When we were looking to adopt a dog I was just looking for a walking partner - I had no clue how adopting Catty would change how I think about dogs. Catty is a "sassy" girl who has led us down the path of fostering 25 ratties and of course adopting D'light.
While Catty and D'light have a loving home, they give me so much more. What they give me are multiple opportunities to grow, learn and be curious about them. This of course spills over to our fosters and gives me ample opportunity to be a better observer and listener of all dogs. Catty & D'light have helped me to slow down, to be thoughtful and if I try to speed through things they let me know (in their own special ways) to slow down and pay attention. I love them both dearly for the lesson they give me each day, the people they have brought into my life and what they continue to give me.
Here's just a snap shoot of these two goofy, sensitive & loving dogs - you can see why both of them are so dear to me.
Catty the girl with TONS of personality
Catty likes to scratch the blankets in her crate (thus the fuzz next to her), pull them out and then she does wacky stuff like this!
D'light - my heart dog.
This was after a TTouch session, you can see how relaxed he is. I'd never heard of TTouch until D'light came into my life. I'm big time supporter of TTouch and D'light TTouch practitioner has helped him a ton. We continue TTouch, usually a session once a month.
D'light and I travel to Lacey, WA on Saturdays to attend formal nose work training.
He's doing wonderful and I would recommend nose work to any dog but, for a fearful/under confident dog it works wonders. It's awesome watching all different types dogs (age, size, personality) work and they all love this sport.
Below are two video's of D'light doing Nose Work - this was his 3rd class and his motto is "Slow and steady win the race!" He's really doing wonderful and I love watching him search.
Below is D'light searching interior and exterior find
Both Catty and D'light are not that into foster dogs but, they sure do like each other. One of the many things I adore about Catty is that she always lets D'light "win".
Here you can see the softer goofier side of sweet Catty girl. Who would have guessed that these two were perfect for each other!
Both of them are awkward in their play style (BEWARE THERE IS BARKING)
So a thank you to both of my dogs. You have given me and continue to give me way more than I will ever be able to give you.
Given all that Gramercy has been through, I figured he'd love a massage!
So, I took him to a session with Lori Stevens TTouch extraordinaire who's also certified in Small Animal (dogs & cats) Rehabilitation Massage as well as in Canine Massage. She's also a Reiki Master Practitioner.
Look at what an amazing time Gramercy had. He was not ready for his session to be over!
Massage work - he was like putty in Lori's hands!
We decided to wrap Garmercy's front legs and he like always was willing to give this a try!
"What's this wrappy thing?"
"Oh she's touching me again... this is awesome"
"That's the spot"
I think he fell asleep during the massage work
Working his back end
his mid back, spine & neck
and his short little legs.
I wasn't fast enough with the video camera - he gave Lori kisses! Watch his little tail wagging with approval of all this massage and TTouch work.
AND look down under Lori's right arm (in the background) -- Yes that's a New Rattitude bumper sticker and she has her New Rattitude calendar displayed as well! She's a staunch supporter of New Ratitude and our rescued ratties.
The boy did not want to get off the table but, there's more work to do...
Gramercy's usual gait is hopping around. The goal is to get him walking slow so he is aware of his front legs, which the wrap helps with. With the wrap on he went from hopping to actually walking.
Gramercy is so happy to be moving pain free and look at his adorable self. His back end is moving much better, too.
We did a little platform work - this is a 2 inch foam platform and we are going to be working on this at home to help strengthen his hind legs. He will step up on the platform and stay up for 10 seconds at a time initially.
Not only has he found himself two amazing parents, he's also soon to be part of the Greenwood Rat Pack! We have been very lucky to adopt a lot of NR foster dogs up in the Greenwood area. This is due in large part by NR ambassador Mingus and his wonderful mom who helps spread the NR word! So Inigo will be part of an awesome pack of amazing rattie's and loving adopters.
Some of the Greenwood Rat Pack - left to right - Rain (formerly Reynvaan), MINGUS and Solo (formerly Shortly). All New Rattitude dogs.
So get ready Inigo you are going to have an amazing life full of adventure, love and happiness. We look forward to hearing all about your new life and seeing you at the rattie meet ups!
