Shoutout to the brilliant mid-Michigan animal shelter that wrote this—because even though they penned it, Animal Control Officers nationwide are feeling every single word of this heat wave struggle today!
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT FROM YOUR LOCAL EXHAUSTED ANIMAL CONTROL
It is currently 100 degrees outside, which is officially the end of the world as we know it.
To give you an idea of how our day is going: Our Animal Control Officers are currently main lining a terrifying, heart-palpitating cocktail of Red Bull and Liquid IV into our veins. Why? Because we just chased a rogue Husky mix who was screaming like a human toddler and apparently decided 100-degree heat is the perfect weather to run a marathon across three different neighborhoods. We are hallucinating mirages. We are sweating through fabrics that were explicitly promised to be "moisture-wicking." We are fighting for our very lives out here.
Please, for our sanity and your pets' safety, review this mandatory survival guide:
✅ THE DOs (How to be a Hero)
DO the 5-Second Pavement Test. Place the back of your bare hand on the asphalt for 5 seconds. If you instinctively screech like a pterodactyl and pull it away, it’s too hot for Fido’s paws.
DO accept that your dog is now a couch potato. Today is not the day to train for the doggy Olympics. Point a fan directly at their face, put on a nature documentary, and let them live their best, lazy diva life.
DO become a canine bartender. Fresh water, ice cubes in the bowl, frozen peanut butter Kongs. If your Golden Retriever starts demanding a tiny paper umbrella in their water bowl, you give it to them.
DO triple-check your fences and gates. We are begging you. If our heat-stroked ACOs have to sprint after one more escaped Houdini today, they are going to spontaneously combust. Secure the perimeter!
❌ THE DON’Ts (How to Not Make Us Cry)
DON'T take them for a 2 PM jog. Listen, Kyle, we know you’re trying to crush your fitness goals, but Bruiser the English Bulldog does not want to go for a run at high noon. He wants a nap. Be like Bruiser. Walk them at dawn or dusk when the sun isn't actively trying to vaporize us.
DON'T do the "I'll just be in the store for a minute" thing. No. Absolutely not. A parked car in this weather is an oven on wheels. If we have to respond to a dog in a hot car today, we will channel our inner action movie star on your window.
DON'T play hairdresser with double-coated dogs. Step away from the clippers. Shaving a Husky, Malamute, or Golden Retriever destroys their coat's natural insulation (which actually keeps them cool) and leaves them exposed to sunburns. Plus, they will look ridiculous and we will judge you for it.
DON'T assume the outdoor doghouse is fine. A plastic igloo in 100-degree heat is just a slow cooker. Bring them inside! If your dog "isn't an inside dog," congratulations, today they are. Introduce them to the magic of central air.
Stay cool, stay inside,
Photo is from the July 2026 New Rattitude calendar and is this year's Grand Prize Winner of the annual photo contest. Cornbread knows how to stay cool!
About New Rattitude
New Rattitude is made up of Rat Terrier lovers all over the country who join together to help as many Ratties as we can. Our members and volunteers work to rescue these dogs and place them in our nationwide network of private foster homes, where they are cared for until we are able to permanently settle them into screened and approved adoptive homes. To learn more, visit our About New Rattitude page and be inspired by our most recent Annual Report.
About Rat Terriers
Rat Terriers are wonderful companion dogs! But before adopting a Rat Terrier, please take the time to know them a bit better, so you can understand what you are getting into. There is far more to a Rat Terrier than those endearing Rattie ears! You will be happier if you choose a dog for temperament and other characteristics that fit your household and lifestyle than solely by its appearance. Please take the time to read up on the breed and make sure it is a good match before moving forward with adoption. To learn more, visit our About Rat Terriers page.
Featured Rat Terrier
Keep Up With New Rattitude!
New Rattitude Rat Terrier Rescue & Adoption
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National foster-home based rescue dedicated to saving the lives of Rat Terriers and Rat Terrier mixes. Our “location” is our website: www.NewRattitude.org
🎉 ADOPTED! BUZZ (Michigan)🎉
We have the happiest news to share—Buzz has officially found sanctuary in his new forever home with his new mom, Mariel! 🐾❤️
Buzz has always dreamed of long, scenic walks, and he is going to get exactly that. Mariel lives right next to a public trail system with multiple parks, making it the absolute perfect backdrop for all of Buzz’s future adventures. 🌲🐕🚶♀️
Please join us in sending the biggest congRATulations to Mariel and Buzz as they start this wonderful new chapter together! 🥂✨
#Adopted #ForeverHome #RescueDogSuccess #HappyTail #DogRescue #newrattitude
We have the happiest news to share—Buzz has officially found sanctuary in his new forever home with his new mom, Mariel! 🐾❤️
Buzz has always dreamed of long, scenic walks, and he is going to get exactly that. Mariel lives right next to a public trail system with multiple parks, making it the absolute perfect backdrop for all of Buzz’s future adventures. 🌲🐕🚶♀️
Please join us in sending the biggest congRATulations to Mariel and Buzz as they start this wonderful new chapter together! 🥂✨
#Adopted #ForeverHome #RescueDogSuccess #HappyTail #DogRescue #newrattitude
🐶 ADOPT RAYA (Laurel, Maryland): The Little Dancer Ready for Her Fresh Start! 💃✨
We may never know what Raya went through before coming to us as a shelter stray with old scars, but this 4-year-old, 9.5-pound Rat Terrier/Chihuahua mix refuses to let her past define her.
Raya is a true survivor. Over the past year, she has overcome a mass removal, specialist visits for digestive pain, and double knee surgery in November 2025. While she keeps a slight, permanent limp on her back leg, it doesn't slow her down for a second! She’s back to tackling stairs, hopping onto the sofa for cuddles, and even doing a happy dance for her breakfast every morning. 🍳🐾
To help Raya live her absolute best life, here is what she’s looking for in a forever home:
The Center of Your World: Raya wants to be your one-and-only! Because of her past, she resource-guards her crate. She needs a home with no other dogs and no children. (Bonus: She met a resident cat and didn't care at all!)
Routine & Treats: She is reliably house-trained when kept on a regular schedule. While she can be a bit barky at people and dogs on walks, she is incredibly treat-motivated and easy to redirect.
Raya is cute as a button, fully recovered, and so ready to give all her love to the right person. Could it be you?
📸 See more photos of Raya here: imageevent.com/newrattitude/raya
#AdoptRaya #RatTerrierMix #ChihuahuaMix #RescueDog #AdoptDontShop #NewRattitude
We may never know what Raya went through before coming to us as a shelter stray with old scars, but this 4-year-old, 9.5-pound Rat Terrier/Chihuahua mix refuses to let her past define her.
Raya is a true survivor. Over the past year, she has overcome a mass removal, specialist visits for digestive pain, and double knee surgery in November 2025. While she keeps a slight, permanent limp on her back leg, it doesn't slow her down for a second! She’s back to tackling stairs, hopping onto the sofa for cuddles, and even doing a happy dance for her breakfast every morning. 🍳🐾
To help Raya live her absolute best life, here is what she’s looking for in a forever home:
The Center of Your World: Raya wants to be your one-and-only! Because of her past, she resource-guards her crate. She needs a home with no other dogs and no children. (Bonus: She met a resident cat and didn't care at all!)
Routine & Treats: She is reliably house-trained when kept on a regular schedule. While she can be a bit barky at people and dogs on walks, she is incredibly treat-motivated and easy to redirect.
Raya is cute as a button, fully recovered, and so ready to give all her love to the right person. Could it be you?
📸 See more photos of Raya here: imageevent.com/newrattitude/raya
#AdoptRaya #RatTerrierMix #ChihuahuaMix #RescueDog #AdoptDontShop #NewRattitude
PUPDATE: HOOPER (Virginia)
Hooper was adopted from New Rattitude in March 2026 by the McWilliams/Gramza family. His new mom Amy reports that they kept his name, although people think she's saying Cooper -- She said she needs to start saying "Hooper, with an H"! Hooper has transitioned and settled in well. He's met many of the neighbors, both dogs and people. He wants to say hello to every dog they see, but he's ok if that's not what the other owner wants. He's been great with the little kids he's met, and really enjoys attention and love from adults. Amy has found out he loves squeaky tennis balls, which he loves to chase and make noise with. He has a lookout spot on the landing between the first and second floor, to observe the world. He usually looks out when they leave the house, and initially he'd also be there when they got back, but over the past few weeks, he hasn't needed to wait for them to return, which is great - he knows they're coming back. And he has found his voice, especially when he thinks it's dinner time!
Amy feels the adoption process was really smooth, and foster parents Frank and Dee were great to work with.
"Thank you so much for the important work you do!"
Hooper was adopted from New Rattitude in March 2026 by the McWilliams/Gramza family. His new mom Amy reports that they kept his name, although people think she's saying Cooper -- She said she needs to start saying "Hooper, with an H"! Hooper has transitioned and settled in well. He's met many of the neighbors, both dogs and people. He wants to say hello to every dog they see, but he's ok if that's not what the other owner wants. He's been great with the little kids he's met, and really enjoys attention and love from adults. Amy has found out he loves squeaky tennis balls, which he loves to chase and make noise with. He has a lookout spot on the landing between the first and second floor, to observe the world. He usually looks out when they leave the house, and initially he'd also be there when they got back, but over the past few weeks, he hasn't needed to wait for them to return, which is great - he knows they're coming back. And he has found his voice, especially when he thinks it's dinner time!
Amy feels the adoption process was really smooth, and foster parents Frank and Dee were great to work with.
"Thank you so much for the important work you do!"
☀️ADOPT MILLIE! ☀️
(Greensboro, North Carolina)
Looking for a little sunshine in your life? Meet Millie, a 14-lb. bundle of sweetness, spunk, and just the right amount of sass! At around 8 or 9 years young, this resilient girl has plenty of youthful spirit and so much love to give.
Millie survived a severe case of pneumonia when she first came to New Rattitude, and her fun-loving personality has shined bright ever since. Here is the scoop on this amazing pup:
🐾 The Perfect Companion: Millie is fully house-trained and crate-trained. She is also a stellar travel buddy who has already joined her foster family on several RV camping trips!
🐾 Social & Affectionate: She gets along great with other dogs and will join in on playtime when the mood strikes. Most of all, she loves her people. If you are handing out pets, expect Millie to magically appear right at the front of the line!
🐾 Sun-Worshipper: Cold weather is a no-go, but Millie loves basking in the sunshine, chewing on bones, and giving a few friendly barks to neighbors passing by.
🩺 Medical Note: Millie has chronic bronchitis, but it doesn't slow her down! She lives a happy, active life with the help of an inhaler twice a day to manage her cough. Her medication costs about $100/month.
📍 Adoption Requirement: To ensure she gets the best care, Millie’s adopters must either have prior experience with dog inhalers or live within a reasonable driving distance of Greensboro, NC to learn how to administer her quick treatments.
If you're ready to embrace Millie’s medical needs, she will reward you with endless affection, loyalty, and smiles.
👉 Click here to see more photos of Millie: imageevent.com/newrattitude/millie
(Greensboro, North Carolina)
Looking for a little sunshine in your life? Meet Millie, a 14-lb. bundle of sweetness, spunk, and just the right amount of sass! At around 8 or 9 years young, this resilient girl has plenty of youthful spirit and so much love to give.
Millie survived a severe case of pneumonia when she first came to New Rattitude, and her fun-loving personality has shined bright ever since. Here is the scoop on this amazing pup:
🐾 The Perfect Companion: Millie is fully house-trained and crate-trained. She is also a stellar travel buddy who has already joined her foster family on several RV camping trips!
🐾 Social & Affectionate: She gets along great with other dogs and will join in on playtime when the mood strikes. Most of all, she loves her people. If you are handing out pets, expect Millie to magically appear right at the front of the line!
🐾 Sun-Worshipper: Cold weather is a no-go, but Millie loves basking in the sunshine, chewing on bones, and giving a few friendly barks to neighbors passing by.
🩺 Medical Note: Millie has chronic bronchitis, but it doesn't slow her down! She lives a happy, active life with the help of an inhaler twice a day to manage her cough. Her medication costs about $100/month.
📍 Adoption Requirement: To ensure she gets the best care, Millie’s adopters must either have prior experience with dog inhalers or live within a reasonable driving distance of Greensboro, NC to learn how to administer her quick treatments.
If you're ready to embrace Millie’s medical needs, she will reward you with endless affection, loyalty, and smiles.
👉 Click here to see more photos of Millie: imageevent.com/newrattitude/millie
![PUPDATE: BOO BOO (Georgia)Boo Boo was adopted from New Rattitude in March. His new Dad, Heath, happily reports, "I changed his name to Fitz, with the long-term goal of calling him Old Fitzgerald in his senior years [One of Heath's favorite bourbons]. When I first adopted him, he was unsure around new people and especially other dogs, but with consistent training and regular exposure, he's made tremendous progress over the past several months. He's settled in wonderfully and now enjoys splitting his time between my house and his "grandmother's" house, The adoption process itself was smooth and I have no complaints. The only battle he hasn't managed to win is his long-standing rivalry with fallen-over trash cans."](https://newrattitude.org/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed/img/placeholder.png)