BORN: April 13, 1982
PASSED: October, 1992
This little boy was the first Miniature Schnauzer to become bonded to me. It was a REAL learning experience for both of us. Even though there were times of frustration, I would not want to trade the memories for anything! This was my first "try" at becoming a surrogate Schnauzer Mom and I believe my first-born "Doggie Son" taught me very well. I learned quite a lot from this young man and he was and always will be the "apple of my eye." This doesn't mean I don't love my other two Schnauzer kids any less...it just means that "Sir Hanz" will always be my first-born and hold a special place separate in my heart.
I can remember the time when he woke me because he had to go "potty." I put my slippers and bathrobe on and proceeded to carry him down the steps to the outside. It was raining that spring evening or "early morning." I grabbed my umbrella and held the umbrella over him and me so we wouldn't get wet. I think back about times like this and I just laugh...it is so amazingly funny what we do for our kids when they are just "wee ones."
I remember one incident when I returned home from work and found most of my record albums (that was before the new technology of CDs) were out of their jackets and strewn about the living room floor. Many of the records had teeth marks on them. I guess Sir Hanz was trying to cut his own songs...hahaha!
Sir Hanz was then placed in the basement when I went to work so he could not get into any further mischief. However, he had a new wicker bed. The next day he had chewed all across the top of the wicker. "Little Stinker!" hahaha!!!
The "Sir Hanz" grew to be a most loveable and handsome Miniature Schnauzer dog. However, he was quite protective (as most Schnauzers are) of his home and beloved humans. He would warn if anyone was pulling into the driveway that he didn't know or if someone was standing outside the door who he didn't know.
Sir Hanz loved "Mickey D's" hamburgers. That was a "special" treat he would get every once in awhile. I used to like to tease him when I would bring him along to get the hamburgers. They would be in the paper sack and I would put them up front in this cubby hole of my vehicle. I would then say..."I'm gonna eat Sir Hanz' Mickey Ds" and shake the bag. He would do his "Growlaleeo thing" and make short barks. If I reached for the sack, he would grab ahold of my hand or wrist area with his teeth. He wouldn't really bite down or break skin...he was teasing right back with me...letting me know not to touch his burgers. It was comical to say the least. He probably would have bitten anyone else if they tried this, however, he knew I was only "teasing" with him. I didn't push my luck too far; however, because I knew better than to keep playing too much.
Sir Hanz was diagnosed in 1988 or 1989 with having diabetes. It first started out with him getting sick with pancreatitis a few months earlier. Then he started losing weight quickly and was drinking water constantly. Sir Hanz was taken to the veterinarian who ran some blood tests and the diagnosis proved to be diabetes. Diabetes is not rare to occur in some dog breeds. Miniature Schnauzers, small Terriers, Poodles, Cocker Spaniels and Dachschunds are some of the breeds susceptible to the disease. Sir Hanz had to be given insulin injections twice a day. At first, I didn't think I would be able to administer the injections. I soon learned the technique and adequately provided Sir Hanz with the insulin injections every morning and evening. This went on for about five years. He seemed to be adjusting to the injections favorably at first. Then he started to develop cateracts on his eyes. The vet advised this was due to not being able to regulate the administering of insulin in dogs..
As time progressed, Sir Hanz' vision grew worse. When he went outside, he would stay close to Miss Heidi Dee-Dee so she could guide him around the yard and lead him back up the steps to the house. It was quite sad to see my beloved "Sir Hanz Von" going through this horrible ordeal. My heart grew heavy as time passed and I wished there would have been an easier way to monitor and regulate his blood sugar level.
In 1990 or 1991, I had to go on a trip that required boarding Sir Hanz and Miss Heidi Dee-Dee. Because of Sir Hanz' diabetic condition, he could not be boarded at a regular kennel. So both dogs were boarded at my veternarian's. Upon returning home, I proceeded to pick up my dogs. The vet came out to greet me and informed me that Sir Hanz' diabetic condition was not good. He stated he wanted to keep Sir Hanz a few more days and run some tests on him.
(To Be Continued... Please click on link below for next page)
"Sir Hanz Von's" Story
