About Pippa

Almost one year ago, right after New Rattitude rescued the tiny stray, Pippa was severely underweight (over 30% less than she should weigh), barely able to walk without falling over, and burdened with several health problems that needed attention. In addition to spaying, poor Pippa required dental work and the removal of some nonmalignant mammary tumors. She also was found to have some arthritis in her front legs and the beginning stages of intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), as well as a condition similar to acid reflux in humans. These latter conditions are being well controlled by medication and management--meds for the arthritis, a single-story home and no stairs for the IVDD, and a feeding schedule of three meals daily for the digestive issue. Today this 11-year-old rattie mix weighs a healthy 10.5 lbs. and is proof positive that you can't keep a good dog down. Sure, she has a bit of an off gait--low in the front with a sashay in the rear, but this gal regularly walks over a mile with her canine foster sibling. And check out the video of Pippa chasing the neighborhood beagle at the dog park in her photo album at https://imageevent.com/newrattitude/pippa . What an amazing little dog! Her foster mom calls Pippa 'perfectly imperfect.' If any dog deserved a life of luxury in the finest retirement home for older adult dogs, it would be Pippa. But truthfully she will be delighted in a home where just a few simple needs can be met. She would like to live in a house with everything on one level and with a fenced yard where she can easily go potty without having to get harnessed and leashed. (She is reliably house-trained, by the way.) She doesn't want to live with young children because she knows little humans like to hug and pick up little dogs and that could hurt her back. She doesn't need a home filled with dog toys because sadly she doesn't seem to have ever had any experience playing with them. However, she won't mind if you have a few toys that might make good pillows since so far she has decided that this must be their function. She'll be very happy with some green grass to roll around in, a comfy sofa or dog bed (or both) to snooze upon, and perhaps a easy-going canine or feline companion or two, as she loves the dogs and cats in her foster home. She is a bit reactive to unfamiliar sights and sounds, and she'll bark at things like a person walking by or a rider mower next door, so both of you will be happiest if your home and neighborhood are fairly quiet. Pippa is full of appreciation for the second life she has been given and wants to be a very special pup to a very special person. Are you the perfect person for our 'perfectly imperfect' pooch? NOTE: Applicants should live within easy driving distance of Alexandria, Virginia, so that you can visit Pippa to observe firsthand how her physical needs are managed to keep her healthy and the entire household happy. ------------------------------------------------------ IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN ADOPTING PIPPA, please go to New Rattitude's website at https://newrattitude.org/adopt/, where there is detailed information and a link to our adoption application.

Alexandria, Virginia 22310