Curly Progress

Wow, it has been too long since I posted here. Curly is now in his 3rd class, Rally Advanced and getting ready to do match-ups and trials. He has come a long way and we are becoming a stronger team each week.

I can look back and think what a challenge I thought beginner obedience was. Ha! That was nothing. This week we are to be learning "Stand Stay", "90 degree turns" and practicing everything we have learned this far. Curly really enjoys learning the new skills and getting lots of treats and praise for it. Yea!

Last weekend we had a great opportunity to practice and demo at a local event. Curly did it off leash twice for the first time ever! I was nervous, but he did his job like a professional. I was so impressed with him and so was everyone else. Go Curly!

It is super amazing to do this with him and now Franky is in beginner obedience. It will be neat to see him coming up through the same training Curly got.

My rattie boy Curly and I start beginners obedience this coming Monday and we are super excited! Curly knows "sit", "down", "leave it" and "touch", but I thought we could use more of a foundation before taking more advanced classes like Rally Obedience or Agility. After this first class we will see where it takes us.

Curly is very smart, young and sweet so we should have an excellent time together. Whatever we learn in class we will train the rest of the members of the pack at home. It will be fun to see them learn new things because of what we learn.

I love training rattie kids and watching them "get it". Each dog that learns something really amazes me in their understanding and need to please their human.

Stay tuned for updates on our training adventure together.

My New Foster Boy Rafa

This is Rafa the death defying Rat Terrier. He was able to escape death at a kill shelter, Humane Society that got too full and soon heartworms.

New Rattitude heard about him through our Canadian sister Rat Terrier rescue group who could not take him due to his HW condition. I am normally pretty particular on who I bring in to ensure they will fit my pack and enjoy being a part of it. But this little guy spoke to him from his shelter picture and story. I couldn't resist.

Rafa was transported by 2 wonderful volunteers all the way from Bowling Green, KY on a Friday. This was really more than I expected for one Rat Terrier boy. When I met Rafa he was unsure of new people and his hair would go up around strangers. He quickly warmed up that night and decided I was his human.

The next day we headed to PetSmart and did wonderful! He met all dogs, humans and even a cat with grace. He showed his sweet self and took the long warm day with ease. After PS we stopped at a dog park to meet some friends and again he did great there, too! I was amazed.

Fast forward to 1 week later: Rafa fits in our pack like he has been here for years and enjoys his human time very much. He has been neutered which has greatly helped his potty training, but we are still a work in progress. He hates being crated, but will crate quietly when everyone goes to bed. He is learning to "sit" and "down" and loves working for good treats. The entire time his is in training his long thin tail keeps waggin. Its very easy to melt for this small dude.

Rafa will be getting his heartworm treatment starting April 7th and will have to stay overnight. I will worry the entire time.

Check back often for more updates on Rafa and other dogs who we have the pleasure of helping find their furever homes.

Many Updates...

It has been so busy that I neglected my blog. So much has changed and dogs have gone home. Sansha's 6 puppies have all been adopted and are getting bigger by the day per their parents reports. Where are they now?

Oola - was adopted to two great people in Snellville, GA and 4 cats
Teebo - was adopted by two great people in Buford, GA and has 1 dog bro and 1 kitty sibing
Jawa now Tebow - was adopted by a great family in Canton, GA and has 1 dog sister and 2 human siblings
Wampa now Kingsley - was adopted by two great people in Atlanta, GA and has 1 dog bro
Mara Jade - was adopted by a great lady and has a little human sister
Romba - was adopted by a great lady and has a young human bro

They grew up so fast and found just the right homes in no time. They will probably be on the bigger side with the biggest close to 40 lbs!

Sansha is stil looking for her furever family which we think will come along soon enough. She has changed so much since we first met her and is developing her own wonderful personality.

New Rescue Items for Sale

Check out these great items to show your rescue participation and rescued pets. These purchases benefit Rat Terriers and Rat Terrier mixes in need of rescue.

Its Rattie Idol Time People!!!

Rattie Idol has begun and there are 10 entries so far. Don't be left out! Did you know you can win:

First Prize:For our four-legged winner, a $100 gift certificate to petcenterdirect.com. For our two-legged winner, a $25 e-gift certificate to restaurants. com!

Second Prize:For our four-legged winner, assorted SitStay.com goodies. For our two-legged winner, a $50 hotel gift card, and a $25 e-gift certificate to restaurants. com!

Third Prize:For our four-legged winner, assorted SitStay.com goodies. For our two-legged winner, a $25 e-gift certificate to restaurants. com!Best of luck to everyone!

Get involved at: http://www.newrattitude.org/fundraising.htm

Sansha the Wonderful!

Sansha came into rescue due to being a stray and then ending up in a high kill shelter. At the shelter she gave birth to 6 tiny puppies and was very underweight. She and her puppies got a New Rattitude when her pups were just 3 days old. They are now 7 weeks old and almost ready to be adopted. Sansha's sweet personality has really developed now that her kids don't need her as much.

She loves to be with her humans and has become very playful. We believe Sansha is no more than 1.5yrs old and has a very puppylike personality. Her favorite toys are the sheep skin stuffed ones that she can chew and shake. She is also a lover of playing tug with a human or other dogs. Sansha is learning how to walk nicely on a leash and is progressing nicely. She loves to explore the great outdoors. She is also training to "lay down", "come", "shake" and is an expert sitter. She so wants to please her humans.

Sansha is looking for a loving home who will give her all the affection, physical activity and training she deserves.

Funniest Rattie Idol - Funraiser!

Mark your Calendar for Funniest Rattie Idol. This contest is for Rat Terriers, Rat Terrier mixes and wanna be Rat Terriers. Be ready to enter your funniest pup pic and win some great prizes. The count down has begun! Entries accepted starting January 14th.

http://www.newrattitude.org/fundraising.htm