By Liz Mugavero
From the hills of Windham, Conn.
Most people who know me realize how attached I am to my first rescue dog, Shaggy.
(Probably unhealthily so, but that’s a story for another blog post.) Shaggy is a Schnoodle, a cross between a miniature Schnauzer and a poodle. She’s a delightful little dog – very well behaved, loves people, other animals, children. Basically one of those dogs who would likely lick the burglar to death if he talked nicely to her and gave her a treat.
But hey, lots of dogs are cute, right? In my humble opinion, Shaggy’s got much more going for her – she’s pretty darn smart, too, starting with saving her own life as a death row dog.
Four years ago, she was a 10-month old puppy 24 hours away from being euthanized at a terrible shelter in South Carolina. This is what she looked like then, dirty and ratty (though still smiling) behind some rusted bars in a place where she was 
just another dog someone had dropped off, who likely wouldn’t make it out. But we’d already seen her picture on line, and really, who could resist this face?
And Shaggy was smarter than the average dog. She must have sensed she was close to being rescued. According to the transporter, the story goes like this: When the shelter staff came to get her to be euthanized, Shaggy decided to throw them off their game. She started playing with the guy, who in turn got cold feet pretty quickly and left her alone. She got a 24-hour reprieve. The transport group was able to get in that next day and get her out, and she was on her way to New England.
I couldn’t imagine life without Shaggy. She’s such a happy dog, and she makes everyone smile (except for a couple of the cats, whom she enjoys harassing a bit). Along with Maine coon cat Tuffy, Shaggy is the impetus for other main animal character in my series, the dog Scruffy. If you’ve been to any of my book events over the past couple of months, you may even have met her – she’s been allowed to come to many of them as a therapy dog in training.
Yes, she’ll be a working dog soon. It seemed wrong to not share her personality with people who need it most – folks in nursing homes, hospitals, hospice care, possibly even children who’ve experienced trauma, like the therapy dogs who helped the Newtown community heal. She’s already had experience with a couple of these situations, and has responded with amazing grace and comfort.
She’s on track to complete her Canine Good Citizen exam so she can have full access to helping people. She’s got a little more work to do, however – she hasn’t yet mastered the “come when called” command (only when she feels like it) or the “supervised separation” test. Yes, she’s pretty attached to her people as well. But with a little more practice, I have no doubt she’ll be helping and healing many people in the years to come.
Readers, tell us about the amazing animals you know.
Liz Mugavero is the author of the Pawsitively Organic Mysteries. Along with Shaggy, she’s owned by a number of rescue animals.
i can’t imagine life without my rescue dog either. Max was at the amazing Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue home when we found each other 10 years ago next month. He’s been to Love is Murder in Chicago and a few of my mystery events. Shaggy is a cutie – and they do rescue us as much as the other way around don’t they?
I had the good fortune of meeting Shaggy, and she is a sweetheart. I didn’t know her backstory–wow. Thank goodness you rescued her! Can’t imagine your books without Scruffy!
How wonderful that sweet Scruffy is going to be working! She’s a very sweet dog.
What a little sweetheart…thank heavens she ended up with you! She won the puppy lottery 🙂
Your story makes me wonder if Lily could be a therapy dog. She’s so sweet and loves everyone. But she is more like a cat when it comes to the recall command — I’ll come when I’m good and ready.
Our cocker spaniel MacKenzie was a rescue. Though he had a prolonged adolescence (basically he acted like a teenager for about four years) he brought joy to our entire family.
Shaggy is an amazing dog who brings great joy to her family, her two rescue canine brothers and all her feline rescue pals as well. She brings a smile and comfort to all those she meets. She will no doubt be an outstanding therapy dog. xo
When my was young, we had several Schnauzers. Shaggy sounds as though he has many of the traits of the breed- friendly, intelligent, loyal to his humans, and energetic. And, all were great watch dogs. Their ferocious bak and growl were often directed at strangers,but they would have licked to death any intruders. When my son left for college, Datsun ( yes, named after the car) would always let me when someone wa coming to the door. I miss having a schnauzer but my cats act like dogs much of the time except for barking. I loved your kneading to die and will pre-order the 2nd as soon as it is available. Good luck to Shaggy with his “therapy” training!
Thank you, Linda!
I have a rescue Schnoodle too. Pepper is more of the poodle variety. Did you know there’s a Schnoodle FB page? I want to share your book there for other schoodle fans–and cozy fans too! I haven’t finished the book yet–but am loving it!
Kellie, I had no idea there was a schnoodle page! I would love it if you shared the book there 🙂 Thank you!