The Low-Maintenance Pet

A few months back (around the time Mira P. got her rats) I also got a few rats as well. It was a pretty tough decision because we wanted them to be absolutely healthy, and happy. So we decided to get them from a rat breeder (little did we know about  rat shelters). We did hardcore research and even measured cages to see what would fit them best. I guess all the work was worth it, but in the end the rats are usually sitting on shoulders or laying on your lap. They are not playing with any fancy toys, they are playing with their brothers.

This is a reason why I appreciate rats so much! They would rather be social. Lots of people want social pets, but they overlook rats because of their tails and think of them as sewer rats (even though they have been raised and bred by humans since the 18th or 19th century) and instead they choose dogs. But the problem with that is dog are lots of hard work and aren't a very good first pet, that's why so many of them in shelters. People can not handle dogs. But rats are a lot like dogs, they are social and so friendly. When I open the rat cage the rats come running up to me and start licking my hand. They love being with you and being handled. Rats can be trained, and also potty trained as well. They are also low maintenance pets.

So please, the next time you want a pet... at least consider a rat. They are fantastic pets, and are a perfect first pet.

Thank you, Miranda J.

Preventing Abuse

We must try and prevent animal abuse, but first we must recognize the signs of an abused animal that needs your help. You can't just report a lost dog with a broken foot and say it is "abused" because there is not enough evidence in that case.


From the ASPCA:

Physical Signs

• Collar so tight that it has caused a neck wound or has become embedded in the pet’s neck 
• Open wounds, signs of multiple healed wounds or an ongoing injury or illness that isn’t being treated 
• Untreated skin conditions that have caused loss of hair, scaly skin, bumps or rashes 
• Extreme thinness or emaciation—bones may be visible 
• Fur infested with fleas, ticks or other parasites 
• Patches of bumpy, scaly skin rashes 
• Signs of inadequate grooming, such as extreme matting of fur, overgrown nails and dirty coat 
• Weakness, limping or the inability to stand or walk normally 
• Heavy discharge from eyes or nose 
• An owner striking or otherwise physically abusing an animal 
• Visible signs of confusion or extreme drowsiness

Environmental Signs

• Pets are tied up alone outside for long periods of time without adequate food or water, or with food or water that is unsanitary 
• Pets are kept outside in inclement weather without access to adequate shelter 
• Pets are kept in an area littered with feces, garbage, broken glass or other objects that could harm them 
• Animals are housed in kennels or cages (very often crowded in with other animals) that are too small to allow them to stand, turn around and make normal movements possibly with too many other animals

-Miranda J.