RatlessQuestion:I am ratless now. When Iona started declining, I made arrangements with a friend of mine and Christina's to adopt China Blue. My way of thinking was that I couldn't bring myself to get more rats after the rough few months I've had, and China would be lonely living alone for the rest of her life. She grew up in a cage with seven other rats and up til last September lived with five rats. I took China and all her baggage (cage, food, treats, food dishes, hammocks, blankies, echinacea, ginseng, Ensure, etc. - that girl doesn't know the meaning of travelling light!!) out to Marion's yesterday morning and stayed to see her get settled in. I knew she would be in excellent loving and caring hands with Marion, and knew that she would have loads of new friends to keep her occupied, but I had no idea how quickly she would settle in. She came out of the carrier straightaway and started running around the bed happily, sniffing at all the rat smells. She'd never been that outgoing during out-of-cage time at my place because of the smell of cat everywhere. Marion introduced her to Milo, an old neutered male who lives with four old dolls (that's the cage into which she intends to integrate China), and the two hit it off instantly! Here's a photo I took of China Blue and Milo dining on mixed veg together: I got an email from Marion later telling me that the old dolls had accepted China on neutral ground as well: Let me tell you, seeing that second photo made me one happy woman, to know that she wouldn't be lonely ever again! Myself, I'm going through periods where I catch myself going to 'check on the girls' and feeling very sad, to periods where I'm content because I know I gave them all very good lives and let them go when it was best for them. Through it all there's a sense of relief that I don't have to deal with the heartache and worry anymore. I think someday down the road I might keep rats again, but will have no more than three at any given time. My problem was that I had so many, and all so close in age. I knew when I lost one, they would all follow shortly thereafter, but I still wasn't prepared. Health problems and short lifespans aside, rats make wonderful pets, and I will always remember my guys with much love. Even though I am now ratless, I plan to hang around from time to time, still learning and still offering advice (or as some people view it, still acting as a know-it-all ). I want to keep up with everything so in case I do decide to keep rats again, I'll be up-to-date on proper care. Answer: All I'm going to say is This must be so hard on you, but your little China Blue looks so happy! You have amazing strength and know just when your babies needs come before yours. I admire that very much Answer: Aw. You make me want to cry! You love her THAT much to give her a different home so she won't be lonely. I really admire you. I am so glad she is fitting in so easily. *hugs to you* Answer: You are a great rat mommie and have done great things for your babies. I can relate to how you feel....I too have owned rats in the past...the last 4 I had were all about the same age and it just seemed like it was too much at one time when they were getting older. My heart goes out to you. I too no longer own ratties...only chinchillas. ONe of the reasons my husband introduced chins to me was b/c of the longer life span, b/c he had a hard time watching me loose my ratties after such a short period of time (2 years). We are here for you..... Answer: I am so glad you found a home as great as yours for China Blue, she looks so happy I know what you mean about the rats being so close in age. We have 18 guinea pig and they are all within a year and a half of eachother. We are trying to find homes for 8 more boys. That would put us down to 3 boys and 7 girls. We just could never part with the girls, they are all in the same cage and very bonded. Answer: All's well with China Blue. She gets along wonderfully with my old girls. They completely accepted her instantly - like she was always there! Can't beat that. No long drawn out intro process in this case! Theres no cat odors here to scare her,just eau du guinea pig. I don't think they are very scarey to her. hehe Answer: Hi Marion! It's wonderful to know she's surrounded by lots of cagemates again. She lost so many cagemates, so quickly...it's good to know she's part of a large crowd again Thanks so much again for taking her in!! Answer: You never cease to amaze me, Banshee. You have such a big heart! Sounds like you and me are the only (or at least few) with wiley kitty cats to fill up our days. Answer: Bridget, you are such an incredible person. That is great China Blue has found such a good home. Please don't make yourself a stranger. You are a vital part of our POTN family. Answer: It's so great that this worked out! That should win an award for the easiest intro |
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