Suffice it to say, I’m not a particularly spontaneous person.  So, in early June, when I went to judge the Puppy Parade that Jillian Plaster had put together as part of her Project Dog House fundraiser, benefitting the Animal Foundation, I figured “Hey.  I’ll go, I’ll judge, and I’ll have something fun to write about.”  It didn’t quite work out that way – but my life was changed, and I’m so happy it did.

So, I’m sitting there, at the judges’ table, chatting with Channel 8’s lovely Patranya Bhoolsuwan, and rating the dogs, and kind of ignoring the part about the four rescue-dogs, who were being auctioned-off.  Then, for some reason, I looked-up, and there, on the stage, was a volunteer holding-up this adorably scruffy charcoal grey four year-old female miniature schnauzer.

Now, I should tell you, that for more than a year I’d been talking about getting a second dog.  Sammy’s been living as an “only child” since we moved into our house, a half-dozen years ago; and he’s about to turn 12.  As such, I figured a younger dog would invigorate him and, at the same time, he’d be able to teach the new dog the ins-and-out of, well, getting in and out of the doggie doors, and where the best places to pee in the yard are, and where he stashes his toys, etc.  I knew I wanted another miniature schnauzer, and on the advice of my mother, was looking for a female (since they don’t feel obligated to mark their territory by peeing on everything).  Also, I didn’t want all the hassle of caring for a really young puppy.  I’d lucked-out with Sammy – he’s a Fisher Price dog: he eats only when he’s hungry, paws my leg when his water bowl is empty, and is just a particularly cool, mellow dog.

Anyhoo – here was a miniature schnauzer (check), and a female (check) to boot!  She was four (check), her name was Sophie (fabulous), and her ears were not docked, but were kept natural (bonus!).  Plus, she was this fashrivled little furball, and so adorable.  So, I waved the woman holding Sophie over to the judges’ table, and the second Sophie jumped into my arms, she had me.  I knew it, and she knew it.

So, I went, paid for my new doggie, and (while they were processing my AmEx) immediately called Cathy at Snooty Pets, who kindly squeezed Sophie into the busy Saturday schedule at Sammy’s go-to pet spa (he swears by their Blueberry Facial).  Upon arriving back at chez moi, Sophie ran up to Sammy.  They sniffed each other for about 30 seconds while walking around each other, then looked at each other, looked back at me, yelped, and took-off for the yard.  Instant buddies!

Now, Sophie is the queen of the castle.  Sammy puts up with a certain amount of her guff, but makes sure she knows who’s really the boss (it’s Sammy’s house; we just live here).  She’s sweet, and loving and a big cuddler (although she’s more peppy than Sammy, she’s still rather low-key for the breed).

Just so you know, I’m not one of those touchy-feely people who puts animals ahead of people in the evolutionary hierarchy.  I eat veal.  I wear fur.  I’ve eaten veal while wearing fur.  That said, sometimes you’ve really gotta wonder who the real animals are, because it’s just mind-boggling to me that this incredible creature was found alone, on the side of the road, with cars whizzing-by.  I guess the world really is going to the dogs!

Project Dog House
a benefit for the Animal Foundation
presented by The Dog House
Click HERE for info

Get into it!