Saving Rat Terriers Since 1999

Saturday, January 31, 2009

Update On Little Maya Who Needed Surgery

If you don't remember her story, click here to link to the original post. Basically Ratbone was raising money because she needed surgery due to a problem with her urinary ureters. Well, she's had her surgery and is in the process of healing now. WooHoo for Maya!

Here's Maya the day after her surgery. Poor little thing doesn't look like she's feeling too good. Her surgery was on Tuesday the 27th . She was supposed to leave the hospital on Friday the 30th but she needs a bit more care so she's still there for now.

Here's a photo of her surgical site and a catheter to help take the pressure off her bladder while she heals. And, to ensure that everything stays in place. a closeup of the dreaded cone, LOL.


Heres a note from her foster mama regarding her recovery:

I'm not sure when Maya can come home. She gave us all a scare on Thursday when her kidney values/blood work were elevated. The vets thought that she might be leaking uring into her belly, and told me to expect another surgery. But then they checked her with the ultrasound and discovered that her kidneys were only working at 20-30% capacity; they thought Maya was in renal failure!

After 48 hours of intensive IV fluids her kidneys appear to have finally "kicked in", and they feel she's turned a corner. Today she was back to her sweet, playful, KISSy self when I visited, and I hope to be able to bring her home Monday or Tuesday. I'm kinda dreading the bill, though.


If you would like to help Ratbone with the cost of Maya's surgery and care, please send a check or money order to: Ratbone Rescues P.O. Box 3237 Seminole, FL 33775-3237.

CLICK HERE TO SEE MAYA'S IMAGE EVENT ALBUM :)

Adopted!

Sammy Davis (fostered in MA)

Maxwell Smart (fostered in NY)

Comet (fostered in FL)


Teagan (fostered in NY)

congRATulations !!!

Tiger Lily (fostered in Florida) has been approveed for adoption. congRATulations go out to Michael S.!

Sunday, January 25, 2009

The New Tee Shirts Have Arrived !!!

They are ash gray, and come in adult sizes small-xxxlarge. Long sleeved, sweatshirts, and children's sizes are available by special order (at no exrta charge!).
To order please use this link: http://ratbonerescues.com/bonehead_shirt.php

congRATulations !!!

CongRATulations to the Short familiy who have been approved to adopt Teagan in New York!

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Available for Adoption

Freddy in California

Meet Freddy! Freddy is a gorgeous, tri-color Rat Terrier that is about 3 years old and weighs about 13 pounds. Poor little Freddy was hit by a truck in a busy intersection and his hip was dislocated. Lucky for Freddy, Ratbone rescued him and got him the hip surgery he needed. He has made a full recovery!
Freddy is an active boy who would love a family of his own. Freddy gets along well with adults and children, provided the children are gentle and respectful. He loves everyone in his foster home, including a 7 year old boy, 2 cats, and another small male dog. He does well with terrier-wise cats that don’t give chase. And he is a great watchdog! Sweet Freddy sleeps in his own bed without complaint, and can be crated for short periods of time, though he would much prefer to snuggle in bed with his person (under the covers, preferably!). Freddy is a champ and uses the doggie door reliably and is housetrained. He walks wonderfully on a leash and is very eager to please. Freddy also has impeccable manners – he won’t even jump on the furniture unless invited! Won’t you open your heart to this lovable, playful, and energetic little boy who so deserves a place he can call home? Freddy will return your kindness with a lifetime of love.
To see more pictures of Freddy please click here.

congRATulations !!!

Look who has been approved for adoption! congRATulations to these pups and their soon-to-be furever families.
Maxwell Smart (New York)


Prince (New York)

Comet (Florida)

Adopted !!!

Tiney, fostered in New York

Magenta in Florida

Nyx, fostered in Florida

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Available for ADOPTION

Bonnie is an 11 pound, two year old, former back yard breeder female. She is so very sweet tempered & kind, and has no food or toy aggressions. Bonnie gets along very well with other dogs and puppies, and would probably do well with cats. Being a caged breeder dog Bonnie had little contact with people, and as a result she is shy, scared and submissive. She is learning to love and trust slowly, and we are working on leash and potty training. Bonnie has just started to play with toys, and if a person is sitting or laying down she will be cuddled up next to you, getting as close as she can; she's not a big licker. Bonnie loves having her soft belly rubbed, and relaxes like butter to your touch. She would be good in a home with another dog to pattern from, but not a good choice if you have children or a loud home atmosphere. Bonnie is going to be a wonderful dog for a very lucky adopter.

My name is Bravo, and I'm a gorgeous tan and white, 2-3 year old boy. I've had a rough time, but I'm doing better now. When I was rescued from a North Texas shelter, I had to get stitches in my shoulder because I'd been attacked by other dogs. I also ended up having to wear a neck brace for several weeks because one of the vertebrae in my neck had been broken. Because of that injury I can only wear a harness - no collars. After I recovered from my physical wounds, I was treated for heartworms. I have fun bossing around the dogs in my foster home, but I would love to be an only dog. I love to be petted, have my tummy rubbed and snuggle - though new people can be a bit scary (balls are a little scary, too). But I love rawhide chews! I like to throw them up in the air and play with them before I chew them up. I'm housebroken as long as the weather's nice (when it isn't I need a gentle push out the doggie door). I'm a great watch dog! I'm especially brave when my foster mom is outside and I want to protect her.

Monday, January 12, 2009

Little Maya Needs Surgery

Here's the e-mail Ratbone received from a small rescue group:

We have a rat terrier puppy that is approx. 12 weeks old and weighs 4.7 lbs. and is in need of surgery for ectopic ureters (2). She has had a vaginal exam and we know that she does have two ectopic ureters and will require surgery at Michigan State for $3,000.00. Our rescue is too small and we do not have the funds for the surgery so she will have to be euthanized. I am writing to see if your rescue is interested in taking her instead of having her euthanized. This puppy is just as sweet as can be and her tail never stops wagging and she give unlimited number of kisses. It have been a very sad last couple of days for not only us at the rescue but the foster family that has cared for her for the past two months.

The board of Ratbone has agreed to take this little girl but will we need to raise funds for her surgery and to fly her to an available foster home where she can receive medical care. We're trying to put together a fundraiser but in the mean time are asking for help through donations. Can you please help little Maya get her surgery and a new lease on life by making a donation?


We understand the economy is in recession and the holidays have just passed so we want to remind everyone that a donation of any amount will be greatly appreciated and will help give this little girl a chance at life. While hundred dollar donations are much appreciated, remember that if 10 people donate $10 we will still have $100 toward her surgery and travel!


If you would like to make a donation please send it via PayPal to redwon234@gmail.com and indicate that it's for Maya. Or, checks and money orders can be sent to:

Ratbone Rescues
PO Box 3237
Seminole, FL
33775

Sunday, January 11, 2009

More Secret Santa Photos

Thanks so much for remebering Little Dude (GA) at Christmas, Secret Santa! He did eventually wake up and play with his toys. His favorite is the red stocking. He says thanks very much and his sisters say thanks too... he shares very well.

Tiney Ratbone (NY) isn't too sure about wearing a coat yet, but he thinks the color is very pretty - at it's soft & warm on the inside. Tiney also got some toys from his Santa. "Thank you, Santa!"

Skippy (NY) wonders if he's dreaming. He loves his bed & toys! "It's really, really mine?"

Maxwell Smart (NY) with his secret Santa gifts. He's in HEAVEN!!!!!! "I just LOVE this purple thing!!"

Sweet Magnolia (NY) with her presents. She was rescued from the NC puppymill, so never had toys or soft beds to lie on. She's very interested in what they are! "Oooo! I didn't see this before!"

Thank you Secret Santas!!! You've made some ratties very happy this year. Toys, beds, blankies, and chewies for Christmas. Hopefully FURever homes in the New Year :)

Friday, January 9, 2009

Available for Adoption

Teagan is a gorgeous 2-3 year old, 9 pound sweetheart out of a South Carolina puppymill and currently being fostered in New York. She has been in foster for about 3 months now and is making great strides. Teagan is very timid and scared of many "normal" things, but is slowly getting better everyday. She pays no mind to other dogs and just loves the four young kids in her foster home. She actually is more comfortable right now around the children and has never shown an aggressive side ever, no matter how frightened she was. She hasn't been around cats, but with her aloof attitude towards other animals, she would most likely be fine. She loves to snuggle and will lay with you for hours. She is working on housetraining which may take some time and consistency but does go on potty pads most of the time. She will need someone who can devote the time and patience to help this special, sweet little girl open up.

Joy Belle was rescued from a South Carolina puppymill with her two baby girls. She is about 7 years old, and weighs 14 pounds (she's a little tubby from eating puppy food). She gets along with the other dogs in her foster home, and ignores the kitties. Belle is a very sweet girl. Despite spending her early years in a puppymill with very little positive interaction she is affectionate and craves attention. She's still shy, but wants very much to be petted and held. Belle would be most comfortable in an adults-only home, or one with much older children. To see pictures of Belle and her babies please click here. Please consider adopting this very deserving girl. She is being fostered in Florida.

Julie Bug (aka Jubie) was rescued from a South Carolina puppymill with her three puppies and is being fostered in Florida. She is about 9 years old, and weighs 9 pounds. Jubie gets along with the other dogs in her foster home, and appears to want to make friends with the kitties. Jubie is a very sweet, very submissive girl. Although she is initially fearful of being picked up, once you have her in your arms Jubie thoroughly enjoys the attention. We feel that Julie Bug would be most comfortable in an adults-only home. Jubie has heartworms, so she must go through treatment before adoption. She may also need to have surgery on her right patella (knee), as it seems to be luxated (out of position). But while she's getting healthy and fit Jubie is busy learning how to be a "regular dog". To see photos of Jubie and her pups, click here.

Bogie Boy is a button eared, red and white male who is approximately 15 pounds (but needs to gain a pound or two). He is thought to be 3 years of age, and is mostly house trained with a doggie door. Bogie was a puppy mill stud and did not have any ‘good‘ contact with humans, if any. He has made incredible strides since coming into his Ratbone foster home. Bogie Boy has bonded well with his fostermom and follows her wherever she goes. He is very timid, but loves belly rubs & hanging out on the sofa and napping with his foster brothers. He rides well in the car. Bogie is not good left alone and is not crate trained, so would need companionship (if not his person then another dog). He is very afraid of almost everything, but has no fear of other dogs; he really likes to follow his foster-brothers around the yard and on walks. He came into Ratbone having no leash experience but is coming along nicely, and is starting to like to go for walks - though he prefers the comfort of his yard. Bogie is a very submissive, sweet boy who needs a loving, patient, quiet home with at least one other dog. He would make a great, loving companion for a home that does not want a very active dog. He is being fostered in Volcano, CA.

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Thank You Secret Santa!

Some very nice people acted as Secret Santas for some lucky Ratbone Fosters this year. We want to say a big THANK YOU for your generosity and to share photos of some very happy doggies enjoying their gifts. Be sure to click here as the SS photo albumn is updated with new images. Some of our foster parents do not have access to digital photography but they are no less appreciative of those who were kind enough to send treats, chewies, clothing, and bedding to Rat Terriers in need.

Weezie just tasted one of the yummy treats in her secret Santa package - and boy was it GOOD! She wanted to say "thank you" to her Santa, too.

Oh Mickey Ratbone was adopted the day after Christmas, so his fostermom sent his stash home with him so he could open it with his new family! THANK YOU SECRET SANTA FOR YOUR GENEROUS GIFTS!! Mickey's Mom says he LOVES his new sweater!

Madeline got a bed, Dingo bones, yummy treats, and TWO toys from her Santa! Thank you for being so generous!!

Kenna didn't quite know what to do with SO many toys! "Thank you, Santa!"

Julie Bug (rescued from a puppymill with her puppies) was a bit overwhelmed by the generosity of her secret Santa. She got a bed, a blankie, toys, treats and a new bowl. Thank you so much for showing Jubie that people are kind and good!

Joy Belle (also resced with her babies from a puppymill) got the same secret Santa as Jubie, and she was just as generous with Belle! Here you can see that she loves the soft bed & blankie, and that she's already sampled the yummy, chocolatey treats.

Monday, January 5, 2009

Volunteer of the Month

Ratbone's MySpace volunteer of the month for January is Shari R. Shari has helped save dogs by stepping up and taking dogs in need even when she is full. She is a front-line worker/volunteer who efforts give dogs a chance for a loving furever home with an opportunity to be a great pet. Without foster parents like Shari, more dogs would die in shelters or on the streets. Thank you, Shari, for being there for so many furbabies in need!

Sunday, January 4, 2009

Happy Tails

The volunteers at Ratbone make follow up calls to adopters to learn how their new rattie is transitioning into their FURever families. This blog is a great place to share some of those stories.

Skippy (now called Nitro) was adopted by Pamela A. who says he gets along well with the other dogs and cat and loves to run and go on long walks, sleep on the couch, and snuggle. We heard that he is so cute his new family almost changed his name to Valentino! He is now doing fly ball and bringing smiles to the faces of his new familoy. Have a great life Skippy/Nitro - we miss you but are so happy for your new life.

Adopted !!!

Coconut, now known as Skye Blue, has been adopted after being fostered in Florida. congRATulaitons to the Dolann household. Enjoy your new baby.


Chico, fostered in Kentucky, has been adopted. Happy New Year Chico and the Logue family!


Dito from Florida has been adopted. congRATulations to the Teehan family!

congRATulations!!!


Betty Boop, fostered in Oregon, have been approved for adoption! congRATualtions to Betty and the Gerosin family.

Saturday, January 3, 2009

2009 Ratbone Butts Up Calendar

Thanks to everyone for your support of Ratbone through the sale of the 2009 Butts Up calendar. And for those who haven't purchased a calendar yet, you had better hurry up - there are only 15 left!!! (See link in right margin for details on ordering).

Friday, January 2, 2009

congRATultions !!!

The following dogs have been lucky enough to have applications approved toward their adoption. It won't be long before they are in their FURever homes!!!

Oh Mickey! from New York


Tiney in New York


Dito from Florida