I went out to see Planet of the Apes last Satuday, and, well, to make a long story short, I ended up adopting a pair of rats from the Humane Society.

I'm not too sure what kind of rats they are...I never stopped to think about the fact that there were different kinds of rats, except maybe that I've noticed that lots of toxicology tests use Sprague Dawley...in fact, lab rats are actually one of the reasons I decided to adopt them. But if I go into that, it's making a short story long again.

So, here are the rats, first night in their new home. They were both a bit skittish (as was the dog), so I thought I'd best take their first pictures through the cage rather that risk having them out in the open. Better pictures will follow...at least until the novelty wears off (case in point: Drew's six months old, but do you see any new pictures of him up here? [He's gettin' really big, by the way.])

This one was "Pincher" in the shelter. I'm thinking she looks more like a "Rizzo." She's been gnawing the bars of the cage already, trying to get out.

"Pugsley" was a bit more camera shy. I'm thinking of calling her "Krycek," but I don't know...I'll see how she acts once she gets used to the joint.

Rizzo has been displaying the characteristic rat curiosity...What the hell is that thing you keep flashing, lady?

Abita would like it known that she is still the alpha pet.

"Day 2 in captivity. The human grows bold and opens the cage door for several minutes. She finds it cute when I lick her fingers and soon I will have her trust. Then, I gain my freedom!"

Krycek, if that is indeed her name, likes me a little better now that I've produced carrots and chicken.

Original Rat page... More early rats... Halloween rats... Summer rats... Lumpy rats... or all the way home