all things critters...especially pet rats

Sitter Pictures

2012-01-12T21:38:00.002-04:00

Once again I had to go away for work and my rats stayed with their rat sitter who took some more pictures of the crew. The rat sitter said she had a blast with the boys and I think the guys also enjoyed themselves!

Handsome Darwin having a snack.

Based on the size of Cohen's butt, I'd say the sitter fed the rats well. heh heh

Elder Engels relaxing.

Karl enjoying some greens.

Happy New Year!

2011-12-30T11:05:00.005-04:00

May all your troubles last as long as your New Year's resolutions. ~Joey Adams

The boys were with a rat sitter over Christmas and she was kind enough to take pictures of my boys enjoying the festive season.

The newest boy, Darwin

My elderly fellow Engels

Cohen and Darwin

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-24T08:59:00.001-04:00

Mabel ready for Xmas., originally uploaded by Rattie.

The Rattie Crew wishes everyone peace and warmth, love and happiness this holiday season!

Mornings

2011-12-14T21:50:00.004-04:00

Every morning before I head out for work the rats get one of their favourite treats - peas, watermelon, blueberries, Cheerios, etc. Now as soon as I walk in the rat room they come running expecting their goodies and of course I never disappoint. They have me well trained. This morning I offered them watermelon which they approved.

Cohen and Karl: Where are our morning treats?!

Cohen patiently waiting for another piece of watermelon.

Karl not patiently waiting for another piece of watermelon.

Poor old Engels is moving more slowly now in the mornings; I can see the signs of old age. But he still loves watermelon

Darwin,the new boy, is still nervous of his new place and is still reluctant to take food from my hand but he still got watermelon.

Mabel with Santa 2011

2011-12-11T10:58:00.001-04:00

Mabel with Santa 2011, originally uploaded by Rattie.

Mabel had her photo done with Santa with all proceeds going to the SPCA. I thought of bringing the rats but I thought perhaps it would be too stressful being surrounded by other dogs and cats.

Happy Holidays!

I've known this for years!

2011-12-08T21:04:00.001-04:00

Rats have been wrongly maligned and are actually kind hearted, generous creatures

Introducing Darwin

2011-12-05T19:32:00.004-04:00

Darwin is the latest elder rat (he's approximately 1.5-2 years old) to join the Rattie Crew! Darwin was seized by the animal control officer for neglect. Darwin and his brother were found in filthy conditions (their hamster cage was so dirty it had to be tossed), severely malnourished, dehydrated, and were covered with mites (they actually had fur missing). Sadly, Darwin's brother has since passed away. Poor little fellow. Darwin is congested and has little appetite but is quite curious. His fur has almost all grown back. He is on medication and is currently being spoiled rotten. Once he feels better and gains some more weight I'll have him join the other elder boys.

Intelligence of Rats

2011-11-27T22:10:00.001-04:00

Rats help Colombia sniff out deadly landmines

Another 'Proud' Day in Canada

2011-11-01T16:35:00.000-03:00

Quebec cop-shooting of cattle triggers international sympathy, anger

Introducing Engels

2011-10-26T09:11:00.001-03:00

Engels , originally uploaded by Rattie.

I was contacted this week by a rat rescue asking if I would give an old fellow (he's 2 years old) a retirement home and, against my better judgement, I said yes. I'm sure I have a post on my blog that said no more rats. lol I picked-up Engels last night and he is so sweet and friendly! But he is showing signs of hind leg degeneration that will require a vet visit. I think it's so sad when old pets are given up for adoption, especially if they were with their previous human companion all their lives. Anyway, I'll give Engels a happy old age.

Awwww....

2011-10-19T22:05:00.001-03:00

A feel good video. Oh, and turn the volume on.

Finally Friends

2011-09-30T14:03:00.001-03:00

Friends, originally uploaded by Rattie.

Introduction was a success! There was some puffing and snorting (mainly from Cohen) but now the boys sleep and play together. Karl is still not quite nervous with me but he's slowly coming around.

New Fashion Statement for Dogs

2011-09-30T11:18:00.003-03:00

Poor Mabel, originally uploaded by Rattie.

My poor Mabel was stung near the eye which caused swelling and itchiness (despite given Bendrilyn). I had to bring her to the vet where she was given a shot, some drops in the eye (her eye had swelled shut), and this lovely cone to prevent her from scratching the eye. The rats, I'm sure, were laughing. Mabel was not impressed.

Introducing Karl

2011-09-18T11:31:00.001-03:00

Karl, originally uploaded by Rattie.

Yes, I once said that I would not be getting anymore rats but poor little Cohen was lonely since losing his cage mate so I adopted Karl (after Karl Marx) from the SPCA. He's an older rat like Cohen. At the moment he's is quite nervous and is not sure of his new place but I'm sure after some TLC he'll adjust just fine.

Cohen

2011-08-07T12:53:00.001-03:00

Cohen , originally uploaded by Rattie.

My little fellow appears to be doing well living alone. Rats are very social creatures so I do worry about Cohen. But he has always been my independent boy and rather aloof. When I do take him out he's not interested in me at all, just exploring his surroundings. Also, unlike my other rats he's not a cuddly squishy rat. So, maybe he'll be fine. I hope so.

I was surprised!

2011-08-07T12:07:00.000-03:00

Learn more at MarsCandyKills.com.

Update

2011-07-17T14:20:00.006-03:00

The last time I posted an entry on my rats was two months ago; I've been busy with work and contemplating removing my blog. I've decided to take a break from having pet rats; my heart needs it. After my girls died I was busy providing care to Percy and Cohen who became ill and just as Percy made a full recovery he suddenly passed away. Only Cohen remains and he has become sick again with myco. It's been hard. In my opinion, rats do make the best small animal pets. They are so fun and can be so loving. But they are sick so often (which becomes expensive and heartbreaking) and have such short lives. My heart can no longer cope with the illnesses, old age, and deaths. Maybe someday I'll return to having rats but for the time being I need a break. Cohen is still with me, but I'm afraid, for not much longer but he continues to fight. I realize he will be alone but I try to spend as much time with as possible. But, Cohen has always been my aloof boy. Bright Blessings everyone.

RIP Percy

RIP Percy

Great Article

2011-06-15T18:34:00.000-03:00

Rat Mills -- Where Pet Store Rats Come From

Unexpected Losses

2011-05-02T19:09:00.005-03:00

It's with a very heavy heart that I post this entry; Bree and Chloe passed away this weekend unexpectedly. I will miss them dearly.

Baby Chloe

Young Chloe

Chloe: Healthy Days

Bree: First night home.

Bree: Healthier Days

Curious Bree

Canadians: Please Stop the Seal Hunt

2011-04-27T20:01:00.004-03:00

This is an important direct quote from the blog Animal Rights:

To all the Canadians reading this blog... Please go to the link below. Put the seal hunt on the agenda of the politicians. IFAW has made it so easy: you fill in your info, and they send your letter to the MPs in your riding. It's awesome.

Take Action

Elder Bree

2011-04-26T22:17:00.003-03:00

Poor Bree has not been feeling well; her lungs sound congested. Bree is approximately two years old; the age when chronic illnesses begin to appear. It's sad to see Bree go from being very curious, active,
full-of-mischief to a very quiet inactive rat. I'm actually going to bring the entire Rattie Crew to the vet this week as all my rats are seniors now. Sad times are ahead.

Bree in her more curious days.

Bree now preferring to sleep than venture out.

Elder Bree, originally uploaded by Rattie.

Happy Easter

2011-04-20T09:58:00.001-03:00

Happy Easter , originally uploaded by Rattie.

We will be away this Easter; spending time with family. I tried to have the rats involved in Easter pictures but they were having none of it. They prefer to explore and cause mischief. Mabel, on the other, will tolerate about anything for a treat. She's such a good girl.

Have a great weekend!

Gives me some hope...

2011-04-20T09:05:00.000-03:00

After 15-hour standoff, activists rescue 580 dogs - a sign of China's growing animal activism

Elder Chloe

2011-04-18T14:53:00.003-03:00

Dear Readers,

My sweet little girl rat Chloe, is starting to get old. Pet rats age so quickly. I wish they could live longer than they do. Their average life span is only 2-3 years old. Chloe is a little over two years old which in human years is only 60 years old, which really isn't that old. But, rats often show signs of chronic illness early because of their short lifespans. Chloe has been in excellent health until she developed respiratory problems after Christmas. She's been on antibiotics but she is still not 100%. There are also other signs one has to watch for in elder rats such as: thinning fur, tumors, pneumonia, skin sores, losing or gaining weight, paralysis in the rear legs, loss of energy, loss of appetite, and so on. I try to avoid having a favourite rat, since they are all special but Chloe is cuddle girl who loves being held and being around people. She has such a wonderful personality. I just hope Chloe will be with me much longer.

2011-04-12T08:21:00.001-03:00

Ontario Coyote-killing contests

2011-04-08T13:27:00.004-03:00

killing is not a game: keep slaughter contests out of Ontario

The petition:

Help keep coyote killing contests in Ontario illegal

Amen

2011-04-05T20:27:00.001-03:00

Sled dog slaughter leads to tougher B.C. laws

This is just wrong. What is wrong with people?

2011-04-05T11:56:00.000-03:00

Live fish and turtles sealed inside plastic key chains

In honour of rats...

2011-04-04T09:43:00.001-03:00

world rat day April 4, originally uploaded by Rattie.

Rats in the Plumbing (Chloe, Cohen, & Bree)

2011-04-03T13:40:00.001-03:00

Happy Ending

2011-04-01T22:50:00.000-03:00

Tsunami-surviving dog rescued after three weeks at sea

Too much cruelty in the world.

2011-03-23T18:46:00.002-03:00

I will never understand how some people can be so heartless towards animals. Fortunately for Patrick he was rescued.

Cool!!

2011-03-22T21:04:00.002-03:00

Rats Approved As Service Animals Amid Protest from Tea Party and Feds

Percy

2011-03-21T23:03:00.002-03:00

Percy 001, originally uploaded by Rattie.

Hello Dear Readers!

I'm Percy. The latest addition to the Rattie Crew. I was adopted from a rat rescue that had difficulty finding me a home because I have special needs. Although, I'm only a year old I have the beginnings of hind leg degeneration and some minor respiratory problems. I'm on meds at the moment and I've been told my new human servant is use to caring for special needs rats. My new human servant thinks I'm a very VERY big boy; not fat, just a big boy. Cohen thought he was the big man on block but not since my arrival! I haven't met the other rats yet but Chloe has been doing lots of snorting and puffing so I take it, that's not a good sign. Okay, gotta go now and eat more treats! Cheers!

Oscar RIP

2011-03-18T09:16:00.001-03:00

Oscar Jan 2011, originally uploaded by Rattie.

The Rattie Crew has lost another one of its members - Oscar. Poor little fellow became very ill quite quickly and despite the vet's best effort there was nothing that could be done. Oscar had developed respiratory problems and had a very enlarged heart. He had also started to refuse food. Yesterday, the vet and I agreed that he was suffering and so he was euthanized. I had rescued Oscar from a horrible place and was in terrible shape but I did manage to nurse him back to health but sadly, the damage was done. Sorry little guy..... Have fun with with Beatrix at Rainbow Bridge.

Percy

2011-03-11T18:02:00.001-04:00

Percy, originally uploaded by Rattie.

Sunday I will be picking-up a special needs rattie from a rat rescue. Percy and his brother George were in a foster home, but sadly George recently passed away. Percy is not feeling so well but we are hoping I will be able to nurse the little guy back to health.

Bree & Cheerios

2011-03-08T23:25:00.001-04:00

Bree, originally uploaded by Rattie.

Why one should never leave a box of Cheerios unattended when rats are around.

Beatrix August 2009-February 2011

2011-02-27T11:46:00.004-04:00

Sadly, Beatrix passed away unexpectedly on Friday. She was fine in the morning when I left for work, but when I returned in the afternoon, she was not responsive when I offered the rats treats, which highly unusual. A few minutes later, Beatrix passed away in my arms. I have no idea what happened as there were no signs of illness. She was such a sweet little girl and will be missed.

New Warm & Cozy Hammocks!

2011-02-19T09:40:00.004-04:00

Hello dear readers,

Our Human Servant ordered us some warm cozy polar fleece hammocks from The Cozy Corner to keep us extra warm during this harsh winter. Our Human Servant picked bright colours because this winter has been so bleak. We just love them! Here we are modeling two of the hammocks:

Beatrix approves

Chloe and Oscar trying the bunk bed.

Bree approves the cube hammock

Too Much Snow

2011-02-05T13:08:00.006-04:00

Dear Readers,

This is Cohen. Our human servant (a.k.a. Mom) has been complaining lately about this year's harsh winter. Apparently, there is a lot of snow and cold temperatures. But us rats are warm and cozy in the house. Mom has been trying to make the best of it by going snow shoeing in the backyard woods with the canine, Mabel. After seeing the pictures, we rats are thrilled we don't have to venture out with them!

Have a great day and stay warm! Cohen

Cohen

A Pig Story

2011-02-05T12:43:00.002-04:00

Saw this great article on Fiftysomething and thought of Addie, Persephone and Hearts on Noses.

Pig thinks he's a dog

Great Globe and Mail Article on Rats

2011-02-04T10:08:00.003-04:00

I can't take credit for finding this article - it was posted on a great and informative blog, Animal Rights. I've taken my rats to a children's day camp and in my own classroom to dispel the myths surrounding rats and hopefully, teach some compassion for a misunderstood animal.

Why rats are a teacher's best friend

What is wrong with our society?!?!

2011-01-31T18:15:00.001-04:00

How can this company, Outdoor Adventures Whistler (OAW), do such a hideous crime and get away with it?!

100 healthy sled dogs killed due to slow business

Finally it's the weekend.

2011-01-28T20:12:00.001-04:00

Mabel being cute, originally uploaded by Rattie.

Oscar

2011-01-25T22:04:00.001-04:00

Oscar Jan 2011, originally uploaded by Rattie.

Greeting Dear Readers,

This is Oscar. Just to give you an update...I'm feeling and looking so much better! When my new Mum first rescued me from that awful place, I was in very bad shape. I was scared, malnourished, dehydrated, filled with mites, not interested in food, smelled very badly, was congested, my fur and skin was in bad condition and I slept all the time. Well, after a couple of visits to the vet, meds, good food, and lots of scritches I'm doing so much better! I now have an appetite. Mum says my fur has become so soft and I have no more bald patches. The cooties are all gone now. I don't stink anymore. Although, I still sound a bit congested I have so much more energy. Oh, I love to sit on Mum's shoulder and being cuddled. Things are looking up!

New Addition

2011-01-24T22:01:00.003-04:00

A co-worker found this stuff rat for me - too cute!

Would the real rat please stand-up.

Bree: "Ummm you don't say much do you?"

One Rat Short

2011-01-17T10:08:00.001-04:00

Fantastic work! But, a very tragic love story. **sniff**

One Rat Short from Charlex on Vimeo.

Honestly Mum I didn't do it!

2011-01-09T12:46:00.001-04:00

Mabel, originally uploaded by Rattie.

Animals are not "trends".

2011-01-07T22:05:00.000-04:00

RSPCA 'worried' about micro-pigs

Happy New Year!!

2010-12-31T17:26:00.002-04:00

Chloe, originally uploaded by Rattie.

Best Wishes in 2011 to all!!

From The Rattie Crew, Mabel, and The Human Servant

Dear Readers

2010-12-24T09:01:00.005-04:00

Happy Holidays!!

Cheers from Beatrix, Bree, Chloe, Cohen, Oscar, Mabel, and of course the Human Servant.

Best Introduction Ever

2010-12-19T18:36:00.004-04:00

Introducing a new rat to an already established colony of rats (like The Rattie Crew) can be challenging. I decided to introduce Oscar to the others (although, Oscar has been in the same room so The Crew have smelled him) and it went surprisingly well!! I was worried about Chloe and Cohen as they are both dominant rats and Cohen was once aggressive (but being neutered took care of that). Chloe did some puffing, which makes her look like a cute porcupine but Oscar never challenged her. Cohen did some snorting until I tossed some cheerios, which made him forgot all about Oscar. Beatrix was also too interested in the cheerios to pay attention to Oscar. Well, Bree being Bree, was more interested in exploring than this new rat. As for Oscar, he was very calm and displayed no aggression. Oscar himself is one of the most submissive intact male I've ever had. Most intact boys I've had, do typical boy things - try to be boss, mark everything including me, rub buck grease everywhere including me, try to mount all (spayed females and other boys, and have bad attitudes. But Oscar is Mr. Cool. If he doesn't change I won't have him neutered. Anyway, this was the best introduction ever! The pictures below are of The Crew, including Oscar, all together. On a side: As you can see Oscar still looks ill but he is actually doing better since being on Baytril.

Cohen, Bree, Beatrix, Chloe, & Oscar

Cohen, Bree, Chloe, & Oscar

Beatrix & Oscar

Interesting Reads

2010-12-18T16:17:00.003-04:00

Of course, us rats have always known we are the most intelligent animals. heh heh heh

Why resist the idea of intelligent animals?

Minds of their Own: Animals are smarter than you think.

Warning: Disturbing Video

2010-12-16T22:13:00.000-04:00

'Who Cares About Mice and Rats?'

Bad Bad Lipton Tea

2010-12-16T21:36:00.001-04:00

Tell the Makers of Lipton Tea to Stop Torturing Animals!

One animal Lipton Tea tests on is the rat.

* Rabbits were fed a high-fat, cholesterol-laden diet, leading to extreme hardening of the arteries. They were then fed tea to see if it could reduce the lesions that formed on the animals' arteries. After the experiment, the rabbits' heads were cut off.
* Mice bred to suffer from a painful bowel inflammation were fed tea ingredients in order to see if the tea had any effect on their condition. After the test, experimenters killed the mice by suffocating them or breaking their necks.
* Rats were forced to eat a high-sugar diet, and then tea was given to the animals to see if it could protect against sugar-induced brain damage. Other rats had their abdominal wall punctured and were fed radioactively labeled tea ingredients through a tube in their stomachs in order to examine the absorption of tea in the body. Then they were killed, frozen with liquid nitrogen, and crushed.
* Piglets were exposed to E. coli toxin and then fed tea in order to see if the tea could prevent fluid loss and diarrhea. As part of the tests, experimenters cut the pigs' intestines apart while the animals were still alive. The piglets were then killed.

My Escape Artist

2010-12-11T19:20:00.003-04:00

Bree was rescued from a crazy snake owner (I'm not fond of using the word "crazy" but in this case, it's a perfect word) who kept her in a snake tank for a week hoping the snake would eventually eat her. Anyway, when I brought her home she was terrified of me and everything. She wouldn't even come out of her hiding spots for yummy treats. That has since changed. Bree is one of the most adventurous rats I've had. And she now fears nothing. Her latest adventure is escaping from the rat playpen. The little bugger has figured how to open the top and squeeze out; while the others look on with bewilderment. I also have to be very careful when I open the cage door because in a flash Bree has escaped and worked her way down to the floor from the top of a very tall ferret nation cage. If I play with the rats on the couch, in a blink of an eye she off running across the floor. The other rats have no interest in following her, which is a good thing. Eventually, she comes back, especially to the sound of "treat", but I still worry she could squeeze into a hole, chew an electrical wire, or Mabel thinks she is a new chew toy. A couple of times she has nearly given me a stroke because I could not find her for quite awhile. My house is very tiny so I have no idea what she is doing when gone for so long; maybe I don't want to know. And poor Mabel gets locked in the bathroom while I search for my little beloved brat. Bree looks so innocent in these pictures, but looks can be deceiving.

Mabel

2010-12-09T19:59:00.001-04:00

Mabel, originally uploaded by Rattie.

Dear Readers,

I visited Santa a couple of weeks ago to help raise money for the many homeless animals at the shelter. I did ask Santa for an endless supply of bones, Kongs filled with treats, a T-bone steak, and my very own squirrel to chase around the yard!

Cheers!

Mabel

Oscar still struggling.

2010-12-09T11:00:00.001-04:00

Oscar Dec. 8, 2010, originally uploaded by Rattie.

Before I left for a conference Oscar was really coming around - he was eating well, his lungs sounded better, and he was much more active. My rat sitter took Oscar out everyday and she also thought he was coming around. She also said he had such a sweet personality! But these past two days he has been slipping again. As you can see his fur is still in rough shape. Poor boy had such a terrible beginning in life and he may never recover. I will be bringing him to the vet again this week. I'm at a loss on what to do. Suggestions?

Poor Oscar

2010-11-19T13:57:00.003-04:00

Hello Dear Readers,

I went to the vet yesterday with poor little Oscar. The vet agreed that Oscar was in very rough shape. It was evident that Oscar had been severly neglected. Why do people get pets and then neglect them? Why are people so cruel to animals?

When I was a kid I remember a teacher said that humans were superior to animals. Well, I said if humans were superior, then humans should have a moral responsibility to take care of creatures who were not as advantaged as us. The teacher informed me that animals were put on earth for human consumption. Of course, I didn't believe that teacher one bit. It was not what I was raised to believe. It angers me that people have such disrespect for critters who are completely dependent on them. It's not like Oscar could open the cage and go to the fridge for food or to the sink for water or clean his own cage. Oscar was dependent on someone to live and that someone failed him without a second thought.

Anyway, I will try my hardest to nurse him back to health. Lily, the last rat I had who was in this bad of shape, passed away only after two months of having her; so I don't have much hope for Oscar, but I could be wrong. Oscar is still very scared and nervous but this morning he cuddled in my arm and let me give him scritches. Poor fellow. I hope he makes it. And that's why rescuing rats is so hard on the heart.

Oscar

Keeping Dry

2010-11-17T19:51:00.003-04:00

This fall it has been a very wet one! Wet falls are unusual especially in November, when we are usually knee deep in snow. But, Mabel is keeping dry with her new raincoat from her Grandmother.

And the raincoat is reversable

Welcome Oscar!

2010-11-14T19:56:00.003-04:00

Oscar, originally uploaded by Rattie.

Dear Readers,

Against my better judgment, I've decided to keep the rat I rescued. I was on my way Saturday to give him to a foster home, and I decided to keep him. I just couldn't stop thinking of the terrible condition he came from and decided I would give him the kind loving forever home he deserves. I've named Oscar after Oscar Wilde (I'm currently reading "The Picture of Dorian Gray" by Wilde). At the moment Oscar is not in the best condition - he's very malnourished (his previous owner did say he no longer had the time to feed him!), dehydrated (there was no water in his cage when I picked him up), he has mites, sounds congested (he was kept in a room where people were smoking dope and cigarettes) and his fur is in terrible condition and filthy. Poor little fellow. Tomorrow morning I will make vet appointment and hopefully, Oscar can begin his road to recovery.

foster rat

2010-11-12T16:47:00.001-04:00

foster rat , originally uploaded by Rattie.

I just rescued this boy today from a very dire situation. He will be going to another foster home tomorrow as I am no longer going to foster or keep rats as discussed in a previous post; but I will help the rat rescue as much as possible in other ways. Poor little guy is malnourished, very dirty and smelly, has mites, and is congested. He will need vet care as soon as possible. How can people do this to their pets???

Remembering War Dogs and War Horses

2010-11-11T10:06:00.004-04:00

Today in Canada is Remembrance Day; a day to remember the men and women who sacrificed their lives during wartime, especially the first two world wars. In the First World War 61,000 Canadians died, in the Second World War 42,000 Canadians died. Lest We Forget.

Although, I certainly don't want to undermine the sacrifices of many brave men and women during wartime, I wanted to post these video in memory of War Dogs and War Horses, who also fought and sacrificed their lives out of loyalty. In the United States February 1st is reserved as a day for remembering war dogs but Canada, sadly, has no such date. Canada does not honour the veteran horses either. Here's my remembrance for war animals.

Is it time for a break?

2010-11-08T13:57:00.003-04:00

Dear Readers,
Yes, it has been forever since I last updated my blog but it’s been a very busy few months. My apologies for also not reading my favourite blogs!
I’ve been seriously thinking of no longer rescuing or adopting pet rats. I think I may need a break from these sweet little pets. Although pet rats are one of my favourite pets (dogs being the competition) they age so quickly (thus become sick easily) and have very short lives; and this is playing havoc on my emotions. Of course I will keep my rats I have now but once they pass I’ll take a break from having pet rats. Once, I did take two years off and it did my heart a world of good. Of course I feel terribly guilty at the same time because there are so many rats that need homes and need rescuing from snake owners, medical/psychology labs, and many other terrible situations. However, I feel burnt. Anyway, enjoy the latest pictures of my crew. Now, off to get caught-up on my blog reading!
Mom of the Rattie Crew

Chloe

Bree

Cohen

Beatrix

Animal Friendly Jewelry

2010-10-07T22:28:00.003-03:00

I came across this site via Animal Rights blog. The site sells animal friendly jewelry by Christy Robinson. They even have a Be Cruelty Free Rat Pendant! The site is Christy Robinson Earth and Animal Friendly Jewelry Designs

Lily & Coco

2010-10-03T12:14:00.002-03:00

Hello dear readers,

September was a very busy month with nursing two very sick rats, Coco and Lily. Coco’s ear infection became much worse despite all my and vet’s best effort. Also, Coco started developing lumps all around her face – it was terrible. Lily began to develop fluid in her lungs but despite all my best efforts she was losing her battle. I finally made the difficult decision to have them both put to sleep last Wednesday. Their quality of life began to deteriorate rapidly and both were struggling with life. Poor little Lily had such a terrible life before I rescued her; I just wish more could have been done for this sweet little soul. I will also miss Coco’s relaxed and cuddly personality. I’m sure her sister Chloe will also miss her as they were so close. RIP little angels.

Lily

Coco

Dog Toy Ending

2010-09-19T21:55:00.002-03:00

Toy Before Dog

Toy After Dog

Dear Animals: We’re SORRY

2010-09-19T20:30:00.001-03:00

Dear Animals,

We’re sorry we hurt you.
We’re sorry we torture you.
We’re sorry we burn you for fun.
We’re sorry we poke you.
We’re sorry we prod you.
We’re sorry we subject you to a lifetime of pain so we can eat you.
We’re sorry we kick you just to feel better about ourselves.
We’re sorry we rip the skin off your bones while you’re still alive.
We’re sorry we sell you in pet shops and then abandon you when we’ve had enough.
We’re sorry we leave you in garbage cans.
We’re sorry we shove hormones down your throat.
We’re sorry we steal your babies from you.
We’re sorry we throw you off of bridges.
We’re sorry we chain you up all day and all night.
We’re sorry we drown you.
We’re sorry we force you to do unnatural tricks for our entertainment.
We’re sorry we forget to feed you or give you water.
We’re sorry our disgruntled slaughterhouse workers take out all their aggressions on you.
We’re sorry we force you to fight each other.
We’re sorry we force you to fight us.
We’re sorry we use you for transportation.
We’re sorry we sacrifice your life so we can have another leather couch, car seat, belt or pair of shoes.
We’re sorry we make you scream in pain and then put a picture of a smiling chicken on the box.
We’re sorry we make you feel like you are part of the family and then forget about you when the baby comes.
We’re sorry we drag you behind our cars.
We’re sorry we keep you in dark, crowded, horrid living conditions.
We’re sorry we force feed you to make you fatter.
We’re sorry we burn your front paws in order to make you stand on two feet so our children can laugh.
We’re sorry we sexually abuse you for our fetishes.
We’re sorry we trap you.
We’re sorry we hunt you.
We’re sorry our shelters still use inhumane methods of killing you.
We’re sorry we subject you to a lifetime of terrorizing experiments so we can have yet another shampoo.
We’re sorry we don’t report our neighbors who are mistreating you to the authorities.
We’re sorry we poison you in the middle of the night.
We’re sorry we humiliate you.
We’re sorry we keep you alone indoors all day long and then get too lazy to take you for walks.
We’re sorry we choke you and suffocate you.
We’re sorry we yell at you.
We’re sorry we leave you out in the cold rain and in the hot sun.
We’re sorry we forget you in boiling hot cars with no open windows.
We’re sorry we intimidate you to feel powerful.
We’re sorry we dump you when you’re old and sick.
We’re sorry we sacrifice you for our beliefs and religions.
We’re sorry we starve you as a form of “art”.
We’re sorry we expose you to explosions and gunshots so we can film another movie.
We’re sorry we trap you in zoos so we can watch you suffer.
We’re sorry we treat you like objects that can be exploited for our own selfish purposes.
And most of all: We’re sorry we don’t recognize you for the amazing, intelligent, glorious, magnificent creatures that you are.

Sincerely,
The Human Race
(Written by Shira Tamir © 2010 http://www.1111now.com)

Join the cause on Facebook

2010-08-30T11:47:00.002-03:00

Join the cause on Facebook, originally uploaded by Rattie.

Save Rats from Being Snake Food

Credits: Photo, Save the Rats from Being Snake Food

Shameless Mabel

2010-08-27T11:55:00.003-03:00

Cohen's Harem

2010-08-23T20:12:00.004-03:00

Dear Readers,

I guess I'm one lucky boy to be the only male among so many beautiful girls! But, it is the girls who rule this crew.

Cohen

The main and only man, Cohen

Cohen and the harem, Lily, Chloe, Coco, & Brie's butt

Brie, Cohen, Chloe, Lily, Coco, & Beatrix

Day Camp Adventure

2010-08-13T21:08:00.003-03:00

I gave a talk on pet rats at a children’s day camp and even brought my crew along to dispel the myths surrounding pet rats. I asked the kids to tell me their first impression of pet rats and they immediately responded: dirty, ugly, disease infested, flea infested, smell, bite, creepy, scary, snake food, and just plain gross. But once they saw my interaction with my crew and saw them fish for peas, the kids soon changed their minds about pet rats. Here are just a few facts I shared with the kids about pet rats:

•They can be quite affectionate, cuddly, playful, social, rarely bite, easily tamed, and enjoy human interaction; hence why they make excellent pets.

•They are pets not food for reptiles.

•Each rat has his/her own distinct personality.

•Rats can come in all shapes, sizes, colours, markings, and there are hairless and tailess rats.

•They are actually clean animals that groom themselves and can be trained to use a litter box.

•They can be trained to do tricks.

•They are very curious creatures and can be great explorers.

•They can hold their breath for 3 minutes under water and are excellent swimmers.

•They are amazing trapeze artists using their tails to balance, are excellent climbers, can squeeze in the smallest holes, and can chew through lead.

•They are intelligent like a dog or like a 2 year old child. They can even learn their own names.

•Rats have excellent hearing but poor eyesight.

•They are nocturnal but will adjust to your schedule.

•Their teeth never stop growing and yellow/orange teeth is actually a good thing for rats.

•Although rats can live independently they do best with another rat or with a group of rats.

•Pine and cedar bedding can make rats sick.

•Rats should never be picked-up by their tails. Rats actually use their tails for balance and regulating their body temperature.

•They love fruits and vegetables.

•Rats are happier in a large cage with toys and hammocks.

•Cages need to be cleaned on a regular basis.

•Require a fair amount of attention and exercise time outside of their cages (at least an hour a day).

•Sadly, they have short lifespan (2-3 years) and will require vet care when they reach old age.

Brie

Chloe

Cohen

Yin and Yang, a.k.a. Lily and Beatrix

Coco

Pigs need help too.

2010-08-05T18:20:00.002-03:00

Dear Readers,

Rats get a bad rap there is no doubt about it. But there is another animal that gets a bad rap, pigs. Many people think they are dirty, smelly, are not too bright, and only good for food. Unfortunately, there are much more to pigs that the bad press they get. There is an amazing woman with a huge heart who opens her home to injured, abused, neglected and abandoned pot-bellied pigs and their friends. If you have a moment, pay a visit to Hearts on Noses, A Mini Pig Sanctuary blog and see pigs in a different light. Thank you.

The Rattie Crew

Canadians need a wake-up call!

2010-08-04T16:33:00.002-03:00

After watching this heartbreaking documentary I was ashamed to admit I was Canadian.

Canada is no Country for Animals

Another reason to not support pet stores.

2010-08-04T11:25:00.002-03:00

This very interesting article appeared on a rat forum I belong to. I do not support pet stores that sell animals and would rather see people adopt from shelters or rescues. This article (see link) and its pictures is just another reason why someone should not support pet stores.

Why not use pet shops?

Goodbye Poe ?? 2008-July 7, 2010

2010-07-08T21:49:00.003-03:00

My sweet squishy fellow Poe had another stroke but this time he made no recovery and actually his health began to decline rapidly. Poe stopped eating and drinking on his own and could no longer move his body. It was obvious his little body was shutting down so I made the difficult decision to have him euthanized. I hope he is playing hard with Emma over at the Bridge. Bright Blessings Poe. You will be missed.

Poe in his younger years

New Rat on the Block

2010-07-02T21:50:00.004-03:00

Hi! I'm Lily and I've just joined the Rattie Crew. I'm nine months and was adopted through a rat rescue - I didn't come from the best situation. I'm a bit underweight and a little timid but since joining the Crew I've been getting lots of treats and yummy food plus lots of scritches! All is good now.

Happy Canada Day!

2010-07-01T12:26:00.005-03:00

Sewer Rats?

2010-06-28T11:12:00.005-03:00

Hello Dear Readers!

Well, according to mom's friend we rats look like sewer rats, especially me, Coco ...nice, real nice. My mom's friend is very scared of us rats as most people are. The fancy rat (pet rat) gets such a bad rap. People think we carry disease, fleas, are biters, and pretty stupid. Apparently, our lovely tail also freaks people out. Some think rats are not pets but food for snakes and other reptiles. This is all rubbish of course. Fancy rats make wonderful pets! We are quite clean (being obsessed with washing ourselves like cats) and we can be litter trained. We are pretty intelligent - we can be taught to come when our name is called and can be taught tricks! Some of us are very affectionate, cuddly, and rarely bite. If we bite a person, they probably deserve it. Our unique tail serves a few purposes – regulates body temperature and is used for balance. There is no need to feed us to reptiles because there are alternative food sources now available. It's a slow horrible death. We come in all sizes and colours. Mum says we are also very entertaining! In July mom will be going to a SPCA day camp for children to talk about pet rats. She hopes to dispel the myths around us. She will actually be bringing me, Chloe, and Brie with her. Could be fun!

Well, that’s my lecture on fancy rats. Have a great day! And remember fancy rats make great pets!

A Temple for Rats!

2010-06-27T18:23:00.000-03:00

Poe

2010-06-13T20:46:00.003-03:00

Dear Readers,

This is Poe here. I had a rough week but I am much better now. I had a stroke and lost the use of one side of my body! My mum brought me to the vet and was given this horrible tasting medication, predisone. The only thing I could eat for the week was very soft baby cereal, which I enjoyed very much. I am going to be two years old next month so I guess my body is beginning to age. BUT, I have made a full recovery and I my body is back to normal! But, mum is no longer feeding me that yummy baby cereal - back to the lab blocks **sigh** Oh well, at least I'm much better. Have a great week!

Poe

Poe before stroke.

Poe with one side of his body slightly off due to stroke.

June is Adopt a Shelter Cat Month

2010-06-13T20:07:00.001-03:00

With only two weeks left...

June is Adopt a Shelter Cat Month

Sadly, Mabel thinks cats are chase and/or chew toys so I can't bring a shelter cat home.

Mabel's Cloak of Invisibility

2010-06-06T20:23:00.004-03:00

Hello Dear Readers!

Harry Potter is not the only person who has a cloak of invisibility...check me out!

Now you see me...

...and now you don't!

Emma 2007-2010

2010-05-29T20:40:00.004-03:00

It is with a heavy heart that I write about Emma's passing. Emma was my sweet elder lady who was the last of the original Rattie Crew. I rescued Emma when she was four weeks old (and fostered her siblings and mom) from a terrible situation and she stayed with me since. I fell in love with her sweet personality instantly. She was was so calm, laid back, and one of my most cuddly rats. But, these last few weeks were becoming a bit tough on my old girl. Emma developed a nasty ear infection and her teeth were causing her so much grief that Emma required weeky vet visits to have her teeth repaired. Eventually, Emma was in constant pain and distress. I had to make the difficult decision to have her euthanized. I wish she could have been with me longer but I had to give her peace. You will be missed Emma. Say hi to all the other ratties from the original Crew for me. Bright Blessings and much love my girl.

Picture of Emma taken in March

Baby Emma with her mom Leah

Emma during her younger days, relaxing

The Original Rattie Crew with Emma in the middle

CUTE!

2010-05-26T22:16:00.001-03:00

When my job ends in June 2011 I so want a job at this sloth rescue! But I'm not sure if pet rats and dog would be welcomed.

Aviaros del Caribe sloth sanctuary in Costa Rica

Cool!!

2010-05-26T16:36:00.000-03:00

Giant rat found in 'lost volcano'

Cohen's Introduction to the Girls

2010-05-23T21:50:00.005-03:00

Hello dear Readers this is Cohen. Mom brought me to the vet a couple of weeks ago to have me neutered. Despite Poe assuring me all would be fine and that I could finally join the ladies, I was not impressed. I came back home with missing parts! Anyway, mom was trying to slowly introduce me to Poe and the ladies but Coco was not smitten by handsome look and charm. Finally, after some “dancing” (see the pictures below)and a number of disputes, Coco and I are now friends! It’s pretty cool being surrounded by so many lovely lady rats...oh, and Poe too.

New Hammocks

2010-05-07T22:08:00.007-03:00

Hello Dear Readers,

This is Beatrix...First, mom is doing a lousy job at updating our blog. Apparently, mum is swamped with work and has little time for blog stuff. Anyway, she did make time to buy us some new hammocks! Well, one so-called hammock is actually a ferret ball turned hammock but we love it! We also have a nice cozy hammock - it's the blue one I'm modeling, nice eh? Mum found some 'holes' in the hammock already and she is not impressed; actually, mum calls them holes while we call them interior design.

Oh, mum says Cohen will be joining us very soon. We've only met the boy on mum's bed and so far we are not sure whether to be impressed or not. Only time will tell.

Well, I should get back to more interior designing...have a wonderful weekend!

Beatrix

“Initiation” Day

2010-04-28T21:17:00.005-03:00

Good Day Dear Readers!
Tomorrow mom is bringing me to the vet to be neutered which doesn’t sound too good but mom assures me that all will be fine and I’ll be able to finally join the ladies! Apparently, Poe had to go through the exact same initiation before he got to join the ladies so it can’t be all that bad. Anyway, wish me luck!
Cheers,
Cohen

Family Portrait

2010-04-25T23:00:00.006-03:00

Good day readers!

Rats sitting still for a family portrait? It could happen…but not in this household. Even with yummy treats enticing us to sit still we wanted to run around and explore! But we did manage to give mom a couple of butt shots! heh heh heh

Bye for now and have a great week!

Emma, Beatrix, Chloe, Coco, Emma, & Poe

The "Innocent" Look

2010-04-17T16:51:00.001-03:00

Mabel, originally uploaded by Rattie.

Nooooo, I never chased the squirrel around the whole yard this morning...never! When mom yelled: "Come, Mabel" I stopped chasing the squirrel and went right back to mom. When mom shouted: "Leave it!" I listened right away and stopped chasing the poor squirrel. Yes I did. And when the squirrel ran up the tree I didn't bark at it until mom had to come and get me. I am a perfect little angel. Yes, I am.

Backyard Visitor

2010-04-06T23:50:00.004-03:00

Greetings Lady,

This is Grey Squirrel, you know a rodent with a fluffy tail and better PR. I’ve been visiting your bird feeder all winter long . Although, I appreciate the sunflower seeds, corn, and millet, more variety would be nice. I recommend an assortment of nuts like walnuts, peanuts, acorns but unsalted of course. I see the indoor rodents have a wonderful diet that includes added goodies such as fruits and vegetables. I have to admit, I’m quite envious. We outdoor rodents have to endure long Canadian winters struggling in the quest for food and occasionally forgetting our caches. So, could you please add a bit more variety to the feeder area? Thank you.

Oh, speaking of feeders, what is up with this new feeder – a squirrel-proof feeder! Are you upset that I destroyed one of your feeders? Seriously, how was I to get at the seeds through those tiny holes? I had to be creative and make my own holes! I didn’t think I did that much damage. Personally, I think the feeder I remodeled looked much nicer. Well, at least you didn’t replace all your feeders with this new anti-squirrel feeder.

Well, I’m off now in search of my caches but I’ll be back. Have a nice day and don’t forget those unsalted nuts!

World Rat Day

2010-04-04T21:53:00.002-03:00

Happy World Rat Day to all pet rats and their humans!

A Trip to the Dentist

2010-04-02T20:53:00.007-03:00

Dear Readers,

Mum had to bring me to the vet this week because my upper left incisor was fractured. The kind vet had to trim my teeth back to my gumline so I could properly eat again; plus I was hurting. The vet had to put me under local anesthesia which worried mum because I'm getting old. But, all went great and my mouth no longer aches! When we got home mum gave me lots of yummy strawberry and banana smoothie!

Have a great weekend!

Emma

Backyard Visitors

2010-03-28T20:20:00.002-03:00

Dear Readers,

Three deer have been visiting these past few mornings and I managed to capture a few pictures (through the glass patio door, so they are not the best) of one of the deer. What a wonderful sight first thing in the morning!

Oops! I Did it Again...

2010-03-22T20:14:00.007-03:00

Greetings dear readers! My name is Cohen (after the poet singer-song writer Leonard Cohen) and I have just joined the Rattie Crew. My new human promised herself that she would not adopt another rat but she couldn’t resist my charming personality and handsome looks so I’m staying. My old humans said I was a mean biter and I was dumped at a rat rescue because they were too scared to handle me. The rat rescue asked my new human if she would try to rehabilitate me and she agreed since she’s dealt with crumpy rats in the past. Of course, I never tried to bite my new human once! I was just a scared little boy. Actually, my new mom thinks I’m awfully cuddly not a mean biter. As you can see from the pictures below I am a Dumbo and I’m all white except for a gray mask. At the moment I’m separate from the rest of the Crew, especially Beatrix who is not spayed – whatever that means. I heard my mom say the word “neuter” the other day and Poe winced so I’m not sure what’s that all about but it can’t be good. Although, I would say that Poe is one lucky guy to be with so many lovely ladies! Anyway, I like it here with all these yummy treats and toys! Cheers all!

Introducing...

2010-03-21T11:10:00.008-03:00

Hello Dear Readers,

My name is Beatrix (I was named after children's writer Beatrix Potter) and I have very recently joined the Rattie Crew. My new mum was fostering me for a rat rescue that had no room for me. Well she fell in love with my sweet personality and decided to keep me. I'm not too sure of this camera and I'm quite scared of it so I only let my new human take a couple of pictures. Right now I'm in my own house until the other rats welcome me. Coco and Chloe are far from being impressed with me as they hiss and puff themselves out towards me. Once they realize I'm not that bad I'll be joining them in their house. My new mum thinks I look a lot like Poe but smaller. Of course, I think I'm cuter! It's been pretty sweet here so far - I get lots of peas, corn, treats, and time in a playpen with lots of toys. I think it will be fun here.

In Memory

2010-03-19T16:30:00.004-03:00

My friend's beloved cat crossed over to Rainbow Bridge today. I use to cat-sit Fluffy and I was happy to have the chance to say goodbye to him this morning - he was such sweet boy.

RIP Mr. Fluffy.

"No heaven will not ever Heaven be. Unless my cats are there to welcome me."
(Anonymous)

Beautiful Pictures

2010-03-16T09:32:00.002-03:00

Here are a few pictures of "musical rats" I came across...how do people get such great photos of rats?! Mine never sit still long enough for one nice shot!

Musical Rats

Mabel's New Toy

2010-03-06T11:24:00.002-04:00

Dear Readers,

Mom bought Mabel a new stuff toy - it lasted 15 minutes.

"Innocent" Mabel, Destroyer of Stuffed Toys