Buddy's Home Page

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updated on:

May 10, 2001

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I'm a Rat Terrier

My name is Buddy, as I'm sure you've figured out by now, and I'm a Rat Terrier. I live with my "Masters" Cliff and Julie in a suburb North of Seattle (Lake Forest Park). Notice the quotes around "Masters". It's a nice fantasy they have, and once in a while I indulge them by pretending to be their pet instead of the other way around. I must admit I will follow commands when I'm motivated, which is in either of the following situations:

There's a treat to be eaten. I'm extremely motivated by food, and I've taken "mooching" to a new art form. UPS drivers are my special friends, since they usually bring me a treat, even if they don't have a package for my Masters. I love walking with a friend of the family named Dick Smith, since he always brings extra doggy treats. I know how to generate a "pitiful look" on a par with any dog.
Playtime! I love chasing my "squeeky ball", and will keep it up indefinitely at home, if someone keeps throwing it. On walks, I'm not quite as consistent, since there's lots of sniffs to be sniffed, and lots of pees to be pee'd, and a dog only has so much time to fit in some squeeky ball chasing.

I have a good life with my "Masters", who think they might pamper me a little too much, but one of their friends said "that's what dogs are for - to be pampered!" One of my favorite things is to "noodle in" between them on the futon when they're watching a movie or TV show. On weekends we go for long walks, usually 10 kilometers, at many different locations around the state.

By the way, I'd love to hear from you and I have my own e-mail address: buddy@codewrangler.net

Since it's a little bit hard to type with my paws, it might be a few days before I can reply, so please be patient.

The Good Stuff - Buddy Pics!

Aren't I a handsome and debonair dog? Here's some more pics: Buddy Pics Page 1

What Are Rat Terriers?

Here's some info from the United Kennel Club web page:

The Rat Terrier is an American breed descended from the terriers brought over by English miners and other working class immigrants. These terriers probably included crosses between the Smooth Fox Terrier, the Manchester Terrier and the now extinct white English Terrier. These dogs were used as ratters, and gambling on their prowess in killing rats was a favorite hobby of their owners. Some of these dogs were crossed with Whippets or Italian Greyhounds (for speed) and Beagles (for hunting ability). Eventually, these tough little terriers evolved into today's Rat Terrier. The breed was popularized by President Teddy Roosevelt, who frequently hunted with his Rat Terriers. Many are still used as ratters and squirrel hunters, particularly in the South, where they are sometimes known as "Feists." The hairless variety appeared for the first time in a litter in 1972.

How I Came to Washington

My early memories are a blur so I can't tell you for sure where I was born or how old I am (although most people think I'm between 3 and 4 years old now). Julius, who is the father of my Master Julie, picked me up from a pound in Oklahoma City. It was not too long after the big tornados in OKC in the spring of 1999, so I may be a "tornado dog", which might be another reasons why my early memories are fuzzy. Julius singled me out from the other dogs in the pound because I was the only one not barking. When he brought me home, I quickly showed him my vocal abilities, which I'm sure he was overjoyed to hear.

Julius used to have a Pomeranian, so was not quite prepared for the energetic demands of a Rat Terrier. When his daughter Julie came to visit, she fell in love with my sweet nature, love of walks, and other activities. After returning to Washington State, she bugged her mate Cliff about how much she'd love to have me. I can understand since I can't imagine how anyone would NOT want to have me! He put up with this for a couple of months, then decided to do something about it. He called Julie's mom Fay, and asked her if Julius would mind giving me to them. This was on a Sunday night.

Early the next morning the phone rang at Cliff and Julie's house. It was Julius: "He's going to be on a plane first thing tomorrow. I've bought the carrier and made all of the arrangements." I can't decide if I want to be a little bit indignant since he did all of that in two hours on a Monday morning, or be glad that someone else wanted the pleasure of my company so much.

That was in November of 1999, and I've been in Washington State since then. I quickly adjusted to a new addition to the household, Nathan, born the following spring, even though he's a human and not nearly as lovable as a Rat Terrier pup would be. I'll probably be here for many more years, diligently guarding the house against burglars and Nathan kidnappers, playing with my neighbor friend Thunder (who's a big Golden Retriever, but not as cute as me), and going for long walks whenever I can.

Don't forget, you can send e-mail to my own e-mail address: buddy@codewrangler.net