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Working on chicken stock. Looking for a balance, something I can use for my family meals and something that will work well for rat dishes. Personally, I loathe chicken, but I do use stocks and sauces based on its flavor profile. So in the pot this morning we have one chicken, three carrots, two stalks of celery and hope. I can’t season it because I don’t want the rats to have the added salt and spices. So here in an hour or so I will move some of the stock to a smaller pot and begin the boys meal. I was thinking some poached chicken breast with brown rice. Then to the rest of the pot goes an onion, bay leaf and salt. I may strain off the fat and use it as a chicken and dumplings base for today. Otherwise it will be frozen with the fat on top. It protects the broth and as its thawed it will give body and flavor to whatever I use it in. It also makes for some good flavoring for rice when I make it for the boys. Of course I have yet to have my rats ask for a lower calorie version of their favorite dishes LOL. Sure mom, throw some of that fat onto the rice and stir a few times.

My grandmothers version of “Heavenly Hash” the rats will get the non whipped cream version and only a tad at that!

cottage cheese ( believe its a 24 oz container), crushed pineapple( 1 large can), pistachio pudding(2 small boxes) and whipped cream ( 1 tub)..dump into a bowl and mix well.

This is a leftover from childhood and something my grandmother made for us when I was a little kid. It sounds absolutely disgusting, lol, but it’s actually quite good. I make it now and sit and think of my grandmother who has been gone for over 10 years. I still miss her, the sharp tongue, the quick retort to most any complaint a kid could have LOL. She never missed a beat and had a way about her that was quite unique. She would have been mortified that I have pet rats. LOL

MMMMmmmmm cheesey, the boys love a grilled cheese. I suppose I should have made some soup for them as well? I love to see them eat. The vet said that my boys are some of the cuddliest and friendliest rats she has met and always looks forward to seeing them. She said it would be preferable to see them as just a wellness exam. Things are ok, the old timers (15 months is old timer in my cage!!!!) are well. The others are spry and busy, keeping us on our toes as usual.

Note for those concerned: Wembles is doing well after his lump removal. We are waiting on pathology results. I’m not all that worried, at his age these things are to be expected. Let’s just hope for the best.

I just want to take a moment to say thank you to the breeders that have been here with me through all of this with Boo despite some others being hateful and childish and not seeing the hurt this has all caused. I have a ten-year old that has been crushed seeing her beloved rat not feeling well and then have to be cut open. Watching a child cry and ask “Why?” is very painful and it put me on edge. I don’t like being treated as if I’m clueless.

Valerie of Azure Ridge. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to see what a well bred rat boy is like. You have listened to me, sat through my dozens of questions, been there when it hurt and shared tears with me through so many things.

Sarah of Cove…thanks so much for your trust and concern. We are looking forward to Chubbs coming home and watching him grow up in our house. I appreicate you taking the time to help, to give me insight.

Jen of Blaze Craze, you asked and you understood. That means a great deal to me and it wont be forgotten.

The boys have been busy these last few days. They have new hammies and they are making them more comfy in their own unique ways LOL

Since Boo’s tumor removal he has had two nasty abcesses pop up out of nowhere that have required vet care. I watch my beloved gopher struggle with his wounds and I know that sort of thing has to be sore. The abcess on his shoulder has left a huge gaping maw that may require surgery in the next week to remove the capsule the abcess was sititng in. I watch my baby deal with this in his own way and I am proud he is part of my family–part of the clan that always makes us laugh and smile.

Rats are tough customers, they overcome the worst odds and still have love to share with any who want it.

I worked on this post a couple of weeks ago and didn’t bother to put it up at the time. Boo has healed wonderfully and his fur is growing back. He is just about 600 grams and looks wonderful for the most part. I just have to sit and wonder what may be left growing inside that we don’t know about yet. At six months old he had a cancerous tumor removed and then these abcesses. For the would be doubters… I suggest you look up the meaning of sarcoma. BTW, Boo would have been dead to have a necropsy performed, sheesh. I love how some people are so ignorant of the simplest of facts.

This whole situation has turned into some kind of High School drama-fest and I’m sick to death of people talking to everyone else about my rat. I will say that at this point, breeding any of his siblings is ignorant and short sighted. Then again, he is only pet stock and it’s not his genes being passed along. Once again a basic class in genetics is required here and should be looked in to. I don’t need to be going to be some half-assed vet tech to know that there is an issue. Sure, Boo could have been a fluke, but why take the chance?

It’s a sad day indeed when people have become so full of themselves in their little bubbles, sad that they won’t see past right now and look at the future. It’s a breeders job to look to the future of these animals.

Even the simple-minded pet owner seems to have more sense than these half-assed breeders do.

YAY for recipes from friends! Thanks Sarah. Yep, got the yogurt on sale at Kroger, awesome stuff and the boys LOVE it!!!!!

I got Chubbs’ “layette” set today!! So cute, he will look adorable curled up in his fishy hammies! I already want to order matching cage liners.

So much to do before winter. I need to get all the boys to the vet for a wellness exam. I hate to take them out in the cold unless it’s dire straights and even then I call for a phone consultation.

Heccles’ sister Civit is giving birth as I type this!!! Good Luck to her and to Jen over at Blaze Craze!!!! Can’t wait to see what the final baby count is!!!!!