Announcing New Rattitude's First Ever Online Silent Auction! Are you ready to have some fun, buy neat stuff, and help NR's medically needy rat terriers? Join us on August 1, when the bidding opens for our first online silent auction, a fundraiser to benefit rescued ratties who will need surgery, treatment for heartworms, or other special medical care in our Canine Clinic. All of the items up for auction are new, and they include both those donated by NR members and the many great prizes that your votes helped us win for Claire's story in the "Inspiring Rescue Stories" contest. (See the story in the May 2010 issue of 'Tude News.) These include: An 11"x14" custom pet portrait in oil or acrylic ($340 value) Autographed books Cookware and utensils Gift cards and gift certificates MP3 player Custom sterling silver dog tag Much more! One hundred percent of the auction proceeds will be used to pay the vet bills of Canine Clinic dogs, PLUS we have a very generous supporter who has pledged to match every dollar raised (up to $1,000) towards Claire's upcoming cataract surgery! Bidding begins at 7:00 a.m. EDT on Sunday, August 1, and ends on Sunday, August 15, at 9:00 p.m. EDT. Watch for details to be posted on the New Rattitude Web site. See you there!

					New Book in the ReTail Shop Relationship Training for a Well-Behaved Dog Author: Camille Ward, Ph.D. Dogs are social animals with a natural instinct to form bonds with their people. Relationship training--training based on trust, not dominance--will help your dog behave better because it will learn that looking to you for guidance and direction is rewarding. This short, concise, and to-the-point book is grounded in science, yet easy to follow. Camille Ward is a scientist in the field of dog cognition and social behavior with a knack for explaining complex information in everyday language that anyone can understand and apply. Relationship Training for a Well-Behaved Dog shows how dog training can be fun, easy, and effective. It's perfect for dog guardians and dog professionals alike. You can read the book and get started training the same day. (32 pages) We are pleased to be able to offer this excellent training resource for the discounted price of just $6 plus shipping. Visit our ReTail Shop to order your copy.

					Dog Food Is it time to switch? By Janell Brown It’s easy to fall into the habit of feeding your dogs the same food that you’ve fed for years, but this can be a mistake. Companies change owners and products change over the years, so what was good in 1990 might be much less than ideal in 2010. The veterinary science behind animal nutrition continues to add to what is known about the connection between health, behavior, and nutrition; and good dog food companies will change to reflect that knowledge.   So why spend the time and likely some extra money to make sure that your dog is getting the best food you can afford to feed? There are nearly too many reasons to count, but let’s touch on some of them. Long life - Everyone out there has probably heard some blowhard say, “Oh, my dad fed our dog farm scraps, and that old dog lived till he was 18 years old.” While many dogs have the genetics to handle eating cheap food and still live a long life, many more would have a chance at adding years to their life if they just had the proper nutrition they need. It's just like we'd expect with humans. We can eat lots of junk food with little nutritive value, but we will pay for it eventually with health problems that can turn fatal. The same goes for your dog.   Lower vet bills in the long run - Feeding a nutritious, balanced food to your dog can mean fewer trips to the vet. A dog that gets food of low nutritive value is going to have a weaker immune system and, as it gets older, is likely to have regular health problems that not only will break your heart but eat up your money. The food may cost a bit more, but better to pay for good food than for your vet’s student loans. Behavior issues - Although this is still considered to be controversial, more nutritionists are starting to believe that certain food preservatives and artificial colors and flavors can be linked to behavior issues. If your dog is hyper, listless, struggles to learn new things, there could be a link to what it is eating. Paying for poop - Yep, that’s what you are doing with many cheap dog foods. Bargain foods are loaded with corn, wheat, and soy--all of which are difficult for a dog, with its short digestive tract, to digest. All that grain just shoots right through your dog and ends up in your backyard in the form of extra poop. And that poop is going to be stinkier and softer. Blecch! Do you really want to be paying for the joy of extra scooping duty? What’s that smell? - While your dog is struggling to digest all that corn, guess what you will be smelling? Gas is common when a dog has trouble digesting something. So stop holding your nose and buy a better food. Less with more - Because a high quality food is nutrient dense, you can actually feed less food for your dog to get the nutrients it needs.   Scritch-scratching away - It’s fairly common for dogs to be allergic to certain grains, especially corn and wheat. This shows itself in itchy skin, often around the paws. Sometimes dogs will actually get welts that can open and develop secondary infections. Treating these symptoms with steroids or other medications won’t solve the underlying allergy issue and can cause further health issues when used as a long-term remedy. There are many available foods that are corn and wheat free and even some that are completely grain free; so before you sentence your dog to a lifetime of itching, consider trying a hypoallergenic dog food. Palatability - A nutritious dog food is going to have more meat and less grain, making it much more palatable to your dog. What would you prefer--a steak or a bucket of plain popcorn? That’s what I thought. When you change your dog's diet, it may have softer stool for a while as its body gears up to digest a different mix of nutrients. Try adding a rounded spoonful of pumpkin puree to its food. This coats the stomach and intestines and also adds some bulky fiber to the mix.   A great Web site that reviews dry dog foods and rates them from one to six stars is www.dogfoodanalysis.com. The Web site www.dogfoodproject.com is also a wealth of information for those of you ready to make the switch. Finally, feeding a better food doesn’t necessarily mean spending a load of money. Several companies make dog foods that are free of corn, wheat, and by-products for about the same price as you’d spend on an inexpensive grocery store brand. Merrick’s new value line called Whole Earth Farms is great and runs $8.99 for an 8-pound bag, and FirstMate makes a simple food called Skoki that is $40 for 40 pounds. Take some time and find out what is available at stores in your area. Check those ingredients listed on the bag. Your dog will thank you!

					Frodo's Product Review: West Paw Design's Zogoflex Bumi By Janell Brown and Frodo Typically I have time to extensively test all the treats and toys that I write about. However, this time my trials were regularly interrupted by that brutish female, Franny, who was fostered at my home. I am happy to announce that she has found a home of her own and will no longer be stealing toys from me. In fact, at her new home there are no other dogs for her to torture, which sounds like a perfect fit to me. Since Franny unfortunately loved this toy and regularly made sure I had no access to it, I have interviewed her to better understand her obsession with the Bumi. But first let me tell you a bit about it.  The Bumi is made by a great company in Montana called West Paw Design. It specializes in both recycled fleece toys and bedding and--what I consider their highest achievement--their line of “Zogoflex” toys. What is Zogoflex, you ask? Why, Zogoflex is a pliable rubber-type material that is soft enough to give a bit when you chew on it but tough enough to last for quite a while, so your humans won’t have to whine about how quickly you destroyed it. In fact, West Paw thinks these Zogoflex toys are so tough that they guarantee them. If you destroy it, your human has the option of returning it for a replacement or a refund.  The Zogoflex line consists of the “Hurley,” a fetching stick; the “Huck,” a ball that bounces erratically; the “Zisc,” a durable floating Frisbee-type thing; the “Tux,” an odd little toy for stuffing with treats; and the best of all, the Bumi. The Bumi is an S-shaped toy, and it has some give to it, flopping around when thrown, stretching out when tugged; and I hear that it even floats although I’m not going near water to test that. Euuwww...swimming! A ridiculous hobby. Anyhow, that is why I believe this is a great toy for terriers. Let’s see what Franny had to say about it in her interview: Frodo: Hello, Franny, I’d like to ask you a few questions about that Bumi that you are hiding there under the coffee table. Franny: Nice try, doofus. I am NOT giving it back to you. Frodo: Like I really want it back after you’ve been slobbering on it for 20 minutes. No, I’d just like to know why it is you like it so much that you have refused to allow me to test it properly. Franny: Because you are too dumb to know how it’s supposed to be used. This is a tug toy or a chew toy, not something for flaky little dogs like you to chase around and pretend it’s alive and running away or something. It is NOT a fetch toy. Frodo: It happens to be a wonderful fetch toy. Franny: It’s not a fetch toy, you dummy! It’s a tug toy. You just don’t have the balls to play tug with it--that’s why you call it a fetch toy.   Frodo: Now, Franny, you know perfectly well that I’ve been neutered. There’s no need to get personal. Franny: It’s a figure of speech, idiot. The toy is flexible. It’s shaped like an S, so you can stretch it out. Even an overbred Yorkie could figure out that it’s meant to be tugged. Frodo: Since you can’t be civilized, this interview is over, Franny. We’ll just have to agree to disagree. So there you have it, folks. The Bumi is available in two sizes, but the small size is the perfect fit for ratties. The small Bumi retails for about $10 and can be found at independent pet stores or online at www.westpawdesign.com

					Furever Home We are proud to announce that 31 more NR ratties have found their furever homes. CongRATulations to all, and to the new adopters, WELCOME to the New Rattitude family! Carlos - Fostered by Di Hudson, adopted by Leda Hansen Cracker - Fostered by Sandee Yacklin, adopted by Janice Coppola Tess - Fostered by Janell Brown, adopted by Carol Balestreri Cedar - Fostered by Diane McClane, adopted by Kristin Hill Hobie - Fostered by Linda Kuiper, adopted by David Blackburn Beseme - Fostered by Kathy Young, adopted by Crystal Nguyen Daisy - Fostered by Diane McClane, adopted by Terri deWerff Bert - Fostered by Noreen Seeders, adopted by Susan McGlade Bodhi - Fostered by Nadia Chiodini, adopted by Jodi Cotner Baldwin - Fostered by Carrie Erskine, adopted by Sydney Singer Oslo - Fostered by Terry Beale, adopted by Gary Thompson Ewa - Fostered by Kathy Young, adopted by Terri Wallace Trixie - Fostered by Lainie Epstein, adopted by Linda Martens Franny - Fostered by Janell Brown, adopted by Julee Allen Raydar - Fostered by Cathy Conrad, adopted by Kimberley & Joshua Homer Poquita - Fostered by Kathy Young, adopted by Vickie Moore Wrigley- Fostered by Lindy Darovic, adopted by Jamie Marr Tie Dye - Fostered Jessica Mannon, adopted by Jessica Mannon Ali-Gator - Fostered by Sue Wichman, adopted by Jim & Linda Trejo Remi - Fostered Linda Kuiper, adopted by Erik Wilford Chikezie - Fostered by Nadia Chiodini, adopted by Kenneth Brewer Winnie - Fostered by Michelle Harris, adopted by Jennifer Goodley Dado - Fostered by Kathy Young, adopted by Rebecca McCay Chica - Fostered by Kathy Young, adopted by Joe Waldron Athens - Fostered by Terry Beale, adopted by Arlene Barnhart Jeff - Fostered by Lainie Epstein, adopted by Antoni Brozda PeanutButter - Fostered by Sue Kangas, adopted by Rosemary Thelen Chip-A-Roo - Fostered by Bethany Adams, adopted by Karyn Hunt Gizmo - Fostered by Sherri Chatterton, adopted by James Hutchins Elvis - Fostered by Janell Brown, adopted by Kate Avery Prairie - Fostered by Janell Brown, adopted by Tom Sturgeon In The Clinic Nine-year old Kuma comes from an abusive situation. He is having problems with his neck and cannot turn his head to the right side, probably as a result of head or neck trauma. He's very fearful if something comes up on his right side and cannot lift his head to see what might be over him. Kuma needs a radiograph of his neck, blood work, pain medication, and surgery on his teeth, at an estimated cost of $300 to $500. Under the loving care of his foster parents, Kuma is slowly learning to trust humans again. Addressing his pain issues will surely help him in his journey. Dogs in the Canine Clinic have incurred vet bills that adoption fees don't cover. If you can help, please visit the link above to read about these dogs and consider a donation to help us cover these costs. Canine Clinic donors are listed on our Donor Recognition board. We appreciate every dollar...without the help of our supporters, we would not be able to rescue these ratties with medical needs.

					Meet Pepper!  The 'Tude News Featured Foster By Bethany Adams Agile young rattie boy is ready to bounce into your life! Pepper is quite the jumper, with a vertical leap range of about three or four feet straight up into the air. He will be at your feet, and then all of a sudden, he is almost at eye level; and you find yourself wondering how in the world he got there! Despite his amazing athletic ability, this boy has a great respect for fences and has never tried to jump the fence or otherwise attempt to get out of the backyard at his foster home. He just loves to bounce! Ten-month-old Pepper is full grown now at 22 pounds, the perfect size for a family companion dog. He loves children and other dogs and is loaded with playful young terrier energy. One of his favorite things to do is to take his stuffed toys outside on the deck to play in the sunshine. Then when it’s time to come in, he takes the toys back to his bed! Pepper is also quite a snuggler. When in the house, he prefers lap time above all else, but he is also fine when crated and is not destructive. He is very alert and a good watch dog. Though he is not an especially "barky" dog, he will warn you if he hears something outside. As a reward for his good behavior, Pepper's favorite treats are peanut butter and popcorn. He also loves to go for car rides and is comfortable riding in a crate or safely seat-belted. His foster mom sends Pepper to doggy day care a few times a week to help him burn off his extra energy. He loves to go and gets along great with all the dogs and humans there. This handsome pup is a very lovable (and loving), very energetic, very good boy. Since he is just a youngster, his training will need to be ongoing as he matures and learns to be a well-mannered adult. If you are looking for an active young companion and are willing to work with him, Pepper could be the perfect rattie for you! Pepper is being fostered in Alabama. To read more about him or apply to adopt, please visit the New Rattitude Web site.

					Want to Get Involved? 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 are 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 that 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.

					'Tude News Team Managing Editor: Susan Beard Copy Editor: Kathy Puckett Staff Writers: Janell Brown, Debbie Collins, Norma Downing, Barbara Hill, Patti Jeffries, Sue Kangas, Jessica Mannon, Sue Painter-Thorne, and Heidee Vansant 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.