Thank you Riley for everything! We will miss you!

by Jeff Johnson
(Charlotte, NC)

Riley with his brother Caesar

Riley with his brother Caesar

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)

Comments for Thank you Riley for everything! We will miss you!

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May 08, 2018
Sincerely will miss another Schnauzer~
by: Donna

Sorry for your Loss of Riley!
Another little wonderful Schnauzer gone to
heaven.

I lost my little Lexie this January 18th, and I know exactly the pain you are going thru.

Rest in Peace, two very special doggies!

Apr 17, 2018
Riley
by: T St Louis

What a handsome boy Riley was. Mini's are such wonderful little family members. It hurt's so when we have to say goodbye. He will always live in heart. He will be there in spirit with you.

Apr 14, 2018
Hugs
by: Audrey

What a beautiful article! I am so glad you all could be a family, even for a short while. Riley will always know love and that is a gift you taught him. Together you were Parents and he made your love stronger. I am so happy for that. Hugs at this difficult time.

Apr 13, 2018
My sweet little Riley
by: Christine Ward

That was the most beautiful tribute to my sweet little boy, Riley. I was very fortunate to be Riley's buddy for almost three years. Riley's humans, Jessica and Jeff, allowed me to share almost every week day with this most special being. I was proud to be his dog walker and we developed a unique friendship. He taught me to live in the moment...to be patient...to be determined...to love unconditionally. When I arrived for our visit...I would say..."Aunt Christine is here!!"...and he would always humor my baby talk and kisses. This was a tough week for me. I found myself driving towards Riley's house in anticipation of our daily visit and realizing that he has now crossed the Rainbow Bridge. A piece of my heart went with him...thanks for all our time together. I miss you, Riley.


Apr 12, 2018
So Sorry
by: Bobbie

My heart goes out to both of you. It sounds like he had a wonderful, loved life with you. As a mom of 2 schnauzers, I know you'll never forget him and the love you had.

Apr 12, 2018
RIP RILEY
by: Paula

My deepest sympathy goes out to you, I have lost 3 Miniature schnauzer's in my life time. Though Riley is not here in the physical form, he will be forever in your heart.
Sending love and Prayers
RIP Riley

Apr 11, 2018
Your heart boy
by: Loretta Marengo

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. He will be with you in spirit

Apr 11, 2018
❤️Riley❤️
by: BarbaraAndSchnauzerkidsJarboe

We are so very sorry for the loss of your beloved Riley💔 The memories you all shared will remain in your hearts forever. He gave so much for the short time he spent with you. If only our little ones could stay with us longer🐾🐾 Thank you, Jessica, for sharing your heart with this little one, and giving him a loving home with amazing pet parents. There could never be another Riley, but perhaps some day you will open your hearts to another rescue. Run free at the Rainbow Bridge sweet Riley and carry with you all the love you shared🌈.

Apr 11, 2018
Missing Riley
by: Danya

At first Riley reminded me of a little silver Schnauzer I had years ago. There was no way to ignore him and his 'loud' personalty. I always looked forward to our short walks and think he was a friend. Thanks to both of you, he lived 'The Life of Riley'! I know he was happy to have you as his family.

I wish you peace,

Danya

Apr 11, 2018
So sorry for your loss
by: Edeltraude

I am so sorry to hear of you loss. These wonderful little souls become such a huge part of our lives! They are not just dogs or pets, they are a member of the family, I can feel the grief you are feeling. I lost my mini (Abby) in April of 2017. I thought part of me had died along with her. The grief was so intense I wasn’t sure how I was going to go on. She was 13 yrs 9 mths. I ended up with another puppy soon after which helped redirect my energy from grieving to loving. I still think of Abby almost every day and my new little pup was often called Abby. The memories and joy these little souls give us will always be remembered. Allow yourself to grieve and as time goes on, it will become easier. Congratulations on your upcoming wedding and enjoy your day!

Apr 11, 2018
Riley
by: Anonymous

What a beautiful tribute to Riley schnauzers best dogs in the world

Apr 11, 2018
Beautiful Tribute
by: Anonymous

Schnauzers are exceptional, and your Riley seems to have been one of the best. He waits for you at the Rainbow Bridge, romping and playing until you meet again, years from now. That was a beautiful tribute you wrote for him. God bless.

Apr 11, 2018
So sorry for your loss
by: Ashlee-Colorado

So sorry for your loss..... I know Riley will be resting peacefully watching over you two. I know how tough it is

Apr 11, 2018
It's tuff
by: Andrew

Just read your piece. It's the tuffest thing as our dog's are such a part of our family's. I lost my little lady called poppie over 18mths ago and ny other girl millie over 11 years ago and both are still is in my thoughts everyday. I feel for you and there is nothing to say that will ease it but rejoice in the memorys of love that held no boundary and was unconditional and will be with you till the day you meet again. Best wishes from England.

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