Schnitzel, October 2019. Photo credit, Nellie The Noodle’s mum Julia.

Schnitzel lived for several years in a puppy farm. The deprivation of this kind of life is something most humans cannot imagine our beloved dogs living through.

However, Schnitzel did and was rescued from it, landing into the safe care of the Diana Brimblecombe Animal Rescue Centre shortly after the October weekend of Schnauzerfest Walks.

All seemed to be going well for Schnitzel, she was one of the more confident dogs who get out of the terrifying conditions of a breeding facility. Her new adoptive family were found and were looking forward to her joining them this weekend.

Then, devastatingly, Schnitzel fell seriously ill with respiratory problems. The DBARC team acted swiftly and she was admitted to the Ralph Veterinary Centre. Yesterday morning, Janet, manager of DBARC released this update,

“Schnitzel is stable - both her lungs are badly affected, she’s needing intensive oxygen therapy to maintain her oxygen levels, but at least they’re able to keep her O2 levels high enough at the moment. She has a feeding tube in & is coping with food - hopefully building up some strength to fight this. She’s far from out the woods yet, but the vets at The Ralph are doing everything they can to help her. ”

Then, very sadly, late yesterday evening, Schnitzel took a turn for the worse and the kindest but hardest decision was made by Janet in consultation with the veterinary team caring for this beautiful dog. She was released from all suffering, surrounded by love, kindness and respect.

The whole DBARC team, as well as everyone who cared for, and about Schnitzel are extremely upset that another dog has lost their life due to the puppy farm industry. Everything she needed, she was given. Every ounce of love and kindness that was available, she was given. We must take comfort from the fact that she died peacefully and not in the cold, filthy barren world of the puppy farm she left.