Dixie Darlin' - Our little Alabama Southern Belle

What circumstances caused this Southern Belle to be on her own wandering the streets looking for a kind soul to take her in? From investigative work, we were able to find a home where she had tried to set up residence, but the woman who lived there was not kind to Dixie, so after trying for several days, Dixie left there and walked over a mile to end up at the store parking lot where she was picked up by a kind lady who wanted the best for this genteel gal and contacted New Rattitude.

Dixie is a "Teddy" rattie. Since Dixie is our first "Teddy" rattie, we are learning about this type rattie and are finding out that Dixie is typical of these short-legged ratties - awesome personalities, loving, sweet, and people oriented. Even though Dixie gets along great with other dogs and plays & shares space with them well, she prefers to spend her time with people. Just sit down and she's immediately up there with you, either lying against your leg or in your lap.

Dixie came into rescue with a irritated skin condition that caused small sores and loss of hair in places. With good nutrition and some meds, her sores have cleared up and is no longer inflamed. Some of the places of hair loss may never regrow fur, but the skin is as soft as a baby's behind and I find myself petting these areas a lot since they feel so nice to the touch.

Dixie is a wonderful calm rattie who likes to spend most of her day lounging on the sofa. She's completely housetrained (!) and such an easy dog to have around. She likes to be in the same room as her person, but she's not needy for attention.

Dixie is approximately one year old and weighs 16 pounds; stands 12 inches tall (at her shoulders) and is 15 inches long (spine length from base of neck to base of tail).

Dixie would love for you to visit her photo album where she'll tell you all about herself. http://imageevent.com/newrattitude/dixiedarlin

Gus Gets a New Family and a New Name!

Gus' journey to his new family was a short one. In fact, the transport was non-existent since he didn't move from his foster home - we adopted him!

Ever since we lost Beener to cancer three months ago, we knew we'd eventually get another rattie and that we'd 'know it' when the right one came along. And then Gus entered our lives and our hearts.

Along with a new family, Gus got a new name - Toby. The name Toby means "God is Good" and is the perfect name for our little boy.

Toby is friendly and confident and will be a great foster brother for future incoming rescue ratties. It'll be interesting to see how he takes to his new role of mentor to the foster kids.

Toby's rehab from his hip surgery is rolling along. He prefers to hop along on three legs and is resisting my efforts to get the other leg working and on the ground. He's continuing his swimming, which is one place he does use his leg. I'm also having him walk on a softly inflated air mattress - it moves so much as he walks across that it's hard for him to "three-leg" it. Lots of treats helps keep him moving and sometimes makes him forget about holding his leg up. Rehab is a long process and any little improvement is encouraging.

We are thrilled to have "Gimpy Gus" as a member of our family and thank New Rattitude for the opportunity to foster, and then adopt, this great little guy! Another dog saved with rescue . . . now on to the next rattie who needs us.