I would like to provide an update on Paris, one of my rats, to those of you who do not follow our photos on Flickr.
As some of you know, Paris celebrated her second birthday on Canada Day (July 1st), making her a "senior citizen" now in the rat world. I had made it a habit of mine to examine her daily for lumps, since mammary tumours are especially common in female rats her age. Last week I discovered a small lump growing in Paris' left axilla, a popular location for these tumours. I booked an appointment with her vet to have the lump surgically removed.
By July 31st, the day of her surgery, the lump had already grown to be the size of a grape. I was amazed at how quickly it had grown in the span of a few days and was relieved when the day had finally come for it to get removed.
I am thrilled to say that her surgery went wonderfully! The vets were awesome and did a fantastic job working with her. I could not have asked for better. Everyone loved Paris when she was there and showered her with attention. And while I know she enjoyed being in the spotlight, I could sense that she was also anxious to be on her way home.
On the car ride back, Paris stretched out on my lap and fell right asleep. I can imagine how long of a day it must have been for small animal like her.
Paris has now embarked on her road to full recovery, and I hope that the road is short. Some people cannot understand how or why I could love "a rat" as much I do her. When I look at Paris though, I don't see just "a rat". I see a loving, beautiful soul. I see my companion. I see my best friend. I love her beyond measure or description, and I believe it is one's own loss not to know or understand that kind of love.
Thank you to all those who have sent Paris their well-wishes.
Congratulations! I was thrilled to hear that Paris's surgery went great!
ReplyDeleteSometimes, I cannot understand why anyone would just see someone like Paris as just "a rat". She is clearly a very loved family member.
Good luck with Paris's recovery! :)
I'm glad to know that Paris is okay! I was relieved when I looked at your Photostream and saw that everything had went well. :)
ReplyDeleteI agree that many people don't how what sweethearts rats can be. Even though I've never had one of my own, I've had a little bit of experience with them and they seem to make wonderful animals to have. :)
I hope that Paris will remain healthy for a long time and spend many more years with you and your other animals. :)
I'm so happy to hear that Paris is doing so well! I was really scared about what would happen because I didn't want you to lose another pet. :( But by the looks and sound of it, Paris seems as if she will live a long and good life!
ReplyDeleteI'm thankful that you have cared for her so well. Every pet deserves to be loved like how your pets are; not "animals," but members of the family. You have brought me closer to my own little members of the family! :)
Looking forward to seeing more from Paris in the future!
Hey Little Paris, get well soon, darlin. And all the best to all you in the days to come.
ReplyDelete"...I believe it is one's own loss not to know or understand that kind of love..." I make mine your words. Humans have degraded so much, and I am happy to know that some people look up other species; like you do. We have so much to learn from them, true love may be really hard to find within human relations, but with those little beings, they're just overflowed with love and kindness. Keep up the good work! I wish all the best for you and your lovely friends!
ReplyDeleteJust watched your rat video and fell in love with all of them. Give Paris lots of hugs and kisses from me, Cowboy Jack and Injun Joe (my two tabbies). We will keep her, and all of your amazing little friends, in our prayers.
ReplyDeleteThis is fantastic!
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy Paris is ok. My rat Pierre has a huge inoperable. tumor and I know he only has a short time to live. I,love him with all of my heart so it is really ripping me up inside. I give him all the love and attention he wants and needs. He is,the sweetest rat there ever was.
ReplyDeleteYou write beautifully! And I am a fellow fan of rats, and all things with four legs! :)
ReplyDeleteI immediately fell in love with your ratties after watching your video! Rats are such sweet little companions. Me, Amos, and Georgey (my own little companions) will keep Paris in our thoughts. Hope she's feeling better!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad she's okay!
ReplyDeleteI have 5 rats and I want to train mine, what kind of treats do you use with yours?
I use a variety of different foods as rewards when training, including pieces of cooked pasta, oats, dried fruit, etc. By far their favourite treats are puffed rice cereal pieces. :)
DeleteGreetings from Portland, Oregon and the RatsPacNW group.
ReplyDeleteGlad Paris has recovered!
We have six rats ourselves, of varying ages with the oldest now 2 years 6 months and the youngest 2 months. Several have had mammary tumors (including our tumor-factory and eldest Powan who develops about one every two months). She's developed some respiratory issues and is getting too old to survive surgery, so we've got her on an implant that slows the tumor growth. She has three mammary tumors now but they're growing very slowly, not much change in the last several months so for the moment we think we have plenty of time left with her.
We also trained several of our rats (much simpler tricks than yours--walk, spin and jump mostly). You've done an excellent job training your ladies and it's clear you spend a lot of time loving on them. I loved your tricks video.
Anyway, just writing to say "thanks" for posting your video.