Yes, we have a new cat. He was a stray we adopted from the local Cat and Dog home, and he is roughly 7 years old. He also has a slight jaw deformity which gives him extra character, not that he needs any!
Merry has the purr of an overactive tractor, and the cuddliness of the best of teddy bears. I present him here:
All together now…
Oh, and before I forget, today is Bert the Basset’s 5th Birthday – Happy Birthday Bad Bertie!
We have captured the cuteness that is baby guinea pigs or piglets on film. In the first picture there is: Badger, Snowdrop, Bandit and Cinnamon (Bandit is the only girl in this litter) The second picture shows Midge and Mungo, who we think are both girls.
After multiple pet adoptions over the Winter, I am pleased to report that we have yet more pets. Though not quite in the same manner as usual.
Our two latest guinea pig girls came to us with a little secret – yes, they were both pregnant, and yes we have a total of 6 babies to look after now!
You’ll be pleased to know that we have built a guinea pig nursery in their honour…
Amy gave birth to Snowdrop, Cinnamon, Bandit and Badger and Beth gave birth to Midge and Mungo. We’re still trying to catch them all on film!
We have been following the work of Mrs Murray’s Cat and Dog Home for some years, as they rehome a huge amount of dogs, cats and other small animals throughout the year.
We have also been thinking for quite some time of adding another cat to the family, as we were down to just one.
So, he chose us during the worst weather we’ve had for some time – including thundersnow. Welcome, Merlin…
Well you know what they say about famous last words.
Both the Mum and I really felt the loss of Gilbert the last rat, and the Rat Palace had been tidied away. The house just wasn’t the same…
So…I arrived home from work to discover…
Namely, nine week old MacDonald, Wilberforce and Cuthbert. Obviously the Mum was weaker than I, and went in search of them. There was supposed to be only two left, but one had hidden himself in the pipe.
Baby ratties could warm even the coldest of hearts.
Just briefly putting my head above the essay parapet to record the death of Gilbert the rat, my last ratty.
I miss him already, but I know he was ready to go and be with his brother. 
The pets are getting depleted, but I have no plans to get any more rats in the near future. Goodnight, Gilbert, sweet dreams.
Filed under Pets
When I first started this blog, one of the first things I did was to introduce my pets, including my 2 rats. (I love my ratties, had them as pets for years.)
It seems only fitting then, that I mark the passing of Sully. I hope that Gilbert won’t be too lonely without him.
See the links below for pictures of the ratties.
Filed under Pets
We’ve had Sophie a while now. My Mum adopted her from a bunny rescue place. As she is an albino many people won’t have them as pets, honestly people are very strange.
Anyhow, she has settled in nicely in her new domain, and has the most recalcitrant hair I have ever come across! It just won’t lay down…
Sophie gets her own way too, I want attention and I want it now, ok?
Ok, so I know it was yesterday, but I still wanted to mention World Rat Day.
As the proud keeper of 2 current rats, and the former owner of many more over the years I wanted to remind everyone that rats are brilliant pets.
Their tails aren’t cold and slimy, they are warm, furry and frequently used to curl around your wrists whilst riding in your arms. They’re affectionate, clean (though male rat urine can be a bit smelly if you don’t clean them out enough) clever and rewarding ratty pets.
So don’t delay, give some rats a home from your local shelter. You won’t regret it.
Filed under Pets
I can’t believe it’s been over 24 hours since he’s been gone already. Mall was a cat and pet you can only dream of, friend and companion. Faithful for 18 years. He’d become slightly frail in the last year, even though he’d enjoyed 2 years in Scotland. We had to make the very painful decision to let him go yesterday.
I began to think of ways to honour him, not easy when you have beloved pets, because not everyone understands what it is to see them as your family. I thought about the lovely part of the Lord of the Rings, in the film when the elves sing a lament for the fallen Gandalf. This led me in turn to think about the piece of music called the ‘Council of Elrond’/'Aniron’ which I think is very beautiful. I think it’s fitting that I play this one for him.
See you again Malley.
Filed under Pets
Beloved Eleanor
Which Grand Duchess Would YOU Be?