ViciousCurse
Well-Known Member
I've had this question rolling around in my head for some time. I just wanted some input from everyone else. I love having conversations about our experiences with rats. While I love asking and answering questions about rat health or rat behavior, I do love these general chit-chatty things about our fur-babies. I love to have a conversation about them with no real purpose other than sharing our experiences.
(Sad moments for me ensue, so warning)
As for me, the things that humbled me the most when caring for pet rats....
1. Gideon choosing me for safety rather than any other place. I don't now why this has humbled me, but when Gideon got scared of something, he'd run to me rather than under or behind anything. He'd always try to crawl into my hands.
2. Gideon trusting me enough to always fall asleep on me. My absolute favorite and memorable moments with my heart rat is when he'd fall fast asleep on my chest while I watched TV. Even when I leaned down to kiss his head, he wouldn't stir.
3. On Gideon's deathbed, all he wanted to do was cuddle up to my neck and sit on my shoulder, despite him slowly losing control of his body. My biggest regret is being extremely superficial and not allowing him to do so because he couldn't control his bowel movements and I didn't want poo on my neck or chin. My regret with him is not being there when he took his last breath.
4. When Amun and Gideon died, Maddox came to me for comfort. I had successfully introduced and integrated Grumpy, Ni, and Lil Chu as babies by the time Amun and Gideon passed away. Instead of laying with them, Maddox wanted me to comfort him. Previously, this rat had been tolerant and accepting of me, but he never sought out of my affection. I'm sure he appreciated the love I did give him.
5. When Grumpy finally chose that he wanted me. Following Gideon's death, Grumpy decided I needed his companionship. This rat had bitten me and been generally apathetic to me previously, but now he gives kisses and cuddles constantly.
6. When the previously mean or reclusive rat walks up to your hand and licks your hands. Those are my favorite moments, when shy babies, shy adults, or just generally hormonal rats decide to give love out of the blue.
(Sad moments for me ensue, so warning)
As for me, the things that humbled me the most when caring for pet rats....
1. Gideon choosing me for safety rather than any other place. I don't now why this has humbled me, but when Gideon got scared of something, he'd run to me rather than under or behind anything. He'd always try to crawl into my hands.
2. Gideon trusting me enough to always fall asleep on me. My absolute favorite and memorable moments with my heart rat is when he'd fall fast asleep on my chest while I watched TV. Even when I leaned down to kiss his head, he wouldn't stir.
3. On Gideon's deathbed, all he wanted to do was cuddle up to my neck and sit on my shoulder, despite him slowly losing control of his body. My biggest regret is being extremely superficial and not allowing him to do so because he couldn't control his bowel movements and I didn't want poo on my neck or chin. My regret with him is not being there when he took his last breath.
4. When Amun and Gideon died, Maddox came to me for comfort. I had successfully introduced and integrated Grumpy, Ni, and Lil Chu as babies by the time Amun and Gideon passed away. Instead of laying with them, Maddox wanted me to comfort him. Previously, this rat had been tolerant and accepting of me, but he never sought out of my affection. I'm sure he appreciated the love I did give him.
5. When Grumpy finally chose that he wanted me. Following Gideon's death, Grumpy decided I needed his companionship. This rat had bitten me and been generally apathetic to me previously, but now he gives kisses and cuddles constantly.
6. When the previously mean or reclusive rat walks up to your hand and licks your hands. Those are my favorite moments, when shy babies, shy adults, or just generally hormonal rats decide to give love out of the blue.