Oh My Aching Feet! Dear Dr. Katie Scarlett, My little sissy Nala says you are the smartest Rattie Doctor in the universe so I thought that maybe you could help me. For four weeks now I have had a terrible problem with all four of my feet. One morning Mommy and Daddy woke up and started to feed us breakfast when they saw my feet and freaked out. All four of my feet were huge; they were swollen so bad I could barely walk. They took me to the vet to see my doctor, whom I dearly love but I didn’t even greet him or the staff like I normally do. I was feeling so bad. Doc was horrified at my poor feet. I’ll send a couple of pics of what they looked like. Anyway Doc did scrapings and several other tests to find out that I had a yeast infection on my feet, I had torn out one of my toenails somehow, and that was infected too. Then he said with the hair loss on my feet it could be that nasty Demodex Mange under my toenails. GRRRR! Nasty stuff. So he put me back on that yucky Ivermectin stuff. But then he told Mommy that I had to have something called an Epsom Salt soak for my feet 3 times a day. I wasn’t really worried about it then because I didn’t know what he meant by soaks. I’ve spent four weeks on antibiotics, antihistamines, and anti-fungal medications. I didn’t mind those at all because I get to have cheese with that. Yay. Now though, I know what SOAK means and I hate it. I tolerate baths and that’s okay but these constant soaks are driving me nuts particularly since Mommy and Daddy won’t let me lick my feet dry. I had to wear a comfy cone for two of the four weeks. Oh how I hate that but Doc said no licking allowed. My question for you Dr. Katie is this, how do I get them to stop these crazy soaks? The swelling is all but gone and the infection is gone so why do they have to keep doing this? Can you help me? Nala says you can. I’m also going to include a good pic of me. Sissy Lily sent me the pretty pink sweater so we could have an outfit to match each other. Wasn’t that sweet of her? All my love to you and the rest of the family, Cameo Nora. Dearest Cameo Nora, First, thank you for the nice compliments. Of course, you realize I am not a medical doctor, but Ph.D. (Philosopher of Doggies). With that in mind, I can’t really give you any medical advice – and it sounds like your vet has that under control – I can only offer advice in dealing with this situation. My dear, in this one instance you must think like a human. I realize that is a silly request, for humans don’t make much sense! The reason I suggest this is that I’ve noticed that humans love to soak in water. Soaking their feet seems to them to be a luxury, as well as a pedicure. Fiddle-dee-dee, sounds silly doesn’t it! But it is your only hope. I really don’t understand why they are continuing with these soaks, but I’m sure they have a good reason, for I know your Mama and Daddy adore you (what’s not to adore, right?) and are only doing this for your own good. I hope soon your soaks will be stopped. In fact, perhaps they already are. I’m delinquent in answering your letter as I’ve had to lend lots of moral support to my Mama and Daddy during Daddy’s illness. My, I’m certainly stretched thin these days. But, we all have to do what we have to do. I must help my Mama and Daddy and you must soak your feet. It’s a dog’s life! Good luck dearest, and let me know how things are going now.
Sincerely,  How Do You Mend a Broken Heart?
Dear Dr. Katie, It seems I am in need of your wisdom and advice once again. Well it's not really for me it is for my sister Little Mouse. She is devastated. Tiny Tim (the secret love of her life) has gone to his forever home. While we are happy for Tim, cause we all know how special having your own home is, Mouse can only see that she will never see Tim again. They only had a short time together, but that time was so special and she feels like a bond was created. She now believes love is a way to be tortured, and says she should have been warned. She is even saying that if I don't harden mt heart that I will also be hurt. Mommie told her that the hurt fades and that memories of time spent with love will heal her heart. But she just mops and crys. I need to know if there is anything I can do or say to make her feel better. I know Tiny Tim did not mean to hurt her and that he deserved to have his own family. I also know that Sonic, Sydney, Buddy and Rusty will miss him and was wondering if I should say something to them. They took such good care of Tiny Tim, and I am sure they prepared him for him new home by teaching him LOVE. It is so hard when someone you love hurts, any advice you could give me to help would really be GREAT. Thanks again, Princess Tug Boat Chloe Dear Princess Tug Boat Chloe, I’m so sorry Little Mouse is experiencing this heart break. I am reminded of Alfred Lord Tennyson’s poem:
I hold it true,
whate'er befall;
And, honestly dear, these are the best words of wisdom I can come up with. Little Mouse has known love; something many never get to experience, and that is something indeed special in and of itself. Only time will make Little Mouse feel better, and with time she will begin to heal. Please tell her she should not harden her heart, for Little Timmy had no other choice in the matter. He needed a home of his own, as we all do. I know Little Mouse is happy for him in that respect. I suppose the only thing I can add for Little Mouse is that the truest act of love is sometimes letting go. She has endured a broken heart for Timmy’s best interest. She is to be commended for that. She will find love again. I do not believe there is only one soul-mate for us out in this huge world. She is young and she will find happiness. The best advice I can give you is to do just what you’ve been doing. Play with her and get her mind on other things. And be patient with her while her heart is mending. Sincerely, Dr. Katie P.S. I would like to invite a consult from Miss Daisey, as she is very knowledgeable in matters of the heart. Miss Daisey, do you have any words of advice for Tug Boat?
Dear Katie Scarlet, I'm a complete mess. My mama found these little critters known as fleas on my brother Eddie a couple weeks ago. We all got a bath and then she upped his Frontline dosage and a few days later we got a bath again. I hate all these baths and I am miffed at Eddie for bringing this all on our house. Well, mama discovered more fleas on Eddie yesterday and then today was looking closely at me and found that I HAVE FLEAS TOO!!! I'm so upset and grossed out at the same time. Mama gave us baths in a special soap today and says she is going to do it every couple of days. It was awful medicine smelling stuff too. I just don't know what to do - I've taken to the bed for now. Is there some sort of rehab place where we can send Eddie to for flea recovery? Are we going to have to move to the North because I hate the cold? Miss D
Dear Miss Daisy, Oh my! I can understand your distress. Why, once Mama saw a tick crawling up my leg and I also was so mortified I too had to take to my bed. Well, I do understand that fleas are very much a problem in the deep South. Try not to be too upset over this as the source began with Eddie. Isn’t that just like a man! I imagine he was out hunting or some other silly thing that men do. Fiddle-dee-dee, to think he brought fleas home to you! Perhaps you need to scold him a bit. I’m sure your Mama will get the problem under control, though it is very worrisome until that happens. Tell your Mama she may want to ask about switching you all to Sentinel. It is a montly heartworm and flea control treatment much like Frontline. Perhaps your fleas have a tolerance to Frontline and changing to something new might help. That is what our Mama gives us and she’s never seen a flea on us (just that one nasty tick)! Whatever you do, don’t move to the North! Fiddle-dee-dee, a southern belle like you would have a horrible time adjusting to all those Yankees! I’m sorry to be slow in replying in your time of distress. As you know, Daddy has been in the hospital and I was away for a couple of days. Please keep me posted on how you are. I’m sure the problem will be resolved and you will be your beautiful, flea-free self in time for the Valentine’s Day dance. Yours most sincerely, Dr. Katie
Dearest Auntie uh I mean Dr. Katie Scarlett, I am almost six months old and I love to play and be with my big sissy, Cameo. However sometimes I jump on her back and hump her. My Mommy and Daddy say, “Stop that Nala Belle!” Or they squirt me with a water bottle. I don’t like that water on me. I don’t like being told to stop either but I do listen when they tell me to Stop. I know they are proud of how good I listen because they tell me all the time what a good girl I am. If I’m so good why do I get in trouble for this? I also like to take Daddy’s socks and run off outside with them. I think it’s funny the way they chase after me. J But now Mommy doesn’t chase me she just says, “Nala Belle STOP!” I always stop and drop my prize which Mommy praises me for, then she takes it away. Why can’t I have it? Daddy left ‘em in the floor. Dr. Auntie uh, Dr. Katie why can’t I hump my sissy, I don’t hurt her? Why can’t I have the things my people leave in the floor? Today I ran off with Mommy’s crocheting, she was not happy that she had to throw that thing away. Why did that bother her? I know it was in her bag of nice thread balls, but aren’t I supposed to play with balls? I want to make Mommy and Daddy happy but I think I may be messing up. They don’t yell at me or smack me, in fact most of the time they play with me and carry me around. So why do these things upset them and make them tell me NO? Is there something I can do in my own puppy way to let them know I don’t mean to be a bad girl? I want to be a true Southern Belle like you but how can I do that if I’m bad sometimes? Thank you Dr. Auntie Katie Scarlett Your little niece, Nala Belle
Dearest Little Nala Belle,
Well fiddle-dee-dee, Little Nala Belle southern ladies do not hump! However, you are still just a pup, so it is a forgivable offense. In fact, I must confess that I humped some as a puppy. But, you must learn it is not acceptable behavior for a lady and that is why your Mama and Daddy scold you. They are just trying to teach you to be a proper southern belle. Humping is a way we pups try to display dominance, but there are more discreet ways of doing so. For example, when your Mama takes you out to potty, just pee on top of all your siblings “spot”. That is very discreet but it gets the message across to them that you are, in fact, in charge. Now, you mustn’t go running off with Mama’s balls of yarn. You never know, your mama could be crocheting something beautiful for you (My Mama is knitting me a sweater right now). Fashion always comes before play (this is something all belles learn) – so you must refrain from your desire to run off with the ball of yarn. Of course, your Mama should not leave the yarn within your reach, as you are still a pup and that is just too much temptation for a puppy! Don’t worry Nala Belle. I am very sure you will grow up to be a fine southern belle. Just continue to learn from your Mama and be sure to check in on my website, as I am a perfect example of how a southern belle should behave! Love from your auntie,
Dr. Katie Scarlett P.S. I apologize for the delay in replying to your letter. As you may know, my Daddy has had surgery and I was away at the kennel for a couple of days. Oh, and you look so much like your biological mama and your brothers! Dear Dr. Katie,
Yes, I know you are my big sister and so I also know you are very very smart. That is why I am writing you in your
Your Brother,
Beau
Dearest Brother Beauregard,
You are smarter than you realize. Yes! Our Mama is crazy.
Your loving sister,
Dr. Katie
Miss Katie Scarlett,
I wrote to you last summer about a problem I was having with my mama. At that time she was tryng to purge my toy box because it was overflowing and most of our toys were destuffed, resewn, and frankly beyond repair. Well, my worst nightmare has come true. My mean mama threw away ALL the old toys. Yes, you heard me right, ALL the old toys. I must admit that the news is not all bad. We participated in a Secret Santa on RT.com and our Aunt Michelle sent us a Christmas box so even though my mama threw away almost all of our toys (there were a couple like-new ones), our toy box is once again filled but with new stuff! The bonus is that everything is new so we have stuff to desqueak and destuff, yippee! You can see a photo of our new stash in the photo forum of your website. I just wanted to give you a follow up because I know that follow up stories are important. Eddie Ratbone  Dearest Eddie,
Thank you so much for the update! You are so right, I do like to know how my "clients" are doing. It looks to me like you and your siblings have made out pretty good - and it's not even the BIG DAY yet. (I am assuming that is you down in that toy box?) I suppose Mamas do know what is best in the end. I have noticed our toy basket has become low. I don't know what happens to our toys, but I suspect Mama tosses the old ones when we aren't looking. All I've got to say is Santa better be planning on a stop here!
So glad you have a new stash of toys to destroy. Isn't it fun!!!!
Sincerely,
Dr. Katie How to Get All of Mommy's Attention?
Dear Dr. Katie, I am at a loss. My Mommy goes to work all day, and sometimes doesn't even get home until dark. I run to greet her, and she seems happy to see me. She starts petting me-- and then my big brother will try to get her attention! But she's my favorite person! At this time, I will tolerate one or two pats for my pack-mate, but after that I growl at him to leave me and Mommy in peace. But often, Mommy will stop petting me and go away! Sometimes she even starts ignoring me and just petting him! I can tell you for a fact he doesn't miss her half as much as I do! She is my person. He has his own person. He should leave her alone, most of the time. Right? Or at least until I have gotten my (very temporary) fill of her loving affection. -- Miss Pawsitively Possessive
Dear Miss Pawsitively Possessive, I must first apologize for taking a little time to get back with you. My mother decided that I needed a younger brother! My goodness, I already have an older sister, but she got it in her head that I should be the middle dog. So, I have been a bit busy training a little Rat Terrier boy. Now, to your problem. I’m so happy you came to me about this, because I do believeI can help you. First of all, I want to let you know that I sneak out of bed at night and read all the doggie training books, so I know what our humans are up to. When your mother comes home and you expect all the attention (which I am sure you deserve) and growl at your brother, your mother ignores you. This is a training trick humans use. It’s called reverse psychology. When you get too possessive, she ignores you so you will learn not to do that. Fiddle-dee-dee! Well, my dear, this is quite simple to solve. Use pschology on her! That’s what I do. Nothing upsets a mother more than a good pout. Instead of carrying on so when you see her, just show her slight affection, go off and get on your bed. Ha! That will get her. When my mother brought Beauregard home, I pouted so much that I got three new toys and a new dress out of the whole deal. Now, between you and me, I thought the little tyke was cute, but I got my few days of extra attention by making mama feel guilty. Humans are so easy to manipulate. It’s really all just a big game! You know that your mama loves you and you know she has enough love for you and your brother. And, of course, as I’ve learned, having a brother and sister just means there are more members of the family to adore me – and I can assure you they all do! So, don’t worry your little head one bit about sharing the love, there’s plenty to share. I hope this helps and let me know how my strategy works. Remember, a girl should never be too easy to get, even with their mama! Most sincerely, Dr. Katie
Can a Secret Service Agent Find Happiness as a Rooster?
Dear Dr. Katie, I really need your help. I love dressing in clothes but mom has gone to far. She bought me a dinosaur outfit for Halloween last year which was ok, I guess. This year, she bought me a Rooster outfit. But now President Marley has appointed me as Head of the Secret Service so how can I go out in a Rooster outfit. Please help explain that Secret Agents do not dress in Rooster outfits-- you do not see any of the agents on tv in this type of clothing!!! (I have to say my sister looks great as a monkey) Thank you Agent Sonic
Dear Agent Sonic, I think you look absolutely great in your rooster outfit. It takes a manly man to dress up as a rooster! You must understand how silly humans are. But, actually, I think as Head of the Secret Service, this outfit could really come in handy. Suppose President Marley or I have to go to an outing in farming country. What better way for you to do reconaissance than to be dressed as a rooster? It would also be handy if we had to go to a picnic, so long as you made sure no one tried to fry you! And, I suppose it is good practice to dress in disguises, even if it is a silly rooster costume. So, I say just humor your mama and let her put you in the rooster outfit. You will probably get lots of attention from the girls, too. *wink* Thank you for agreeing to be humilated in the line of duty! Yours Sincerely, Dr. Katie aka First Lady Katie Scarlett Mama! Don't Touch Our Toys!
  
Perfect Toys Perfect Toy Box Perfect Rattie Dear Dr. Katie,
Please help! My momma is threatening to purge my toy box and I don't know what to do. I love her and trust her but this just doesn't feel right.
I am attaching photos of my toy box and of my treasurers that are in jeopardy. As you can from the third photo I am working hard to prevent this holocaust. Just because Miss Daisey and I have desqueeked and destuffed a toy, that doesn't mean it has no play value. It's bad enough that my momma put my toys in the big white monster where I can see them going round and round in soapy water. At least they come out of the second monster nice and warm but they smell AWFUL! I have to take them outside to get the natural smells back in them.
Please help me tell my momma that it's ok she is restuffing and sewing them up but to never, ever throw them away! Am I the only one with this problem?
Eddie Ratbone Dear Eddie,
This is indeed a major problem and one of the hardest questions I have recieved. Just what is wrong with our mamas? When I was brought home, Dixie and Bonnie had toy boxes that were overflowing. You see, Labs have what is called “soft mouths” and they don’t destroy their “game”. They are bred to retrieve ducks and return to their human in good condition. I, like you, soon went to work doing what a Rattie does best – killing and destuffing. Dixie soon realized that this was a fun thing to do and she has joined me in destroying toys. But, alas, we noticed too late what mama was doing – throwing our precious toys away! I am glad that you and Daisy are observant enough to realize what your mama is up to! Why in this world she would think you want your toys washed and made to smell pretty, restuffed and sewn up is beyond me! Humans just don’t get it. I am a very smart Rat Terrier, but I must confess that this is a problem that somewhat stumps me. I can make a couple of suggestions that have worked with our mama. One thing we do is refuse to play with the non-stuffed toys. We go nose through our toy box, pick nothing out, then go to our beds and give a deep sigh. Mama usually takes pity on us and buys us a fleecy, which we immediately destroy. Daddy fusses, but we have convinced mama that this is like buying us a treat. They may not last long, but we show so much excitement she can’t resist buying them for us. I am writing an article in the September issue of my magazine about hunting. Basically, hunting and killing prey is something bred into us. Perhaps if you show this article to your mama, she will understand how important it is to us that we be allowed to de-stuff, shred and totally destroy our toys. The more we shred them, the better. She needs to understand that stinky, shredded, nasty toys are proof that we are doing our job, as we were bred to do. And, she needs to keep them around to show what good examples of our breed we are. I hope your mama will read this letter and the article on hunting and come to her senses. You might also try hiding your favorite toys under the bed, behind the sofa and any other secret places you can think of, so your mama can’t get hold of them to toss them. Mamas and Daddys, leave our toys alone! Sincerely, Dr. Katie
NEW SISTER
Dear Dr. Katie, I have sort of a problem on my paws. I have just been informed that I will be getting a baby sister. I am excited about this news as I have been quite lonely for another rattie. My mama doesn't know what she looks like yet, but she will find out on Saturday, the 24th of this month. My problem is, I don't know if I can share my mama. She is mine. I do not want to sound selfish, but I haven't had to share her with anyone. I won't get to meet her for a month or so, but I am nervous. Please tell me you have some words of wisdom for me! It would so help my nerves. Thank you! Anonymous
Dear Anonymous, How wonderful for you that you are getting a baby sister! And of course I have words of wisdom, as I am a PhD and very wise! It will be so wonderful to have a play pal. I know, because I have an older sister, Dixie, and I love her dearly. We have so much fun together and you will have fun with your new sister, too! Don’t worry about sharing your mama. One thing I have learned, there is always enough of a mama to go around. Your mama will not love you any less, just because she has another pup. My human grandmother had a saying, “love multiplies, it does not divide”. I think that is such a wise saying. The more one has to love, the more love one has. And, not only that, but you will have more love also! You will have more love to give to your new sister, and your new sister will give you more love. It will be wonderful. Yes, you will have some adjustments to make – at first, you may not be sure – but give the new little girl a chance to settle in and you will find that she will worm her way into your heart and you won’t be able to imagine what life was like without her! And, remember, you mama has two hands – one to pet each of you. You are a lucky dog, don’t forget it! Sincerely, Dr. Katie
I Have an Ear Issue!
   Dear Dr Katie,
I hijacked my mommy's computer earlier and saw you mention adding an article on ear wars to your wonderful publication. I am in a dilema and need your sage advice. I am a pup that has constant ear war fluxation. My sister CoCo has perfectly proportionate rattie ears that stand at straight attention. Unfortunately, my own ears do not seem to be so perfect. They go up, they stay down, and sometimes they do a little bit of both. I love my sister CoCo, but she always teases me and tells me that my ears aren't the right way. I try to have straight ears, but sometimes between, playing, sleeping and eating, I forget to keep them up and they flop over. What should I do with my ear warring ways? I want to be a perfect rattie as my sister CoCo but my ,mommy says she loves my ears however they may fall. So dear doctor Katie, what stance do you take on the ear wars issue? Am I still a perfect rattie even if I don't have perfect rattie ears? I am EARgerly waiting your response, Angus Dear Angus,
Let not your heart be troubled! Rat Terrier's ears are a reflection of their personality and individuality. I too experienced ear wars, with the added delima that Daddy wanted them buttoned and Mama said she didn't care, but I know she liked them to stand.) When I was a puppy, my ears did and sometimes still do a variety of things (buttoned, stood, one stood and one buttoned, both buttoned, etc.) and look at me! I am First Lady of Rattieland, I have a magazine and a website, and I am a PhD!! My dear, ears don't make the Rattie, the Rattie makes the ears! You being your happy, perky, playful, cute self makes the ears a non-issue. You are a perfect Rattie, no matter what your ears decide to do. Again, just look at me! My ears mostly button now (I knew it best to be a Daddy's girl) and because of my darlingness, even Mama is happy that they button and loves when one buttons and one stands because she says that makes me distinctive. Don't try to be an imitation of your big sister, you are YOU! Hold your head up proudly, knowing that your ears reflect who YOU are - a Rat Terrier with your own personality and look. Now, stop worrying over ears and go chase some squirrels!
Most Sincerely,
Katie Scarlett, PhD |
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Ask Dr. Katie - Letters and Replies |
