Charlie and the oatmeal tube
Empty oatmeal tubes are a huge treat to keep Charlie busy. A social animal such as a rat, even if he refuses to accept a companion, still will become lonely. I can’t play with him when I’m working or in class, so when I can I try to make little things for him to tear apart and examine. A few toys tied inside an oatmeal tube will keep him busy for hours, and tearing it apart gives him a little bit of exercise.
Look what you're getting, Charlie!
Big happy rat grin before he goes in...
So much fun! 
It’s fun to make something and see the recipient so excited he’s literally jumping around for joy. Rats, when they’re delighted and playful, will sort of jerk/jump upward and “shake” themselves, then run in little excited hops. It’s as though they’re get so happy they forget how to control themselves. I’m sure some humans can relate!
Happy Halloween!
Sid the vine climber
This is a great time of the year for scouting the local dollar store for “pet supplies”. Right now most of these type of stores will have long plastic vines in autumn colors on sale. Charlie the rat loves it when I offer him a leaf; he places it just right inside his sleeping house and fusses over the arrangement with each new addition. For reptile habitats, such as Sid the bearded dragon’s, they provide both decoration and something new to climb over.
This Halloween was very nice! The weather warmed up to over 60F, the sky was clear and sunny, and it wasn’t too windy or humid. Just beautiful. Blue and I walked about 5 miles, just out enjoying the weather. I also completely reorganized and cleaned both Charlie’s and Sid’s cages/habitats. Now they both have an autumn theme.
I don’t have a costume, but Charlie participated in my mother’s! He was so excited about her witch’s hat:
Mother and Charlie
Happy trick-or-treating and partying!
Ratty Studies
How to Study for Exams:
(Illustrated by Charlie)
Step 1: Give your study materials a quick glance
Step 2: Take a break!
Step 3: Go to sleep
Exam Time Again
Charlie helps me study
The semester is beginning to get to that point where students need to at least think about research papers and prepare for a series of exams. This time around it’s difficult to stay focused; I’m excited for this semester to end so I can transfer into and get started on a vet tech program. I’ll just have to designate some time where I won’t let myself do anything other than study.
I’m still exploring several different veterinary technician schools and programs. If at all possible I want to stay in Pennsylvania, and it would be best if I could be in Pittsburgh where my family lives. I also love my new job at the pet store here. The idea is to spend my time going to school for vet tech, work at the store, and in my spare time volunteer at the animal shelter and work with my own animals. It’s extremely animal-centric, but it’s what I love and enjoy most. Even my artwork is centered around my animals.
I’ll just give this semester my best and know I have a lot to look forward to in my future.
