I am a real howl alright!

I am a purebred Rat Terrier. I’m an astonishingly spry 12-year-young female, attributed to my loving owners whom I walk regularly. In the days following my birth, someone was a bit too handy with a pair of shears when docking my tail, which is standard procedure for my breed, but it’s okay, my happiness is still very visible when I wag my 2-inch nub.

I attracted my first owners when they saw me on display in a Danvers, MA pet store. I was definitely turning on the puppy charm and were they ever smitten. I remained with them until they became wrinkled, creaky, and unable to walk me. When the time came for them to move into assisted living (did I mention that I have an extensive vocabulary?), their caregiver took me home to New Hampshire. She was kind but lived with two big dogs and her son’s family, including two grandsons. That home became too crowded for me so they advertised me on a Rat Terrier Rescue website in NH.

Because I’m smart, good looking, and have personality (talk about the total package), I was quickly adopted by the Hart family. That was almost 4 years ago and boy did I ever strike it rich! With the Harts, I get to hike, go on daily mile-long walks, and receive tons of affection and sometimes even small pieces of steak as a treat! I’m doted on so much that I may get treated better than their human children.

One of my owners plays this funny sounding black tube that makes a lot of noise she calls a clarinet.  Whenever she is practicing the altissimo register (see, I told you I know lots of words), which is the highest pitch, I like to sing along and try to match her notes. I only sing high notes, so I have to stretch my neck like I’m howling at the moon, puff my cheeks and let it go! I watch her playing and try to hold the same notes, but then I change my pitch and howl notes up and down the scale. I don’t like to brag but singing is my special talent. I’m sure Ford’s Colony Theatre Club would love to have me join, but they haven’t recruited pets yet. Maybe if I keep practicing they’ll let me audition next year…