new rattitude, inc. · 2019 annual report page 7 new rattitude, inc new rattitude's 2019 canine...

PO Box 14064 Lansing, MI 48901

404.692.7288 [email protected]

NewRattitude.org

New Rattitude, Inc. National Rat Terrier Rescue

and Adoption

2019 ANN

UAL R

EPOR

T

Ember (GA), Adopted March 2019

2019 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE NEW RATTITUDE, INC 2

Mission 2019 Board of Directors ...................................................................................................... 3 Message from the President .............................................................................................. 4 Accomplishments in 2019 ................................................................................................. 5 2019 Foster Parents ........................................................................................................... 6 New Rattitude's 2019 Canine Clinic Dogs .................................................................... 7-9 Financials .................................................................................................................... 10-11 Fundraising/Jamboree Report .......................................................................................... 12 Donations/Donor Recognition .................................................................................... 13-14 2019 Adopted Dogs ..................................................................................................... 15-16 Testimonials.................................................................................................................17-18 The Chesapeake Six—Mission Accomplished! ........................................................ 19-20 Lend a Paw, Save a Life........................................................................ ...................21

CONTENTS

Jasper (IL), Adopted February 2019


MISSION

2019 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Terry Beale Mallory Kratimenos Susan Beard Sue Kangas Bethany Adams Anna Kozlov Kathy Puckett President Vice President Secretary Treasurer Director Director Director

NEW RATTITUDE, Inc., a non-profit charitable corporation incorporated in 2008, is a 100% volunteer-operated, nationwide group dedicated to the rescue and adoption of abused, abandoned, neglected, sick, or unwanted Rat Terriers and Rat Terrier mixes. In private foster homes, the dogs are nurtured, socialized, trained, supported medically, and provided with professional veterinary care while we work diligently to find them new and permanent adoptive homes where they will be safe, loved, and properly and humanely cared for the rest of their lives. Each dog brought into our network receives a veterinary check, all required vaccinations, heartworm test and monthly preventative, and spay or neuter. Other medical care is sometimes necessary, such as treatment for mange, heartworm disease, infection, gastrointestinal worms, allergies, broken bones, or surgery to correct a variety of ailments. Each dog is wormed, microchipped, and given a martingale collar, along with a collar tag printed with a unique ID number and our toll-free Lost Dog Hotline. New Rattitude is licensed by the Georgia Department of Agriculture, registered with the Georgia Secretary of State as a charitable organization, and recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as an approved 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

Salsa (GA), Adopted November 2019


MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Dear Friends, New Rattitude has a lot to be thankful for as we look back over our past year. • The new website that we had yearned for and been working toward for so long is now a reality. It is already delivering on its promise of being more secure, more easily navigable, more mobile friendly, and more easily maintained. Traffic to our site has increased, and we're now visited over 7,800 times per month and 60% are first time visitors. • On Facebook, we now have over 10,400 followers, with our "likes" having increased almost 50% in recent months. • Our donations in 2019 were by far our highest ever. • We welcomed eleven new foster homes in 2019 and five other new members lending their hand in a variety of other ways. We also welcomed back several former members who had been on break. It's always wonderful to "grow the family" with familiar faces as well as new ones! • Attendance was high for our biggest annual fundraising event, as Rat Terrier enthusiasts from 16 states came together for our April weekend in Sweetwater, Tennessee. The 2019 Rat Terrier Jamboree welcomed 93 registered participants—coming from as far away as California, New York, Michigan, and Florida—along with their 117+ dogs! To accommodate all of that enthusiasm, we expanded the size of our Jam field and spread the fun out over a full half acre. Our revenue from Jamboree (fund-raising plus donations) was over $5,500, one of the highest years ever. And 2020 is gearing up to be an even bigger blast, with 59 people already pre- registered by January 31, 2020! This is wonderfully exciting, because in past years only a small handful of people were registered that early. (If you are considering joining us, go to our Jamboree webpage for details and a slide show of past Jamboree fun.) New Rattitude's on-going challenge is to find and engage more "new blood" to step up to the vital day-to-day and month-to-month administration of the organization. The time and energy required to run the programs and processes that sustain our rescue efforts are quite substantial, and turnover can be high. We lost a few great volunteers in key positions last year and are still trying to replace them. And we would love for our intake and adoption numbers to be higher, which depends on a steady influx of new foster homes. We are ALWAYS eager for motivated people to raise a hand and commit to a role where they can become dedicated stakeholders of New Rattitude and make a real difference. If you have a couple of spare hours a week, reliable Internet access, good self motivation, and a heart that yearns to help save the lives of needy Rat Terriers, we can sure use you. New volunteers can submit a membership application at https://newrattitude.org/support/volunteer/membership-application/. Current members who are interested in deepening their level of involvement can email [email protected]. We hope to hear from YOU! Yours respectfully, Terry Beale, President

https://newrattitude.org/about/events/jamboree/


2019 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• 123 Rat Terriers were rescued. • 116 Rat Terriers were placed into adoptive homes. • Cumulative rescues and adoptions since New Rattitude’s 2008 incorporation total 2,347 and 2,357 respectively! • 16 new volunteers were approved for membership. • 535 adoption applications were processed—an average of 45 per month. • New Rattitude’s Transport Team coordinated 40 transports, carrying 49 dogs. • We paid for 200 vaccinations, 76 spays and neuters, 12 other surgical procedures, 21 dental cleanings and extractions, 5 heartworm treatments, numerous x-rays, blood panels, and other diagnostic and laboratory tests. • We sponsored the 14th annual Rat Terrier Jamboree in Sweetwater, TN in April (see related story on page 12).

These achievements and more were made possible by all of you! Thank you for believing in our mission and for trusting in New Rattitude to carry it out.

Stanley (WI) Adopted April 2019

So, what did we collectively accomplish in 2019 through this network of dedicated volunteers and supporters?

Outside of New Rattitude’s membership, we have another amazing support network of volunteers who help us drive dogs from shelters to foster homes, between foster homes, or from foster homes to adoptive homes, or assist with home visits to ensure our foster Rat Terriers are placed in safe and suitable environments. We are also grateful for those who support New Rattitude by contributing generously, participating in our fundraisers, and by spreading the word to let other dog lovers around the country know about New Rattitude and our efforts! Our volunteers are not paid, but they are priceless. We couldn’t carry out our mission without them.

Our labor of love begins and ends with the heart and soul of New Rattitude—our volunteers. New Rattitude is a national organization, completely run by volunteers. Our network of foster homes is supported by a “staff” of other members who manage a variety of necessary tasks, including administration, application screening, fundraising, transportation coordination, publicity, technology, and so on.


NEW RATTITUDE'S FOSTER PARENTS

Safe in their foster homes, these dogs were nurtured and loved, and taught the basic skills that every good dog needs to know. They learned to trust; their self-confidence grew; and when they were healed and ready, carefully selected, loving homes were found where these precious reclaimed souls would be cherished "furever."

Bethany Adams (MI) Terri Banner (NC) Terry Beale (GA) Frank Bennett (VA) Janell Brown (WA) Juanita Chalmers (TN) Jill Chandler (CA) Candy Conrady (GA) Briana Dams (GA) Laurie Dempsey (VA) Lisa DeSoto (MD) Sue Diveley (VA)

In 2019, 46 individuals in 16 states opened their hearts and their homes to a lost or abandoned Rat Terrier whose only ticket out of the shelter was rescue.

Nicole Dossey (WA) Martha Dowling (SC) Lorie Dunn (GA) Ann Eskew (GA) Amy Felkins (NC) Debbie Finley (TN) Dan Frisbie (NC) Kelly Fox (WI) Melody Hassell (LA) Jean Hattox (TX) Amy Heitshusen (GA) Sue Kangas (MI)

Vickie Kauffman (GA) Kelly Kirk (SC) Marisa Kluth (WI) Anna Kozlov (IL) Karen Marfurt (MI) Drew Maute (PA) Denise Merricks (VA) Kate Moore (FL) Marti Naro (VA) Wanda Pezant (LA) Jessica Phillips (IN) Kathy Puckett (MD)

Elizabeth Rohn (VA) Wendy Rosner (IN) Mindy Shapiro (NC) Karen Stewart (GA) Samantha Twyman (SC) Angela Wacker (NC) Aimee Walrath (NY) Nanci Withrow (IL) Valerie Wong (TN) Stacy Zimmerman (VA)

It's what they do, this amazing group of individuals—New Rattitude's foster parents!

Corky (MI), Adopted December 2019, and foster mom Bethany


NEW RATTITUDE'S 2019 CANINE CLINIC DOGS

Some of the dogs rescued by New Rattitude have severe illnesses or other serious medical issues that are much more costly than the money brought in by adoption fees. To help nurse these dogs through their medical needs so that they can eventually become healthy and adoptable, we find sponsors to help with the costs. In 2019, sponsors helped with the supplemental vetting costs for the following dogs featured in New Rattitude’s Canine Clinic.

Rose – Mammary Mass and Dental Disease 10-year-old Rose was blind and all alone in a Georgia shelter, waiting for someone to be her Christmas miracle! Shortly after, two miracles happened. First, a New Rattitude foster home took her out of that shelter and to the safety and warmth of their home. Then in a chance meeting at a restaurant, Rose and her foster mom ran into an optometrist who also owns a rat terrier. The optometrist noticed Rose's cataracts and made a generous donation to New Rattitude to cover her eye care. In addition, Rose had two other medical needs-—a mammary tumor and grade 3 periodontal disease. New Rattitude supporters joined Rose's host of guardian angels and helped out with donations to cover the cost of these two procedures! Rose was adopted in March 2019 and resides in South Carolina

Peppermint Patty – Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease, or femoral head necrosis, is a hereditary condition of small breed young dogs, especially terriers. The hip is a “ball and socket” joint. The femoral head is the “ball” part of the joint and if it develops necrosis or dies, it can no longer function properly. This is what our Peppermint Patty had, requiring a $2,000 femoral head ostectomy (FHO) surgery. Within months after surgery, most dogs are running and playing as if nothing happened. We are so happy that one-year-old Patty can live a post-surgery pain-free and carefree rattie life! Patty was adopted in November 2019 and resides in Virginia.

Daisie – Severe Eye Infection, Glaucoma New Rattitude volunteer Frank drove all the way from Virginia to Mississippi in November 2019 to rescue Miss Daisie, a 3-year-old rat terrier with obvious eye concerns. Glaucoma had taken her sight in the left eye, but she was given an injection to stop the pain and swelling. The lens was removed from Daisie’s right eye and although it had very little retinal function, we are still hoping that she will have some limited sight in that eye. Daisie is still in foster care in Virginia but will be available for adoption when medically cleared.

Daisie

Peppermint Patty

Rose

https://newrattitude.org/support/donate/canine-clinic/


Pip, Mr. Gower, and Cayden — Severe Dental Disease These three distinguished Rattie gentlemen all had the most common disease in dogs—periodontal disease — a condition that results in oral pain, tooth loss, and infection. Dental cleanings and extractions made them feel so much more comfortable and gave them a great new start towards improved overall health, overcoming the years of neglect they had all experienced. Pip was adopted in May 2019 and resides in Florida. Mr. Gower was adopted in Feb. 2020 and resides in Virginia. Cayden was adopted in May 2019 and resides in Tennessee.

Leo – Canine Parvovirus Leo was rescued from a North Carolina shelter in March 2019. A few days later, he became lethargic, stopped eating, and began vomiting. Leo was rushed to the vet where he was diagnosed with canine parvovirus. Dogs that are ill from canine parvovirus infection are often said to have "parvo." The virus affects dogs' gastrointestinal tracts. Persistent vomiting and diarrhea can cause rapid dehydration, and damage to the intestines and immune system can cause septic shock. During his more than week-long stay at the vet, Leo was treated with fluids, antibiotics, and anti-nausea medication while his little body fought hard to recover. Fortunately, Leo was one of the lucky dogs that survive parvo. Donations to help cover the $1,500+ in vet bills for his hospitalization and treatment were so appreciated and were literally life-saving! Leo was adopted in July 2019 and resides in Massachusetts.

Sadie — Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) Little 3-year-old Sadie was diagnosed with PDA—Patent Ductus Arteriosus — a congenital defect where the large blood vessel running from the aorta to the pulmonary artery does not close after birth. Sadie had open chest surgery to directly tie off the vessel. Although the $4,000 procedure was expensive, we knew Sadie would die without it. Surgery was a success and Sadie can now live a perfectly normal life with a normal lifespan! Sadie was adopted in December 2019 and resides in South Carolina.

Sadie

Leo

Pip Mr. Gower

Cayden


Didi, Cassandra, Clara, Darby, and Ranger –Heartworm Disease When New Rattitude welcomes a heartworm positive dog into our rescue, our hearts hurt for them. We know the treatment is painful, the recovery time is slow, and during the recovery they must remain very inactive to ensure no complications occur as the dead heartworms are disintegrating. New Rattitude was heartbroken for all of the heartworm positive ratties we took into our rescue in 2019. It’s such a shame that they had to endure the pain of heartworm treatment when this disease is so easily avoided with monthly heartworm preventative. But all five of these rat terriers successfully completed their treatment and are now going on to live long, healthy lives! Ranger was adopted in June 2019 and resides in Pennsylvania. Clara was adopted in April 2019 and resides in Virginia. Darby was adopted in September 2019 and resides in Maryland. Cassandra’s adoption is pending. She will be living in Louisiana. Didi was adopted in Oct. 2019 and resides in South Carolina.

Molly – Mammary Tumor, Heartworms, and Broken Teeth Molly was not only heartworm positive when she was pulled from a Georgia shelter and entered foster care in August 2019, but she also had mammary cancer. After veterinary care, including surgery for tumor removal, and lots of TLC, Molly is now cancer-free and finished with her heartworm treatment. She clearly had a rough life, but things are looking up for her now that she has a “New Rattitude!” We thank everyone who donated towards her fresh start. Molly is in foster care in South Carolina but is now ready for her forever home!

Molly

Ranger

Clara

Darby Cassandra Didi


FINANCIALS

New Rattitude, Inc. 2019 Annual Financial Statement Overview of New Rattitude’s income and expenses for the

calendar year ending December 31, 2019 New Rattitude is tax-exempt under section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code.

Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Our Form 990 submissions to the IRS can be found at

www.guidestar.org.

Tango (TN), Adopted March 2019


Our low adoption fees covered only 24% of New Rattitude’s expenses. We are dependent on public support through charitable tax-deductible donations and fundraising.

Eighty-one percent of New Rattitude’s expenses go toward medical care for our foster dogs. Adding in the cost of dog food, dog transportation, boarding, microchips, ID tags, and collars, 89% of our spending is directly related to the rescue and care of needy Rat Terriers.

Ratchet (VA), Adopted May 2019

Where Does New Rattitude Get Its Funding?

How Does New Rattitude Spend Its Revenues?


Fundraising

Almost twenty percent of our 2019 revenue came from fundraising. Primary fundraisers included:

v Rat Terrier Jamboree in Sweetwater, TN, April 2019 v Annual New Rattitude T-Shirt Sales, April - December 2019 v Annual Calendar Photo Contest and Calendar Sales,

September - December 2019. v Online ReTail Shop Sales, throughout the year. v Shop/Give Charity Donation Programs (AmazonSmile,

Goodshop, Chewy.com), throughout the year.

Jamboree Report

We’re not Boy Scouts, but we do gather once a year and celebrate our rat terriers with a lot of excitement, fun, and enjoyment! New Rattitude’s annual RAT TERRIER JAMBOREE—it’s a one-of-a-kind event and very special for those who love the rat terrier breed. This is New Rattitude’s largest annual fundraiser—one that allows us to continue to carry out our mission of rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming needy rat terriers. The 14th Annual Rat Terrier Jamboree was held on April 26 and 27, 2019 at the Sweetwater KOA Kampground just off I-75 at exit 62 between Knoxville and Chattanooga in the little town of Sweetwater, Tennessee. Close to 100 people attended with 117 dogs, representing 16 different states. Some traveled from as far away as California, New York, and Michigan. On Friday, after a day of socializing and off-leash play on the fully fenced Jamboree field, we gathered in the Pavilion for a cookout, rattie costume contest, introduction of the Jamboree King and Queen contestants, and live auction. We wrapped up the evening around a campfire, where friendships of a lifetime are made and renewed! After a good night’s rest, on Saturday the Jammers and their dogs were ready to hit the field again. Competitions included Terrier Racing, Best Trick, and Egg & Spoon race. Although prizes and ribbons were awarded, all dogs and their handlers were welcomed to play regardless of age, skill, or training. Jamboree is all about the FUN! Throughout the day attendees enjoyed shopping at various vendor booths, visiting with each other, practicing on the agility course, watching a Rally O demonstration, and participating in various fundraising activities. Afternoon events included the group photo, a parade of New Rattitude foster dogs and alumni, and the crowning of the 2019 Jamboree King and Queen—Tank Hero and Lucy Thompson!

SAVE THE DATE! New Rattitude invites YOU and your rat terriers to join us for the 2020 Rat Terrier Jamboree, April 17-18, at the same location in Sweetwater, Tennessee. Registration is open now. Visit our Jamboree web page to register, and watch the New Rattitude Facebook page and Facebook Events page for updates, photos, and information. Come play with us!

https://newrattitude.org/about/events/jamboree/https://www.facebook.com/NewRattitudeInc/https://www.facebook.com/events/1029882377355291/


Donations New Rattitude received $46,014 in donations in 2019, representing 55% of our revenues. We are grateful to the following supporters who made monetary contributions to New Rattitude from January 1 through December 31, 2019.

Faithful Friends (Gifts from $1 to $249) Amy Adler and Mike Donahue John Alexander Kristeen Anderson Anita’s Kitchen Apple, Inc. Mary Arkwright Awaken the Peace Todd and Tami Baber Hannah Bachelder Debra Badger Sandra Ball Jacqueline Barker Paula Barr Katie Beckley Elvira Benitez Frank Bennett Annette Bergins Alejandro Berlin and Audrey Jakab Nita Bharti Nancy Biscontini Blissfully Balanced Living, LLC Sandra Bohner Brian Boland Catherine Boland Guy Borg Debra Borshowky Christine Boyer Cathleen and Kurt Bradley Janell Brown Leslie Bunn Julie Butch Julien Byrne Joe Byrnes Linda Capen and Jim Mabe Adriana Sola Capifali Sharon Carey Susan Caterina Gretchen Chambers Stephanie Clark “Class of 60” Amy and Ron Cloyd Kathi Coffey Carla Cooksey Hildreth Cooper Costco United Way Campaign Sarah Cowgill

Mary Cravens Carolyn Creamer Debbie and Pete Crider Faye Daniels Karen Davis Martha and Richard Davis Kara Deason Kathi Deason Adam Decker Rita and Steve Deimler Kristen DeMarco Jessica Detrio Samantha Dewhurst Michelle DiGaetano Jim Dodd Larry and Norma Downing Vickie Dunagan Joye Durham and Lib Mullinnix Punky Egan Mike and Shawn Eller Barbara Esteve Leticia Estrada Kathie and Ronald Evans Kathleen Fain James Faivre Laurel Farmer Allison Farr David Fellers Kim and Jerry Ferman Sara Fisher Lucia Florido Chris Ford Richard Fortenberry Debbie Fountain Kelly Fox Scott Fredette Alan Freisleben Jeff and Jennifer Garner Niklolaus Gipe Joe and Corin Gomes Cathe and Pete Gorski Madelyn Gould Carol Grady Patricia Graham Lisa Gray Mary Green Jennifer Gregory Mendy Gregory Darlene Griffin

Eve Gunther Doreen Habben Dana Hamblen and Jeremy Lesniak Kristie Harris Judy Hartgerink Jamie Hay Robert Hayes Cherylen Herlovich Ellen Hicks Grace Hilkene Michael Hodges Larry Hollis Melissa Holloway Roxana Jackson Annette Jones Janet Jones Gina Jourdonnais Sue Kangas Jennifer Keeland Katherine Kelshaw Christina Kienbaum Benjamin Klein Robin Knaup Karen Kret Michael Krieg Michael and Diane Kujan Laura Kyer Rhea and Wendy Lane Janine and Jerry Lange Dan Langworthy Ellen and William Lawlor Corinne Laws Holly Lebed Sherri and Michael Leffler Penny Lillis Michael Lind and Roxann Robinson Penny Linke Leslie Lombard Jaudonna Louradour Judy and William Lownes Tara Lutley Robyn Mace John Manges Jessica Mannon-Phillips Anna Marcum Amy Martin Janet Matherly Stephanie Mathson

Cheri McCall Cynthia McCallister Eileen McConnell Wendy McCormick Joani McGowen Becky McKeen Suzanne McKenna Leah Meray Richard Miller Sarah Milstein Melissa Mires Joseph Molines Ashley and Andy Moore Kate Moore John and Jane Mueller Susan Murkland Sylvia Musso Malcolm Naderhoff Amanda Nash Susan Newby Kerri Nichols and Scott LaViollette Dawn Nudo Michelle Park Maria Parks Stephanie Pasha Elizabeth and Andrew Paterson Doris Penn Christine Perkell Pam Perryman Sarah Peyton Ruth Pieger Liz Pietanza Sharon Pinkosky Sundra Poole James and Judy Prusack Alan Ramkumar LeeAnn Randolph Rat Terrier Club of America Rat Terriers Forever Leslie Raynor Anne Reed Danielle Rees and Zachary Tolby Pamela Reinhard Lorraine Rever Jessica Ritchie Brooke Rogers Lisa Rohn Eva Rose Kathy Rose Louis Ruggeri


Lisa Rohn Eva Rose Kathy Rose Louis Ruggeri Peter and Maria Russo Rosemary Rutland Gordon, Edie, and Nico Sandelier Bekki Schnoll Janice Schroeder Dawn Schuetz Mary Schur Kathleen Scrivner The Seattle Barkery Jane Skrovan Jay Slater Gail Slifka

Lori Smith Susan Snow Matt and Janet Snyder Dawn Solfa Debra Sousa-Lauer Catherine Spannagel Ramona Stanfield Jessica Steinmetz Brigham Stevens Donald Stewart Karen Stewart Stone Four Media Grace Strauss Kelli Strauss Monique and Michael StRomain

John and Margaret Stumberger Cassandra Stutesman Diana Szurgot Talitha Templeton Janice Thomas Deborah Thorne Denise Timmins Samantha Twyman UC Davis Medical Oncology Team Raymond and Kiyomi Vampran Pamela Vasquez Audra Volpi Barbara Vondras G. Blu Wagner

Vince Wagner Roberta Wall Arlene Warshaw Rebecca Wattleworth Tom and Liz Whalen Shirley White Judy Wihlfehrt James Wilk Lisa Williamson Joseph Windham Nanci Withrow Janice Wohlfeil Valerie Wong Teri (Zoey) Zucker

Loyal Companions (Gifts from $250 to $499)

Lori Bisch Jayna Bundy Jason and Pat DeVries Theresa Lex Pat Malone Betty Law Morgan Ann Murphy Jennifer Pietenpol and Ian Wattenmaker Cynthia Robbins Allison Stone

Blue Ribbon Buddies (Gifts from $500 to $999)

Rebecca Coltrane Gary and Helen Crevonis Shara Goetz Timothy and Alida Hanson Melanie Houlihan Eric Ladimer Joseph Miller Bruce Rylander Cheryl Singleton Jarin Sliger Emily Wackler Ellen and Kevon Watson

Mrs. Don Baker Bank of America Charitable Foundation Lynne Chintala Matt and Debbie Conigliaro Laurie Dempsey Jim Hero Kate Holloway Candace Seal

Best of Show Award (Gifts of $1,000 and up)

We couldn't do what we do without your support!

Freckles (WI) Adopted June 2019

Thank You!


FUREVER HOME

NEW RATTITUDE DOGS ADOPTED IN 2019

These former New Rattitude foster Rat Terriers have found their "furever" homes. CongRATulations to the new adopters and WELCOME to the

New Rattitude family! DOG FOSTERED BY ADOPTED BY Abigail Vickie Kauffman Shelley and Mike Helms Addie Wendy Rosner Claredene Crumley Aslan Dan Frisbie Judy and William Lownes Ayla Bethany Adams Carissa Miller Bailey Karen Marfurt Gina and Jon Jourdonnais Bart Frank Bennett G. Blu Wagner Baxter Drew Maute Drew Maute and Josh Dare Bolero Terry Beale Amy and Ron Cloyd Bolt Dan Frisbie Danielle Hill Brooklyn Dan Frisbie Janet Matherly Buffy Karen Stewart Lib Mullinnix and Joye Durham Buster Brown Denise Merricks Robert and Corrine Szabo Calypso Terry Beale Peter and Maria Russo Cammy Denise Merricks Janice Schroeder Captain ReHome Program Michael and Kateenah Hunter Carob Valerie Wong Barbara and Larry Blick Cayden Debbie Finley Robyn Mace Charleston Terry Beale Kara Deason Charlie Anna Kozlov Beth and John Howerton Charlie ReHome Program Kerri Lynn Nichols and Scott LaViollette Charlotte Dan Frisbie Dan and Mayumi Frisbie Chester Anna Kozlov Virginia Ferguson and Adam Perschbacher Chip Drew Maute Keana and Kevin Butler Clara Denise Merricks Rebecca Robbins and Jeff Seldomridge Coleman Denise Merricks Denise Merricks Cooper Vickie Kauffman Annette Bergins Cordelia Terri Banner Debra Badger Corky Bethany Adams Christina Landau and Greg Guther Corky Jill Chandler Monique and Michael StRomain Cortland Terry Beale Jennifer Pietenpol Darby Lisa DeSoto David and Krista Martinko Derby Mindy Shapiro Stephanie Mello and Ralph Daniel Bennett Didi Martha Dowling Martha Dowling Dixie Lisa DeSoto Susan and Larry Beshears

DOG FOSTERED BY ADOPTED BY Dodger Vickie Kauffman Jan and Mike Caldwell Doozer Kate Moore Lori and Tommy Cannon Dru Terri Banner Laurel Farmer Elisa Frank Bennett Gwen Hodge Ember Amy Heitshusen Mike and Shawn Eller Finian Kelly Fox Punky Egan Freckles Kelly Fox Punky Egan Frida Candy Conrady Candy and Steve Conrady Harry Marti Naro Rita and Steve Deimler Hawkeye Frank Bennett Kathie and Ronald Lee Evans Hazel Anna Kozlov Ashley and Andy Moore Henley Stacy Zimmerman Tammy Sheridan Iggy Juanita Chalmers Steven Todd and Tami Baber Izzy Grace Laurie Dempsey Katelin Plichta and David Krayesky Jasper Anna Kozlov Mary and Nick Marovich Jig Terry Beale Jane and Stephen Struck Joey Amy Heitshusen Suzanne McKenna Josh Angela Wacker Linda Gail Meares Josh Kelly Fox Kimberly and Eric Simpson Kelly Amy Heitshusen Carolyn Polston Layla Martha Dowling Stephanie Pauquette Leo Dan Frisbie Ellen and William Lawlor Lexi Denise Merricks Cynthia Simmonds Lily Wanda Pezant John and Margaret Stumberger Link Denise Merricks Lance Utley Lolly Karen Stewart Cristina and Fernando Diaz Lucas Anna Kozlov Rebecca Wattleworth Lucy ReHome Program James and Judy Prusack Mac Amy Heitshusen Timothy and Alida Hanson Maggie Anna Kozlov Cathleen and Kurt Bradley Malla Kate Moore Dawn Solfa Maple Mindy Shapiro Audrey Jakab and Alejandro Berlin McKenna Amy Heitshusen Leticia Estrada Mia Jill Chandler Alice Wysocki and Phillip Baker Mickey Vickie Kauffman Thomas and Renata Plant Milo Jill Chandler Ann and Kelly Fausett


DOG FOSTERED BY ADOPTED BY Minnie Vickie Kauffman Sherri and Michael Leffler Mint Julep Mindy Shapiro Debbie and Pete Crider MJ Terri Banner Terry and Ric Peterson Monte Wendy Rosner Wendy and Paul Rosner Navi Amy Heitshusen Joani and Patrick McGowen Nirvana Terry Beale Sue and Tony Ferraro Parker Kelly Fox Lynn Somers and Jim Kostecki Pine Ann Eskew Ingrid Sausjord Pip Lisa DeSoto Vincent Lawrence and Diane Potts-Lawrence Piper Nicole Dossey Erin and Jack Dunsmore Pippa Kate Moore David Lowery Pippin Briana Dams Meredith and Addison Hill Pmint Patty Lisa Rohn Reena and Amit Vaid Poppy Wendy Rosner Nanci Withrow Qhorin Kelly Fox Cathe and Pete Gorski Radar Frank Bennett Kelly and Eddie Lewis Ranger Frank Bennett Drew Maute and Joshua Dare Ratchet Denise Merricks Debbie Fountain Regina Karen Stewart Karen Stewart

DOG FOSTERED BY ADOPTED BY Remy Laurie Dempsey Melinda and Fabian Chaparro Rose Samantha Twyman Samantha Twyman and Hampton Smith Rosie Dan Frisbie Aimee and Mike Cress Sadie Kelly Kirk Kelly and Robert Kirk Salsa Terry Beale Twinkle and Doug White Scamp Dan Frisbie John and Jane Mueller Sissy Frank Bennett Jeffrey Kerry Sonic Denise Merricks Karen and Adam Cook Sparx Denise Merricks Ron Rebman Stan Lee Kelly Fox Wendy Jones Stanley Marisa Kluth John and Al Wedemayer Tango Valerie Wong Dana Hamblen and Jeremy Lesniak Todd Kelly Fox Martha and Richard Davis Twiggy Mindy Shapiro Nicole and Matthew Bergemann Wendy Aimee Wrath Diane and Michael Kujan Yates Terry Beale Akiko Jones Zelda Denise Merricks Joanne and Sean Prewer Zeus Anna Kozlov Larry Williams Zoee Grace Frank Bennett Virginia Kerry

Calypso (GA) Adopted September 2019

McIntosh (GA) Adopted September 2018


SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT!

What Folks Are Saying About New Rattitude!

“I adopted my Sissy in 2014 and wow did my life change for the better! In 2019 I adopted Chip and boy, what a joy! New Rattitude treats these gifts from heaven like children. The adoption process is thorough but loving! I HIGHLY recommend New Rattitude! They’ll change your life... for the better!” Keana B. - VA

“Thank you and the entire team for making it possible for Cortland to be part of our family!” Jennifer P. - TN

“The adoption experience was wonderful. Xena's foster mom was so helpful and the transport process was very impressive. Xena has a great spirit and is full of love for everyone. We are so happy she’s part of our life.” Ginger B. - VA

"Adopting Venus was by far the best decision I've ever made. The adoption process was smooth, professional, and I'm very fortunate to have one of the New Rattitude pups." Samantha O. - VA

“Our adoption was a great experience and (Loki’s) foster parents were great. They sent him a birthday card for his first birthday. We would definitely consider adopting from New Rattitude again.” Sheryl C. - VA

“Adopting McIntosh was a great experience and all the people involved in our adoption were fabulous. Particularly outstanding were McIntosh’s foster mom and our adoption coordinator. We can’t say enough good things about the two of them because they were so helpful and made everything go smoothly for McIntosh’s adoption into our family.” Peter R. - CT


"As a first time adopter, we could not have asked for a better experience. Everyone, beginning with the phone interview to Winston's foster mom, was amazing. We are so thankful for New Rattitude.” Alison I. - VA

"I am so very thankful to New Rattitude. I love Marco so much and I'm so happy with him! I've had people stop us and ask what kind of dog he is. I tell them he's a rat terrier and always tell them about New Rattitude if they want their own! I've also recommended NR on facebook in rat terrier groups I'm in." Ann Marie H. - CT

“The whole adoption process was professional and all staff so very helpful and personable. We’ve adopted two dogs that were healthy and well taken of by their foster parents so the transition was seamless. We have remained friends and supporters of New Rattitude and would readily recommend this group to anyone looking for a sweet and loving pet.” Lynn S. - WI

“Marcel loves his cuddle time. He absolutely adores children and is great with my nephews. I couldn't imagine my little family without him.” Brent D. - GA

“My wife Dawn and I adopted an adorable little guy named Foxtrot from New Rattitude, and are very impressed with the speed, and thoroughness of the adoption process. The foster mom has been amazing and has been there with any information we needed. We are proud to say we used New Rattitude to adopt our new furbaby and would happily recommend them to anyone wanting to adopt.” Andrew W. - NC

“Here is a picture of Jake with a toy on his head—he loves his toys! We think New Rattitude is a great organization and has so many dedicated folks working for them. We always tell everybody we know about your organization. Thank you so much.” Lillie K. - GA


THE "CHESAPEAKE SIX"—Mission Accomplished!

What they found was a dimly lit garage filled with crates containing dogs who were taken outside only for brief potty breaks on concrete pavers. Local animal control was able to place all the younger dogs with other rescues. But there were six dogs left that no other rescue would take. If New Rattitude did not rescue them, they would be euthanized. These were the puppy mill's breeding dogs—the oldest ones—who had lived for years in isolation, giving birth to litter after litter of puppies, and who had fallen out of proper vet care, with little human touch. One dog’s dental health was so neglected that part of his jaw had rotted off. Without hesitation, New Rattitude took the dogs and placed them in foster homes in Virginia and North Carolina.

The healing... Adjusting to “regular” life in their foster homes was challenging for these dogs (and their foster parents). Not one dog was house trained. And ordinary things like being outside, feeling grass on their paws, meeting new people, and walking on a leash were terrifying to them. But each of the dogs adjusted to this new world in their own way. Fast forward to Christmas Eve 2019: Every one of the “Chesapeake Six” has found a forever home! Where are they now? Read on to see. Bart: Loves his big back yard and hopping up on the couch for belly rubs. Bart took his time warming up to his human, but he has a strong bond with her now, and he makes her laugh every day. Harry: “Sings” along with his mom when she plays the accordion and dances to get treats. Harry has recently learned that being outside isn’t so scary after all, and he loves to sit outside with his family in the back yard when the weather is nice. Emily May: AKA, Queen of the House. Enjoys relaxing with her other canine siblings. At 17 years old, Emily May takes things at her own pace, but when she chooses to, she runs with the other dogs and loves every minute of it. Izzy Grace: Loves her fur sibling, Vince, and snuggles with him every chance she gets. Izzy was a star at her mom and dad’s wedding with her

The rescue... In December 2017, New Rattitude was contacted about a puppy mill in Chesapeake, VA, and on Christmas Eve, two volunteers went to assess the situation.

A "puppy mill" is a breeding facility where dogs are bred in large numbers, purely for profit. Their health and well-being are often sacrificed to keep expenses down. Vet care, if any, is minimal, food is poor quality, and housing is cramped, overcrowded, and often filthy. The dogs are not given opportunities for exercise or socialization, and are treated poorly in general—mostly through neglect but sometimes through actual abuse. Puppies born in mills do not receive proper nutrition and they are prone to injury and disease through weakened immune systems and bone development. Overbreeding and inbreeding are also common, so genetic defects, health problems, and other undesirable attributes are often inherited. These puppies are sold to animal brokers and pet shops, or directly to the public via the Internet or local advertising. Most heartbreaking though, are the dogs left behind—the adults who are forced to live out their lives in such conditions so as to produce more puppies to sell. Even if rescued, their health and socialization is often so poor that their lives cannot be saved. Some can be rehabilitated, but it is usually a long, hard journey to bring the dog to good health and help him or her learn to become a "normal" dog.

The Chesapeake Six, Christmas Eve 2017

By Laurie Dempsey


Bart loves his big back yard and hopping up on the couch for belly rubs. Bart took his time warming up to his human, but he has a strong bond with her now, and he makes her laugh every day.

Harry “sings” along with his mom when she plays the accordion and dances to get treats. Harry has recently learned that being outside isn’t so scary after all, and he loves to sit outside with his family in the back yard when the weather is nice.

Emily May, AKA Queen of the House. Enjoys relaxing with her other canine siblings. At 17 years old, Emily May takes things at her own pace, but when she chooses to, she runs with the other dogs and loves every minute of it.

Izzy Grace loves her fur sibling, Vince, and snuggles with him every chance she gets. Izzy was a star at her mom and dad’s wedding with her pink pearl collar, and she enjoys being adored on a daily basis.

Beatrice (now BB) had no problem at all getting the hang of house training, as long as her humans were consistent. BB’s family reports that she is happy, loving, and just the sweetest little girl.

Hermione (now Bunny) loves to go for walks and prances and twirls when her dad gets out her harness. Bunny uses the dog door like a pro and is deeply committed to peeing outside. Despite her small stature, Bunny has a large presence and delights in chasing her fur brothers around the house.

These six, who had such a terrible start in life, are proof of a dog’s forgiving nature and resilient spirit. Each is an example of a "less than perfect” dog that was adopted into a loving family and became an irreplaceable member of that family. It’s a great reminder about finding a new dog—don't overlook the "less than perfects." Sometimes they are the most amazing companions of all!

The happily ever after...


Lend a Paw, Save a Life! Share your love for Rat Terriers by opening

your home and heart to a homeless shelter dog. New Rattitude Rat Terrier Rescue and Adoption is looking for foster homes where a rescue dog can live in a real home environment while waiting for its Forever Home.

Foster Homes Needed! Foster home families provide care for their rescued dog, socialization, training, and lots of love and affection. New Rattitude provides the rest, including: • Foster parent training and ongoing support • Prompt reimbursement for vetting expenses and dog food • Wormers and flea/tick preventative • Microchip, collar, leash, and ID tag • Nationwide exposure to promote your foster and an experienced and diligent adoption team to ensure your foster finds the perfect adoptive home • A wealth of tools, resources, and in many cases, funding available for education, training, assistance with behavioral challenges, and other foster home needs

Want to Know More?

For more info, visit newrattitude.org/support/foster/faq To join us, go to newrattitude.org/support/volunteer/membership-application

https://newrattitude.org/support/volunteer/membership-application/https://newrattitude.org/support/foster/faq/

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