Against my better judgment, I bought a rat terrier for my (then pregnant) daughter-in-law for Christmas. Because of the demands of the baby, Patches needs some training and a family who has the time to love her and teach her the right way to be a dog. Patches got pregnant her first heat (in a by-chance meeting with a local Jack) and they have fell in love with one of the babies. I'm trying to keep my personal feelings out of this posting, but it's very difficult. My dogs are my family too, but they are talking about putting her down because of her bad habits.

Please is there someone who has the love and patience to give to this young dog? (She is only a little over a year old.) She is brown and very cute. I would train her myself, but I have a very rambunctious Boston and a part Chow and I don't think the breeds would mix. Please, please someone help me with Patches!! I begged a little time from the kids to try to find her a home. No children, please, she needs adult help first! You can email me at trotnin2000@hughes.net. I'm in Indiana.

That is really heartless to put down the mother. She should have been spayed first off and what did they do in the way of obedience training? the dog will pay the ultimate price because owners did not work with her? This is a very intelligent breed, had Patches been taught some obedience this wouldn't be an issue. It really boggles my mind there are people in this world that think putting a dog down is an acceptable optionl. I won't even go into what I think of those people. This poor dog is a product of her enviroment. I don't know if stories like this make me madder than they  make me sad.

Also, what happens when the puppy grows up and does something they dont like?

She is only partially house trained. I'll try to locate a picture or call the kids. I'm located in Union City on the Ohio line east of Muncie. She also nips at everyone but the one I bought her from. She needs some socialization, attention, and probably everything a puppy needs to learn. She just hasn't had enough attention.

Thank you so much for the information. Honestly, I don't know if they know how to train a dog. As we all know, it takes a ton of work for us to teach them what we want them to do. (I definitely subscribe to there are no bad dogs.) I have had both rat and toy fox in my life and I love these little guys. It really breaks my heart. My other son has one, but he also has a Bull Mastiff and part Lab. We are definitely a dog lover family, but the rest of us are full up!

I will contact ratbones and see if they can help, too.

I share your feelings. My two dogs are part of the family, as well as the third dog that died two years ago and I went into mourning. They are too young and too busy I think. She should have been taught, but I wonder how many people who have a dog have a clue how much time that it entails. We have a neighbor that keeps their puppy on a chain and it hardly ever gets any attention. It infuriates me! But all I can do is try to find this young dog a home with someone that has the patience to "untrain" her and "retrain" her.

How would you know if they'd mix or not unless you take her and try?  Would you rather see her be euthanized than get that poor girl out of that situation and have more time to find her a safe place to go?  Also, if they didn't have time for the Momma, why would you think they'd have time for the puppy?  Puppies grow up to be adults and I'm afraid that dog will become just as disposable as the Momma once the puppy looses it's "cuteness"...

trotnin2000- I beg of you .... please tell your son and daughter in law NOT to keep one of those pups!  If they were so irresponsible as to let Patches around other dogs when in heat and didn't bother to spay her - and are now willing to KILL her because they don't have time to train her....  what do you think is going to happen to that cute little pup when it starts to grow up without training & altering !??!?! 

I'm glad Patches has you trying to help save her, but I sure hope you refrain from purchasing any other pets for others in the future.  Especially if there is any inkling they might not be responsible owners!

Good luck Patches!! Chloe and I wish you the best!  

Just an update to all. I talked to my husband, and we are going to take Patches. At least she will learn her place among the pack and get some love and attention. Yes, yes, I learned my lesson. My youngest son is just like me. He loves his animals and treats them as members of his family. I bought him a Toy Fox for Christmas and Bailey will be 9 this year. He is a great "dad". But no more pets, period. If they want them, they have to be responsible. But I feel responsible for her, so we will do right by her. The poor little thing didn't ask to be brought into this world and has gotten a really rotten deal. Maybe we can make a difference for her.

YAY TROT!

Lesson (painful one) learned....NEVER get a Family member a pet...ANY pet...unless you KNOW they are capable of nurturing pet for life!

Been there....learned same lesson the hard way!

Glad you are helping out Patches...any way you can disuade  them from keeping a pup?

Seems logical that they do NOT need to be pet owners..at least now.

To want to destroy an animal for "misbehaving" is NOT conducive to responsible pet-ownership. Nor caring. (pretty cold in my personal opinion)

If you end up feeling overwhelmed with Patches, Ratbones Rescue is your answer..they WILL place her in a GREAT loving home and one that will be the best for the dog. They are very careful in their screening processes.

Thanks for sharing your story and situation!~ Good luck to you and Patches!

Yogi's Mom...LadyDi

Chloe and I are so happy to hear that!  Yeah for Patches!!

Will you keep us posted on the pup they are keeping?