Week 3 - Advanced Precision with Curly Bear

Tonight was our 3rd night of class. I can't believe we are already approaching the mid-way point. I drove to class with the goal to just have fun no matter what. I knew we'd need to have a good down stay which is a challenge for Team Curly.

We warmed up first and Curly was doing great! He was healing and stopping like a pro. We were able to do our favorite move the "Left About Turn" (which used to be our hardest one to do a few classes ago). Then we did some stay work and it was then time for the human cone.

Two human students needed to act as the cones for another human and dog student to heal around those people. While those 2 were to be standing as cones their dogs were to "down stay". (Insert hysterical laughter from me here.) Curly did get up several times, but he did very well for such a challenging exercise. I took advice from many to #1 have fun and #2 envision what I wanted to happen and those pieces of advice paid off. I know we'll rock it next week!

Next, we did some "stand" and a "drop down" like they use in traditional obedience. The dog is to come towards you and then you signal (kind of like hale Hitler) for them to drop down while moving in your direction. Uhhhh I wasn't sure about this one. But I think with practice we can nail it. It's one we will probably love after we overcome the challenging part.

Then we worked on doing a "call front" while running away from you dog. Yes, you heard me right and yes I paid for this level of torture...I mean TRAINING. LOL! The goal is to ask your dog to "wait" leaving them from the heal position and running away from them while they await your next request. As you run you call your dog to "come front" or we just say "front" right now. Then Curly is to high tail it around me on my left and sit square in front of me. He did really good!! He said it must have the beef treat to do it just right and I complied. Rock star is all I can say. =)

Again, we showed off some tricks and learned some from another student. I really like winding the class up with this. There were only 3 teams tonight and I think that allowed for more practice and fun time. Loved it and really look forward to week 4!

Coke Rewards and New Rattitude

Did you know sending your Coke rewards to New Rattitude can help save Rat Terriers lives? Its true!

All you need to do is continue to enjoy your Coke Products (Coke, Diet Coke, Fresca, Dasini Water) and email me the point codes. You will find these codes on the top of bottle caps or inside the carton boxes.

Our goal is 1,350 point by the end of January 2009 and are currently at 133 (12/19/08). We will "purchase" fundraising raffle prizes with these points which may include gift cards to some of your favorite stores or destinations.

If you have questions or would like to email your points you can contact me at smiles4lifepkn@ yahoo.com (remove space). Thanks!

To see what point levels different Coke products offer check out: http://www.mycokerewards.com/index.jsp?adParam=1#windowType:brand/id:1/Skin:true/SkinType:pillar/SkinID:home

The Shelter Challenge is coming to a close with 6 days left to vote. So be sure to vote daily for New Rattitude, Inc. / GA. We are currently in 1st place in the state of Georgia and 24th overall. If we continue at this pace we will see a $1000 check in the mail real soon.

http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/shelterchallenge.faces?siteId=3

Thank you to everyone who has voted for us each day to make this possible. The New Rattitude volunteers and the Rat Terriers saved truely thank you for your consistant support!

I look forward to posting the day we get the big fat check!

Calina the traveling Rat Terrier Girl

This michevious Rat Terrier/Chi mix girl is hanging out with Paula's Rat Pack this week awaiting her transport to MO. She is about 6 or 7yrs young and is quite the character. Calina came from a shelter in South Georgia and had been waiting over a month for someone to take her home, but they never came so rescue was needed.

She is a sneaky girl who jumped into the refrigerator for an inspection and wants to be with me as much as possible. She is a great little gal who is about 8lbs and should be around 10lbs.

So far she isn't overly concerned with her pack members and just wants human affection. As you can see from her picture she is just a cutie pie with a tail that never stops.

We will enjoy her a few more days before she heads to her long term foster home to await her furever family to find her. For more updates check out her photo album at www.imageevent.com/newrattitude/calina

UPDATE: 11/1/08 SOLD OUT!!!

A couple of talented New Rattitude volunteers made earrings out of rattie charms. They sold out fast and another batch are in the works...stay tuned!

This is sweet Glembie showing off his playful side the first night we had him in our home. As you can see he is a nut! He is always on the go, but will come when called and enjoys being with his people. He likes to have a good time playing with his foster siblings or with the humans. He doesn't know what toys are yet, but likes to run, wrestle and play hand. What a character!

Help Fix Glembie's Broken Heart

Glembie was rescued on 10/11/08 from a kill shelter due to being full and his owner surrendering him. He is an energetic 10 month old boy who just wants affection, exercise and lots of fun in his life. When we took him to get vaccinated and neutered the vet heared a loud heart murmur. This was shocking news since he is such a fun guy and so young.

We will need to get some tests and a cardiologist visit behind us before he can be neutered and ready to go to a forever home. This estimated cost is going to possibly be above $600. New Rattitude needs to raise the funds to make sure this young guys life can continue and have a pawsitive new beginning.

If you can help visit http://www.newrattitude.org/clinic.htm

Glembie and I thank you in advance!