by Stephanie Cameron
Stephanie Cameron is a volunteer with Rattie Ratz Rescue in the bay area of California. Each month KRL features a column from Rattie Ratz.
Many of us talk about the wonders of second chances, but
what if your second chance doesn’t work out the way you hoped it would? Some of
us need multiple chances before we end up where we’re supposed to be, and this
extends to our furry friends as well. Because all pet rats that make their way
to Rattie Ratz Rescue are already on their second chance, the rescue has an
extensive adoption process with experienced volunteer Adoption Coordinators to
help match adopters with their new ratties, with the ultimate goal being that
every animal placed has found a loving forever home.
Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case, which is why Rattie Ratz also has a Welcome Back policy that allows adopters to return their rats, no strings attached, in the event it doesn’t work out. In the case of sisters Ivy and Willow, the third time most definitely seems to be the charm.
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| Ivy |
Ivy and Willow are two beautiful and spunky black hooded sisters who were originally surrendered to the rescue when they were babies. The owner bought two rats from a pet store in Southern California after being told they were both males, and it turned out one was female, and she became pregnant. The whole group of Opps babies was surrendered to Rattie Ratz and once they were old enough to be weaned, were adopted out. Ivy and Willow were adopted by their first family in August 2020.
The babies were sweet but a little shy. Sadly, the first family who took Ivy and Willow home ended up being ill equipped to handle their shyness. Instead of letting the Adoption Coordinators know they were struggling, they tried to manage it on their own and the girl’s behavior went from bad to worse. The girls became nippy, and the family became even less inclined to socialize with them. Seven months after being adopted they were returned to the rescue.
After being in foster care for a couple of months and getting the proper socialization, the girls really started to bloom into the rats they were meant to be. They could still be a little shy at times, and one girl was still a little mouthy, but they were so much happier coming out and being with their people.
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| Clover and Willow |
Stella describes - “After Willow and Ivy were added to
Clover's cage, Clover immediately added even more to her already bold
personality. She'll just leap on top of me as soon as I open her cage. Willow
and Ivy are also very spunky, and I was so shocked by how outgoing they are –
on the day after they arrived at my house, they were running around like they
owned the place!”
All three girls did very well during introductions and have
been happily living together for some time now. As the matriarch of the group
at two years old, Clover doesn’t have as much energy as her new friends, but
she seems to enjoy the rambunctious antics of Ivy and Willow.
If the girls are in an affectionate mood, they will spend their free roam time
cuddled up together in the hoodie of Stella’s jacket. Watch out if they’re
ready for some mischief, because they’re just as likely to “cause as much chaos
as they possibly can” with all three running away in opposite directions. Is it
just me, or does this seem to be a well thought out plan?? The girls certainly
like to keep Stella on her toes!
Willow getting ready for the holidays
Stella goes on to say that: “Ivy is the shyer of the two, but not by much. At first, she was hesitant to be held, and would occasionally nip when I reached to touch her without much warning, but now she's very fond of sitting on my shoulder while I work. They also like to all lick my hand at the same time which is really cute! Willow and Ivy have made a very welcome addition to our house! Fast learners and very brave, I've taught them how to do simple tricks like spinning and shaking my hand, with more on the way. They're some of the sweetest, most cuddly rats I've ever had, and Clover is very glad to have some new friends.”
If you would like to know more about Rattie Ratz Rescue you can visit their Facebook page. If you are interested in adopting or volunteering for Rattie Ratz Rescue you can visit their website: www.rattieratz.com.Check out more animal rescue stories in our Pet Perspective
section & watch for more stories from Rattie Ratz every other
month. You can also keep up with our pet articles by joining our KRL Facebook group. Advertise in KRL and 10% of your advertising fees can go to Rattie Ratz.
Stephanie Cameron works and lives in the Bay Area, and has been active in the rat rescue community for a number of years. She got her first pair of rats - sisters named Snowflake and Diamond - when she was eight years old. In her spare time she enjoys reading, walking her dogs, traveling, discovering fantastic vegan recipes, and singing in the shower.
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