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Can We Do It Again?
2009 Shelter Challenge
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New Rattitude is again participating in the Shelter Challenge, sponsored by The Animal Rescue Site and Petfinder.com, and we need your votes to help us win!
The grand prize is $20,000! Second prize is $5,000 and third prize is $3,000. Plus there are two $1,500 honorable mentions, and the top shelter in each state wins $1,000. Lastly, there are weekly prizes of $1,000 for the shelter with the most votes that particular week. Last fall New Rattitude won the $1,000 prize for Georgia, so we know that it is doable!
To vote, go to http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/shelterchallenge. In the lavender box, type "New Rattitude" for shelter name, then "GA" for state. Then click the search button. Although we have six different Petfinder regions, we need to concentrate all of our votes on ONE shelter, so we've chosen the Georgia region.
Each computer may vote once per day. The contest runs through July 26. We need your votes every day to win. Let your animal-loving family, friends, and neighbors know!
NR Board of Directors Election
The New Rattitude membership held its first election for board of directors in March. Per our bylaws, in this initial election, all seven seats on the board were open. There were nine candidates. The new directors are: Bethany Adams, Terry Beale, Susan Beard, Debbie Collins, Connie Hendsbee, Sue Kangas, and Levecke Mas.
To the original members of the founding board, to whom we owe the extraordinary success this organization has realized in the short time since its inception, the words "thank you" seem hardly adequate. Your dedication and leadership have set a high standard for those that follow.
Thank you to all of the candidates and to the membership for your participation in this election. Welcome to the new directors. |
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Sweeter Than Candy:
The Story of Reese
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by Levecke and Charlie Mas
Get ready for New Rattitude's first epic adventure story. This is a love story that embraces the spirit of volunteerism, positive change, and new friendships.
In mid-March, Chente, a 5-month-old rat terrier pup with a broken front right leg, was brought into a vet clinic in Nacogdoches, Texas, by his family. After X-raying the leg, the vet explained that it was broken in the joint, a complex break to repair.. The vet recommended that they either amputate or attempt an expensive repair. Upon learning the cost of treatment, the family said that they "should have shot Chente that morning" as they had planned. The vet suggested that the family sign the dog over for euthanasia and gave them 24 hours to decide. The next day, they signed the euthanasia form.
Instead of putting the puppy down, the vet contacted Nancy Hinds and Michelle Sprague, two local rescuers who work primarily with Great Pyrenees. Michelle visited Chente in the clinic and decided to find him a rescue group to go to after surgery. They posted his story to DFWCares, a Dallas/Fort Worth area rescue list. Reading the post about Chente, Gina Piner, a DFW Cares volunteer, thought, "This little incident could prove to be his lucky day if we can get him into rescue and a better home!" and she made a referral to New Rattitude. NR's Dallas volunteer foster parent Jodi Cotner saw the post and suggested that NR take in the little guy. To honor Gina's role in his rescue, Chente's name was changed to Judd, the name of Gina's husband.
Once New Rattitude agreed to take in Judd, he needed transportation to an open foster home. With a broken leg, he would not qualify for a medical health certificate that would allow him to fly in cargo. Judd's only option was an escorted, in-cabin flight to an open foster home in Washington State. But who would undertake to be Judd's escort? More folks jumped onboard to help. Janell Brown, Washington foster mom and volunteer, wrote to her friend Stephanie, who works at Alaska Airlines. Stephanie posted to various airlines that little Judd needed an escort to Washington, and Dusty Daniels, a Horizon Airlines employee, responded quickly. Dusty volunteered to use his two days of leave to fly to Dallas, pick up Judd, and transport him to Seattle. In Florida, New Rattitude volunteers Connie Hendsbee and Sue Krainik were so thrilled with Dusty Daniels' spirit of volunteerism that they decided to name a new foster dog Dusty.
While a large team of volunteers worked to make the arrangements for the rescue, the vet in Nacogdoches tried to save Judd's leg. Judd came out of surgery with multiple pins in his leg. Nancy Hinds visited Judd at the clinic and observed, "He shakes all over like a bowl of tricolored jello. Poor guy holds that broken leg up in the air. I know it has got to hurt." Once Judd could be released, Nancy returned to drive him three hours through a Texas rainstorm to meet Jodi near Dallas.
In Dallas and in the care of New Rattitude, the puppy underwent one more name change as he awaited Dusty and the flight to Seattle. Little Judd was given his official New Rattitude name, Reese--conceived by the daughter of his soon-to-be foster mom, Michelle Harris. Inspired by the famous peanut butter bits of the same name, she decided that Reese was perfect for something sweet on the outside with broken pieces on the inside.
Dusty arrived in Dallas as planned, was treated to a true Texas steak house dinner courtesy of Jodi and her frequent rescue partner and neighbor, Monica, and driven in the wee hours of the following morning to the airport to catch a 7 a.m. flight back to Seattle. After a nine-hour bonding experience at the airport due to a flight delay, Dusty and his charge were on their way. Later that night, Dusty handed Reese over to his temporary foster mom, Levecke Mas.
The next morning, Levecke took Reese to a vet clinic in Auburn, Wash., to have his leg evaluated and received the heartbreaking news that it now needed to be amputated. A vet in Yakima, 150 miles to the east, would do the work at a significant discount. Kathy Young, an Auburn area foster mom, picked up Reese from the Auburn clinic and he spent the night with her.
The following afternoon, Levecke and her daughter, Emma, met Kathy Young to collect Reese. Mom, daughter, and dog continued on through the mountains to a rendezvous point in eastern Washington where they met Michelle Harris and her husband, who would take Reese home with them to Yakima. Reese went to the vet for his surgery the next day.
Reese spent his recovery at the Harris' home with an older, experienced three-legged dog to show him the ropes. He is a very smart, friendly, and energetic puppy, who quickly learned how to zip around the yard on only three legs and come to a successful stop. New Rattitude volunteer Debbie Collins, located in Alabama, sewed a special jacket to accommodate a cast so that Reese would be warm and cozy when he got to cooler Washington. Now Debbie is reworking the jacket for the new three-legged Reese.
Reese's story shows how a number of people worked together--each playing an important part--to save a puppy from euthanasia, get him to a rescue organization, attempt to save his leg, transfer him across three cities, get him the surgery he needed, and provide him a loving foster home. Each person along the way--from the vet who refused to euthanize Reese to the cheering squad from within the New Rattitude membership, who gave advice, support, and counsel--pitched in to help save this pup.
As you might imagine, Reese has incurred quite a substantial medical bill. If you would like to join the Reese Team, please visit the Canine Clinic and make a donation to Reese. Your contribution will be greatly appreciated.
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Ehrlichiosis: A Tick-borne Disease
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By Jessica Mannon
Warmer weather means more time outdoors for you and your rat terrier. Unfortunately, it also means the arrival of an unwelcome seasonal visitor--the tick.. Ticks can carry diseases, and one of them, Ehrlichiosis, which is less familiar than some of the others, produces symptoms that may be overlooked or misdiagnosed.
Ehrlichiosis is spread when a tick feeds on an animal infected with the disease. There are three phases of the disease. During the acute stage, which usually develops one to three weeks after the tick bite, symptoms such as "anemia, fever, depression, lethargy, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, joint pain and stiffness, and bruises" may develop, according to the website www.peteducation.com.
Jaime Restorff's dog Oscar had been losing weight for no apparent reason, so when she took him for his annual checkup, his vet ordered a blood panel. Since the low white blood cell count seen in the results could have been caused by a virus, the vet asked Jaime to return with Oscar in a month for retesting. When the second test showed a nonexistent white cell count, it could mean only one of two things--a tick-borne disease or cancer. "We then sent off a tick panel and waited forever for it to come back," says Jaime.
Surprisingly the results were positive for Lyme disease--even though it does not not drop the white cell count--and negative for Ehrlichiosis. The vet started Oscar on doxycycline for the Lyme and set up an appointment with an oncologist for a bone marrow aspirate.
After about a month, an infected dog will enter the subclinical stage, during which few, if any, outward symptoms appear. During this period, which may last for years, the dog may fight off the disease, or it may progress to the third, or chronic, phase, in which it may experience severe weight loss, anemia, bleeding, and edema, among other symptoms. Eventually, if undiagnosed and untreated, ehrlichiosis can cause renal failure, bone marrow suppression, and death.
Unfortunately, Ehrlichiosis can be difficult to diagnose. Some of the tests can be unreliable depending on the dog's general health and stage of the disease. A complete blood count may show anemia, as well as an irregular or depressed white blood cell count. Biochemical profiles and a urinalysis are also used to check for elevated protein levels. Ehrlichia organsisms can be seen on a blood smear but usually only for a few days after the acute phase. Platelet counts and clotting profiles may point to the disease because it can cause problems with clotting. X-rays are used to rule out other causes of the dog's symptoms and can help spot enlarged lymph nodes or an enlarged spleen. A bone marrow aspirate may be done to see if the cells are healthy enough to recover and to rule out other diseases such as leukemia.
Oscar was scheduled to run a flyball tournament the weekend after his second trip to the vet, and Jaime made the agonizing decision to postpone the bone marrow aspirate until after the tournament. "We truly figured it would be his last race, and he loves it so," recalls Jaime. "I remember sitting at that tournament on the last day, before our last race, crying my eyes out because I was sure my days with my heart dog were numbered."
The following Monday morning, Jamie dropped Oscar off at the oncologist's office at 10:00 a.m. and was told they would call her with the results after 3:00 p.m. When she got home, her phone was ringing, and the caller ID showed that it was the oncologist. It had only been 45 minutes since she she had dropped Oscar off, so she was convinced that something was horribly wrong. However, she was stunned when she heard the vet say that Oscar's white blood cell count had returned to normal. "Come and get your dog," he said. "We will talk."
The oncologist explained that there are two kinds of Ehrlichia organisms. The one commonly tested for affects the red blood cells. The other affects the white blood cells. When Oscar's vet treated the low-level Lyme with the antibiotic, she was also inadvertently treating the Ehrlichiosis. Since Jamie had postponed the appointment with the oncologist, Oscar's white blood cell count had had time to return to normal. Within a week, Oscar was back to his puppyish self.
The doxycycline that Oscar's vet used to treat for Lyme is the most common treatment for Ehrlichiosis. It is given for a period of six to eight weeks. If the disease is caught early, the prognosis is generally good. Once the infection progresses into the chronic stage, the prognosis is poorer. After treatment, the dog is not immune to Ehrlichiosis, and the organism can "hide" in the dog's system. Symptoms can reappear months or years later, and the dog will have to be retreated. Clearly the best course of action is to prevent the disease in the first place with regular applications of flea and tick preventative. Also check for ticks daily, as they must be attached for 24 to 48 hours to transmit the disease. If you do spot a tick on your dog, use proper procedures to remove it to ensure the entire tick is removed.
To learn more about Ehrlichiosis, visit these websites:
www.peteducation.com
www.petplace.com/dogs/ehrlichiosis-in-dogs
www.workingdogs.com/doc0045.htm |
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Furever Home
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We are proud to announce that 24 more New Rattitude ratties have found their furever homes. CongRATulations to all, and to the new adopters, WELCOME to the New Rattitude family!
Jiri - Fostered by Nadia Chiodini, adopted by Loretta Parker
Lily - Fostered by Karen Stewart, adopted by Karen Gornto
Marlena - Fostered by Jaime Restorff, adopted by Sharon Weaver
Caradoc - Fostered by Mary Beth Voss, adopted by Kathy Barnes
Soleil - Fostered by Kathy Young, adopted by Jennifer Hinkle
Laika - Fostered by Janell Brown, adopted by Jean Ahern
Romano - Fostered by Jaime Restorff, adopted by Kathy Smith
Windy - Fostered by Terry Beale, adopted by Helen Derickson
Rose - Fostered by Karen Stewart, adopted by Erin Barbato
Lillie - Fostered by Diane McClane, adopted by Dawn Johnstone
Bramble - Fostered by Karen Stewart, adopted by Krista Dove
Ming - Fostered by LellyLea Clarke-Johnson, adopted by Jacquie Warbow
Elsie - Fostered by Nadia Chiodini, adopted by Judith Williams
Fiona - Fostered by Mary Beth Voss, adopted by Layla El Amin
Sweet Santee - Fostered by Nancy Breedlove, adopted by Gina Jourdonnais
Twister - Fostered by Linda Kuiper, adopted by Heidi Carnahan
Mannie - Fostered by Kathy Young, adopted by Heather Raphael
Asher - Fostered by Bethany Adams, adopted by Cheryl Rose
Reese - Fostered by Michelle Harris, adopted by Ellen Hanley
Ringo - ReHome Program, adopted by Jesse Randall
Rusty - Fostered by Noreen Seeders, adopted by Melanie Michaud
Danny - Fostered by Patience Miller, adopted by Ashley Mucha
Daphne - Fostered by Karen Stewart, adopted by Wendy Neilson
Landy - Fostered by Nancy Breedlove, adopted by Alisa Andrijanoff
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Living With a Geriatric
Rat Terrier
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Of the six permanent canine residents in our home, five of them--ranging from 8 to 15 years of age--are what most veterinary experts would call geriatric. Adopted as adults, all of our motley misfits are rescued dogs, and each has become a beloved family member.
With your family dog, you may not notice subtle signs of the inevitable aging process. Moreover, in some breeds like the rat terrier, the signs may not become evident until the dog is 10 or older. When they appear, interestingly, the signs are similar to those in humans. Older dogs may move more slowly, sleep longer, and need to go potty more often. Sound familiar?
So what should you do to ensure that your rattie's senior years are truly its golden years? In a nutshell, you need to stay alert to the changes that come with aging and respond to them. Some of the common changes to expect and suggested ways to respond are described below.
Changes in mobility
Older dogs may move more slowly, but regular exercise is still important. Choose low impact exercise like walking over running sports or marathon-type hiking. If you see limping or other symptoms of pain, see your veterinarian. Arthritis is common in older dogs, but your vet can prescribe medications to reduce inflammation and prevent pain. Your dog's reduced mobility can affect mealtime and bedtime routines. Elevated water and food bowls can make your dog more comfortable while it eats. And that rattie who always sprang onto your bed to snuggle may now find it easier to curl up in a comfy orthopedic dog bed. As an alternative, you can place dog stairs or an indoor dog ramp next to your bed or just lift your faithful friend on and off the bed. Associated with changes in mobility are changes in tolerance to temperature extremes. Be prepared to get out the doggy sweater or the indoor fleeces earlier in the fall. And don't forget to provide that orthopedic bed with a warm blanket or electric pet bed warmer.
Changes in nutritional needs
Ask your vet whether your aging rat terrier needs a special "senior" dog food. Some dogs may require special diets. For example, a dog with decreased kidney function needs less protein. In general, dogs need fewer calories as they age, but don't automatically respond to your senior dog's weight gain by reducing the quantity of food or imposing a special diet. Consult with your vet first, as weight gain can indicate a problem like Cushing's disease. If it is determined that your dog is simply too fat, be diligent about helping it to lose those extra pounds. Obesity can contribute to numerous health issues, such as joint problems and pancreatitis. Measure your dog's food carefully with a measuring cup. Take more frequent, but brief and gentle walks. Responding to changing nutritional needs also means consulting your vet to determine the supplements your dog may need as it ages. My vet recommends a joint supplement containing glucosamine, chondroitin, methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), and omega-3 fatty acids for dogs of all ages. This combination is reported to reduce joint inflammation and improve cartilage strength.
Changes in potty habits
For a variety of reasons, geriatric dogs usually need to go outside to potty more often than their younger counterparts. Bladder capacity may decrease, muscle tone may weaken, and some medications, such as diuretics for heart conditions, may cause increased urination. Unfortunately, the dog may not be as aware that it needs to eliminate, and arthritis pain or aversion to cold may dampen its enthusiasm for doing the task outside. Incontinence in your dog may mean loads of laundry and daily baths for your dog, but your vet may be able to help with medication or surgery, depending on the severity of the problem. If these are not an option, doggie diapers and pee pads are available, or you could limit your dog's living space to easily cleaned areas (tile floor and washable bedding and rugs).
Changes in sensory and cognitive functions
Both vision and hearing may deteriorate as your dog ages, and you may find that your rattie startles more easily. Startled dogs may snap, so give your dog time to pick up your scent before touching it. Be sure to tell others, especially young children, not to approach or touch the dog too quickly or roughly. For peace of mind, you may want to install additional fencing or barriers to limit the areas where your dog might wander in the yard.. If you notice that your dog's hearing isn't as sharp as it was, start using hand signals as you give the dog familiar spoken commands. Walk with a "heavy" step to help your dog feel the vibrations and alert it to your approach.
In addition to changes in a dog's behavior associated with vision and hearing loss, there are other behavioral changes that can't be explained. Canine cognitive dysfunction is defined as a geriatric behavior change that cannot be attributed to a known medical condition. These changes may include aggression, wandering, vocalizing, and loss of behaviors that were previously learned like house-training. Two of our own elderly dogs have shown aggression and disorientation. We limit their outdoor environment to a securely fenced backyard and give them doggy door access to it. They know their yard, they know their house, and they seem to be happy without any excursions into unknown territory. While our younger dogs are allowed to go on walks in the neighborhood and take trips with us, the older ones seem more comfortable inside their familiar environment. As a rule, you will find that a senior dog will do best with few changes in routine.
Every rule has its exception, however, and the exception to this rule was my dog Beana. Beana's life was enriched greatly by attending last year's Southeast Rat Terrier Jamboree in Sweetwater, Tenn., at age 19! Later that year, in May, she went to the Rainbow Bridge.
An ounce of prevention
Not surprisingly, some of the serious problems that may afflict the senior dog can be avoided by good preventative care when the dog is younger. Throughout your dog's life, proper nutrition, regular vet visits, and good oral hygiene can ease many of the health problems associated with aging. Later, as your dog enters its "golden years," tests designed for geriatric dogs may help to identify diseases long before symptoms become apparent. Proper nutrition means not only providing your dog with the best food you can afford, but also feeding it the correct amount. Be aware of exactly how much food your dog needs to maintain its healthy weight.
In addition to good nutrition, regular vet visits throughout your dog's life will help its senior years to be prime years. Your veterinarian can help you spot changes that might be significant to your dog's health later on, but in order to see changes, your vet must know your dog well, both inside and out. Because the rate of aging is faster in dogs than in humans, your vet may want to see your older dog for semiannual visits, rather than annual checkups. He may suggest a geriatric blood panel to identify problems like kidney disease and liver disease--two ailments that may not present symptoms until over 75 percent of organ function is lost.
Finally, a good dental program throughout your dog's life is vital to its health in later years. Infections from the teeth can cause problems with your dog's heart and kidneys. Annual cleanings, if needed, are a good idea, as well as dental chews and daily brushing with an enzymatic toothpaste.
Helping your dog make the most of its golden years might take a bit of preparation and extra time, but you and your treasured furry friend will appreciate the effort. All your senior dog asks of you is a little help to continue to be a contributing member of the family.. It will still enjoy the sunshine of a spring day spent with you just as it did as an overly active youngster. And as you stroke your senior rattie's head gently resting in your lap, you may find that you treasure the experience even more. |
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NR Volunteer Spotlight -
Michelle Harris
By Sue Kangas
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Michelle Harris' home in Yakima, Washington could be called New Rattitude's "Special Canine Rehabilitation Unit." Recently fostering Reese, who lost a front leg after an unsuccessful surgery to correct a bad fracture (See separate article in this issue of 'Tude News), Michelle is experienced in caring for dogs that have lost limbs. Two of her six personal dogs (all rescues) have a missing front or back leg. Reese was the third foster she has rehabbed after amputation surgery.
There are several reasons why Michelle is ideally qualified to care for our rat terriers with special medical needs: 1) She's a homemaker and has the time to dedicate to their care;
2) Because distance separates her from New Rattitude's other Washington foster homes clustered in the Seattle area, she prefers to take in the fosters which aren't likely to be immediately adopted; and 3) She enjoys it! "I have a soft spot for the hurt ones," says Michelle. "I like the underdogs."
Michelle has fostered about 40 dogs since she became involved in dog rescue three years ago. Since joining New Rattitude last August, her NR fosters have included Allie (the pregnant heartworm positive dog that gave birth to NR's very first litter of puppies), Benny and Katie (Allie's pups), Reese, and Pippy. Michelle also volunteers with two local all-breed rescues, specializing in small breed dogs. Helping her in these endeavors are Kevin, her husband of 17 years, 15-year-old son, Tyler, and 12-year-old daughter, Taylor.
When asked what she likes best about volunteering for New Rattitude, Michelle answered that she values the support she gets and the knowledge that everyone shares with each other. Michelle also likes the New Rattitude policy allowing foster parents to have a say-so in the adoption process for their own foster dogs.
Thank you, Michelle, for caring so lovingly for our sick and broken ratties and nursing them back to good health! |
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Haley
Story submitted by Lori Stock
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Haley was advertised as a "special needs" dog. The ad that appeared on our company's classified website stated that Haley had nerve damage, possibly due to a botched tail docking. At the time I was only sort-of looking for a companion for our Chinese crested, Squiggy. We weren't a hundred percent committed to adding to our household quite yet, but a couple of weeks passed and the classified kept running. Nobody seemed interested in this puppy with special needs.
My first e-mail let New Rattitude foster mom Kathy Young know what I was looking for and why. Kathy and I exchanged more e-mails. I learned that "Haley," a rattie/Chihuahua mix, was incontinent and ran with a hopping gait, both due to the nerve damage in her rear end. Personality-wise though, Haley was a gem. Kathy encouraged me to come over and meet Haley.
Jim and I drove over that same day. Haley was dressed in a human premie diaper held on with baby suspenders and a doggie shirt. She was so tiny at only four pounds! Kathy explained that because Haley has no tail, premie diapers work perfectly for her incontinence. Kathy had already engineered a system for Haley's adoptive owners to use for her unique handicap, and it didn't bother haley at all.
We stayed at Kathy's house for a while and let Haley get used to us. She was a little shy. On the way home, we talked about it. We knew Haley would warm up to us once she got into our home, and after sleeping on it, the next morning I let Kathy know we wanted to give it a try. The deal was struck. We were aware of what we were getting ourselves into, and we felt confident we could handle the situation. I filled out the appropriate paperwork, and Haley came to live with Jim and me. Immediately Squiggy and Haley started to bond. Our plan was working, and we were happy.
It took some time getting used to the Haley routine: changing diapers and wt clothing all the time, cleaning the squirmy pup's bottom, handling a bout of bad diarrhea, and washing stinky bedding every day. Jim and I are childless, and all of this was very new to us. I was trying very hard to make this work, but I was stressed. i coudl feel Haley avoiding me even though I had every intention of helping her. For a couple of weeks, I became so frustrted that I didn't think the adoption was going to work. My confidence was truly tested.
Now, almost three months later, much has changed. Taking care of Haley's needs has become second nature. I would say the biggest difference is in Haley. She is more cooperative when we're taking care of her special needs, but her cooperation stems from our being better handlers. Before, it took two of us to change her diaper. Now she's such a good girl. She does a nice stand-stay while getting a diaper change. It's the same with her one-piece outfits. Haley stands still, even offering each front leg and putting her foot through the armhole.
Haley had been with us about a month when we decided to see if we could identify her physical ailment. She wasn't showing any signs of pain, and we had the incontinence issues under control. Nevertheless, Jim and I thought perhaps we could further improve Haley's quality of life through suggestions from our veterinarian. We left Haley at the vet's for a day so she could be X-rayed, and we ordered a long list of lab tests. We got the answer we were looking for later that day--on the X-ray, there is a blank space after Haley's last lumbar vertebra. She has no sacrum and no coccyx! Haley was born without them. On a good note, Haley's lab work came back perfect.
I'm so glad that I happened upon the classified ad and found Haley. Together Haley and Squiggy play and play, then play some more. Haley is very fortunate to have Squiggy, her dog buddy, take such an active role in her life and in her physical development. Squiggy is helping Haley to grow strong, helping her to become agile, and is encouraging her to try things she otherwise might never have the idea herself to carry out. And Haley has helped fill a void in Squiggy's life.
This summer we'll see how Haley handles swimming. That will be interesting, as a swimming dog moves its back legs independently of each other. Meanwhile, in May, Haley and I will be attending a weekly competitive obedience class. Haley will be learning body awareness and placement and how to utilize all of her limbs. It will be interesting to see the degree of controlled movement Haley will have in her rear when she's made to work directly with her handicap.
Haley is all puppy to us--pretty much just your usual, normal 6-month-old puppy. One moment she'll be playing quietly with a stuffed toy, and the next she's off and running to investigate a noise in the hall. She loves to stalk birds and squirrels and argue through the fence with her dachshund friends next door. And of course, when she needs recharging, she turns into the best heat-seeking snuggler. Yes, she is handicapped, but she has figured out ways to compensate. So far she's doing fantastically well.
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Norma's Notes
By Norma Downing |
All living beings will have more fulfilled and happy lives if they have a purpose, a reason to get up in the morning, a JOB to do. There is a 7-year-old female rat terrier named Moxie who has definitely found her place in this life...watching over her beloved owner, Kate Clarkson, of Charleston, South Carolina.
Moxie, service dog designation CPE1PSD, is the first dog to have an official College of Charleston student ID. It's not a joke, or a 'knock-off'....it's for real. Wherever Kate goes (literally everywhere), Moxie is right alongside.
In December 2009, when Kate is handed her bachelor's degree in biology from the College of Charleston, Moxie will be at her side, dressed in a fashionable black and white tux to match Kate's black graduation robe. I wouldn't be surprised to read that Moxie gets her diploma, as well.
Kate's aspiration is to enter veterinary school. She will spend her summer in classes as well as working at the Volunteer Center for Birds of Prey in Charleston.
Read more about Moxie and Kate in this newspaper article published in The Post and Courier of Charleston. |
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Product Review:
DERMagic Hot Spot Lotion
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By Janell Brown
One of my recent foster dogs had all kinds of skin problems, so I decided to try a new skin care program that I had heard about through the pet store where I work. The product sounded a little too good to be true, but I figured if any dog needed some itch relief, it was little Chava.
DERMagic Hot Spot Lotion was developed by a biochemist who raised show Yorkies. One of her dogs had severe skin problems with hair loss, and nothing she tried seemed to help. She developed this lotion, and after two weeks of use, the hair on her Yorkie started to regrow. The lotion combines many natural, organic botanicals, some with antibiotic properties, with fast-acting florets of sulfur, which attack microbes and fungi and eradicate infection, relieving itching and redness. Along with allergy relief, it helps dogs with dermatitis brought on by parasites such as fleas, mites, or fungi.
Within a couple of days of use, the flakiness of Chava's skin was gone, and by the end of the week, I noticed a bit of peach fuzz indicating hair regrowth. It was really quite shocking.
One thing to note: The lotion is a bit oily, so after application be sure to put a T-shirt on the dog to cover the oily spots. Also, the lotion will smell wonderful at first, but as the sweet-smelling oils soak in, you will be left with a sulfury-smelling pup. It's a small price to pay for a healthy dog.
The product line includes a shampoo and conditioner, hot spot lotion and salve, and a cell restoration creme, as well as a sea salt tub soak. To learn more about the products, check out the company's Web site at www.dermagic.com. You can purchase the products online, direct from the company, or from specialty pet stores around the country. |
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What About That Poop!
A History Lesson
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By Crystal Vostad
With no other animal on earth, connected to us humans, do we take such a keen interest in their (ahem) potty habits as we do our dogs. I often wonder why we stare at them while they do the deed. I certainly don't stare at my cats while they do it, do you? Come to think of it, I never stared at horses either (other than to think to myself, "Wow, that was a big dump!"). I never stared at pigs or chickens...or if I did, it was probably in disgust.
I believe this habit has evolved over the last 15,000 years of domestication of the dog. The caveman would stare at the wolf-dog's feces, trying to figure out what kind of meat that larcenist wolf-dog had stolen from him this time. Then in Roman times, they had to watch where their dog pooped for fear of stepping in it. They were a very clean people and even today, we see Roman baths. In Roman terms this was called "Viam! Dogatus shititus." Virgil and Ovid wrote poems about it. Virgil did an especially well-written one called "Ab Urbe Holtis Crapitut." Loosely translated, this is where the term "holy crap" comes from. I know, it is quite a distasteful term. I shall not use it henceforth.
Then the Middle Ages came. Of course, I am leaving out much history here, but due to time restraints and the fact that I have a limited attention span, it needs to be done. It was first thought that dog fecal matter was the cause of the bubonic plague--oh, yes, and witches too! So people were very careful where they stepped, and dog poop was looked upon with great suspicion. The townspeople would gather all the dog matter in a pile and gleefully set it afire, while dancing around holding their pitchforks. It was a very dark time, indeed, for our beloved dogs.
In China, they kept small dogs in their bathrobe sleeve. This was only for emperors, though, as the common man would be put to death for doing such a thing. The term "chow mein" was coined during this period, but alas, the whereabouts of this term is better left unsaid.
In Victorian times, it was all the rage to have dogs and to show them off at social functions. They wanted everything about their dogs to be the best, including their droppings. They actually chatted very openly about it during afternoon tea or even in public. Some would even go so far as to say, "My dog's fecal matter is bigger and more well-rounded then your dog's is." Whereupon the other one would say proudly, "Yes, but my dog's stuff has birdseed in it." Another might say with great dignity, "My dog's poo is much darker and richer in color AND has better conformation then either of yours."
So you see, over time we have evolved into the elimination watchers we are today. This is why we are so enamored with our dogs' feces. Do take note: This is much better reading than my other treatise on why our dogs take such an ardent interest while we "do it." |
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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, 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!
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 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 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! Go to www.goodsearch.com and be sure to enter New Rattitude as the charity you want to support.
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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'Tude News Team
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Managing Editor: Susan Beard
Copy Editor: Kathy Puckett
Staff Writers: Janell Brown, Sherri Chatterton, Nadia Chiodini, Debbie Collins, Jodi Cotner, Norma Downing, Patti Jeffries, Sue Kangas, Jessica Mannon, Levecke Mas, Sharon Smith
Webmaster/Archives: Bethany Adams
'Tude News is published monthly. Freelance submissions are welcome. To submit a story or story idea, please contact the Managing Editor at newsletter@newrattitude.org.
Visit our archives to view previous issues of 'Tude News.
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