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It Takes a Team...
Notes from the Editor
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Two recurring themes pop up in group discussions among our New Rattitude volunteers. One is the remarkable diversity of talents within our membership, and the other is how well our group functions as a team. This is so evident as you read through the stories in this month's 'Tude News...from the remarkable accomplishments of the "TX-WA Shuffle" in the story of Allie and her pups, to the success of our first fundraiser and the story of saving Isabella. I am so proud of the way New Rattitude gets things done!
Have You Seen Our Website?
NewRattitude.org went live on September 26th, and if you somehow missed the cheering and applause heard from coast to coast, and haven't been there yet, then check it out now! Congratulations to the NR webmaster and team for an outstanding job. NR Director Sue Kangas notes, "Once again, New Rattitude raises the bar of professionalism and creativity with THE BEST rat terrier rescue website in existence...This is a very, very important tool that will contribute so much to our success."
Welcome New Volunteers!
Our New Rattitude family continues to grow! We'd like to welcome the following new members.
Thanks for joining our team!
Kelly Cazer, Volunteer - AL
Nadia Chiodini, Foster Parent - MO
Jennifer Gammon, Volunteer - LA
Lisa Girard, Volunteer - FL
Amy Heitshusen, Foster Parent - GA
Janie LeBeau, Foster Parent - FL
Maggie Wegmann, Volunteer - MS
Betsey Wilson, Volunteer - GA
Diane Hudson, Foster Parent, Volunteer - GA
Noreen Seeders, Volunteer - CA
Hanna Scheer, Foster Parent - NY
Susan Wichman, Foster Parent - MI
WE NEED YOUR VOTES - Help Us Win $1,000!
New Rattitude is participating in the Shelter Challenge, sponsored by The Animal Rescue Site and Petfinder.com. A $1,000 grant will be awarded to the rescue organization in each state which acquires the most votes by December 14th. Out of 362 shelters/rescue groups registered in Georgia, New Rattitude is currently NUMBER TWO! This is amazing for a group that has only been in existence for less than 3 months. Unfortunately though, being #2 doesn't benefit us any more than being #362. We MUST be #1 to win anything. It would be so frustrating to come so far but fall short. PLEASE help us spread the word to all of your friends, neighbors, family, and colleagues. Vote every day on every computer. Help us earn that $1000!
Go HERE to vote. Be sure to type in New Rattitude for your shelter name and choose Georgia as the state. THANKS for your help!
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Puppy Love
New Rattitude welcomes its first nursery!
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By Levecke Mas
Every time we can save a dog from a shelter or pull a dog from a negative situation, we celebrate a little victory. We all hear those stories and they are always encouraging. Unfortunately though, and all too often, our volunteers who watch the shelter postings also have the heartbreaking stories of the dogs we cannot save. This one however, is a victory story, about a very lucky girl named Allie.
On Tuesday, September 16th, Jodi Cotner, our volunteer in Dallas, TX, received an email about a terrified pregnant rat terrier who had arrived at the Fort Worth Animal Care & Control. Since this mama dog was “about to pop”, rescue was truly her only option. She could not be adopted out in her condition and a shelter would not keep her puppies until they were weaned. Normally, a shelter will euthanize a pregnant dog prior to the birth of the puppies, and usually within 24 hours of arrival at the shelter. Jodi placed an urgent post on our NR chat board for help. This girl needed to be pulled and transported immediately.
An open foster home is always hard to find. Finding a foster home able to take on a mama and her unknown number of puppies, and offer them safety and care for the next three months would be an even greater challenge. Janell Brown, a NR volunteer in Washington, read the posting and got right to work. She wrote to her connections and in less than 12 hours found a non-member volunteer, Angela, who was traveling the next day from Dallas to Seattle, and who agreed to bring our little mama dog along with her. Michelle Harris, another NR volunteer in WA, offered her home and care to Allie and her puppies. Michelle chose the name Allie for this girl, in honor of ALL the people who rallied around to help save Allie’s life and her unborn puppies.
Now Allie had a ride and a home to go to! Jodi pulled her from the shelter the next morning, took Allie back to her home, bathed her and fed her and prayed that Allie would not go into labor. Jodi then met with Angela and Angela’s mother, Shirley, in a church parking lot that afternoon.
Jodi later wrote, "Angela is a lovely lady...I hope the flight is going well. (Allie) is beautiful and sweet and very scared. This morning she woke up in a cage in a shelter in Ft Worth, Texas and tonight she is winging her way to the wonderful folks in Washington and she is clean and about to be showered with love. Talk about an eventful day for her!"
During her flight to Seattle, Allie was quiet and calm, and everyone was thrilled that she did not go into labor on the plane! NR's Washington State Coordinator, Kathy Young, met the trio at the airport in Seattle and took Allie back to her home. Kathy kept her fingers crossed that Allie would not go into labor before the transfer to Michelle. Allie was so large that she just spent all her time resting in her dog crate. Three days later Kathy and Michelle met up at a half-way point and Allie was moved into Michelle’s care.
Nervous “aunties” kept in constant contact with Michelle, all of us anxiously awaiting the birth and hoping for a safe delivery and healthy pups. Much to our surprise, we had to wait for more than another week for the birth of Allie’s babies. On Sunday, September 28th, Allie finally went into labor. Sadly, the first pup she delivered did not survive, but the next two, a little girl and then a boy, continue to be healthy.
Michelle wrote,"Allie gave birth early this morning to a healthy boy and girl! The boy looks like his momma, white with black head and white stripe up his head and a black dot in the center. He has 2 black spots on his body, one almost like a heart. His tail is black with 2 white rings around it. The girl is a brownish brindle color, white head with two dark circles around her eyes like 'Our Gang' style. Both are adorable!"
The mom and the puppies are doing great under the loving care of Michelle and her family. The pup who did not make it was named Pumpkin and is buried in Michelle’s yard, alongside Michelle’s other beloved pets who have passed on.
In order to defray medical costs for the pups (standard puppy vaccinations and vetting expenses) NR hosted a "Name the Puppy" fundraiser. The first two donations of $100 would earn the donors the privilege of naming the puppies. Many thanks to our wonderful supporter, Marilyn Y., for her generous donation to name both puppies. Marilyn named the little girl Katie and the boy Benny.
Thanks to all of the volunteers, both members of New Rattitude and members of our community, who contributed to this happy ending.
Click here to see more photos of Allie, Katie and Benny. Check back often to watch them grow! |
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Phoenix's Story
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By Patti Jeffries
It began with one of those phone calls – “I’ve found a dog and I can’t take care of it, and it’s sick”. The woman said that a rat terrier had collapsed on her mother's front porch. She was pretty sure the dog had been abandoned, and she needed to find help...so she brought her to me. We both looked at her white gums, white pads, and white belly of what appeared to be an older dog, and thought it looked like a one way trip to the vet. I loaded up the van, and down the road we went.
When we got to the vet, he tried to take her temperature. The thermometer came out bloody. The first thing I thought of was parvo, but he said he would run a fecal first, as he thought he knew what was wrong. Sure enough, the DVM after his name was right on. She had a severe hookworm infestation. He said it was a good thing we had brought her up when we did, as she would not have made it another 24 hours. So, he gave her the first in a series of deworming meds and told me to take her home, feed her, keep her warm, and make sure she drank lots of water. I was to give her the other worm meds over the next 3 days and bring her back to see him on the 4th day. He also told me it would be touch and go.
And it was. Phoenix had to be coaxed to eat, and given “magic syrup water” with a syringe, but after a couple of days, a miraculous change occurred. She turned into a young pup...with a whole 'new rattitude!' She was still weak, but her appetite had grown strong and her fecal was negative on her return vet visit. She was by no means out of the woods, but she was so much better. She was also allowed into the general population at our house where she immediately made a niche with our older crew. She would put toys in the faces of the ones that normally do not want to play, run behind them and imitate what they were doing, just enjoying being alive.
She also learned to hunt chipmunks and squirrels, and how to root through the mulch around the flower beds. Unfortunately, chipmunks are not the only things that inhabit the mulch – there are also snakes. She got bitten on the nose and did a very good imitation of a bull terrier as her face became so swollen we thought she would have problems breathing. We made another fast trip to the vet. She was treated, and within 3 days was back to normal. She is a tough little girl.
In the meantime, a very nice couple in Knoxville were looking to adopt a playmate and companion for their young female rat terrier. Blu and Kirk found Phoenix on the New Rattitude website and decided she might be the one. So, on Saturday, September 20, Phoenix went for another ride in the van - this time, to meet her new family. Even though she wasn't sure what was happening, she was very excited to meet Blu and was fascinated with having a new sister to play and hang out with.
Blu wrote to me a few days later: “First of all, let me say, WE LOVE THIS DOG. My goodness what a little sweetie pie. She is so affectionate, to both me and Kirk. Her very first night here, she jumped on the bed and found her spot, and she's been sleeping there every night. When she isn't playing with Kady, she is either in her spot on the bed or if I'm on the computer, she gets under my chair or on top of my feet. She loves playing outside with Kady. Kirk plays the stick game with Kady, throwing it and Kady retrieves. Phoenix likes to help Kady carry the stick back."
Phoenix will be missed at the Jeffries' house, but Patti and Jim will smile when they think of her, as letters like this one are what fostering is all about. Thanks to you both for saving Phoenix, and to Blu and Kirk for giving her such a happy furever home.
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Furever Home
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We are proud to announce that 10 more New Rattitude ratties have found their furever homes. CongRATulations to all, and to the new adopters, WELCOME to the New Rattitude family!
Phoenix - Fostered by Patti Jeffries, adopted by Phyllis "Blu" Plunk and Kirk
Shelbee - Fostered by Janell Brown, adopted by Laura Casillas
Adam - Fostered by Debbie Collins, adopted by Jenny Tschida
Frappichino - Fostered by Kelly Lea Clarke-Johnson, adopted by Susan Coatney
Bo - Fostered by Mary Kay Jurovcik, adopted by Jamie Alden
Ruby Red - Fostered by Levecke Mas, adopted by the McLellan family
Roisin - Fostered by Mary Beth Voss, adopted by Diane Hudson
Tugs - Fostered by Linda Kuiper, adopted by Judi Harris
Autumn - Fostered by Paula Nowak, adopted by Janie Haynes
Mattie - Fostered by Debbie Collins, adopted by Pam DeLozier
Photos of these dogs can be seen in our "Happy Hearts Adoptions" photo album.
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Saving Isabella
Izzy's story
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As is the case with many of our rescued dogs, saving little Isabella (aka "Izzy") has been another example of New Rattitude team effort. It all started when the Town Lake Animal Center in Austin, Texas picked up Izzy on the streets when she was just 12 weeks old. Her right rear paw was twisted at an odd angle and she was obviously in pain. As if that wasn't bad enough, both her rear legs had luxating patellas, a genetic issue that allows the kneecap to move around, which can be excruciating.
The shelter employees went above and beyond in their attempts to find a rescue to take Miss Izzy. She was spayed, given shots, and even taken to see an emergency veterinarian for x-rays and a consultation about her legs. Then they called the local New Rattitude volunteer, Becky Patterson, and filled her in on Izzy's story. They even offered $250 towards her surgery. A couple calls were made and before she could let out a bark, Izzy was off to get a health certificate so she could fly to her foster home in Washington State and await surgery.
Kathy Young, the NR Washington State coordinator, checked out several good animal hospitals to try and find a vet who would give NR a discount on the surgery. One quote was $3,000 per leg! That's right, $6,000 total. That just wouldn't do, so she kept looking and finally her personal vet called a friend who was a retired veterinarian with orthopedic surgery experience. Both veterinarians volunteered their time, which dropped the cost of the surgery to just $775. Kathy volunteered to lend New Rattitude the money until funds could be raised to pay for the surgery.
Thanks to Kathy, Izzy was scheduled for the procedure. Wedges were inserted under each kneecap to keep the patella from sliding to the side. Her foster mom, Janell Brown, let us know that they sure seem to be working. She said, "at first she walked only on her front legs, using her head cone as a third leg, like a tripod. It was hilarious! But by the second day she was walking around on all four legs, and I had to keep her from trying to climb stairs and chase the other dogs."
According to the vet, Izzy's prognosis is good, although she will likely struggle with arthritis as she ages. Daily glucosamine supplements will help with this, though. Thanks to all of the people involved, from the shelter workers who went out of their way to save her, to the vets who volunteered their time, this has been a wonderful collaboration.
We still could use your help, though. At this point, $515 of the $775 cost of surgery has been raised, but we still need an additional $260. Please read more about how you can help Izzy on NR's Canine Clinic page.
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NR Volunteer Spotlight
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Our Volunteer Spotlight this month is shining on Georgia foster mom Mary Beth Voss - or 'MB' as she is known to the rattie groups online. Even though Mary Beth has only been fostering since April of this year, she has already fostered and sent eight ratties to their new furever homes! She currently has two new arrivals.
MB first became interested in fostering as a member of the Rat-Terrier.com forum, where she met NR volunteer Paula Nowak. Paula was, "so enthusiastic and kept looking for Georgia foster moms." But the biggest reason that MB became involved with rat terrier rescue was the little rat terrier that started it all for her, Mitzy Pitzy.
"My friend at the stable found this teeny puppy, about 7 weeks old, walking down the middle of the road. She had old scars and one eye was blind and protruded horribly." At the stable, this little pup was trying to play with a chicken that was huge in comparison. MB picked her up and was rewarded with her first "rattie kiss attack." Needless to say, Mitzy went home with MB, and MB fell in love with both Mitzy and the rat terrier breed. "Mitzy is the love of my life. She had her injured eye removed and takes drops for slight glaucoma in her remaining eye. Every time I see a rat terrier in need, I think, 'that was Mitzy once and someone saved her.' So I guess one big reason I do rescue is because of Mitzy Pitzy Voss."
MB now has four dogs of her own, plus one or two fosters at any given time. She and husband Bill are empty nesters, so even though both work full time, there is plenty of time to care for all the dogs. I asked her what she would say to someone who was considering fostering, but not sure if they would be able...
"I would tell them that although it can be difficult, it is immensely worth it. The reward of seeing a dog who is scared and thin change into a dog who is physically fit, goes trotting for walks with tongue lolling, and runs to greet you when you get home...it is so worth it!" The only minimum requirement - a passion to help rat terriers. MB contributes much of her fostering success to being associated with a great group of volunteers who have given her lots of advice, encouragement and support.
Her favorite foster story is one of a middle-aged male rattie who had been picked up off the hard streets of Atlanta by Animal Control. When he came to MB, he was emaciated, slightly gimpy from an old injury and very quiet, but still dignified and such a gentleman. "We grew to really love him but were worried he'd never find a forever home." Then a young couple from Illinois saw him...and this fellow now lives the proverbial "Life of Riley!" He goes camping with them, sleeps with them and is very much loved. "I think that just goes to show that for almost every foster, there is a forever home out there that will fit that dog."
MB also loves horses, having trained them for many years in Pennsylvania, Germany, California and Georgia. She and Bill moved to St. Marys, GA from Atlanta six years ago. They have one adult daughter who still lives in Atlanta, and who shares MB's love for animals. Mary Beth works as an Administrative Assistant to the Finance Director of the North Florida Council, Boy Scouts of America, and Bill is a Production Manager for Paul Clark Ford in Yulee, FL.
Mary Beth, we're proud to know you, and THANKS for all you do!
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Norma's Rattie Notes
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2 Rat Terriers Thwart Burglars! On a quiet cul-de-sac in Seattle, Washington, four houses sat empty at midday with their owners off to work in the city. House by house, burglars worked their way around the deserted cul-de-sac, breaking in to steal electronic equipment. When the burglars got to the house with the two Rat Terriers inside, things did not stay so quiet anymore. They raised a mighty ruckus!!! At the end of the day, the only house that wasn't ransacked and divested of all the owner's electronics was - you guessed it - the one with the Rat Terriers on guard! The police and the owners were very sure of the fact that the two very loud barking Rat Terriers saved their home from invasion... The little ratties' persistent barking, and the ruckus they raised had scared the burglars away! Who needs a big guard dog when you have Rattie protection?
~Janell Brown, NR Foster Parent-WA
Senior Couple and Rat Terrier Spreading JOY ! Shirley and George Luse live in SC with their rat terrier, Mia. In the wintertime Shirley and George go around to various long-term care facilities and take Mia with them. While George plays the piano or guitar, Shirley sings the songs that older folks are used to and enjoy, and while they do that, little Mia walks around meeting everyone...shaking hands/paws, listening intently to sweet nothings, enjoying lots of pats and tummy rubs, and kissing oldster's soft cheeks. Occasionally she goes up to see how Shirley and George are doing with their entertaining of the crowd. In the summertime, Shirley, George and Mia shut down their house and head up to Lake George, New York, where they are booked nearly the entire summer each year to do the same visiting, playing music and singing, and of course, rattie hugs and pats. A couple of times they have attempted to go without Mia, and this had people concerned at each stop ... "Where's our Mia? Is she Okay? Why isn't she here with you? Is she coming again?" George and Shirley have learned that where they go, Mia goes. And it all makes for a wonderful evening shared with people who, sometimes, are able to forget whatever might be troubling them, or an ache or a pain, and they just enjoy Mia and her "back up entertainers".
~Sherri Chatterton, NR Foster Parent-N C
Disabled Rat Terrier, PICKLES, Wins Dancing Contest! Yes, you read that title right, folks. Pickles, rescued from an abandoned house, was adopted by a couple in Indiana, Jessica and Chris Mannon, who foster for several Rat Terrier rescues. Pickles has a spinal cord injury, which has left her with back legs that don't work quite right. When she is playing or just walking along, her back legs sometimes just give out on her. Nonplussed, she depends on mom or dad to lift her up, help her get steady on her feet, and off she goes again. Fast forward to the Johnson County Humane Society's rescue event. Pickles drew lots of attention because she's quite a 'goof-ball', as Jessica describes her. One lady in the crowd encouraged Jessica to enter Pickles in a talent contest. When the music started thumping, Pickles spun right onto the dance floor and did a stellar performance of her hopping and dancing - to the tune of winning 3rd place in the dance contest !!! Pickles won some Disney toys and had lots of photos taken! If Pickles could talk, she would tell you " I hop and hop when I'm happy!" ~Norma Downing, NR Volunteer-LA and Janell Brown, NR Foster Parent-WA
Got some rattie news or a story you'd like to share? Send it to Norma at newsletter@newrattitude.org. Put "Norma's Rattie Notes" in the subject line.
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Want To Get Involved?
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Join The Pack!
Volunteer participation is critical to our success and our ability to save dogs. New Rattitude has many volunteer opportunities and ways that you can participate that involve as little or as much time as you wish to contribute: Fostering, transporting, adoption screening, fundraising, organizational tasks, shelter monitoring, public relations, newsletter, special events, recruiting and more. As a member of our team, you will always be treated with respect and your contributions appreciated. Volunteer education and training is ongoing, and support and advice willingly shared. If you are interested in joining our team, please fill out our online Volunteer Application!
Other Ways to Contribute
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| Donate
Cash donations go directly to pay for veterinary expenses for our rescued dogs, including vaccinations, heartworm testing and treatment, spay/neuters, antibiotics, etc. Since we are an all-volunteer organization with virtually no overhead, 100% of your donation goes directly to care for the dogs. To donate, send check or money order to: New Rattitude, PO Box 14064, Lansing, MI 48901. Or donate via Paypal by sending a payment to: treasurer@newrattitude.org
GoodSearch/GoodShop
GoodSearch.com is a new Yahoo-powered search engine that donates half its advertising revenue, about a penny per search, to the charities its users designate. Use it just as you would any search engine, get quality search results from Yahoo, and watch the donations add up! Just go to www.goodsearch.com and be sure to enter New Rattitude as the charity you want to support. And, be sure to spread the word!
GoodShop.com is a new online shopping mall which donates up to 37 percent of each purchase to your favorite cause! Hundreds of great stores including Amazon,Target, Gap, Best Buy, ebay, Macy's and Barnes & Noble have teamed up with GoodShop and every time you place an order, you'll be supporting New Rattitude as your chosen cause. |
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