New Ratties!

Introducing Sophie and Sadie, the newests members of our family.

We have 2 new fancy rats in our household. Rats are very social, so we wanted to get a pair this time. When we had Scampers, he was the only one. We had intended to get two, but there was only one at the pet store when we got him. He seemed to do well being alone, but just knowing that they are such social creatures, we made sure to get two this time.

This one is Sophie. Her coloring is darker and the texture is soft like velvet.

And this is Sadie. Sadie's fur is lighter and coarser.

We introduced the ratties to the kitties. Sophie is the one checking out Scout.

Here is Sadie with Scout. The cats' visit was supervised closely. They seem interested in the ratties, but did not try to swat or attack them.

Here they are in their new home.

Scout is paying them a visit.

Hannah is so happy with her little ratties. She has shed many tears over the loss of Scampers.

Rest in Peace, Scampers

While Hannah & I were on our GS cabin trip, Hannah's pet Rat, Scampers died.

Ove the past few weeks, we had noticed that Scampers was acting a little bit off. We got him 2 years ago in February and he was about 3 months old then. Rats typcially live for 2 years, so we knew that he was nearing the end. Before we left on Friday, he was having difficulties breathing. Hannah was very upset, but she spent some quality time with him and said her goodbyes "just in case".

When Chris got home from work that evening, he went to check on Scampers. He took Scampers out and had quality ratty time with him, too. Chris said that Snickers went upstairs with him and stayed in Hannah's room with Scampers for the next few hours after Chris went back downstairs. This is totally unlike Snickers. She usually has to be in the same room (and underfoot) of her peoples.

Later that night, James had to go upstairs to get a blanket out of the linen closet and he checked on Scampers. At that time, Scampers was already gone.

Chris texted me the next morning and I did share that with Hannah. She wanted to know. It did put a damper on her weekend, but we were glad to have the distraction.

Here are some pictures of our beloved pet rat.

Here is Hannah's cousin Beatrix holding Scampers.  Yes, he was a large rat, but Beatrix is very petite!

This picture was taken shortly after Scampers joined our family.

Rats are considered "pocket pets", so Hannah was demonstrating that. Notice our old cat, Izzy in the background. She passed away in February 2011 at the age of 19 people years.

Hannah misses Scampers very much and one day when she is ready, plans to adopt a new rattie or two.

Scampers, the Fancy Rat

I have posted about the hamster and the dog, but haven't posted about Scampers, the Fancy Rat yet.

About 1 1/2 years ago, Hannah was begging for a pet. At that time, our cat was about 18 years old, so I told her absolutely no kitties. I tried to get her to just wait until the cat passed away before getting any type of pet, but she stood her ground. My husband convinced her that a rat would be the perfect pet. He told her that they were extremely smart and easy to train. So that is how we ended up with a rat.



Scampers enjoys climbing up and down the stairs.

He always stays near us and doesn't wander off very far.



Here he is on Hannah's head.


I used to be a bit squeamish about rats. But I have become rather fond of this rat. He gives little ratty kisses. He's fun to watch. I will hold him on my lap while Hannah cleans out his cage and he will stay with me the whole time and not try to leave. We love Scampers, the Fancy Rat!