These girls came to us on 11/9/20 as their owner could not afford the medical care the girls needed–Fannie had a large mammary tumor and Roberta an injured eye. Both girls have been treated, spayed, and are feeling much better now!

Fostered by Jillian in Gardiner, NY.

ADOPTED!

#2020793N, “Roberta”, Rat, Blue, Variegated w/ Head Spot, Dumbo Ears/Standard Coat, Female, DOB: 07/09/2019, Spayed/Neutered?: Yes 11/12/2020

#2020792N, “Fannie”, Rat, Blue, Variegated w/ Head Stripe, Dumbo Ears/Standard Coat, Female, DOB: 07/09/2019, Spayed/Neutered?: Yes 11/12/2020

UPDATE 12/14/20:

“I hope very much they will go to a home with other rat friends. They’ve only had one another for so long and I think it would really expand their horizons to be part of a group – especially a group of well socialized rats that can teach them how to use hammocks and other accessories and trust more the company of humans. They are both nervous of being picked up, I think the handling they received in their previous home was very minimal. But they are kind and despite still having fear they don’t offer to bite or do any other sort of funny business.

Roberta is very sweet, she is super happy to hang out in my sweatshirt or get snuggled. Sometimes she’ll brux and fall asleep and overall is very companionable. She’s also a funny soul, today I caught herself all over with the water bowl and licking up the water dripping down her arms. She was totally content, it was very silly.

She is the more confident sister. She’s the first to come out of the hide box, the first to try new foods, the first to accept some handling. She was quite the finger grabber when I first got her home. After a few weeks of calm, consistent handling the finger grabbing has all but ceased and been replaced with top-notch nail cleaning. She can clean a little bit more exuberantly than necessary, but she’s been learning quickly how to be gentle!

When I first met Roberta, I expected her tough-seeming exterior would be challenging to break through, but I was wrong. Roberta is quite the mush. She’s still nervous about being picked up or scooped out of the cage, but once she’s in hand she will sit happily in my sweatshirt or lap for long stretches of time. She’s pretty much a pro at Netflix and chill. She obviously enjoys being stroked and talked to, often closing her eyes and bruxing. She’s truly a little love, an absolute pleasure to hang out with. I have noticed she doesn’t move as fluidly as her sister – I think she may have a little achiness in her mature rattie joints. I try to be extra supportive of her body for this reason.

Fannie Fae is a bit more shy but is slowly coming out of her shell. Just the past few days she’s started coming up to me on her own accord during free time, checking me out and putting her little paws on me but she hasn’t been brave enough to jump on my lap yet. She’s pretty zoomy, really speeds across the floor and up the cage walls.

She is the more cautious, demure sister. Fannie Fae was thin and dragging around an enormous mammary tumor when she first arrived. She had it removed and had to wear a compression vest for five whole days, and she was such a trooper throughout that ordeal. A few days after her surgery she started putting on some weight and moving around with more ease – she’s finally free after being trapped in an uncomfortable body for a long time. Fannie Fae isn’t convinced that snuggles and pets are a good thing, but she is becoming accustomed to getting cozy and warm in my sweater. She loves a good soft blanket to burrow into, darting around the floor when out for play time, and when handed a yogurt drop takes it so very slowly and gently.

I think Fannie Fae’s personality will begin to emerge with more time and consistent handling. She’s still fairly fearful about getting picked up (who can blame her!) but is such a kind little soul who I imagine will grow more confident and cheerful given a home that is patient and loving. It’s been a joy to see her come out of her shell just a little bit more each day. I’m excited for her and her sister to find a permanent home together to enjoy the rest of their lives in.”

Roberta

Fannie

Fannie (L) & Roberta (R)