Clemmie has a story to tell, one that will unfold over time. Right now, she’s feeling something that's very new to her - loved.
Until recently Clemmie was in a breeding facility. ‘Puppy farm’ creates an impression of a rural location, but Clemmie could just as easily have lived in a garden shed. We don’t know where she was forced to be part of the dog breeding industry. What’s without doubt is that extreme neglect has been her experience.
Wherever she was confined, Clemmie’s days were dark, literally, for she is blind. Her blindness did not stop a breeder making use of her body, she has quite obviously from the state of her, had many litters. It won't be known for sure whether all her puppies will have cataracts - there are different types, not all are hereditary - but there's a possibility.
We were asked to help Clemmie at a stage where it wasn’t known whether her eyesight could be improved. It was important she was in a home where her future would be secure and quality of life given maximum priority. It is the least a dog that’s survived as Clemmie has, deserves, once safely out of the breeding industry. We didn’t hesitate in agreeing to help Clemmie gain all she will need to live the best life that’s possible for her.
Heather is an experienced adopter of dogs from troubled backgrounds. Over 40 years she’s taken into her home many schnauzers including blind and deaf, elderly and ex-breeding dogs. Crucially Heather expects nothing from the dogs, she accepts them for who they are, who they become, and loves each one wholeheartedly. Heather adopted Clemmie, and while hoping her eyesight could be restored, committed unconditionally, whatever the outcome.
Clemmie is as good as gold. She’s relating her name to getting treats, and is responding when I call. Good hearing, listening to the birds in the garden. She loves her food and knows already where it's prepared. She's getting herself up and down steps from terrace to patio, to garden. It’s so important the other girls are around to lead her but she really is doing well and making herself at home in the sun this afternoon.
Words from Heather when Clemmie first arrived. A life of breeding has taken a toll on Clemmie's body. For example, she has large areas of hairloss across her back. This alopecia is common in breeding dogs whose hormonal systems are overwhelmed for years. It should, in time, grow back as Clemmie's health improves.
Clemmie’s eyesight
It is now known that Clemmie’s eysight cannot be restored. The cataracts have been present for a very long time, possibly since birth. Her whole life has been one of darkness. Until now.
Now she has a bright future, she has the priceless gift of unconditional, human love. And not only from Heather and her new family. Clemmie joins a community of Schnauzerfest supporters who, albeit remotely will open their hearts to this beautiful soul.
As her overall health improves and confidence grows, Clemmie will know the joy of walks, savour the open air with her sisters and friends, beach walks beckon as she lives near the coast. Her breeding days are over, her life is now hers.
