jennifer
Active Member
I received an e-mail last night from a friend of mine asking me if I would be willing to take in a female rat. Naturally, I was caught off guard, but I agreed nonetheless. I'm glad I did, especially once I heard the details.
Apparently, her friend came across the rat in the parking lot of our downtown Tim Hortons. When she found the rat, it was raining. Actually, the rat found her - she boldly climbed into the woman's purse while the woman was standing outside. I'll bet a lot of people would have screamed if a wet rat climbed into their purse out of the blue like that! But thank goodness, she was the kind of person who was familiar with fancy rats and so she took the rat to my friends house, who in turn, contacted me.
She arrived a few hours ago. She is a sweet soul. I am unsure of her age or background, but she doesn't appear to be that young.
Sadly, she only has one eye. It seems it has been that way for eons as she looks like my friend's cat after it had surgery to remove an eye - everything is healed and it just looks like one eye is closed. I wish I knew the details behind what happened to the eye, or how long it has been that way, but I suppose I'll never know.
She also has a small, thick callous on her left hind foot but it doesn't seem to impede her walking. Nonetheless, I will keep an eye on it. She is also quite thin and her fur is also thin and dull. At least no fleas or skin issues, which is good.
For a little rat who has obviously endured a rough life, her demeanor is terrific! She is very friendly and gentle. I'm completely blown away by how easily she is handled and how fearless she is towards me.
A lot of work lies ahead, to get her strong and healthy.
I've never had an outdoor rescue before. I wasn't expecting her and I'm kind of upside down right now. Any advice?
Apparently, her friend came across the rat in the parking lot of our downtown Tim Hortons. When she found the rat, it was raining. Actually, the rat found her - she boldly climbed into the woman's purse while the woman was standing outside. I'll bet a lot of people would have screamed if a wet rat climbed into their purse out of the blue like that! But thank goodness, she was the kind of person who was familiar with fancy rats and so she took the rat to my friends house, who in turn, contacted me.
She arrived a few hours ago. She is a sweet soul. I am unsure of her age or background, but she doesn't appear to be that young.
Sadly, she only has one eye. It seems it has been that way for eons as she looks like my friend's cat after it had surgery to remove an eye - everything is healed and it just looks like one eye is closed. I wish I knew the details behind what happened to the eye, or how long it has been that way, but I suppose I'll never know.
She also has a small, thick callous on her left hind foot but it doesn't seem to impede her walking. Nonetheless, I will keep an eye on it. She is also quite thin and her fur is also thin and dull. At least no fleas or skin issues, which is good.
For a little rat who has obviously endured a rough life, her demeanor is terrific! She is very friendly and gentle. I'm completely blown away by how easily she is handled and how fearless she is towards me.
A lot of work lies ahead, to get her strong and healthy.
I've never had an outdoor rescue before. I wasn't expecting her and I'm kind of upside down right now. Any advice?
