I've been sick the past few days and have been missing class because of it.  However, I can't pass up the opportunity to talk about rats so heres a nice little blog post in my sick haze.

First, Penelope has been getting pretty spoiled by me since Rose passed away.  Her and I seem to be communicating a lot better than we did before, which is pretty astounding because I thought we knew each other well enough already.  She now responds to the words "up" and "down" and moves accordingly when I'm holding her.  All I have to say is "up" and she climbs up onto my shoulder.  "Down" and she crawls into my lap.  I didn't intend on training her in this way, but I guess she's been able to pick up words from me when I talk to her.

As I was reading the "Embracing Animals" page I was reminded that rats are very social critters.  They need their own kind to be happy.  While I've been giving Penny all the love I can give, I know she still needs another rat in her life.  However, I don't have the heart to support selling animals through pet stores anymore.  After some research I've discovered that it's quite common for pet store rats to die young from random viruses.  I'm thankful that Penelope is as healthy as she is.   Since I don't know of any breeders in the area I've come to a wall on this issue.

That is until a friend of mine messaged me to let me know that he had a rat that is in desperate need of a home.  He bought a rat to star in a movie he's making and, while I don't agree with buying an animal for that purpose, I am more than happy to take her in.  Her name is Winnie Cooper and, though I haven't met her yet, her current companion describes her as "sweet."  At some point this week I'll be bringing Penelope over to introduce them to each other.  If they get along I'll be taking her home with me.

What I find cutest about this is that if it works out my rats will be "Winnie and Penny."  Cute.