Happy birthday rats!

As many of you know, I have kept pet rats for the last 5 years. It has truly been a pleasure and a learning experience to share my life with these lovely little rodents. Over the years, I have been met with varying responses from "Really? That's crazy!" to "EWWWWWW!" to "How cool!" and everything in between. One of my favorites came recently when an insurance agent was over at the house I'm renting to take photos for my renter's insurance application and he asked me, "do you have any dogs?" and I replied with, "no, just cats and rats". The agent then said, "well everybody has rats." I laughed and explained to him that I have pet rats, rats in my house by choice. The look he gave me was priceless.

Last summer, when I discovered that one of my rodent friends (sadly) developed a uterine tumor, I brought home two 9 week old females.

One week later on August 11, 2011, this happened. Phoebe gave birth to 5 rat babies.  It was such a surprise but a wonderful gift from the Universe. As Blake and I walked out of the pet store the week before with my new ratties, Phoebe and Io in tow, I told him that someday I would like to experience having rat babies, but not now. Sometimes you get surprised.

I can't believe that you were ever this small. And that four of you are albino.

And yes, I threw them a birthday party. And by birthday party, I mean giving them an extra special treat, mini chocolate cupcakes from the Publix (grocery store chain) bakery. Your lives are short; I want you to live it well.

Happy birthday Fancy, Tempie, June, Zeus and Splinter! And to Phoebe and Io, who were born sometime in June last year. It's been quite the adventure. I'm glad that I brought your mamma home (even though she bit me several times during her nursing period) and that I was given the opportunity to watch you grow from little hairless pink sausages into adult rats. Here's to your continued health and the (too) short but magnificent time that I get to spend with you. 

And RIP to Maxine, Moo Moo, Marley and Matilda. It was truly a pleasure my Euarchontoglires kin!