French Fry came to us in May 2018 nervous and very under-socialized. Between temperament and senior status, he has been made a permanent foster with us.

Rosie arrived in late September 2020 already well over 2 years old. Houdini joined them in December, also over 2 years old. French Fry just loves his girls!

UPDATE 5/13/20:

“Ever since his brother passed French Fry has been harder to connect with. He bit me a few times (not his fault, of course). He has managed to stop himself more recently, even when he starts going for me. He is still very playful, and when he relaxes he just adores scritches. He recently started enjoying hanging out on my bed again.”

UPDATE 10/7/20:

“Things are really good. Last night Rosie finally moved in with French Fry.

Rosie is a sweetie. She’s very mouthy, lot’s of finger nibbles and strong grooming. We are working on how to be gentler, which she’s picking up easily. I thought she had a bit of a limp early on. Now I see she enthusiastically believes she’s an acrobat, but is actually a klutz. Her limp was probably from over extending or falling.

French Fry is the same as before, but happier. He was thrilled when Teddie Bear moved back into the main cage. They climbed all over eachother and showed so much glee, it’s like they knew it wasn’t just another visit.

It’s been a relief to have a more relaxed week. Even with the introductions, meds, wound care and special foods, this has been what good senior rat weeks should be. Lot’s of love, laughs, play and social time for all 4 of us.”

UPDATE 11/8/20:

“French Fry is amazing. He had slowed down for days, but he has picked up now. The mass or lump on him has grown a little, but still causes no visible distress. His hind legs seem to be doing okay. I put a honeycomb hammock in so he could easily use the lower bunk. He is now climbing to the higher bunk anyways. He’s been very playful with Rosie and has been more active in the who cage.

Rosie is a great rat. She’s actually really good with other rats. She’s pretty fearless in general. I have to be careful because she’ll hop off my bed to go exploring. She adores riding my shoulders, and loves to use my fore arm like a falcon perch in order to “lead the way” when I walk around. She doesn’t mind sudden noises or running water at all.”

UPDATE 2/5/21:

“French Fry(3 years 4.5 months!) is doing mostly the same. He sleeps a little harder, has slowed even more and his hind legs just barely manage to stay under him rather than being dragged, but he’s pretty happy. Once in a while he gets frustrated or over tired, but it’s always short lived. He still manages to roam the cage on most days, though he’ll occasionally stay hammock bound for up to 3 days at a go.

He loves his girls, even when he squeaks in protest at being walked on or groomed. His squeaks are often contrasted by absolute bliss on his face. He’s gotten so affectionate as an oldie. He offers me loving kisses and nuzzles that melt my heart. He hates being picked up for health checks and panics a bit if he’s roaming and I show too much interest. On the rare occasion that he rolls uncontrolled down the ramp, or that someone bullies him too much, he accepts being held for comfort.

Rosie had a rough start to the new year. She had some nasty seizures that left her with reduced balance and mild mood swings. I was worried that she seemed depressed and limp for days after the big seizures subsided. Luckily she adapted and perked up.

In training I had started to teach her to stand on her hind legs, but due to the balance issues she can’t anymore. Spinning is easy for PT rats, so that’s what she’s learned. She’s doing it even better than the video shows. I give her treats, but also lots of attention and scritches. She soaks positive attention in like a sponge. I hope we are just a few days from her linking the spin to a signal given both verbally and with a finger signal in her sight. She’s sooo close, but still seems to want to see a target behind her. Seizures can cause set backs in training.

Houdini is a magnificent hoarder. She hoards any and all food items. She also nests and will drag items 3 times her size around the cage to shred or reposition. Rosie can be overzealous with Houdini, so they still fight a bit. More often they cuddle and like eachother.

She’s normally good with training, though less enthusiastic. Sometimes she opts out of a session, but usually she enjoys it. We are just starting to do hind leg stands. She seemed to have some idea that stretching up gets her to the target. I loved watching her learn targeting by watching French Fry and Rosie.”