Writing is hard, especially when you're lazy and me and don't live a particularly exciting live about which to write, or know about interesting stories. But one thing I do like to think I know well is rats. My family has had various pet rats over the years; we've housed seven and have taken care of our friends' rats, and it's been a blast! Now I know that quiet a few people get freaked out by them, whether it's from the reputation of the sewer-dwelling rats or the long, scaly tails that I've come to love. In fact, first being exposed to the idea of having them as pets, I was a little skeptical. But my dad and I are allergic to cats and dogs, so the traditional route wasn't an option. We tried hamsters, and we loved our hamsters, but once we went with the rats there was no turning back. Hopefully reading this might give people a new perspective on them, because they're some of the best animal companions a human could ask for. Owning a rat can be hard at times, as I'll describe in detail, but it's more than worth it. Need proof? Here you go:
Isn't she cute!?
The biggest drawback to having rats is that they have pretty short lifespans, usually living for around 2 years before dying. What's worse is that rats, particularly females, are prone to getting mammary tumors; about half of female rats get them. While the problem might be solved by getting male rats, all our rats have been female; they tend to be the more active and fun ratties, while the guys are lazier, but I'm sure there are plenty of exceptions. Moving on, these mammary tumors are typically benign, and we've never had a rat with a malignant tumor or tumors. Still, the tumors can really interfere with a rat's quality of life regardless of whether it's benign or not. Almost all of our rats have had these tumors, and it's been hard to deal with as caretakers and friends to all of our rats. When we first found out about the tumors (when our earlier rats got them) we tried to have surgery to remove them, which led to various amusing and tragic things such as putting cones over their heads to keep them from messing with their stitches. Alas, it was for naught; the tumors grow really quickly, and surgery didn't stop them from coming back. So for many of our rats, we've had to watch as they grow these tumors, become less able to move and be active (which all rats love to do), and pass away after 2 years or less.
But I want to introduce our exception. Belladonna, who you saw above, named for the mother of Bilbo Baggins of the Hobbit, recently turned three and is tumor-free!
Of course, with her old age have come other issues. She recently lost the use of her two hind legs as well, meaning that we have to wrap her up and carry her to take her out. The muscles in her front paws have also weakened, and so we have to feed her, as seen in the above picture. And on top of it all, she has a single tooth that won't stop growing and needs to be trimmed every 2-3 weeks! Those visits are hard for her, as she's placed in a new environment and has her tooth cut. Since her skin has become softer and weaker, it's easier for her to bleed, and she often does after the trimming. She also gets very scared and lays still for some time after, making squeaking noises when anyone tries to pet or pick her up.
But Bella (because Belladonna is too much work to say and write), in terms of quality of life, still seems to enjoy herself. She's a real trooper to have made it to age three and beyond, and I'm shocked and beyond relieved that when I come home for winter break, she'll likely still be with us. And while she can't do much anymore, she's still got life left in her. She loves to eat, and will eat with gusto the food we give her. Even with her unwieldy tooth, she'll happily chomp down on anything that's soft enough for her to much on. And even though she can't walk, Bella doesn't seem to have realized that yet; if you put her down she'll try and move, still ready for action after all these years. She can only go in a circle, but she's got a lot of fight and (everyone better get this reference) isn't ready for the cart yet! She's even lost a sister, Minerva, who passed away around age 2, but Bella has kept on keeping on.
She's put up with a lot from me over the years, with me holding her and cuddling her and generally being a clingy pain in the ass. But for three years she's been a constant presence in the Tenaglia family, and although I've been prepared for a while, it's hard to imagine the family without her in it. Even in her old age, Bella retains her love of food and adventurous spirit, both of which she had in spades as a young rattie. That, a domineering attitude towards her sister (she was like the alpha sibling), and a penchant for licking people which I may or may not have encouraged. I'm so proud of her for her strength and longevity, and even though she'll probably pass away soon it's been a privilege to know such a wonderful rat and have her live such a long, fulfilling life.
Moral of the story: Get a rat!!!
