River's life has been tough. For 10 years he was stuck in a breeding place aka puppy farm. Life as a stud dog in a puppy farm is unrelentingly harsh.
River has little, if any eyesight. This did not stop whoever bred from him using him again and again. His body shows all the signs of a neglectful life. When Friends of Animals Wales reached out a Schnauzerfest Grant was soon agreed to cover all his medical costs.
He's a worried little chap, but in his foster home, he is being cared for for the first time in his ten years of life. Over the past month he has begun to accept, and enjoy little tummy rubs and he loves his food. This will help his adoptive family build trust and love with his as he has everything to learn about being a cherished member of a family.
Like many dogs leaving the breeding industry River’s house training will be an ongoing thing as he learns that he has no need to do it within the space where he lives. Breeding dogs have no choice but to go where they are confined.
River’s eyesight is very poor and it’s understood by Schnauzerfest that this cannot be treated and will deteriorate as he ages. He will need a kind, understanding home where he will be helped to flourish in his own time and way. River’s best teachers will be other dogs as up until now, he has no reference point when it comes to relating to humans. Any humans in his life will need to understand he is unique and always doing his best at living his new life with them. The rewards that lie ahead for his adopters are enormous, they will be very lucky to share their life with this special little chap.
AUGUST 2022
Wonderful news for River recently came in to Schnauzerfest. He is going to live in Brittany, France with his two new sisters. He did very well in his foster home, learning quickly to navigate his new world. While his eyesight is limited, River is developing superb schnauzery sniffing skills now he has so many fresh and interesting ones to enjoy. His days in the grubby, stinking breeding kennels is well and truly behind this lovely chap. His tail wags and happiness with his new life are clear to all who meet him.
26 OCTOBER 2022
Very sadly 12 weeks on from his adoption, River’s life came to an end. He had spent over a decade in a puppy farm and his body just couldn’t recover from the neglect. We send our deepest condolences to Isobel and family who dearly loved him in the short time they shared together, he deserved so much more.