My New Roos

Months had passed since the ice storm and Matt and I had finally gotten settled into our new home here in Lexington. The days seemed to be getting longer and I had more and more time alone while Matt was at work. "I need something to occupy my time," I thought. Rats! I began looking up various things about rats to better educate myself this time around. By the end of the day, I had made up my mind. I was going to have a pet rat.

The weeks leading up to the big day consisted of research. I learned that having two rats is more beneficial than one, because they are very social animals. They need to be loved all the time and with a job and school I wouldn't be able to give them attention every hour. I also watched a lot of videos that showed how to care for rats, such as their eating habits, bathing, and even common health problems they develop. Once I knew more about the rat itself, I felt it was time to purchase a home for my little critters.

For over a week, I was on the hunt for a cage;not too small, not too expensive, and easy to clean. It arrived in the mail a few days later, and immediately I dove into the assembly. Now I could almost see them playing inside.

Finally, the big day came! Matt and I went to a local pet store that he had went to quite frequently a few years back. The lady took us into the rat room and thats when she showed me Charlie. He was so small and furry! She introduced him as a dumbo rat, which means his ears sit more on the side of his head than on top. It kind of makes him look like a really cute possom. His coat was mostly white, with a thick grey/brown stripe down his back. He was an obvious yes! After asking if she had any black rats, out came Linus with his pointy nose sniffing, and in the box they both went. It wasn't until after I had brought them home that I decided on their names. It was practically the first thing that popped into my head. Charlie Brown and Linus Van Pelt;what a pair.