On Tuesday, February 15th 2011, I got my first pair of rats. It was kind of a whim on my part, I already bought my starter cage a week in advance so I knew I was eventually going to purchase two rats. I had done tons of research on the rodents already to make sure these were the pets for me.

I wish everyone did thier research before buying or adopting an animal, I’ve heard too many horror stories of parents buying their kids a pet only to have it die or be neglected. :(

Anyway, with all the information I had in my head I was still unsure whether or not I wanted males or females. Lucky for me the Petsmart I go to only sells male animals so the store picked for me. :3

Let me back track a little. The previous week all I thought about were getting my hands on a couple baby rats, I even had names picked out before I even saw the boys I ended up with. I wanted to name one Templeton after my FAVORITE childhood book, Charlotte’s Web. The second rat was going to be named Oscar. There isn’t a meaning behind his name, I just thought it was a cute name that would compliment Templeton. And in a way it does.

So when I peered into the rat tank at the store and I saw the adorable capped rat I knew he was going to be Oscar. I didn’t even see Templeton so I had no idea what he looked like, I just asked for the two rats in the tank. (Templeton was kinda underneath Oscar and out of view. I only saw his tail which is how I knew two rats were in the tank)

About a month or so later I went to Petco to get some stuff for my boys and I took a friend with me. I told her I /might/ get another rat if there was only one left in the feeder tank. Well in the tank labled “Large Male Rat” there lay a very alone PEW male and my heart instantly melted and I HAD to have him. 

That’s how I got my boys, I know I shouldn’t have supported rat mills. But I couldn’t resist. I know that makes me a weak person, but to be fair I couldn’t be more grateful to have 3 adorable, sweet, funny, clever, somewhat stupid, loveable boys. I love them with all my heart and soul and I would do anything to keep them happy and healthy. I would sell my soul to the devil in return for them to live for enternity on Earth with me. They are fantastic creatures and I think everyone should give a rat a chance. You never know when you’ll find a new best friend.

Here are my babies. (Templeton and Oscar are over the Rainbow Bridge)

This is Oscar. :3 

This is Lou