My Dearest Marley,

You look most handsome with your big jet airplane.  Perhaps one day I might be able to take a ride with you.  I’m glad you like my website – it is quite simple, as am I.  I was shopping the other day and found a beautiful red gown and thought of you in your red coat of arms harness . . .

Please drop me a note as you have time on your travels.  I will be taking care of my dear “mama” for the next few days.

Most sincerely yours,

K.S.

hey, this is Jan (Katie'sMom) and I hope KS won't mind me answering for her.  Tell Nora that a little time with KS would get her over any tail issues, as ks's taiil is docked and she in no way considers herself second class anything!  also, i am not managing ks's campaign, Dixie Pride, KS's lab sister has that job!

My Dear Katie Scarlett,

     Thank you for your kind words regarding the Straight Bark Express.  It is, indeed, quite an airplane.  I would be very happy to take you for an airplane ride.  I must say my dear that red is certainly a lovely color on you and I am sure you will look smashing in your new gown. 

     Katie, my dear, I do hope your dear mother is recovering nicely from her recent surgery.  Please give her my best and tell her that I wish her a very speedy recovery.  Also, Katie I know that you are tending to her every need and are being a good nurse for your dear mother.  

I remain your most humble servant,

Marley--Lord Dunmore the Duke of Albemarle

P.S.  It certainly is good news about Lola.

For immediate release-----

UPI-- Wednesday in New York City Presidential candidate Marley addressed the United Nations.  It is reported that Marley spoke strongly on homeland security against fleas and ticks and reiterated his position on the immediate deportation of these terrier terrorists.  Though Marley supports cooperation through the United Nations, he reserves the right of Rattieland to maintain sovereignty against the forced globalization of sovereign nations.

My Dearest Marley,

I must say you look very impressive at the U.N.  I thought about addressing them but couldn’t decide just which dress I should wear and just said oh Fiddle-dee-dee to the whole thing.  Too many decisions and Mother needs me right now.  

Faithfully yours,

Katie Scarlett

My fellow Ratties,

18 Score and five days ago, I set forth on a journey. A new journey filled with promise and hope for a new future. Suddenly that journey came to a halt. Today marks the anniversary of my diagnosis with parvo, as one year ago I lay in a hospital room faced with the unknown. I thought to myself, "How can this be?" It was only days prior I was blessed with the ultimate gift and a mere two days later faced with the unthinkable.

I can only imagine the grief my skin family carried with them at that time. Their good nature brought them to a decision to adopt. I'm sure they struggled with the question: It this worth it? Is it worth it to open your heart to an orphaned Rattie only to be faced with the exorbitant cost of medical expense? Is it worth it to invest so much emotion into another only to be dealt the card of impending doom? Well my fellow ratties, I can tell you. From their hearts to my mouth, Yes it was.

My story of a great unselfish act has created my passion for helping Rat Terriers. No matter type, size, color, or characteristic we are one breed bonded together by only things we can understand. Therein lies the issues only a Rat Terrier with my intelect and foresight can undertake. It is this bond that I promise to streghten over the next year as your Rattie President. I promise to meet real goals, unlike my peers in this race, and hope to share with you my vision for the future. Together, we can create "a story" and a future for another.

I have attached a picture from one year ago when I was diagnosed with Parvo compared to today.  I am not embarassed to do so, as I must show the "common Rattie" that I have been through the illness which many ratties face.  What beautiful shape I am in now though!

The Lola campaign would like to reassure all docked-tailed residents of Rattieland that she truly admires them for being able to wag even without the accent of a tail, and that she envies them their ability to walk through doors without getting anything caught.

ANNOUNCEMENT:  Lola campaign continues to defend tailed status

.

UPI--  While on his way to a family gathering in Mahoning County, Ohio Presidential candidate Marley was asked to comment on the issue of non-docked tails vs. docked tails.  Here is his response.

"My fellow ratties the issue of non-docked tails versus docked tails is really a moot point.  It is not how we appear on the outside that is of importance.  Rather, it is what is on the inside that unites us.  For inside, my fellow citizens of Rattieland, we are all the same.  We all hunger for quality kibble in the food dish, affordable health care, tasty and healthy treats, naps in the big bed with our humans, walks, ample playtime, and lots of lovey-loves.  So my fellow ratties, I ask you to look beyond the tail to see true character of the rattie that lies within so that we may elect the most qualified rattie to be our President." 

My Dearest Marley,

Well, Marley, that may be true about tails, but you can’t deny a pretty face and nice figure opens all sorts of doors for ya darlin’.  I should know!

Love,

K.S.

Not sure if this goes in the Rarttier for pres thread or this one... so put it in both.

When asked to comment on the public romance that has emerged between some candidates, Murphy simply said, "Jane Austen.  Meh."

He then reached for the clicker and turned on a Simpsons rerun.  Murphy could not be reached for further comment.

Dear Murphy,

Fiddle-dee-dee.  Me thinks you are just jealous!

The Simpsons? ?

K.S.

My Dearest Trixi,

My goodness, you are lookin’ fit as a fiddle.  Hmmm, I may need to skip lunches.

Love,

K.S.

Dearest Katie Scarlett,

Thank you, its a tough job staying this fit and beatufiul.

If you are not feeling up to par with my physical appearance, I can make some suggestions.  Please do not skip meals as it is not a healthy way to lose the unwanted pounds. 

The best way, I have found, to keep my figure is to eat 2 small meals a day, get plenty of exercise, drink lots of water and dont forget beauty rest whenever you get a chance. 

I hope this is helpful my dear.

Love,

Trixi

Oh thank you dear, I do all the above.  You might check out my article on maintaining elegance in my new magazine – I address those very issues.  Obviously it works, as we are both beautiful!  I hope you will take a look at my magazine – perhaps you could contribute now and then.  (Of course, the magazine is mostly all about me, thus the name.)

In August I thought I might like to do a short profile on each of the candidates before the election.  Never let it be said that Katie Scarlett isn’t fair!  I’ll have my doggies get in touch with your doggies.

Toodles for now,

K.S.

Oh, yes, of course I have seen your magazine!  My human got me a subscription the day it came out.  I knew that I just HAD to have access to any advice, tips and information that a beautiful Rattie like yourself had to offer.  My apologies though, I have not had the chance to read the articles yet as I have been extremely busy with my campaign (and getting my beauty rest, of course) 

I am flattered at your offer to include me in your future issues.  I think that is a fabulous idea as, like you said, we are both beautiful Ratties.  Maybe an entire issue could be dedicated to me!  Although, I would have to check my schedule for some availibility.  I definitly have enough pictures for a full magazine though. 

Well, I am sure our doggies will be in touch. 

Take care,

Trixi

Darling Trixi,

The name of the magazine is Katie Scarlett, silly girl.  It’s all about me!  I’m generous and kind and willing to squeeze you in from time to time, because I must admit you are a lovely Rattie and from my sister state of Virginia, but, um, no sweetheart, the whole magazine can’t be about you.  Surely you were just teasing little ol’ Katie Scarlett!

But, I will be having my staff get in touch about the upcoming August issue and the special presidential section for sure  – I feel it my civic duty to devote a section to the race.

Fondly, your friend,

Katie Scarlett

Eddie Ratbone is wiling to tackle the tough, important questions such as "are the other canidates up to the job?"  Recent events have voters questioning the health and ability of some Ratties to lead. Take your concerns to the polls and vote for Eddie Ratbone - the picture of health and vitality!

Press Release
Eddie Ratbone Campaign
July 5th, 2008

Re: Docked Tail Debate

Eddie Ratbone was busy visiting veterans hospitals, placing American flags in National cemeteries, and organizing Independance Day parades throughout the south yesterday. As a result, he did not have the opportunity to weight in on this controversial issue of tail docking. Eddie's campaign manager is releasing this simple yet profound respond:

"Don't ask, don't tail"

Eddie Ratbone

xxx

Eddie Ratbone invites all Rat-Terrier.com constituents to visit his newly established web site. This website was not funded by big business or any special interest groups. Instead, it was created by volunteers who believe in their candidate. Please visit at: http://vccarmi.googlepages.com/

Miss Katie Scarlet,

Because you are running on the Southern Belle ticket, I would like to get to know a little more about you. In other words, who are your people? Perhaps you can amuse us by answering a little quiz - you might find it fun! The other candidates are also welcome to chime in to this little diversion to rigors of  the campaign.

#1 Which of these silver patterns do you prefer:
Francis I
Grand Baroque
Burgundy
Rose Point
Buttercup (my ancestral pattern)
Chantilly
Strasbourg
Acorn
Old Master
Eloquence
Chrysanthemum
Repousse

#2 Which of those pattern did you mother and/or grandmother prefer?

#3 Which of these terms are true terms of endearment and which are used to disguse our displeasure?
Lovely
Precious
Darlin
Cute
Sweet
Nice

#4 Fill in the blanks below to demonstrate your sense of style:
No _________ before Easter or after Labor Day
No _________ after Valentine's Day

#5 Father or Daddy?
     Icebox or refrigerator?
     Pocketbok or handbag?
     Couch or sofa?
     Ice tea or hot tea? (Perhaps that one is TOO easy)

#6 And the final question, do you have a deviled egg plate in your house?

You see, Eddie Ratbone and I (his campaign manager) were both raised in the South (Eddie in Florida, me in Arkansas) and I am curious if perhaps we are distant cousins - if we share any people.

Sincerely,
Vickie
    

My Dear Vickie,

Why what fun!  I just love parlor games!  My people (I suppose you are referring to my humans) come from the Atlanta area, though they now live in the beautiful bluegrass of Kentucky.  My mama’s great-granddaddy was actually from Virginia and fought in the sainted General Lee’s army in the War of Northern Aggression.

My daddy’s people were all from the Atlanta area and also fought bravely for Southern independence.

Now, on to your oh so simple quiz.

My mother’s preference in silver is Strasbourg, which is her family pattern.

My daddy’s family pattern was Chantilly, though his sister chose Francis I (go figure).

Lovely, precious and darlin’ are words of endearment.  Cute is somewhat acceptable, but one would much rather be precious.  Sweet and nice, oh my – I would be mortified to be referred to in that way.

One never wears white before Easter or after Labor Day (surely everyone knows that)

And one never wears velvet after Valentine’s Day.

Daddy, icebox, pocketbook, sofa, ice tea (even in the middle of winter)

Note:  I will refer to daddy as “father” when writing in a formal matter, as I will also refer to mama as “mother”, but only in those most formal written situations.  Daddy will always be my daddy no matter how old I become.

A deviled egg plate – no dear, we have several in our home.

Another couple of items you forgot but surely know – a true Southern belle never makes her chicken salad with any dark meat and uses only Hellman’s mayonnaise.

Most sincerely,

Katie Scarlett

Katie Scarlett,

Please call me Miss Vickie as my friends do. I use just "Vickie" on the campaign trail to appeal to a broader audience. I believe we are kindred spirits as I have several deviled egg plates too! One is pink depression glass - don't you just love pink? That reminds me, it has been years since I have attended a pink tea. 

I trace my people back to Virginia too! They lived there in the late 1600's and then migrated to the Carolinas before Alabama and Georgia. Eventually my lines all merged in Tenessee and Arkansas shortly before the recent unpleasantness that you mentioned. 

Good job on the game by the way! I see you even answered the toughest question (the velvet question). Well I am off to make some chicken salad and a pitcher of ice tea for a cool supper on the porch tonight. The humidity is just too high for making divinity.

Yours truly,
Miss Vickie

My Dear Miss Vickie,

Why of course my major faux pas by not referring to you as Miss Vickie – like you, I am trying to appeal to the broader base for my presidential race.  All good southern girls are raised to use the term Miss or Aunt, I do hope you will forgive me.  My mama and daddy’s genealogy traces back quite far also.  In fact, mama is a member of both the D.A.R. and the U.D.C. but I didn’t want to bore you.  Perhaps after the campaign we can compare family histories, why we may be kinfolks.

K.S.

Miss Scarlet,

I, too, am a member of DAR! WE have much to discuss after this campaign. 

You know, I could probably talk Eddie Ratbone into a female running mate?!?!?!

Yours,
Miss Vickie