Last year Tom Ryan published a fabulous book called "Following Atticus" about his remarkable adventures hiking in the White Mountains of New Hampshire with his miniature schnauzer, Atticus M. Finch. If you grew up Irish Catholic in the Boston area, have ever been owned by a miniature schnauzer, or have spent any time at all "peak bagging" in the Whites, I highly recommend the book. Even if you haven't I highly recommend this book.
Last fall I attended one of Tom's book signings and had the chance to speak with him for a bit. I also follow his blog and his Facebook page and we occasionally exchange messages. A few weeks ago I became aware of an elderly miniature schnauzer in need of rescue in New Jersey. His name was Will and at age fifteen the poor guy had been dumped in a kill shelter because his family could no longer care for him. My heart broke. Although I am no longer able, for many years I used to volunteer with schnauzer rescue groups. I understand that circumstances sometimes get out of control for people but I absolutely hate to see old dogs end up in rescue. Hate it!
Anyway, another friend from my old rescue days saw the story on my Facebook wall and decided to repost it to the Following Atticus page thinking that with over 6000 followers maybe someone would want to adopt Will and give him the opportunity to out live whatever time he had left in a loving home. Never did we expect the adoptive home would be with Tom and Atticus! Tom is a gifted writer. After reading his blog post this morning I just had to share. Follow the link below to Tom's blog and read about his new adventures following Atticus and now Will.
The Adventures of Tom & Atticus: Following Will: William two weeks ago. Two weeks ago I was in Eastern Mountain Sports looking at child-carrying backpacks. You see, Atticus and I wer...
Sue!!! I love your blog!
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading it!
DeleteSue, I just saw this now and I love the photo you chose. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you heard about William and jumping up and down for joy that Tom and Atticus brought him home! I have had 16 miniature schnauzers in my life, most of which are rescued dogs. I have 5 at the moment, having lost a couple in the past 6 mos. My oldest is over 15 and battling kidney failure, but hanging in there. I have two that are 12-13 and 1 that is 2 and the other 5. It's tough to have the old seniors and watch them grow old, sometimes too quickly, but these schnauzers have a place in my heart that won't ever leave. I love your blog and am so glad I found the book, Following Atticus. I keep tabs on the wonderful story and hope someday, I too could meet them. By the way, I was born in Derby, CT a long time ago.
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading and commenting. Five is alot of schnauzers to have at once. It sounds like you take excellent care of them. I've had three since 1992. So far Nick has been the longest lived. I'm thankful for everyday he's healthy at this age.
DeleteSue,
ReplyDeletethanks to tom I now know about your Blog. being a flower and Dog lover i think it will be the the medicine I need. have a wondrous day.
Katy
Hi Katy-Thanks for reading my blog. Gardens and dogs complement each other quite well I think!
DeleteBefore moving to Colorado I had a small cut flower gardening business in Vermont. I grew all my flowers and then sold bouquets at a little farm stand. The name was "Happy Dog Flower Farm", I do miss it! My Happy dog passed this February, after a gallant year long battle with cancer. Time to start it all over!
DeleteSue, so pleased to have been introduced to your blog via Following Atticus. I reviewed some of your topics & was led to read Happy Birthday to my Main Man! Please see my further comments under that topic. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteSilvia