I was in the hospital a couple of weeks ago and a woman was telling me about 2 rats that *needed* to find homes as soon as possible because they weren't in a good living environment, at all. I had already had 6 female rats but I felt like this was a calling because I knew what an awesome live my 6 girls have. I talked with my parents and decided this was for me, these girls needed to be rescued by me. I adopted them a week after talking to this woman, they are 2 dumbo rat sisters, both 1 year old. I love both of them with all my heart, I couldn't ask for more. The thing is if you approach them with your hand in certain positions they get very scared, I know for a fact these girls were abused in the past because its just one of those things you KNOW after having rats for a while; the personality, movements, emotions etc. just tell you. There is no doubt in my mind these girls were abused because they were being poorly looked after, and they after scared if you approach them with a certain hand jester, you can just see it in their eyes. Once you pick them up and cuddle them they are fine but it needs to be done slowly. One of them even has a finger that is really messed up, but I took her to get looked at and the vet said it would have been from a previous injury that didn't get looked after. She's okay now but its still noticeable.

How can I help my precious girls move on from this past, they are in a VERY happy home and love their other friends. But sometimes I lay in bed with them and cry knowing someone hurt them and I know they are still afraid that someone is going to hurt them. Nobody will ever hurt them, they are safe now and I want them to know that. But how?

This is them after their bath.

Bella



Bridgette

In my personal opinion, animals are very different from humans in that they are much more loving, much more forgiving, and much more understanding of certain things than we are. I think if you continue to give them lots of love, proper care, and many yummy treats that they will know they are in a better place, and that you will never let anyone hurt them again. Talking to Arlene is also a good idea. 

I adopted a dog who came from an abusive situation, and he has made such amazing progress when it comes to trust. Now, he is a very loving dog, who loves to play and cuddle. He will still flinch, and get that fearful look in his eye at times when certain things set him off, and there are a few people that he just doesn't like for some reason, but that is very rare.

Kudos to you for giving them a second chance.

Like Reed says, I've also found the best way is to cup your hands around them and make sure you pick them up on the first try so you are not chasing them around.   What you are doing now is no doubt good, lots of time and patience from you will pay off with the girls.  Give them a few weeks and they will begin to trust you, it just takes time to build on that.  I'm sure at this point they are already realizing that they are home and not going anywhere. 

First of all, God bless you for taking them in and showing them what a loving home is and giving them the life that they truly deserve.    Like everyone else said, I think you're doing everything that can be done and just need to give them time to relax and learn to trust you.  You really are a special person for doing this. 

Deb