RattieFest 2013 Fun!

Rattiefest was fun... And while sometime Sissy was a little nervous, for the most part she had fun, got lots of attention and lots of cuddles... I carried her around a bit in a front backpack which she really enjoyed... Now she is hard asleep....Busy day for her for sure!

We took her the 'bobbing for hotdogs' game which she was a natural! 

Lots of fun things to sniff in the dog park!

quick butt sniffs to say hi

always good smells in the grass!

ahh..airplane ears!

 Lots of adopters came and it was good to see them all.. I didn't manage to get pictures of everyone (Sharkey and Mina :( ), but everyone looked great and looked like they were having so much fun!

Aela (Sidney) sure has grown up!  She was adopted in January.  Inquisitive and active, I hear she has new found love of tennis shoes!  Hopefully that won't last long!

 Jake (Sammy) was in his element - he was busy checking on and playing with all the other dogs... From the look of him now, it's hard to believe he was this scared, sick and dirty dog that I first fostered..Now it's been nearly a year with his new people and he is doing great!

 Skittles... He is just a darling... He also won the Biggest Loser NW Rattie Edition which is super for him!  He also did great with all the people and dogs around... He's learning things are not so scary and he doesn't have to bark at everything thanks to the work him and his mom do!!

Solo (Shorty) came too - he sure has grown up from when he was adopted in December!  He looks great and filled out.. He loves his people and really settled in fast with them.  He also had a blast in the dog corral and even let me throw his frisbee a few times for him!

A busy and fun event - it was good weather and I know a lot of dogs that are sleeping well tonight!  (and people too!)  Lots of money was raised for the transportation fund and the medical fund for our PNW dogs which is super and lots of people won great amazing things at the raffle too (myself included!).  For me and Cassie, it was great to see so many people that we don't normally get to see, living far away over Eastern Washington. 

See ya next year!

Road Trip and Meeting Old Friends!

What a busy day!  Down to Pasco to visit a former foster Sammy, now Jake and his sibling, who was another NR foster Chevette, now Milla.  Jake and Milla are doing so great and are best buds.  Jake is the big brother and Milla follows his lead, but he is also a push over for Milla and plays with her whenever she wants.  They are adorable together.  It was good to see Jake.  He's so confident these days and you can tell he is home.  Milla, a little shyer of the two, has gotten so big and once she had time to take in the new visitors, she came out of her shell and was quick to join in all the play.

Milla with her two ear poses, folded back and dropped.  Mom says sometimes an ear goes up but usually they are down.

Gary was quite the dog whisperer.. 

Sabrina was quite enamored with him and visited him often. 

 Skittles too, came by regularly to visit and get pets from him!

Of course Jake and Milla had to get their pets in too!

 All the dogs had lots of fun chasing each other and doing rattie runs.   I think they good have gone on for hours more... Jake and Sabrina had a lot of interaction and play by themselves but at various times some or all of them got in on the action.   was a beautiful day and they had a big yard and just enjoyed the weather and playing...   Mostly Skittles held back preferring lap time, but even he had to join in for a few chases and rattie runs and of course got some back rubbing in on the grass in... I do think that Jake and Skittles (who were my former fosters at the same time for quite a few months) recognized each other since Skittles had no problems interacting with them from the moment we arrived.  It was cute seeing them together again and seeing how they have both gained so much confidence in themselves.  Yeah for their people!  I couldn't be happier for them.

 While Skittles was a bit of a whiner on the trip down (took about an hour), he immediately crashed out in the booster seat on the trip home and not a peep out of him for the whoe trip back.  Sabrina, while quiet on the trip down and back, was so tired that when we got home, she didn't want to come out of the crate, preferring to continue her nap!

Sammy & Saul

Saul - adopted late in 2011 by Kelly over in Seattle is doing great and she send me a picture of how Saul got to spend his Easter - at the beach!  Looking good Saul!  I really enjoyed getting to know Saul and give him a safe place until he and Kelly found each other...

one of my favorite memories of him is how I didn't know he knew how to roll over and discovering he did on accident- he was so cute and it was so fun to see him so readily know a trick! 

And then Sammy (now Jake) down in the TriCities is doing great with his new sibling, Chevette (now Milla), also a New Rattitude dog... His mom captured him in mid - leap! 

Happy New Year!

7 foster dogs came through my house this year...  

My second year as a NR foster parent so I made this poster collage for my wall...

Simone (bottom middle) who was my first of the year after a break, full of 6 month old puppyness, she found joy in our first snow of the season.. She also liked to sleep butt higher than the rest of her... I didn't have her for very long but she was a sweet and fun and a great welcome back to the world of fostering- now living life as Sammy in Oregon

Sophie (bottom second from the right), little tiny thing, lover of all tennis balls, she was funny and goofy and just adorable with her little head tilts. She also would see her tail out of the corner of her eye and chase it like a maniac She is now Lakia living down in the TriCities with her fur sibling who she just loved at first sight!

Sheldon (upper left), oh Sheldon, easy going happy little boy, he could escape out of any crate you didn't triple lock, however - would jump in a box of anything whether is be toys or fabric or just empty needing a dog to be in it!  He is now on the westside with great parents. 

Sammy (upper middle) Sammy will always have a extra special place in my heart, first time with two foster dogs at once, he just made it so worth it,,  he was a just a blessing... scared and sick when he came to me, I watch him bloom over the many months he was in my care...from skin infection to completely healthy, from droppey ears to erect confident ears... now he is Jake and he has a great home (and recently a new fur sibling) with wonderful parents in eastern wa who are continuing to bring out the very best in him and love him to pieces - all I could ask for!

Skittles (upper left) was in my care for a few months, so nervous, underweight and malnourished, once comfortable we were treated to his daily army crawling around the house.  heartbreaking how anxious he was when he first got a bully stick,  just wanting to hide it and then the joy of watching him become comfortable enough to settle in for good chew... He is now with a great mom in western wa who spoils him rotten but also working with him on some of his fear issues. 

Shorty, (lower left) I didn't have for long either, but he was love bug, nervous but willing to try new experiences and meet new people and meet other dogs!.. He loved going out and around the town and just was curious about everything - he is now Solo and is part of a family in western wa, with human brothers and he gets to meet and play with lots of other dogs.

Silver, (bottom right), still in my care, so nervous and skittish, we founds that she had her ears plugged up with ickyness and couldn't hear very well.. she continues her journey in coming out of her shell and learning that life isn't so scary... I am sure there will be good things in store for her in the coming year!

As year two as a New Rattitude foster parent comes to a close, I'm so happy for all the now former fosters finding their homes and wish for them warmth and joy and good bones to chew!  I'm excited for the new year and all the new beginnings I get to be a part of...

People often say they couldn't foster because it's too hard.. it's not that it isn't hard sometimes to let go and these little ratties don't get in your heart to different degrees, but what other way could you be part of seeing so many dogs get a new chance at life, to have them in your home, scared and nervous and to see them gain confidence and trust and be happy,  to see them go to great homes and then to hear the wonderful updates that just make your day..or even week...   If you are thinking about it... try it.. the payoff is worth it.. :)  Okay... enough that's enough sappiness to take me well into 2013 I think!  Time to celebrate!

Up and Away...

Look at this... A sorta up ear... She's laying down, but still... those ears must feel better!  I'm pretty sure she will always have dropped ears, but this was a new sight last night and she did it a few times in her sleep.... plus once it lifted while she was playing too... it's just the left ear going up....for now....

She also is starting to cozy up to my daughter Cassie - took a nap with her and played with her and being a little more trusting...   And tonight when I got home... it was all little jumps, wiggles and spins, she was so happy to see me.  I think she enjoys cleaned up ears!    

We having practiced sit and she's a pro at it so we will be moving on to new things.  I've also been playing with some different toys with her... She liked to chew on things... so I'm going to work on finding her a toy that she really likes.  She watches Sasha play fetch but doesn't really know what do to but I think she would really like it and she does enjoy the occasional taste test of a tennis ball which is a plus for fetching I think.

updates!

My last three fosters are doing great as they settle in with their new family.  Skittles visited family with his mom and did great in the new surroundings...  Shorty (Solo) is getting acquainted with his family and new routine and gets to go walking and visiting Mingus and they are good friends.  Jake (Sammy) got spoiled at Christmas with lots of toys and clothes and the presents aren't stopping there... I hear he's got another present coming for the new year!  A fur Sister for Jake!

Skittles or as I think he should be named - Skittleclaus!

Here is Shorty now Solo with NR alum Mingus - bffs?

Dapper Jake (formally Sammy) looking as handsome as ever!

I wish for all my former foster dogs the bestest holidays and 2013 and onward.   How different their lives are now they have their families and are safe, sound. and loved.. Best present a New Rattitude foster mom could have! 

Sammy and Shorty Update

So cute little Sammy is doing great in Eastern Washington with his family.  Today he graduates from Basics training and now has lots of skills under his belt (and I'm sure was top dog in his class!).  

He now has the run of the house, his own doggie door, gets to do squirrel chasing and gets lots of doggie playdates.   And doesn't he look great in his new sweater!  I couldn't be happier for Sammy, now Jake!  

As for Shorty, his trip up to Washington has been delayed for a week (awww) but he should here the week after Thanksgiving!  More time for me and Sasha to rest up before the puppy action starts!

Adventures of Sammy

Sammy was adopted in August and renamed Jake... While we wish that all fosters when they finally find their new family, settled in without a bump and feel immediately safe and comfortable, it's not always the case... Sammy..errr Jake, was nervous first with his new people, did some barking at his dad and ran from him, the potty schedule got a bit turned around etc... But thanks to the dedication of his people, Cris and Gary and the help of New Rattititude's BMod group suggestions (behavior modification), they were able to make Jake feel safe and loved in his new home .  So two months later, here he is in his new home and wearing a great jacket (and surprisingly not eating it!).  Jake gets lots of walks and has even ventured in the water to try to eat a wave or two.  He's learned that this change was not a bad scary change but a great one and he's got himself some great people!  xoxo

Mr Nibbles

So these were taken last week and I posted one, but they are so cute, I had to post the others!  Skittles is so tiny but he really nibbles on his toys with a lot of intent!  He's doing fine since Sammy left and him and my dog Sasha are getting along by ignoring each other.  The only difference I have noticed is that at night when he wants to go potty, he whines at me, rather than just going out the doggy door.  I think he's used to the company since Sammy followed him all the time.  I don't mind being lookout for him though!  

How is Sammy?  Sammy is settling in with his new people as he gets to know them.  He's a little nervous in their back yard (much more space than I had) but they are taking their time and letting him get to know the place.  I think before long he will be comfortable in his new digs and running the place! 

I"m Adopted!

It's happened!  Sammy has been adopted!   This little man has come along way in the past four months with me and now he has his own people!   He will be staying an Eastern WA dog down in Pasco with a great couple... His name is going to be Jake and he will have lots of room to run, play and he even has a pond!  His mom is busy making him new collars, dog beds and all kinds of goodies for him.  He will be making the trip to his new home on Friday.  I'll miss him but he's going to be one happy pooch in his new digs with his new family.  I'm looking forward to hearing about all his new adventures!

And here is what Skittles will be doing now that Sammy has found his home - Waiting in my lap and napping!

Skittles and Sammy love auctions!

Hot Dog!  Cool Summer Auction!New Rattitude's Third Annual Online Auction Is Underway!!

The time has FINALLY come.....are you ready to begin bidding?

 

New Rattitude's third annual online auction is a fun and worthwhile fundraiser to benefit our foster rat terriers in the Canine Clinic who need surgery, treatment for heartworms, or other special medical care.

This fund helped ratties like Sammy who came to New Rattitude with a slight case of demodex mange, kennel cough and retained baby canine's - this fund help us treat Sammy and get him healthy and whole so he could find his forever home!

Here’s How:

1. Visit the Auction Site:  http://imageevent.com/newrattitude/hotdogcoolsummerauction

2. Look through all the categories and find the item(s) you’'d like to bid on.

3. Submit your bid via email to fundraising@newrattitude.org.

4. When bidding please include your first and last name, the number and description of the item(s) you're bidding on, and the amount of your bid.

5. Bid as many times as you'd like - there are no limits!

                                                  Have fun and happy bidding!

Skittles and Sammy say THANK YOU! 

Happy Days

Why is Sammy so happy? 

Why is Skittles so serious?

Why are they both so cute????!!!!

Love me some Mud!

Sammy had a meet and greet with a prospective adoptive couple at the dog park today.  Both him and Skittles had fun with another dog - she was also named Sammy!  Her and Sammy did lots of play and got very dirty and muddy!  Skittles after about 10 minutes decided it was okay to play and did some running with them (and all did  a lot of peeing!)

 ..

Yumm... Mud!  I won't lie... Sammy ate some.  But at least he didn't lay in as the other dog did!
Sammy even played some tug with his female namesake over a freebee!  By the end of the visit, Sammy was DIRTY but happily exhausted!

  At home, Sammy suffered through the indignity of an outdoor bath in the kiddie pool but all clean, he got a good meal and settled under my craft table for a nice long nap (and a tennis ball)