SO i decided the other day that i was going to get Ryder a friend.
And today i go into a petstore that i know had feeder rats...i promised myself i would only get one if he's healthy, and if he was a blue or agouti.
Let me just start by saying that these feeder tanks are AWFUL. They have barely any breathing space, there are just little slats in the walls, and alot of them were grouped over there with their noses against it trying to get air.
The first rat i pick up, is TINY, and i notice that he's breathing funny. So i just think "oh, he's sneezing, i'll just put him back". But my gut told me to take a closer look. So i hold him eye level, and he just stared at me, with these pleading eyes, and his mouth was open and he was gasping for air.
I asked the guy who was helping me if he could see a vet, and he said that the vet won't see him unless he presents more symptoms. I'm thinking to myself "soo....not breathing isn't enough of a symptom? That's bull****"
I couldn't put that little guy back. He would have died. I don't care if he's not a blue or an agouti, i just fell in love with him, and couldn't bear to see him suffer...
So i took him home, and put him in his cage, and gave him a dose of Baytril and Vibramycin to hold him over until his vet appointment tomorrow morning. I really hope this little guy makes it through the night....  
Here are some pics of my baby. Please send healing thoughts and prayers his way, he doesn't deserve to die because other people are stupid and wouldn't treat him...

His name is Ryley by the way...he looks to be about 4 weeks old....in a couple of the pics, you can see that his mouth is open, as he is trying to breathe...

He is adorable. Sending good vibes!

The conditions they keep our sweet little pets in at the stores are horrible. I hope your little man pulls through! He looks so sweet! Good luck!

Here's more pics!!

I love this little guy. 


Teeny tiny Ryley!!






Eating his carrot.


Ryley--"No touchy! My carrot--Noooooo touchy!!"


Hehe


Wow, Ryley....


HAHAHAHA. I love this pic, both of their expressions are priceless lol.


Ryder and Ryley!

He looks healthy!  I know he's still recovering, but I'm hopeful for him, given his demeanor.  He's a lucky little rat!

Oh goodness, isn't he a handsome man?!?  He's so lucky to have found you and his new bud Ryder.  Do let us know how his health progresses.

He's adorable,

I pray that God's healing light touch the life of this little one.

In Jesus name.

Amen

Shaz

Well, he had playtime tonight, and after much encouragment, he finally stopped trying to burrow in my lap, and started exploring. 

Here are some shots i got of him.

Chilling out on my lap/in my hand.


He's so tiny!


Aw. 


"Ooh, what's dis?"








And here are the outtakes lol:

He's got huge feet!!


My little acrobat.


His cute lil tushie!!


 

I haven't posted before now, but I have been following Ryleys story. I am so glad to hear that he is doing better.  He is such a sweetie!!!  What a handsome little boy    I certainly hope things continue to go well for the little man.

GO RYLEY   Look at how he is growing.  What a cutie!!! 

I thought you all could use an update on my man-rat, Ryley! 

What to say, what to say...

If i had to sum him up in one word, that word would be STINKER.  He is sooo goofy, and is perfectly healthy now! He is a very silly boy, loves to play with me and his friend Creasy-bear (he had to be separated from Ryder and Payton because he was getting beat up  ). He is not really a cuddler anymore, but i don't mind, because it's still adorable to watch him popcorn around and tackle my hand. 
He doesn't sit still. At all. Ever. When i try and have him sit on my shoulder while i'm getting other boys out for their playtime, he races up and down my arms, down my shirt, on top of my head, etc, impatiently waiting for his playtime.  Whenever i walk into the room, he frantically starts climbing the bars, making as much noise as he can, as if to say "come ON, mom! I want out!!!!!" He's such a dork. 

He has turned into quite the bossy little man though, and as a result, he is going to be neutered soon.

He is quite the pudge, too.  He's a big fan of his lab blocks and veggies, and last night he chowed down some baby food. Every night during playtime, he has to endure belly smooches and i tickle him on his little bitty fat rolls.  He gets the most irritated look, and afterwards he RACES around the bathroom, as if to regain his macho-ness. 

He's hysterical! I'm so glad that he recovered from his crappy conditions!! 

Now here's some pics of my Mcfatty man-rat!! 

Somehow I have totally missed this thread. What an awesome job you have done in making him better. He is one very lucky little man.

Congrats to you and belly smooches to Ryley.

Dianne
Rosie's MOm