Who Am I and where are my family?

[Discussing Labradoodles & Goldendoodles]

Hello Friends,

I need your help!

My DH found this lovely little old lady on his morning walk, no lish, no collar or tags. She's a sweetheart, well-groomed and well behaved, has no front teeth. She loves cuddling and cries unless she's in your arms -- so she's obviously missing from someone's home. We are trying to figure out what next steps are. We've already contacted the police, petAmber allert, Fidofinder.com. We're also trying to figure out her breed. Any breed detectives out there? She's very small, maybe 10-15 pounds and looks a little bit like a schnauzer. 

We would love to offer her a new home, but with two doodles, a senior cat and a teenager, we've reached our wild-animal capacity. Does anyone have suggestions on what to do with this sweet girl while we look for her family? Or maybe a service in the Illinois area that can help? We'd feel bad leaving her at a shelter but can't offer anything more than temporary housing.

[Marie and Hoka]

Aww so cute and I am not far away.  If I brought home another little dog I think I'd find Moxie outside with a "hobo stick"! I LOVE scruffy old dogs, and actually scruffy old people too!

[Pat and Traveler]

We found the owner of a little lost dog on the Craig's List lost and found--just a thought.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Olga, I would definitely contact the schnauzer rescue group I linked. There are other rescues in our area that are not breed specific too if they can't help you. Foster to Home in Arlington Heights, Almost Home Foundation in Elk Grove Village, Adopt-a-Pet in Mt. Prospect, Our House of Hope in Gurnee, and those are just off the top of my head, there are others.

As far as feeding her more frequently, she's probably hungry because hasn't been getting enough to eat if she's been stray for a few days or longer. Three meals a day probably won't hurt her, but you want to be careful not to overfeed. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I would contact them right away. If the owners come forward, great, but if not, the process will have been started. It takes time to evaluate and get the dog listed. And any rescue group will be thrilled to have you foster her, fosters are always in short supply for every rescue group. Start with the Schnauzer rescue. :)

[Laurie, Wally & Charlotte]

Have you thought about bringing a photo of her to the groomers in the area? If she hasn't strayed too far from her neighborhood, one of them might recognize her.  I wonder if there's a groomers' forum where her photo could be posted.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I hate to say this, but I don't think these owners want this dog back. I would not knock myself out trying to find them or hold out much hope of them claiming her.

[Marie and Hoka]

Maybe I am just a worrier ( I am actually a world class worrier), but it looks like such and old lady's dog. I am worried something may have happened to the owner. How long has it been?

[Three Doodle Life]

Thank you for taking care of this sweet lady! She definitely looks recently groomed except for her face and ears. I wonder if she got loose while at the groomers? You might try asking around if there are groomers near you.

I have four miniature schnauzers and I would be absolutely heartbroken if anyone got lost. :-(

Miniature schnauzers and doodles make a good team, though! My doodle loves his little brothers and sisters. ;-)

[Three Doodle Life]

Schnauzers love their people and tend to want to be as close as possible. :-) They burn a lot of energy during the day so I would let her eat at least 2-3 times a day. We keep food out for ours all day and they nibble throughout the day but eat the most in the evening.
8 years old is about middle age for miniature schnauzers. They live to about 15-16 years old. Our eldest gentleman Tavish is 14 this year and still runs and plays. They are great little dogs!

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Wonderful of you to help.  It sure sounds like she's someone's loving pet.  Maybe also call local vets and leave her description.

[Crazy Doodle Lady]

I am so happy you decided to keep her. She looks like the sweetest little thing. I'd have a hard time not falling in love with such a beautiful dog. Enjoy your new baby!

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

This brings tears to my eyes.  A dog this sweet deserves love and she sure looks happy.  Thank you!!!!