Schatzi the Wonder Dog, DRM Alumni, sends well wishes to DRM

Dear Friends,

It has been quite a while since I have been in touch, so I am sending a note to let you know what I have been up to.

Following a consultation regarding my von Willebrand status, I had surgery to remove mammary tumors at the University of MN.  I came through it very well, and the best news is that the tumors were benign!

About a month later, however, I started to have a lot of neck/back pain. More tests and x-rays revealed that I had significant spondylosis in my spine, and I was resting and taking pain medication in the hope that I would improve. Unfortunately, my situation became very serious, and I had to visit the University of MN emergency room on Easter Sunday. I had an evaluation by a neurologist, and eventually an MRI. As it turned out, I had two ruptured discs (C5 and C6), and had surgery the next day. As you may imagine, all of this was very challenging for an older lady, and my recovery was quite long and difficult. I needed a lot of special help and TLC to begin walking again, and even my favorite treats couldn’t induce me to leave the comfort of my bed. Of course, I am a girl who is used to overcoming obstacles, and my true spirit began to shine through after a few months. These days, I am back and better than ever!!

I enjoy long naps in the morning sun, walks around the neighborhood, delicacies and treats of all descriptions, cuddling with anyone who sits on my favorite couch, and giving/receiving a lot of love. I listen to the songs of the robins, cardinals, and mourning doves in the back yard, and watch the squirrels run and jump through the trees. Interestingly, I am sometimes inclined to chase a chipmunk or squirrel when I am out walking, however I am very gentle with animals that are in my yard (though I admit to helping myself to peanuts, etc. that they have overlooked). Attached are a few photos of me enjoying a bone in the back yard this summer…note my friend Mr. Robin observing from the driveway in the first picture.

Not long after I arrived at my new home, I began to receive gifts from people who hadn’t even met me. This kindness made me feel very welcome, and I still surround my bed (and sleep with) the toys that four different individuals gave to me:  a hedgehog, a bunny, a pink dragon, and a lime green alligator. It is so wonderful to have friends!

I feel happy when people tell me I am smart and beautiful (some even refer to me as Schatzi the Wonder Dog!)  I especially enjoy hearing people say that they were afraid of or skeptical of Dobermans until they met me. In general, though, I like to believe that I am a typical Doberman (or similar to Mary Poppins)…Practically Perfect In Every Way!!

With many thanks for all that you have done for me and my fellow Dobermans,

Schatzi (woof!) and Kathleen (scribe)