March 18, 1992 – November 24, 2007
Cayenne was my introduction to the Standard Schnauzer breed. And she was a GREAT introduction. The Standard is a “working” dog, described as “the dog with the human brain”. Cayenne fit this description perfectly. She had a tremendous “work ethic” and her intelligence was truly amazing. This, unfortunately, was a double-edged sword, for as long as she was kept working and her mind kept busy, all was well….but otherwise, it is amazing what she thought of to get into, or out of!
Cayenne had an active, busy life right up until her passing. She had beauty: When she was younger she was shown in the Breed ring and received her Champion title. She has been in many magazines and Schnauzer calendars over the last 6 years, including the latest 2008 Barnes & Noble calendar. She also had brains: She loved doing obedience work and being a “demo dog” for me in obedience classes and behavioral consultations. Also, she was one of the members of the winning team in the National K-9 Games. Most importantly, she had compassion: She truly enjoyed doing Therapy work, and her greatest accomplishments were: 1.) that she was a Certified Disaster Stress Relief Dog and worked at the Pentagon for the month following the 9/11 disaster and 2.) she had been visiting patients weekly, until November 2007, at the Virginia Hospital Center Psychiatric ward, as a Certified Therapy Dog for 15 years!! Cayenne has received many citations for her volunteer work, including a Certificate of Recognition from Donald Rumsfeld, Secretary of Defense.
For fun, Cayenne liked Agility and simply LOVED Lure Coursing and Herding. She loved to take on new challenges and most things came easy for her. In fact, if Cayenne was human, she would be popular; not afraid to try new things; make straight A’s and be captain of the Cheerleaders!
Cayenne was very definite about her likes and dislikes. Thinking back over her life she made her preferences well known.
Her likes: Food in general, specifically Frosty Paws and special dog treats from her Aunt Mary Ann & Judy; chasing the laser pointer light; retrieving anything; catching treats; opening her own Christmas presents; riding in convertibles; power boat & jet ski rides; Lure Coursing; “Squirrel Patrol”; beating up on her kid brother Cadence; running free at Rudy & Buddy’s farm; visiting her friends Casey & Dixie and visiting at the hospital.
Her dislikes: Being left alone; having her brother interrupt her retrieving game; having me dress her up in costumes and any animal getting more treats than she.
Cayenne took life a little too serious some of the time, but Cadence taught her how to relax. She was always self-confident and loyal. She had a calming effect on people and she made people feel good by just being around her. I feel very fortunate indeed, to have had her as my friend, companion and soul-mate. I am also grateful to her, for my life-style today is directly attributed to her. I would not own my own company or be a dog trainer and I would not know all the wonderful friends that are presently in my life!! It is because Cayenne came into my life that I am so blessed.
Cayenne, I hope you are running free and beating up on Cadence once again.
Having the honor of being with you for fifteen and a half years was simply not enough. You are forever in my heart…
Carole
