Thursday, December 25, 2008

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Of Mice and Cats

I was holding old Lady Mouse when Tigger cat insisted on some lap time. Tigger cat did not seem to be very excited about Lady Mouse. And Lady Mouse seemed only a little concerned about Tigger cat.

Thursday, December 04, 2008

Ratty boys in a basket


Barnabas rat, Groucho rat and Harpo rat relax while Chico rat explores.

Old lady rats having a treat


Winnie rat and Isis rat sipping some Pediasure.

Wednesday, December 03, 2008

Oh, oh...

Simon cat checks out Piggy rat.





Sunday, November 23, 2008

Of Bird and Rodent

Before the cat's arrival arrangements were made for rodent and bird security. Right away one of the cats, the "little" cat Tigger, took notice of Agatha budgie bird and intended on introducing himself, but, Agatha would have none of that and proceeded to voice her protests to the event. Agatha and Tigger exchanged chirps and soft meows for a sort time and when Tigger was told "NO," he stopped approaching the birdcage. Tigger would also get down off off the counter tops or out of general mischief if addressed with a firm "NO."

The rats seemed to notice the arrival without actually seeing the cats and moved themselves to the farthest back corner of their habitat. Lady mouse appears not too be so concerned. When the "little" cat Tigger approached the boy rats door he was met immediately by the oldest boy rat Barnabas, who stood his ground and gave Tigger the classic 1000 yard stare. Barnabas's fur was slightly raised, and, when I tried to calm him, Barnabas acted suspicious of me until I paid him the proper compliments and made the proper offering of treats. Once again when Tigger was given a firm "NO," and a slight tap on the backside, he backed away from the cage and sat back to watch "Rodent TV" from a distance. Tigger tried to look in on the girl rats, but, appeared by then to be getting the idea to stay away.

A layer of "hardware cloth" was added to strategic points of the rodent's habitat. As well, there are links of metal shower curtain rings at various points to serve as "alarm bells" if a cat tried poking around unwatched. Lady mouse's habitat has been attached to the larger rat habitat so that it could not be knocked over or dragged away. And for her safety, Agatha budgie bird will have to have her free roaming restricted while to cats are out. Agatha budgie bird has a sturdy cage with plenty of space between her and the cats.

The cats will be supervised when out in the general area with the bird and rodents. When the cats can not be supervised they will be put into a spacious room with good light and ventilation. This is also the room where their food, water, litter and bed is kept.

Saturday, November 22, 2008

The cats move in...

Not quite four hours and they are starting to feel at home.



Sunday, November 16, 2008

A conspiracy of rats


"You distracts them while I gets yogies..."

Monday, November 10, 2008

Lady rats


Winnie rat gives me a look...


Isis rat having a hammock snuggle.

Saturday, November 08, 2008

The might YAP!


Chico rat lets fly his mighty YAP!

Sunday, November 02, 2008

Pigeon doorman


Caught this fellow keeping an eye on me...

Friday, October 24, 2008

Friday, October 10, 2008

The girl rats get an evening treat

Pediasure YEAH!



Winnie rat looking up to Ceiling Rat, hoping for more...


Wednesday, October 08, 2008

Strike A Pose


Chico rat prefers cuddles to picture.


Barnabas rat loves to love.


Piglet rat does not mind picture time so much as long as she gets her treat.


Drinky rat lets me know her opinion of picture time.


Buddy rat is braver than most and will run up and lick the camera lens.


Drinky rat is letting me know picture time is over.

And those boys, too.


Really do not want to take pictures now...

Tuesday, October 07, 2008

An evening with the ratty girls

No time for silly photos, more time for treats.




Sunday, October 05, 2008

The boys

An evening with the ratty boys.


"Please put the camera away!"



Thursday, September 25, 2008

dog and cat


Found on a photo stream...

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

The Tale of the Hospice Dog

Hospice Dog: My border collie Izzy comforts the dying.

Excerpt"
"The county health department was housed in a small wooden annex in run-down Fort Edward, N.Y., near the county jail. I parked the Blazer and opened the rear door for Izzy, who disembarked, sniffed around, then paused to look at me, awaiting instructions.
"This way, boy," I said, and he trotted along next to me toward the annex, ignoring a dog being walked nearby, a number of trucks and cars in motion, other people walking through the parking lot..."

Friday, September 19, 2008

Sweet rats

Ratty boys


"I'm Number 2. I'm the boss."









Ratty Girls









Sunday, September 14, 2008

Rodent visitations


Buddy rat wants to play.


Cheeko rat needs more whiskers..


Barnabas rat loves to love.


Barnabas rat want more snuggle time, less picture time.


Lady mouse has become such a relaxed snuggle mouse.


Lady mouse does not care for the camera.


"I want to be alone..." without the camera.


Winnie rat gives me a smile.


Harpo rat is not too sure about the camera.