Penny Elliot

by Anna Elliot
(Benkelman, NE)

I lost my husband almost 4 years ago and shortly after his loss, our oldest miniature schnauzer, Gus at the age of 7, was diagnosed with lymphoma cancer and against all odds he survived another 8 months without chemo, but in the end he went to rainbow bridge. I think my husband was missing his little buddy too much, so Gus went to be with him. That left me and Max our other miniature schnauzer who is now 5 years old. People kept trying to get me to adopt another schnauzer and I knew Max would really benefit from a buddy, but I kept talking myself out of it until Penny came along. She is another rescue and is now 10 months old. We brought her home for a weekend on Febuary 19, 2011 and she stayed and has wormed her way into our hearts. When I got her papers, I discovered her birthdate was July 16th and that was Gus' birthday. I felt that Jim and Gus had a hand and paw in this and that Penny was meant to be here. So that cinched the deal, she stayed. She is a funny little girl and came from a puppy mill so she is not true to the breed standard being very slight built and leggy. But she has won our hearts and we are still learning about her little personality. Max seems happier with a new friend to play with and harass and I am content to have more family here. These dogs are so precious and have so much personality. They are doing something all the time and I thank God that He has entrusted me with another precious creature to care for and that will care for me.