Pals
     You know, males will be males.  Especially when they're both used as studs. There's that "testosterone" thing that comes up and refuses to let one get the best of the other.  Smokeyjo (the black and tan Teddy) and Mendocino (the black tri toy) are no different ... most of the time.  But Mendo isn't stupid - not by a long shot!  He understands that he only weighs 5 pounds
dripping wet.  He also understands that Smokey is not only twice his weight, he also knows that Smokey is 99% muscle.  A-ha!  Smokeyjo is also a push over for a sweet cuddle ... and this too, our little Mendo knows for a fact.  Case in point.  Smokey was spread eagle on this nice, comfy chair, enjoying it all by himself.  Mendo also enjoys this chair, but Smokeyjo wasn't in the mood to have company - male or female - with him.  Up jumps
little Mendo anyway; Smokey growls ... "get off my chair you little pipsqueak!"  Mendo snuggles up to him, kisses his face, nuzzles in his ear.
Okay, so Smokey moves over for this little pain ... and dear little Mendo kisses a little more, very submissive, very apologetic ... "Smokey, I know
you wanted to be here in this chair, but I just want to be here with you for awhile ... it's so busy with the puppies on the floor ...", so, Smokey gives
in, and gives in some more, and Mendo cuddles more and more ... and, look at the expression on Smokeyjo's face!  I think he's suddenly realized that HE'S the one who's no longer laying in the chair he was so possessive over.  And Mendo?  Well, look at him.  He's completely happy.  Little David has handled Goliath again ...

Gotta love 'em, huh?

Submitted by: Sherri Chatterton


Manfred’s Story

      Manfred was born last November, on a very cold day.  He didn't know that, though, as he was inside a warm, comfy home with his siblings.  What he did know, in his baby way, was that he was hungry.  He was always hungry.  He only weighed 1/2 ounce when he was born, while his sibling closest in weight was 4 ounces.  Manfred tried, he really did.  He had a tremendous fighting spirit.  But, try to nurse as he would, his other, larger siblings always won out on the nipples.  He was transferred over to another nursing dam, but
her pups quickly outgrew tiny Manfred.  At 3 weeks of age, Manfred weighed 3/4 ounce, and began to fail.

In steps his human daddy.  Daddy says to me, "Honey, this little boy isn't going to make it."  I say, "I know, but sometimes Nature dictates what
happens.  There may be a reason why he's just not going to make it. Probably a health reason.  It's hard, but sometimes it just happens." Well,
Chef Guy prepares to become Manfred's parent.  He devises a "puppy gruel", and syringe feeds Manfred every two hours, day and night.  He massages his tiny body in the elimination process (that's integral in keeping them alive), bathes him, warms him, loves him, talks to him, kisses him, brings him to bed when he looks lonely.  And most of all, he keeps the tiny puppy's fighting spirit alive.  Chef Guy becomes Manfred's parent completely ...
and, slowly, Manfred begins to respond.  He whimpers when he wants his 'parent', whines when he wants to eat, and eagerly anticipates being rocked to sleep every evening - without fail - by his human parent.  It's been a wonderfully touching success story in our home.

Today, Manfred, at 6 months old, weighs close to 10 pounds.  He is healthy ... in fact, his coat glistens like spun ivory ... his blue eyes follow his
'daddy' every time he sees him.  Manfred is perfect in every way and is extremely loving.  He 'talks' quietly with his human dad, and ... still anticipates being rocked to sleep by daddy every night when it's time for bed.

Submitted by:  Sherri Chatterton

 The Importance of Love

     Misty Lou Cecarelli on the Hopi Reservation. Resident of Guilford, CT.  Taking a break from working on the reservation to hug a young hopi Child. Here she is with two little Hopi children and 2 little dogs on the Hopi Reservation in Arizona. Misty Lou Cecarelli of Guilford, Ct. Goes to an
American Indian Reservation every year on spring break to help the Native Americans rebuild, clear and clean the reservation. They stay in a large
dormitory with kids from Ct. and I am not sure what other states with very little comforts and very little sleep as there are so many in the dorm that the noise keeps them awake all night.
     This is to let people know that some of our young people are out there doing something worthwhile. Our rats are wonderful creatures but all animals play an important role in helping keep people and children happy too. If you have any photos of people and children in wondrous company send them to NRTA for every one to enjoy.

Submitted by: Lou Compton-Blanco, CA


Fun Stuff

"Angel" helping to fold clothes.
Owner The Kings.
.
"Buffy" and "Bejay" in a challenge
.
Weeeeee....."Dottie" the pup.

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