Luke Is Helped to the Bridge

Sadly, I had to help Luke to the bridge. I was cleaning the cages and noticed that Luke was having a really hard time. He's been battling respiratory illness on and off for some time now. His chest appeared to barely expand anymore. I am very upset over this. I knew Sherman, Luke's cage mate, was going to have a hard time with this.

I pet and talked to Luke as he slipped away. He was then prepared to be taken to OHS for private cremation.

Luke was adopted with his brother Owen. Owen was also about 6 months older than Luke. Owen passed not long after he came here due to respiratory issues. It all happened rather fast!

Eventually, Luke and Sherman were introduced. Both being intact males, I had to be very careful. They hit it off right away. I was amazed. Sherman didn't like anyone else I had tried to introduce him to before.

When I left, Sherman was huddling in the front corner of his cage. Sherman is actually considerably older than Luke--Sherman is almost 3 years old. He is still very spry and big and cuddly. It was hard leaving him home while I came to California on vacation. I'm hoping he is ok. There wasn't time to arrange for him to stay with someone else. My husband is taking care of the little guys but I know that it is hard to spread yourself so thin with only one person there. I don't have anyone to put with Sherman. Sherman was actually very hard to find a buddy for. I was amazed that he and Luke hit it off. Luke, half the size of Sherman, used sleep on top of Sherman like a rattie blanket.

Rest in peace little Luke! You will be missed.

Cage Parts for PC-1822

I had some custom cage parts made for Quality Cages PC-1822. I had them make a sheet metal powder coated shelf and a hooked ladder so the ratties could get up to it. The shelf is attached via screws. I actually picked this up on August 22nd, but I didn't put one together until now. They are awesome. I will only be using them for when I go on vacation for now. My 2 furkids that are housed downstairs will be housed upstairs in these cages to make it easier for John to feed and take care of everyone.

Drape Is Helped To the Bridge

Drape was helped to the bridge today. After a long bout of respiratory issues, it just became too much for the little guy. He was the last of his cage mates. His "wife" Sprite, passed earlier.

Drape was adopted when Chester came to Vermin Village. He and Chester were introduced and became best buddies. This was the first introduction I'd done with intact males. They did very well and I was most impressed. Particularly because they were both 6 months of age--not a good age to introduce intact males. I think they were both exceptional in that they wanted a friend.

They were soon joined by Eddie, Dumbo, Diego and Hades. All intact males. Eddie and Dumbo were a bonded pair as were Diego and Hades. Sadly Hades and Dumbo were the first of the group passed, Eddie followed and more recently Diego.

Rest in peace little one.

Collapsible Carriers Are Here

The news on here has been sooooooo bad that I needed to place a positive post! The new collapsible carriers by Quality Cages are HERE. I bought my first one. It has a 3 inch high pan, and is 10" high x 10" wide x 18" long. It has a full flip top and handles on each side. The best part, is that it folds into the tray for storage. Yeah! I'll be bringing some to the RatsPacNW Fall Show to sell. They have several in stock now! I hope they get it on the web soon but if it sounds like something you want, give the folks a call. Their website is www.qualitycage.com. Additional contact information can be found there.

As far as I'm concerned they make the best quality of cage. The coating lasts a LONG time, longer than others, and they like to have their cage be of a certain strength so they don't bend. They are really good about custom jobs and they are a manufacturer here in the US so quality control is great.

Diego Slips Away

Diego has sadly slipped away, leaving his cage mate Drape behind but joining his other cage mates at the bridge. Chester, Eddie, Dumbo and his brother Hades are already there to greet him at the bridge. He always looked at you as if deciding whether or not he wanted you to pick him up or if he wanted you to chase him--as a game. He was very gentle. I was crushed the day his brother Hades passed. I think it was made easier for Diego because
he had other friends to be with. He is survived by his last cage mate, Drape, who has also been very ill.

Rest in peace little one.