About Booker

See that sliver of blue in Booker's right eye? It's a harmless variation in eye color, but we like to imagine it's Booker's 'wolf gene' because there's a touch of the wild in this cute-as-the-dickens Rat Terrier mix. You can see it in the way he furiously shakes his stuffed toys and hunts down insects as if they were caribou. This 2 1/2-year-old's enthusiasm for both play and prey will keep you and him entertained for hours. There is another aspect to Booker's wild streak that will need an experienced adopter to keep everyone safe and happy, however. Booker can be quite wary of any living creature outside his comfort zone. He will readily accept and bond with you and perhaps another primary caregiver, and he may tolerate or even befriend other canine or feline family members, depending on how much they enjoy his physical style of play. (At just 9 lbs., he shouldn't be too intimidating.) However, he reacts with barking and bared teeth to keep anyone else at bay, and if they persist and offer an outstretched hand (or paw) in friendship, he may bite it. A veterinary behaviorist has evaluated Booker and prescribed fluoxetine (Prozac) to reduce his hypervigilance. She has recommended managing his environment to reduce his exposure to things he finds stressful and using positive reinforcement to teach him coping behaviors. Booker is one highly motivated little student, so a committed adopter will find that working with him is productive and enjoyable. He knows that the crate is his safe place and when you tell him it's bedtime, regardless of the time of day, he will go to his crate without any complaint. He has learned to lie quietly in his crate when his foster parents' 7-year-old grandson visits, but unexpected yelling or quick movements will elicit barking and lunging, so a household with children would not be appropriate for Booker. Booker is completely house-trained, but he appreciates a regular potty schedule. He runs and plays so much on his own that he really doesn't need (or enjoy) leash walks. He truly will be happiest within the comfortable confines of your home and fenced yard. If your idea of a walk on the wild side is going outdoors armed with a clicker and treats to teach a dog to leave bumblebees alone, Booker wants you to know you're his kind of person, for sure! (Prospective adopters should live close enough to Booker's foster home in Maryland to visit and observe to help with the transition to his new home.) See more pics of Booker at http://imageevent.com/newrattitude/booker . ------------------------------------------------------ IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN ADOPTING BOOKER, please go to new Rattitude's website at www.NewRattitude.org/adopt/, where there is detailed information and a link to our adoption application.

Poolesville, Maryland 20837