Despite my better judgement (where does a mother's mind go?), we now have a pet rat. He's a fancy rat - hooded (white body with black head and shoulders) and a j-shaped stripe down his back - hence the name, Hook.
His cage is aptly named the Rat Manor - four levels for him to climb all over. Though the ramps have become superfluous at this point - the little Tarzan scales wire walls and can jump from one level to the other.
We have accustomed ourselves to letting him cling to our necks and shoulders - even with the occasional poop and pee. But we've learned early - thin fabric isn't comfy when his little claws dig in. I have healing cuts on my arms from where he first grabbed on as he grew used to his human jungle gym.
The smell isn't too bad (just wait for summer) and we do a small clean-up each evening with a full-on cage scouring each weekend. I was a little afraid I might be allergic, though in allergy season how do I know what thing am I reacting to? But I think we're okay, thank goodness, because it would break my kids' hearts to have to lose their new little buddy.
One thing for sure...he's much more entertaining than the goldfish were!
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