Melissa
Well-Known Member
I thought I'd share this with those of you who are not able to access that "other" site that I posted this on:
Over the past years I have learned a lot about animals. I've had my hard times and good, my wins and losses. I got my first ratties from some new friends who had a couple of 2 yr old females. Their kids stopped playing with them and they were stuck in a cage in the basement with no attention. I decided to adopt them. I gave them a good home. They had a good size cage. I can't remember too much detail, but they were happy. I loved rats and decided I wanted some more. I got a cute little hoodie that I named honey because of her colouring... then a fat boy pew, and an all black boy. The boys and girls lived seperately... until...
Until the guy I was dating thought it would be fun to see what would happen if he put the females and males together. I was pretty upset finding this out.
We ended up with a bunch of babies. I wasn't informed at the time so I sold a bunch to the Super Pet. I have no idea what happened to them. They were weaned when I brought them in.
Times got bad, I had to kick the bf out and life was so crazy as a teen, I didn't have time for my pets. I was stuck with so much responsibility and I had no idea what I was doing. In the end I gave up a bunch of the ratties litter, the 5 adults, a guinea pig and rabbit that I let live together.
I was devastated. Devastated I had no idea what I was doing and let down these poor creatures. To this day I am still upset about what I did. I let down the animals I loved.
So we scroll on to many years later. I was ready. This time for real. I found this forum and started my research for 2 new ratties.
I got my 2 rats from a breeder 2 years ago. They are still good as new, but a little less hyper and they get bouts of sneezing more often. I do my best to take care of them.
And here we are to today. I have learned about pet stores, breeders (good and bad, or to some all are bad or good, depends on how you look at I guess, but that's your opinion).
I have rescued all of my pets after my 2 ratties. My chihuahua from a man whose excuse was no pets were allowed in his new apartment (why can't he just say she barks when he goes away and doesn't have time for her and just bread her for profit?!). Not only that, he wanted 500$ for her... so sad but I gave in to 400$. She was badly taken care of. Her nails were never clipped and the quick grew out and it makes it hard to trim her nails. She was never spayed and had a litter of pups (which he didn't admit but it is very obvious and the vet confirmed it), and her teeth were HORRIBLE. A bunch of baby teeth never fell out and she has bad tartar and gum disease still. But, she is the sweetest dog, ever with an amazing aura about her. She's 3 but everyone thinks she is a puppy (usually a min-pin or non-chi type). One of my guinea pigs was rescued from the shelter and the other from some lady who thought it would be fun to breed her pigs and had no idea what she was doing. My last rattie as many know comes from an irresponsible backyard breeder, pregnant. Her babies are jewels.
In the end, I have learned that there are so many pets out there that need help. My goal is to start a rescue. I will start small, with rats, then lead up to other small animals. I will get that far when housing permits. I'm going to start by sewing hammocks and other things for rat and small animal cages to sell. Profits will go to rescues and my own rescue efforts.
This morning my aunt told me on msn I needed to see a psychiatrist. Why? She thinks I'm out of control with all of these pets. One day I will make her see the difference my efforts will make.
Please rescue your next pet.
Over the past years I have learned a lot about animals. I've had my hard times and good, my wins and losses. I got my first ratties from some new friends who had a couple of 2 yr old females. Their kids stopped playing with them and they were stuck in a cage in the basement with no attention. I decided to adopt them. I gave them a good home. They had a good size cage. I can't remember too much detail, but they were happy. I loved rats and decided I wanted some more. I got a cute little hoodie that I named honey because of her colouring... then a fat boy pew, and an all black boy. The boys and girls lived seperately... until...
Until the guy I was dating thought it would be fun to see what would happen if he put the females and males together. I was pretty upset finding this out.
We ended up with a bunch of babies. I wasn't informed at the time so I sold a bunch to the Super Pet. I have no idea what happened to them. They were weaned when I brought them in.
Times got bad, I had to kick the bf out and life was so crazy as a teen, I didn't have time for my pets. I was stuck with so much responsibility and I had no idea what I was doing. In the end I gave up a bunch of the ratties litter, the 5 adults, a guinea pig and rabbit that I let live together.
I was devastated. Devastated I had no idea what I was doing and let down these poor creatures. To this day I am still upset about what I did. I let down the animals I loved.
So we scroll on to many years later. I was ready. This time for real. I found this forum and started my research for 2 new ratties.
I got my 2 rats from a breeder 2 years ago. They are still good as new, but a little less hyper and they get bouts of sneezing more often. I do my best to take care of them.
And here we are to today. I have learned about pet stores, breeders (good and bad, or to some all are bad or good, depends on how you look at I guess, but that's your opinion).
I have rescued all of my pets after my 2 ratties. My chihuahua from a man whose excuse was no pets were allowed in his new apartment (why can't he just say she barks when he goes away and doesn't have time for her and just bread her for profit?!). Not only that, he wanted 500$ for her... so sad but I gave in to 400$. She was badly taken care of. Her nails were never clipped and the quick grew out and it makes it hard to trim her nails. She was never spayed and had a litter of pups (which he didn't admit but it is very obvious and the vet confirmed it), and her teeth were HORRIBLE. A bunch of baby teeth never fell out and she has bad tartar and gum disease still. But, she is the sweetest dog, ever with an amazing aura about her. She's 3 but everyone thinks she is a puppy (usually a min-pin or non-chi type). One of my guinea pigs was rescued from the shelter and the other from some lady who thought it would be fun to breed her pigs and had no idea what she was doing. My last rattie as many know comes from an irresponsible backyard breeder, pregnant. Her babies are jewels.
In the end, I have learned that there are so many pets out there that need help. My goal is to start a rescue. I will start small, with rats, then lead up to other small animals. I will get that far when housing permits. I'm going to start by sewing hammocks and other things for rat and small animal cages to sell. Profits will go to rescues and my own rescue efforts.
This morning my aunt told me on msn I needed to see a psychiatrist. Why? She thinks I'm out of control with all of these pets. One day I will make her see the difference my efforts will make.
Please rescue your next pet.