New Rat?

[tiffers]

...I have been telling myself that no rat will EVER compare to Cool Whip. EVER. So, I've closed myself off to rats entirely. I don't want to be disappointed in them. Maybe that's not the right word...? I don't know, it may make sense...

Anyway, I had told myself...that if...someone came to me and was offering a sick rat or had a rat that needed rescuing...I'd jump on the opportunity.

For the longest time, the doctor I work with has told me I could 'baby sit' her rat on the weekends...because she knows how badly I miss Cool Whip. We've not set this deal up yet, as it's been too cold or too hot or too busy...

Today, though...she offered her rat, Rapunzel, to me...permanently. She feels bad for her, can't play with her as much as she deserves and can't spend the time she needs with her.

So...I asked Charles. Of course...I got a 'no'... :( But, I'm persistent darn it! I'ma keep trying!

Here's Cool Whip and Rapunzel when she as baby...

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd182/tdyannd/Ratties/S5002759.jpg

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd182/tdyannd/Ratties/S5002758.jpg

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd182/tdyannd/Ratties/S5002757.jpg

http://i227.photobucket.com/albums/dd182/tdyannd/Ratties/S5002762.jpg

[Llamalady]

Oh Charles won't notice if you have a rat in your house, will he? ;)

[tiffers]

Well, see...that's my argument. The small critters have always had their own little room off the side of the carport. It's heated and will shortly be air conditioned. So, really...neither him or his parents EVER have to smell or see the little thing...just me...where's the harm in that?!

[Llamalady]

I see absolutely no harm in that! Geez, if it makes you happy, what should it matter to him? Or his parents??? :D

People, I tell ya. They're so picky.

[Miss Vicky]

Awww... she's adorable!

I had the same sort of feeling when I lost my old cat, Mad Max. He was truly the greatest cat ever - not a mean bone in him, everything was a game to him, just the most loving animal. I told myself I wasn't going to get any more cats, because none would ever measure up. Then Tiny Tim got dumped on me and I went from having the most outgoing, wonderful cat to one that was shy and paranoid. And it took me forever to get attached to him, but he's grown on me and now I wouldn't give him up for the world.

Same with Gordon, my "rat ambassador." I was so heartbroken over his passing. I even teared up really bad when I posted his photo on these boards the other day (and he's been gone for 6 years now). I didn't close myself off to the idea of another rat, but I did go through a string of bad ones and a few that were nice but didn't even come close. Then I got Goobers and, while even he isn't quite as loving as Gordon, I just light up every time I see his little face.

Here's hoping Charles changes his mind.

[tiffers]

Thanks so much for that reply, MissVicky. I know I'm not the only one with that mindset, but it is nice to have someone agree with you.

[Macawpower58]

Just tell Charles that this new, lovely rat is Coolwhip reincarnated! All healthy, and coming back to you!

[Llamalady]

Awwwwwwwww I love that thought... all reincarnated... and healthy..

[tiffers]

LoL

...he said he'd let me have her if I promised not to cry when she died. :eek: I said, 'Charles, I can't promise that!' :(

...and then he said, 'Well...it breaks my heart in half to see you like that. I don't want to see you like that again...' :07:

...then, I sit here and think to myself...my goodness, when Chica dies...Charles will probably literally explode!? :eek:

[RoxyGirl]

Awwww...

So are you getting her then Tiff??

I think you should!

[e1beth1]

Go for it!

[Ltlpistol]

What a pretty color! I hope Charles will let you get her. You still have all your ratty stuff, don't you?

[dlaura]

Just tell Charles that this new, lovely rat is Coolwhip reincarnated! All healthy, and coming back to you!

Oh Becky that is such a neat, neat idea. LOL

I have had my name on the list at the bird club for when/if an amazon should need a home. Of course the guy called last night and got hubby - who told him we are full up.

Like you Tiffers, I don't plan on taking no for an answer. So I am calling my friend at the bird club and finding out about this bird.

Best of luck to you Tiffers in convincing Charles and ..........well wish me luck too please.

[katiem]

Oh, Charles will cave. Doesn't he always?;)

Cute rattie, and I love the name!

[Wiztherewoz]

I'm sure Charles will "let" you. Or I sure hope he does. It's nice that he's worried about you being upset in the future, but that's true of having any animal, and I can't imagine you're going to go your whole life with no more pets at all in the future, huh?

But I just wanted to say, I think you'd be better off trying not to compare Rapunzel to Cool-Whip at all. Cool-Whip was an awesome little rat, for sure, and I know how much she meant to you. But Rapunzel is her own completely individual individual. Get to know her better for who she is, and you'll love her too... in a different way, but no less.

I'm sure you already well aware of that, but just thought it was worth a mention.

Congrats in advance on your new bub. :D

[tiffers]

Well, well, well...he was in the bathroom shaving last night...I ran in and shut and locked the door and stood in front of it. I wasn't leaving until I had an answer. :D

We went back and forth...he turned his back to me when I gave him my 'puppy dog eyes'...and eventually, he said I could take her. :D

...but, I have to help him clean out and organize the room that she'll live in so she'll fit in it. Seems like a deal to me?! :D

[katiem]

YAY! I'm so happy for you!

Can't wait for the millions of pictures!;)

[Macawpower58]

Hum....I doth think that Charles has been wrapped about your little finger.

[tiffers]

I think I'm getting her tomorrow...? I'm not sure. I just got off the phone with the doctor... :p

Shame she's not a 'C'... :D

[RoxyGirl]

Yay!!! Can't wait to see pics!!!

[katiem]

I guess Crapunzel is out then?;)

[tiffers]

I guess Crapunzel is out then?;)

LOL

...could you imagine?!

"Yeah, hi...this is my rat. Crap-unzel." :D

[katiem]

LOL

...could you imagine?!

"Yeah, hi...this is my rat. Crap-unzel." :D

You could call her "Crappy" for short! Awesome!

[tiffers]

You could call her "Crappy" for short! Awesome!

I am not sure the doctor would appreciate that... :D ...but, I'll ask! LOL

[RoxyGirl]

You guys are too funny.. Crap-unzel.. LOL

[mzdolittle]

As I was reading this thread, I couldn't help thinking "What's all the discussion about"? I, for one, never doubted that Rapunzel was going to end up living with Tiffany. As far as not "ever" wanting another rat...Unfortunately, rats come and go...even when they are healthy. I don't mean that to sound cruel, it's just a fact. They have short lifespans. I have lived with the little fuzzbutts for 16 years. Yes, it is heartbreaking to lose one. Yes, you grow closer to some than others. But, once a rat lover, you always find a place in your heart for another. Congratulations on your new friend.

Alica

[tiffers]

But, once a rat lover, you always find a place in your heart for another. Congratulations on your new friend.

You're absolutely right... :approve:

[dlaura]

Congrats Tiffers! How did you finally convince Charles?

[special]

Congratulations on your new family member, Tiffany! I look forward with eagerness to new ratty stories about Rapunzel. And Pictures!

[tiffers]

...I think that he knows how badly I want one. He also knows I won't stop pestering until he says, 'yes'...so, in order to get me to shut up about it...he gives in. :p

[Wiztherewoz]

I think it's lovely that you're letting another rat into your home and your heart. And Charles sounds like a reet softie, you lucky thing. :)

Congrats on the new addition.

[tiffers]

Thanks, Heather! I am bringing her home tomorrow!

[e1beth1]

Yea! Congratulations on you newest family memeber.