Just wanted to say you're in my thoughts. I grew up with schnauzers (and actually had one named Maggie, in fact) - they're great little dogs!

Coming from a veterinary perspective - I work part-time as a vet tech while in grad school, and we have A LOT of clients who give subcutaneous fluids to their pets at home. It really isn't hard to do, or a big deal, but it helps the animals a lot.