Thank you Riley for everything! We will miss you!

by Jeff Johnson
(Charlotte, NC)

A little over 3 years ago, I met my soon to be wife Jessica. She had a mini schnauzer named Riley that she had rescued 3 years earlier (or was it Riley rescuing Jessica).

I remember him sitting on the adjacent couch, while Jessica and I were on the other couch. When I would get up to go to the bathroom, he would take my spot. Soon he would lay on my lap. We bonded quickly as I would take him on walks when Jessica had to work late.

He also loved to race me when we got to the parking lot of Jessica’s building. He would look up at me and bark as we ran. He was a very happy dog.

He liked to bark as a lot of schnauzers do. He barked at bicycles, motorcycles, runners, and other dogs. Even airplanes at night as we are not far from the airport.

I spoiled him and let him sleep in the bed. I would wake up and he would be in between my legs with his head propped on my leg using my legs as a bed. He just loved to snuggle, whether it was on the couch or on the bed. He was a very loving dog. Many times, he would cry if we left the room just for a minute. He took turns on who to follow throughout the house. He was very much a shadow.

While I had dogs growing up, I never had a dog on my own. Jessica and I bought a house and Riley had a new home with his two parents (Riley adopted me). Everyone in the neighborhood would recognize his bark. They would smile, and he would stop barking once someone came close. He also loved to chase squirrels and bunnies in the neighborhood. He even chased deer in the backyard.

We went on a lot of long walks in the neighborhood. He loved to walk and always let you know when he wanted to go. You literally just say “You wanna go a walk?” and he would go nuts until you put your shoes on.

We had to say goodbye to Riley this morning. He slept in our bed for the final night. I am hurting very much right now and am trying to pay tribute to him. He meant so much to us.

I remember him as a fighter. He is the toughest dog I have ever seen. He has fought through bladder stones, kidney infection, liver issues, vestibular disease (head tilt), schnauzer bumps.

He made it 14.5 years and I was blessed to have been part of his life for 3 of those. Jessica had him for over 6 years.

Jessica and I are getting married in just over a month, and Riley’s presence will be very much felt. He will be with us always as he will be forever in our hearts.

I just want everyone to know how wonderful Riley was.

Thank you for providing this website to celebrate as well as educate our beloved schnauzers!

Thanks for being our best friend, Riley! You will be missed.

RIP Riley (9/12/2003-4/9/2018)

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