be shaved off really easy, it never gets rough and matted, and it never tats unless they get wet food in their beard and it dries in their beard. But grooming is easy for these dogs. I will also make a video the next time I groom my dog, and show you how to trim or shave your Schnauzer's hair at home without hurting him and to save you from making costly trips to a professional groomer. If you've ever trimmed or shaved a human male's head, you can groom a Schnauzer.

Thank you for reading PART 2 of my Schnauzer dog blog post series.
Here is the link to PART 3: http://mysteriousrosegabs.blogspot.com/2015/02/part-3-considering-buying-miniature.html

PART 1 Considering buying a Miniature Schnauzer dog? Here's why you should.

PART 1- INTRODUCTION
If you're in the market for a new puppy and the Schnauzer breed is one you have considered as a possible choice, this blog post is here to help you! I am going to tell you several reasons why Schnauzers make great pets. I love animals! LOVE them. Over the years I have adopted many stray dogs and cats that people have shamelessly dropped off in my yard like a piece of trash. I cannot refuse a homeless animal. I have to feed them and show them that not all humans are cruel or abusive so if they stick around after that, they are mine to keep.

I have owned several pure bred dogs and cats as well. One breed, that I cannot stay away from, is the miniature Schnauzer. I keep them until they pass away from natural causes such as old age. I have owned 7 of them. I used to buy them in pairs of two but I've had to give a few away because I was moving to a place that did not allow dogs, period. Out of the 7 Schnauzers I have owned, their personalities really aren't that much different. But here's why buying a miniature or full size Schnauzer will be the best dog buying decision you'll ever make!

My baby boy. I call him Bubby Shay!

COST & FINDING A SCHNAUZER
Schnauzers cost anywhere from $800 to $1,000 in a pet store. Not necessary at all. The dogs in pet stores were bred in puppy farms, in abusive and neglectful conditions. Why do you think every puppy in a pet store is so eager to get your attention? TAKE ME HOME, PLEASE! Research "puppy mills" on Google. You'll be disgusted by what you read. To find a Schnauzer, look in the classifieds for your local newspapers and local trade n sell papers. If no one has a listing for them within a decent amount of time, place an ad in the paper that you are looking to buy one from a reputable no-cruelty breeder that is AKC compliant. Someone will respond.

AKC means that the dogs have been registered with the American Kennel Club and have been evaluated by a member of that club and certified to be a 100% pure blooded Schnauzer breed. AKC registered dogs also come with birth certificates and official ownership papers for you in case someone ever tries to steal your dog or claim it is their dog, those papers will prove otherwise. A reputable breeder will only charge you $250 to $400 max for a miniature Schnauzer, and they are much healthier than the puppy mill bred dogs.

PERSONALITY & DEMEANOR
Schnauzers are by far one of the most lovable and sweet dog breeds on the planet. Not just saying this because I own one. I've owned several breeds in my life so I am going by my personal experiences with them, but also what I've heard from other Schnauzer owners I've surveyed. I have yet to meet a Schnauzer that does not like to be held, cuddled, hugged, pet. And belly rubbins? Oh my, how they LOVE getting their belly rubbed! If you sit on the floor at their eye level, they'll come running up to you and roll over right in your lap and they will stay there until you make them move. They could literally cuddle with you all day.

I have kids, is a miniature Schnauzer still a good choice for my family? Yes. My daughter, as well as my other relative's children have pestered the snot out of my last few Schnauzers. Not intentionally, but you know how toddlers can be. They pet too rough, they pull tails and ears, because they don't know any better. Not once, have I ever had a Schnauzer snap or growl at one of those kids. A friend can come over and her child, whom my dog has never met, can be pesty as hell but what does my dog do? He sits there and takes it, looking at me the whole time like what the heck is this little girl doing to me? HELP. (See photo below, you'll understand what I mean. My daughter wrapped him up.)

JEALOUSY & SIBLING RIVALRY
As for jealousy issues. Two things to remember. These dogs never snap or growl when jealousy strikes them but if you give birth to a baby and your Schnauzer is used to being your #1 up until that point in your life, don't ignore your dog. They don't get mad when a new baby comes, they get worried. They feel like you don't love them anymore because they see how much attention everyone gives that new baby. They will whine and cry for your affection when this happens, literally dancing around with the nervous jitters because they think they are being replaced. If possible, while you are holding or playing with your new baby, have your partner, mother, sister, etc. pet the dog to reassure him that he is still wanted and well loved, but the baby needs you too. When he sees that even though the baby takes up most of your time now, but you still make time to be with him, he'll eventually stop crying when you hold the new baby.

As for having other dogs. If your Schnauzer is the first dog you bought and decide to buy a 2nd dog, Schnauzers are not usually snappy or mean to the other dog but just like I mentioned above with the new baby thing, they need to be reassured that this new dog is NOT their replacement, but their new brother or sister to play with. Whenever I even talk to another dog "Oh, look at the pretty little boy!" My Schnauzer whines like the world is ending, jumps up on my leg, and rubs his cheeks on my pants because he is terrified of being replaced. So jealousy for them is not an issue of fighting for pecking order or status, or trying to scare the other animal away, it's all about making sure you still love them.

Thanks for reading PART 1 of my Schnauzer blog post series.
Here is the link to PART 2: http://mysteriousrosegabs.blogspot.com/2015/02/considering-buying-miniature-schnauzer_2.html

Little Boy Kills 3 Week Old Puppy With Baseball Bat

The other day I stumbled upon a Facebook post where another user had shared a video they found. Like me, this user was disgusted, angry, shocked, and saddened by what they saw. I sat in front of my computer, sobbing my eyes out, while observing a young middle eastern boy that couldn't have been more than 9 years old horribly abuse a puppy.

This was a tiny puppy around 3 weeks old, not even weaned from its mother and this little boy was throwing it up into the air like a piece of trash and hitting it with a baseball bat. He was making a game out of harming this poor baby while 2 other little boys, his friends, watched from the sidelines and cheered (YES, cheered) him on! He was pointing and laughing at the puppy and got great joy each time the dog yelped in pain.

It killed my spirit to watch that video. I cried so hard my shirt was soaked but I just had to see how far that little boy would go for his own cruel entertainment purposes. Sadly, I watched in horror as the puppy took its last breath, suffering, bleeding, and in severe pain from broken ribs. I sat in silence for a few minutes, crying to myself, mourning for that poor little baby those evil little boys murdered. Yes, it is still murder in my eyes even though a human life was not at risk!

The sadness that video brought me never disappeared, in fact, I'm still mourning for that puppy now as I'm writing this. However, the sadness was pushed to the back of mind for a little while and that sadness turned to anger which turned to rage and hatred for that horrible little boy. I know, he's only a child. NO excuse!!!! He was old enough to know better and if he can harm a defenseless and sweet dog, I can guarantee he'll be a suicide bomber by the age of 15. After all, he was a middle eastern boy. I'm not racist but, those people seem to take delight in harming other people and animals, even themselves if they know that killing themselves will take out dozens or hundreds of other "unwanted" people in the process.

Anyway, that video made me want to become even more active when it comes to animal rights and protecting them from harm. I'm not a vegan tree-hugging nut, but I do love animals with an extreme passion (except for snakes...ugh!). I would never kill an animal for fun or even for sport (like deer hunting). When it's time to take one of our black Angus cows to the butcher every few years, I cannot look at the cow at all in the few weeks prior to his uh....consumption. I know what I'm eating when I have a cheeseburger, but I'd rather not see the process or think about it.

My point, is that we can all make a difference in our precious fur babies' lives. Make sure your kids, grandkids, etc. know that animal cruelty is wrong. If you see it happening anywhere and you can stop it without putting your own life in danger, by all means, PLEASE step in. Animals can't speak out against violence, we humans have to step in and be their advocates. I refuse to share that video with you on my blog. I cannot bear to see that again!

Wire Wrapped Beaded Handmade Rings

Looking for a unique and unusual yet beautiful ring? Introducing my new 2015 Collection of handmade rings. They are all OOAK (one of a kind) and perfect for picky female gift recipients.

CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE PICS OR PURCHASE A RING 

Each ring is hand crafted with wire in a select color (navy blue, aqua, maroon red, purple, etc.). I hardly ever use plain silver or gold wire. All beads added to these rings are quality materials such as Glass Lampwork, Pearls, Swarovski crystals, Cat's Eye, Semi-Precious Gemstones, and Fire Polished Crystals with Aurora Borealis finishes. I never use cheap plastic beads!

These little jewels are made with lots of love and I pay extra close attention to detail. The bands are made of double layers of wire for extra durability. Most other crafters make their rings with just one layer of wire, or they use stretchy elastic cord instead. I do make rings with stretch cording on occasion to offer a bigger variety of available pieces.

Take a look at what I have added to my 2015 Collection so far! More will be added every few days. Getting ready to list my Swarovski Crystal flower rings as well. Prices start at $8.99 for wire rings and $6.49 for beaded stretch rings. Very reasonable prices! Thanks for looking.

Beautiful Beads for Jewelry Making DIY Projects

If you're like me, you love to do anything crafty! I engage in a little bit of every kind of artsy fartsy thing there is except knitting and crochet. Yes, I can knit and crochet, I just choose not to because I don't have the patience for it. One my favorite crafts has always been jewelry making and bead art, like decking out boring old lamp shades, purses, backpacks, etc. with funky and flashy beads! Since I love beading so much I just had to sell beading supplies in my online gift shop. Take a look, I put together hand selected variety packs too that are exclusive to my store. Not available anywhere else! You can click on any photo to view that items listing in my web shop.

Purple, Navy, Gold AB2X Luster Fire Polished Crystals, Sold Per Pack of 2 Dozen

 

Variety Pack: Goldstone Gemstone, Wood Décor, Pearls, Glass Lampwork etc.

 

Variety Pack: Assorted Glass, Moonstone, Pearls, Fimo Clay, Cats Eye, Swarovski etc.

 

♥Hope you enjoyed reading todays blog! Check back soon for new entries and come visit my online shop www.themysteriousrose.ecrater.com ♥ XOXO~ Lots of Love, Kaye

Giving Back to the Community!

The holidays are not solely about getting gifts. Although we should try to help others as much as we can all year long, this is the time of year to really reflect on the good you have done in the past 12 months and the good deeds you hope to accomplish in the coming year. Because of my husband's caring spirit, this year 3 kids whose parents are suffering financially will get to have a good Christmas.

We are going toy shopping on Monday and will be donating the toys to that family so Santa can come visit them this year. If you are able to, help someone out this holiday season. Purchase a toy for a kid in need, donate your old jacket to a local coat drive, or even fix a few plates of food on Christmas for a shut-in or elderly neighbor. It's the small things that count the most!