A Dog's Ten Commandments

1. My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years. Any separation from you will be painful for me. Remember that before you buy me.
2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.
3. Place your trust in me - it's crucial to my well-being.
4. Don't be angry at me for long, and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your entertainment, and your friends. I have only you.
5. Talk to me sometimes. Even if I don't understand your words. I understand your voice when it's speaking to me.
6. Be aware that however you treat me, I'll never forget it.
7. Remember before you hit me that I have teeth that could easily crush
   the bones of your hand but that I choose not to bite you.
8. Before you scold me for being uncooperative, obstinate, or lazy, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, or I've been out in the sun too long, or my heart is getting old and weak.
9. Take care of me when I get old; you, too, will grow old.
10. Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say "I can't bear to watch
    it", or "Let it happen in my absence". Everything is easier for me if you are there. Remember, I love you.
    
    (Author Unknown)

 
Cagney is a four year old Rat Terrier.  She had a hard life at first. She was abused by her first owner for the first three years of her life.   Luckily, a rescue organization saved her and when I saw her I immediately fell in love. She can still be shy and skittish, but she has really come a long way in the year she has been with me. She knows that she has me wrapped around her little paw and that all she has to do is give me that little puppy smile she has, and she gets anything she wants.  She loves to go for long walks and car rides.  She also loves to play chase, wrestle and tug of war.  When she is not playing, she loves to cuddle up on the couch or on the bed.

UPDATE

If you would like to see more pictures of Cagney, please go to Cagney's Scrap Book.

Learn how a homeless German Shepherd became an American war hero.

HISTORY OF RAT TERRIERS

Cagney is a four year old Rat Terrier. Rat Terriers originated in England in the 1820's as a cross between the smooth-haired Fox Terrier and the black and tan Manchester Terrier. This produced a ruggedly tenacious little dog that loved to hunt everything. Because of this tenacity, they were popularly known as "Feists." These English bred terriers predominantly showed the coloring of the Manchester (i.e: black body with tan lower legs, eyebrows and cheeks). Rat Terriers first came to America about 1890 and here a change in color occurred by breeding in more old time smooth Fox Terrier blood. The usual color then became, and still is, a dog with a white body having black spots and tan trim. During this time, some calling this breed Fox Terriers. However, this shouldn't be confused with the present day smooth Fox Terrier registered by AKC that you see at dog shows. The show dog people have, since 1890, bred the characteristics they want. The temperament, ruggedness, looks and disposition are very different between the two breeds today. Probably a much closer title to fit dogs would be "American Hunting Terrier." Of course they will kill rats but love to hunt just about anything. After 1890 the black and tan coloration became unusual, although black and whites, tan and whites, as well as black and tans may occur within the same litter. From the beginning the Rat Terrier has been a popular companion, watch dog, varmint hunter, and small sporting and gaming breed. President Teddy Roosevelt loved this breed, coining the name "Rat Terrier." Through the years, he always had these dogs with him when hunting. Their keenness, intelligence, and perfect self-groomed appearance also made them his favorite house pet. And to this day they are a great house pets!!

Click here for breed standards

Go to rat-terrier.com

To order these beautiful Rat Terrier Note Cards click here.

Want more information on Rat Terriers?  Learn more from Linda Hibbard's article "The Rat Terrier"
The Rat Terrier

Do not support Puppy Mills.  Read this Pet Shop Story

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