THE HANSEL LEE -- OCTOBER 2005
When I first came to live with my mom, I was about 7-8 weeks old. I almost didn't get to go with my mom. When she got to the place where I was originally born, somewhere between Lansing and St. Johns, MI, there was another couple who arrived at my birthplace first to view my brother and me. This couple was ready to take both my brother and myself. At this time, I cannot recall my brother's name or where he resides. We also had another brother. He didn't make it though...he died at birth. He is now at Rainbows Bridge. My real "Doggie Mom" almost died giving birth to him. We were all really large pups, you see. My "Doggie Mom" was a little lady, from what my Mom Marie has told me. My real "Doggie Dad" was a hefty, stocky male Miniature Schnauzer and I guess I take after him (WOOF!).
My AKC (American Kennel Club) papers state that I am a Miniature Schnauzer; although people have commented that I appear to be the size and weight of a Standard Schnauzer.
Well, back to my story... Mom Marie walked in where I was at and started playing with me. She was informed that this other couple wanted to take both me and my brother. Mom then got a really sorrowful look on her face...almost in tears. The other couple said they needed to talk, so they went outside. When they came back in, they advised they had agreed they would only take my brother, if my Mom Marie wanted to have me. My mom was so elated; almost squealing with delight...she was so happy! She picked me up and started hugging and kissing me. That's how I, "The Hansel Lee," came to be a part of my mom's life. THANK YOU, GOD, FOR YOUR DIVINE PLAN! (WOOF!)
I was soon introduced to my older half-sister, "Heidi Dee-Dee," who was in the car waiting for my mom's return. When she saw me cradled in my mom's arms, wrapped in a soft blanket, she started sniffing me. She wasn't too sure who this "Little Guy" was at first. My mom began talking to Heidi Dee-Dee, explaining to her this was her new "Little Brother," and she would have to be nice and supportive. It took only a short while to win Heidi Dee-Dee's heart...she became the protective Big Sister. However, she was very adamant at showing me her boundaries and what she would tolerate from me. We soon became great comrades and buddies for life.
I ascertained from the beginning I could wrap myself around my mom's finger...or should I say I could wrap my mom around my paw (WOOF! WOOF!). It began when I kept on whining that first night from my little puppy bed that was placed by my mom's bed. Bless her heart, my mom tried with all her might to console me. She even placed a wind-up alarm clock wrapped in a soft towel by my side; hoping that it would make me think this was my own Doggie Mom's heart beating. DUH...I might have only been an infant dog, however, I could tell this wasn't a warm, breathing body next to me. So I kept on whining and fussing. Finally, my mom picked me up out of my puppy bed and tucked me under the covers of her bed, laying me close to her side. Awwww...this was heaven...I had her "hooked for life" (WOOF! WOOF!).
I then woke her up around 4:30 a.m. as I was hungry and wanted to eat (WOOF!). I don't think she appreciated being awakened so early; however, she complied to my wishes. I required as a puppy both can and dry food with some evaporated condensed sweet milk added in. This concoction had to be warmed for my delicate tummy at this time. Another "hook" for life...(WOOF! WOOF!).
Now my mom feeds me the best for my age. I get both can (wet) and dry food for "Senior Dogs" that come in either chicken, beef or turkey flavors. Of course, I also am provided with a variety of "special treats" too. (WOOF!)
During the summer, my mom takes me on leash to this pet store where I can walk inside with her and check out all the delicious aromas of a variety of treats that are in open bins. The smells are out of this world. There are so many different kinds of treats to see and smell too (WOOF! WOOF!).
I have a really KEWL life as a Schnauzer dog (as you probably can tell by now). I get treated quite well...almost like a king; however, I will settle for "prince" (WOOF!). My mom says I'm a "Spoiled Brat-Baby-Boy." I know she is teasing by the way she says it. My mom has all kinds of "pet" names for me too...some I like and some I ignore. The best one, so far is, "Flop-eared Rabbit-Boy-Dog." Sounds a bit silly; however, that's my mom! She is very compassionate, sensitive and devoted to me. I know she loves me and I do her too. We're quite a team...she and I (WOOF! WOOF!).
I now have full-run of the house and no longer have to be locked up in my crate, except when small kids appear on the scene. I'm not too sure of them and what they might do to me. My mom does it to protect not only the little children, but me too. I get to sleep on the living room furniture and I have my very own afghan and blanket...can you imagine that? KEWL DUDE THAT I AM (WOOF!). NO STRAW AND DOGHOUSE FOR THIS CANINE BUDDY BOY...ONLY THE BEST CREATURE COMFORTS...AGAIN, THANK YOU, GOD!!
During the winter months, my mom snuggles me in my afghan or blankey...WOOF! I don't like it too much when my mom insists that I wear my doggie sweater when it is really frigid outside. Although I am glad to be wearing it on zero or minus degree temps in Michigan.
During the summer months, I get to sleep on my mom's bed underneath the overhead fan or if the A/C is on that's even better! Is this a Dog's Life or what? I think it is "Doggie Heaven" personally. I love being pampered (WOOF! WOOF!).
I love to go walking in the spring, summer and early fall at a local park, where there are so many intriguing sights, sounds and smells. My mom sometimes lets me off leash when there aren't too many people and/or dogs nearby, so I can run and jump for fun and exercise. We also do some dog obedience exercises too. I love this time spent with my mom...it is such a special bonding time for both of us.
When I first came to live with my mom, I was the third (3rd) Miniature Schnauzer to be a part of her family. I was told I have a brother named "Sir Hanz Von," who passed away in 1992 due to Diabetes...yes, unfortunately, we dogs can be susceptible to this disease as well as humans. Upon viewing pictures of "Sir Hanz," he was a most handsome Dude too! He had a shimmering silver coat and huge black button eyes. I would have loved to have known him personally. I will some day meet him at the Rainbows Bridge. He and Heidi Dee-Dee are there waiting for me.
My sister, Heidi Dee-Dee, passed over to Rainbows Bridge in February 2001. She was 13 years young at the time. She had been having mini-strokes for quite awhile before she had a severe stroke one morning that left her quite paralyzed on one side. My mom was terribly grieved upon the loss of her beloved "Doggie Daughter." Mom said Heidi Dee-Dee is with my Grammy, who I never got to meet either. Grammy passed away in August 1993 and I wasn't yet born until November of that year. I will meet Grammy someday too. Grammy and Heidi Dee-Dee developed a close personal bond. When we lived nextdoor to Grammy, Heidi Dee-Dee would make a mad dash over to Grammy's house and bark and scratch on her door for Grammy to let her in. I sure do miss my "Big Sis" very much. She will always be a big part of me and someday I will see her too and we will, once again, be reunited permanently in love(WOOF! WOOF! WOOF!)
I sure hope you have enjoyed reading my story of how I, "Hansel Leedo," came to be united in love with my mom. It has truly been a delight in preparing this documentary for whomever reads it. Please do keep checking back to this website for current information and stories. You never know...there may be additional excerpts about the lives of others who have touched my mom's heart and how my mom has touched their hearts too.
RUFF-ARF-WOOF... "The Hansel Lee-Leedo"
P.S. -- As of May 27, 2005, I have a new daddy and a new home on a lake. I sure love it here and my new daddy too. He gives me special treats and I know how to put my paw on him too! I will write more later on another page about my new life now...so check back often.
THE HANSEL LEE -- OCTOBER 2005
