Finnegan McNeil Schnauzer With a Job

Finnegan McNeil Schnauzer

by Robert Hudson

Finnegan McNeil Schnauzer is a toy Schnauzer that has a very important job. He is a hearing alert service dog that also detects impending Ménière’s disease attacks 30 to 40 minutes before occurrence for Steve File.  Some might say Finn is a therapy dog for thousands of fans on Facebook.

“A hearing alert service dog helps the hearing impaired by alerting them to events worthy of attention such as a phone ringing (or alerting or texting), doorbell, or a door knock. Finnegan was trained in San Francisco and is able to do alerts of a traffic light’s “Walk” or “Don’t Walk” and signals. Finn and Quinn use a hierarchy system of first muzzling, then pawing, then barking. They will also come and get you to follow them to the door if someone is there.”, explained Steve. “I have Ménière’s disease and fluctuating hearing ability.  He alerts 30 to 40 minutes before a Ménière’s attack as well as to phone sounds, door bells, etc.”

Training

Training starts before six months of age and takes 1.5 to 2 years to complete.

“I don’t believe that my service dogs are strictly a tool, which is what many service dog trainers will tell you. Owner-trained service dogs are a member of the family as well as having a cherished duty in taking care of their owner.

The major difference is that owner-trained service dogs grow up while they are being trained by their owner and know no other home. Emotional attachment only makes them more dedicated in their duties and certainly does not distract them.

They play only when they are not wearing their service dog harnesses, much like a soldier out of uniform. We have used their notoriety to educate the public about service dogs. I firmly believe it is possible to work and have fun simultaneously, especially if you are passionate about it. But no doubt about it, they are family members first and being a service dog is a job they do with a great deal of love as a result.” 

Training the pack

Finnegan McNeil Schnauzer is not the only schnauz in the house. He is joined by Quinn who is also a trained hearing alert dog and Primrose who is a companion for their granddaughter who lives with them. Together they make a comical trio on their Facebook page to the delight of their fans. 

“Finnegan McNeil Schnauzer is 12-years-old and came from a breeder in Gainesville, FL. Quinnelan is six years old and came from a breeder in Mississippi. They were found by looking for puppies that are observant and aware of their surroundings and what I would describe as “anxious to please”. Both dogs came to live with us at eight-weeks-old, and training began immediately.”

Steve went on to say. “Schnauzers are very elegant dogs that are highly intelligent, easy to train and loyal to their owners but suspicious of others. But to be service dog, you must find one that has self discipline and is anxious to please his owner”.

All in fun

Fans loves seeing pictures of the dogs dressed in quirky, cute clothes, and their travels to beaches. “I am a property investment Realtor on the Florida Panhandle. My wife and I formally owned a full service Realty on Panama City Beach that included sales, leases and vacation rentals. I am also a former news media executive as well as a former syndicated technology columnist.”   In his travels to beaches along the coast and other places, he takes photos and videos of the dogs to give his fans a tour guide.

Best Buds

You also get a sense of their home life. “Finn and Quinn are very close. At first, Finn would completely ignore Quinn when we first got him due to his service dog training. to ignore other animals. After about six months, they have become very close.”

“I have owned several dogs, but Finn is the closest thing you can get to a perfect dog. He is a big dog in a small dog body and is so reserved and quiet. He only weighs nine pounds and is about one foot tall. If he sees that you are not pleased, it actually ruins his day for several hours. He is also very obedient. I have forgotten that I put him on “stay” and gone back an hour later. He’s looking at me, asking, ‘Can I move now’?”

Personality

“Quinnelan is a very mild mannered, quirky dog. My wife and I have an adjustable bed with massage. I accidentally hit the “Massage” button as my wife was exiting the bathroom. His ears went straight up. To this day, he still looks all around for the monster that shakes the bed each night before we retire. That was three years ago.”

Finnegan McNeil Schnauzer loves his fans!

When visiting their Facebook page, you may see references to a dog named Winnegan.  This  is the Irish pronunciation of Finnegan started by his fans. Finn has had some health issues as of late. Steven wants his fans to know, “Finnegan’s health is still very good after he was diagnosed with a Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) or enlarged heart (with fluid around the lungs and heart) last year. He is thriving on medication and we continue to monitor his health. We get email and texts from concerned fans almost every day inquiring about the situation.”