Oldbies here have heard the story...

It was February, 2001. For months I had been in a 'want a new pet' mood,
in spite of the fact that we already had 6 cats, a dog and a horse. I had
raised gerbils before and still had all the cages and supplies, so after
work one day I thought I'd just go take a look at a nearby pet store, just to
see if anything struck my fancy. Mark was out of town, no need to rush
home...

Got to the pet store and they were 'out of business.' I told myself this
was sign, that it meant I shouldn't get any more pets, that we already had
enough. And I kept telling myself this all the way to the next pet store!

Believe it or not, this pet store didn't have any gerbils. I didn't want
hamsters or mice, ferrets were too expensive, snakes are OK but not very
cuddly.... I just walked around until something caught my eye. A lovely
black and white little rat! I had heard that rats make great pets so I asked
to hold this little one. I asked lots of questions; Is it a boy or girl?
Boy. How old? 3 months. Will he grow much bigger? No. Do rats need
companions or are they OK as single pets? Single pets. Do rats get sick
much? No. What should I feed him? Hamster food is fine.

Knowing that I had lots and lots of cages at home and that I would delve
into researching my new pet as soon as I got home, I paid the $3 and left.

How could I have known the fabulous -- and EXPENSIVE! -- journey that $3
purchase would take me on!

Got my little guy home and immediately went online to learn what I could.
Meanwhile... I had seen rats perched on people's shoulders and wondered
HOW they ever taught the rats to do that. I found out that rats are BORN
knowing how to stay on shoulders! After exploring the desk my little guy
crawled on my shoulder and stayed there, finally falling asleep on the back of
my neck! Gerbils never did that - I was thrilled!!

I immediately found a wealth of information online. The first thing I
learned was that my pet would indeed need a companion. Then I learned about
diet and growth and health and so much more. I found the RatList and joined
that very evening!

Five days later I walked into a pet store and asked to see the boy rats.
The girl showed me a boy... and I noticed something different. My rat
doesn't have THOSE?! I went home and looked at a site that shows how to tell
the difference between male and female rats. My rat was a GIRL! I'm just
glad I noticed BEFORE I brought home a male companion for her!

Anyway, in the 9 years since I've learned so much that my vet takes MY
advice. I've hosted 7 RatFests with another one coming up in 2 weeks. I've
met so many wonderful people -- online and in person. I even flew to Las
Vegas so that a group of us rat lovers could meet there!

It's been quite the journey!!


Cathy and the 'kids' -- Whimsy, Jet, Spike and Ghost
Connecticut, USA
RIP: Tippy, Sandy, Kissabelle, Ziggy, Misty, Jazzy, Whisper, Spark,
Isabeau, Dandy, Breezy, Viv, Bizzy, Pepper, Snippet, Smidgeon, Frizzy and Cloud

"The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The next best time is
today."
-- Chinese Proverb





In a message dated 7/5/2009 10:04:58 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
happyforgoodreason@... writes:

Hi everyone,

I have recently joined this group and thought i finally introduce myself.

I am Katrin and I live in Cairns - Australia and have had ratties for
about 3 years now.
My first one i had given to me by someone who breed them for his snakes.
Gordie came to me as a boy and when i realized that one should not keep
them alone i got another male. Funny though - Snowy had some huge things
hanging off his bottom and Gordie didn't ??? What is wrong with Snowy? It took
a while and seeing Snowy humping Gordie before it clicked.
Gordie is a girl - oh dear. Quick separate them before we have more than
we bargained for.

I got another 5 girls after Gordie and i must say. They most likely have
saved my life.
They also taught me so much about myself and the love that i truly have
for those little critters.
they are just the best.

I would love to hear some of your stories in how you came to love these
gorgeous animals.

Lots of love to all of you - this forum is the absolute crown of all
forums i have ever come across. Just proves that rat lovers are better people.

Katrin


**************An Excellent Credit Score is 750. See Yours in Just 2 Easy
Steps!
(http://pr.atwola.com/promoclk/100126575x1222377077x1201454398/aol?redir=http://\
www.freecreditreport.com/pm/default.aspx?sc=668072&hmpgID=62&bcd=Jul
yExcfooterNO62)


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]