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Ratty Messages
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Recent 'Just Chat'
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If you need help, or have questions, comments or suggestions, please post in the Rat-Terrier.com Info and Help forum.
General Moderators:
Lance
Morgan
Tracey
Training Moderator:
Nora
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You're Not Alone
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Rat-Terrier.com
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farmwife
Newbie
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| 04/29/2007 2:36 PM |
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Hello everyone.
I am new to your site and new to this breed of dog.
My fiance and I are babysitting a friend's dog. Jax, the rat terrier has been staying with us six weeks. We knew he was a wonderful dog before he came to our house for this long stay, but we had no idea he was this affectionate, smart, athletic and playful. We have three other dogs and Jax has fit into our "pack" quite well.
So now the time has come when we are to return our friend's dog and we are beginning to dread it. So
I have a question for all of you. My guy would love to have a dog of his own. And he just loves this dog. Are rat terriers typically this terrific?
Getting a dog for my fiance will be a big decision (as it is for all of us, of course) but I really want to choose well and am also afraid Jax is just uniquely wonderful and we are not likely to find another dog so dear.
Thoughts?
Thanks in advance, Kate |
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swatson6
Attention Starved
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| 04/29/2007 2:44 PM |
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You've come to the right place!! Yes, these dogs are amazing They are exactly as you described and the perfect blend of energy and cuddliness, My Jack is 5 1/2 months now and the best dog I have ever known..........besides all the other ratties here of course !! I think you couldn't go wrong if this was the breed you pick. There are breeders and there is also a rescuse group called ratbone rescue that I think at this point is overflowing with these wonderful beings in need of a home. Not sure where ou are but they have a website. Feel free to ask any questions and Welcome to the best place on earth !! |
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Sarah
Mom to Jack, Jeter and foster mom to Teagan
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Russ' Pal
Rat-A-Tat-Tat
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| 04/29/2007 2:46 PM |
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They are all individual, but all fantastic in my opinion. They do all seem to be very affectionate. Some are more playful than others, some more vocal. Some are shy, some are fearless.
If you are looking for specific character traits, you might consider looking into adopting a rattie that is a year or two old that already has a developed personality.
You might want to check out the Training thread and the You Might be a Rat Terrier thread to see some common traits these dogs have. |
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-Sarah, pal to Russ & Peca |
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smoore
Ratastic
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| 04/29/2007 2:48 PM |
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Rat Terriers are a wonderful breed, once you have one, you will want another, and another. LOL. You should look into adopting.  |
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-Sara
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Bailey's mom
Bratty Ratty
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| 04/29/2007 2:49 PM |
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| My rat terrier is the best dog I've ever had, she was over a year old when I got her, so I don't know about the puppy times. She is so smart and playful, actually she's hyper, but I love it. She can smell a squirrell a mile away and wants to chase everything that moves. She loves everybody and when we're walking, she has to "meet" everybody we see. She sleeps with me and has to be under the covers. I say get a rat terrier. |
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~Nancy~
aka Bailey's Mom |
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bratt
Firehouse Big Dog
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| 04/29/2007 2:54 PM |
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| Kate! Yes! They are all different, but all have those traits you mentioned, just in different degrees. I had always had only Labs. Great dogs. Savanna, my rattie was a stray a year and a half ago. Don't know how I ever got along with out her. She is just the biggest bundle of love I have ever seen! If you want a rattie, I say go for it. If you can, try to adopt. These pups are the best, and there are many out there needing forever homes! Good luck, and welcome to the site!!! |
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Debra~KSSM Queen II
Savanna~Princess Easy Street
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DaisysMom
Moderator
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| 04/29/2007 3:12 PM |
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YES!!! Ratties are overall wonderful, loving, active, adaptable dogs They are small in size, but never in attitude! And the love with the heart of a lion I agree that adopting a rattie in need is a fabulous idea, and there are so many in need. If you go to petfinder.com and do a search for your zip code you'll find some, I'm sure, perhaps one in a kill shelter who's waiting for you to save him/her. Also, Ratbone Rescues (www.ratbonerescues.com) is a FANTASTIC organization that saves needy ratties and rehomes them in the best situation for dog/people. They too have so, so many ratties.
Please stick around and look at the posts about our ratties, and let us know if you decide to get one (or two  ) and if you need any help or have any questions, please let us know. |
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Tracey - Darlin' Daisy's Mom
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DaisysMom
Moderator
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| 04/29/2007 3:13 PM |
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| P.S.: Tell Jax parents about us too, so we can meet/see him |
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Tracey - Darlin' Daisy's Mom
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Lucy's Colleen
Bratty Ratty
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| 04/29/2007 3:33 PM |
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| Yes! The traits you describe are typical of RTs. My Lucy is fantastic in my eyes. Yes she's excitable, but I love the way she greets me when I get home. It's nice that you got a nice trial period to see how this breed can fit into your life. I think the reason we see these little guys in shelters is because people don't know what they are getting into and how to play into their energy to make it work. There are a lot of options for getting one of these guys into your homes. Ratbone rescues is a group who is needing to find homes for their dogs. Or if you are looking for a breeder these guys have been becoming more and more popular so they are becoming easier to find. Good luck with your decision. |
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Colleen
Flickr account:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7797281@N05/ |
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Mitzy's Mom
PAWesome
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| 04/29/2007 6:04 PM |
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| Ditto to all the others have said! I've got 1 purebred and 2 rat/chi mixes and I dont' know how I got along without them! They are the most interactive dogs I've ever seen. |
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Mary Beth, mom to the Lollipop Kids
Georgia Foster Mom, New Rattitude
at www.newrattitude.org
Pics of my current fosters:
http://imageevent.com/newrattitude/caradoc
http://imageevent.com/newrattitude/willow
http://imageevent.com/newrattitude/fiona
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NavyDvrWife
Rat-A-Tat-Tat
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| 04/29/2007 6:51 PM |
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Yes - Ratties are the BEST breed out there! Of course, I'm a little partial.... 
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~ Errica, Batman, Blondie and Brock's Mommy
Foster Mom to Trinity Ratbone
Foster Parent & Happy Tails Crew
Ratbone Rescues |
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mom2miles
Ratterific
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| 04/29/2007 7:33 PM |
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| We were just there. We had purchased one dog and puppy sitting for the one not sold for our friends. Well now we're a 2 puppy family. Dh just fell in love with the other one. We've only had them since friday and are having a blast. It is a little work but we're finding it SO worth it. Dh even helps out with puppy care. |
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~*~ Michelle ~*~
New mom to Miles & Tilly
Type A Ratties |
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farmwife
Newbie
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| 04/29/2007 10:07 PM |
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Thank you all so much for all the thoughtful responses!
You all have confirmed our suspicion that this breed of dog may be something special. We are both old time dog lovers but neither of us has known a dog like this one.
We will definitely check into the rescue idea.
We will begin our seach soon. In the time being we are enjoying the dickens out of our last few days dog sitting Jax, and are doing a bit of preparing ourselves for giving him back.
One of you asked our location, we are in Northern California, the Bay Area.
Again, thank you all very much. Best, Kate
Oh by the way, I just took our expanded pack to the park and managed to wear out Jax (couldn't do it without one of those tennis ball throwers.) Anyway, this reminded me of an additional query I have for you all. Jax tosses the ball up in the air himself and then catches it in the air! Anybody else's dog do this? I have never seen this before. What incredible eye-snout coordination! He is an amazing dog. |
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rattytatty
Newbie
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| 04/29/2007 10:29 PM |
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I've owned several breeds of dogs over my lifetime... and worked with several different breeds. However, I was unfamiliar with the rat terrier breed until a year ago. The breed is not common here. I "inherited" mine from a neighbor who couldn't keep him at home. He originally is from Bentley, Indiana.
After owning this dog for a year (he was six months old when we inherited him), I have to say without a doubt that I would put this breed up against any breed I've worked with over the past 10 years. The breed is highly intelligent, quick to learn with a definite desire to learn and please. The breed is not burdened with health issues... is athletic yet has a calm side so they are perfect for family pets/companions.
I think I can say very objectively that you will not be disappointed if you end up with a rat terrier! |
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Susan
Terrier Terror
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| 04/30/2007 12:43 AM |
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| My Rattie Maggie will throw a ball for herself if there is no body to throw it for her. Her pups have learned to do that too from her example. They learn very very quickly! They are also terriers and will run the house if given the option. They need their people to be the pack leaders more than some breeds do and appreciate them for it. |
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ANYTHING WORTH DOING IS WORTH OVERDOING Mom of eight, only three left at home! Pack leader to ten ratties: Maggie, Mysty, Berry, Simon, Ceecee and five puppies, Star,Sari, Bluebelle, Double stuf,and Snortie. As well as Ginger the Border Collie and a herd of turkeys! |
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kimrose
Feisty
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| 04/30/2007 7:41 PM |
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Mic doesn't throw the tennis ball by himself, but he loves to catch it! When we can't play with him with the tennis ball he plays with it with himself though, he'll run up to the top of the stairs and drop it down and chase it... if it hits a good bounce at the bottom he'll catch it
He throws all of his other toys and catches them though. |
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My Flickr Page
MySpace
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Dottie's Mommy
Ratterific
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| 04/30/2007 8:15 PM |
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Dottie has been a real treat and a wonderful addition to our family! I can't imagine having any other dog! Good luck in your search!
To add to your comment about the eye-catching stunts... Dottie will be four months on Wednesday and is currently enrolled in puppy training. We have been working on "spin" to get her to turn in a circle. Well, she has quickly turned this into a jumping twist in the air!  No boring, four feet on the floor spinning with this dog!! Have fun!
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Jennifer...proud mommy of one cute rattie! |
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smoore
Ratastic
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| 04/30/2007 8:16 PM |
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Posted By farmwife on 04/29/2007 10:07 PM Thank you all so much for all the thoughtful responses! You all have confirmed our suspicion that this breed of dog may be something special. We are both old time dog lovers but neither of us has known a dog like this one. We will definitely check into the rescue idea. We will begin our seach soon. In the time being we are enjoying the dickens out of our last few days dog sitting Jax, and are doing a bit of preparing ourselves for giving him back. One of you asked our location, we are in Northern California, the Bay Area. Again, thank you all very much. Best, Kate Oh by the way, I just took our expanded pack to the park and managed to wear out Jax (couldn't do it without one of those tennis ball throwers.) Anyway, this reminded me of an additional query I have for you all. Jax tosses the ball up in the air himself and then catches it in the air! Anybody else's dog do this? I have never seen this before. What incredible eye-snout coordination! He is an amazing dog.
I used to live in the Salinas/Prundale area in CA. I hope you find a ratty soon. I am sure you wont have any trouble finding at one that needs to be rescued.
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-Sara
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Apollo's Mommy
Feisty
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| 04/30/2007 8:27 PM |
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| I agree with most of what everyone has said. I haven't had a pet of any kind since I was 5 years old. Last Christmas my fiance' got me my first rattie. I actually got him in November. I never knew ratties exsisted before I got Apollo. OMG! He is the most loyal, loving, eager to please, smartest, energetic, pup. Apollo LOVES to be in my lap. He loves to share kisses and LOVES to have his belly rubbed in return. My rattie is practically attached to my hip! LOL!!! So a few months ago when my fiance' said I could get another doggie... he asked me what kind I wanted... I said another rattie! He says "another one?" I said "Yes! I wouldn't have it any other way." I was blessed to have one... but even more so now that I have two! |
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"You can't fix stupid." - Ron White
~ Jolene ~
Mommy to Apollo, Emma, & Indie
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Caesar & Julia's mom
Alpha Feist
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| 04/30/2007 11:19 PM |
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| Yes!! They really are this wonderful!! We got our first rattie almost 2 years ago. He is everything you said and more. SO smart and loving!! Wanting to please us...We went looking for another dog to add to our family and we knew that we wanted another rattie!! So we got our little Julia 1 month ago. Wouldn't know what I'd do without them!! |
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Diane~ loved by Caesar and Julia
"Don't count the days, make the days count..."
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winnihoohoo
Bratty Ratty
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| 04/30/2007 11:29 PM |
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| Yes ratties are wonderful...That is why I will soon have a third one...They are like potato chips, sometimes you can't have just one, but sometimes you can.... |
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Jillian & Lady
Ratterific
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| 04/30/2007 11:47 PM |
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YES! All ratties (dogs in general) are wonderful! You get the best of both worlds with a ratty: energy, affection, a blanket sharer, a tennis ball go-getter, a cuddler, napper, a clown, worker, a serious people-pleaser - I could go on & on!
A ratty, bred by a responsible breeder, cared for in a responsible way (and spoiled to death!) is always going to be a wonderful as you'd like  |
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JustAmy
Rat Royalty
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| 04/30/2007 11:53 PM |
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| My two boys are just the sweetest guys around. They love everyone (unless its a critter then Spike goes and tries to get it). They sleep right next to me when I sleep but before I go to bed they are sleeping with my daughter. |
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My home is not complete without my Rattie tat tat feet...
www.myspace.com/justamyy79
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tiggarat
Bratty Ratty
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| 05/01/2007 1:06 PM |
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Kate - I live near Santa Rosa. I found my pups online and went to Oregon to get them...actually to get one, when we got there, we just had to take both of them, and we are so happy with our decision! Once we got back and had them for a few weeks, my brother said that his friend breeds ratties. They raise Deckers (the largest of the ratties), which is what we wanted and got. All I could think when I heard this is that we could have saved ourselves from that long trip. But, like I said, we love our pups.
What led me to ratties is a dog we just lost to cancer. About a month after his death, we were looking at dog breeds, and came across the breed description of ratties, and it fit him perfectly, although he was much larger and had a thicker coat. We loved this dog SO much, and while we knew we couldn't replace him, we wanted a dog with similar qualities. The pups are still young, but we can see these qualities springing up here and there.
I know that whatever dog you chose, you will not regret your choice. Ratties are such wonderful dogs. Good luck in your search! |
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Lisabeth
furbabies: Lucy and Molly (1 1/2 yr old decker ratties), and Rosie (3 yr old dobie)
Buddy - gone but never forgotten.
"I don't think he has any idea he's a dog, really. Of course, he thinks he has a rather odd figure for a man" - Dodie Smith |
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HexKing
Ratastic
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| 05/04/2007 8:04 AM |
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My wife posted earlier about our rattie Dottie but I have to add my 2 cents
I never thought that I would be a "small dog guy" until I met Dottie and we brought her home. She is very intelligent, loving, energetic, and cuddly. She loves to interact with other people, and any other dogs that will let her.
Ratties WILL adapt to their owner's personality. My in-laws also have a Rattie and while they share similiar traits, they are two completely distinct individual personalities. So, if you do get a rattie it may not act EXACTLY like the one you were pet-sitting, but it will be a great pet with the same potential. |
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Properly trained, a man can be dog's best friend.
--Corey Ford |
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amletpumpkin
Terrier Terror
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| 05/04/2007 8:21 AM |
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| i agree with everyone! and another great point to make is that it seems that all of the men that are members (and our husbands and boyfriends that are not) have become complete saps for these dogs. My rats have done something to my boyfriend that is undescribable. You talked about getting a dog for your fiance, and believe me, he will fall in love and never look back. My boyfriend was always a big dog person, but he always says he's so amazed with these dogs. I love to walk in the room and see him talking baby talk to "his wittle baby girl." LOL! |
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bkfrazer
Rat Royalty
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| 05/04/2007 10:36 AM |
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| I agree with everyone. My rat terrier is the best dog that I have ever had and my boyfriend and I want to get another one. He is playful, smart, and really affectionate. |
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Brandi-Cody's Mom
http://www.myspace.com/bkayfrazer |
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Sassy'sMama
Firehouse Big Dog
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| 05/04/2007 2:21 PM |
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I also agree with everyone. A Rattie is the best dog ever!!!
I don't know how I lived before Sassy came into my life... she IS my life... |
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~~Jan~~
Mama to Sassy
www.marykay.com/janetkimberlin
(free shipping) |
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tillysdad
Rattie
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tiggarat
Bratty Ratty
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| 05/07/2007 12:21 PM |
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| Yep, everyone (especially the guys) who see my ratties turn into the biggest saps, cooing at them. Big tough construction workers falling to the floor to play with the pups! Too funny!! |
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Lisabeth
furbabies: Lucy and Molly (1 1/2 yr old decker ratties), and Rosie (3 yr old dobie)
Buddy - gone but never forgotten.
"I don't think he has any idea he's a dog, really. Of course, he thinks he has a rather odd figure for a man" - Dodie Smith |
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