by Stephanie Cameron

Stephanie Cameron is a volunteer with Rattie Ratz Rescue in the bay area of California. Each month KRL will be featuring a column from Rattie Ratz.

Some people have dogs they can take on long leisurely strolls in the morning sunshine. Others have cats or birds they can have relaxing naps with while basking in the summer warmth coming in through the windows of their home. Some even go horseback riding on long summer evenings with their equine friend. But not me, oh no, this summer my furry friends of choice happen to have long tails, adorably rounded ears, lush furry figures, whiskers, and a penchant for corn diving. And they fit in the palm of my hand. That’s right, friends; my furry friends of choice this summer are rats! Or more specifically, four rat sisters of the dwarf variety.

I adopted my four girls from Rattie Ratz at the end of January 2024. They were still very young, just recently weaned from their mothers. This would be my second time keeping dwarf rats, and I was so excited. My first group of dwarf rats passed away a couple of years ago, and it had been on my mind for a while that I wanted another dwarfie mischief. If you would like to read about my first group of dwarf girls, you can do so here.

My new group of dwarf girls was also part of an oops litter. The two mothers were purchased already pregnant from a pet store, much to the surprise of their new owner. The owner decided two litters of babies were too much, and mothers and babies were surrendered to the rescue. Now, I call them my dwarf girls, but only three of the four are dwarfs. The fourth girl is a standard. Genetics are funny that way. Her mother was a dwarf, and all her siblings were dwarfs, but she ended up being standard sized. I’m pretty sure she thinks she’s a dwarf though! And I tell everyone she’s my Honorary Dwarf.

The girls enjoying the summer fruit

All four girls have Dumbo ears, but that’s where the similarities end. They are all incredibly different and engaging in their own ways. My standard girl, aka Honorary Dwarf, is a fawn Berkshire named Marigold (Mari for short). She is the cuddler of the group and gets the most excited about snack time. She’s gentle with her smaller-sized sisters and loves to curl up in the crook of my neck. Mari is sweet and gentle with a calm disposition. Even when she was younger, she had a lovely energy about her that was calm and soothing.

Dahlia is the daredevil of the group. She’s a dark phase Pearl, which makes it looks like she has a dark stripe going down her back, like a dorsal fin. It was more prominent when she was a baby. As she’s aged, the markings have grown in and out at different stages. Her striking features definitely match her fearless personality. She is without a doubt the troublemaker of the group, always where she shouldn’t be. Dahlia is the first one to try scaling up the cage or down the bed (or my back), giving her sisters all kinds of naughty ideas. She loves exploring outside of the cage and is curious about everything. She loves being with her people and is the most brave and curious of the group.

The girls enjoying a lazy Sunday morning

Dahlia also absolutely loves her sister Mari. When it comes to Mari, Dahlia is a Velcro rat. Wherever Mari is, that’s where Dahlia will be, no question. If Mari is sleeping in the hammock, Dahlia will be right beside her. If Mari leaves the hammock for a bathroom break, Dahlia is right behind her. If Mari tries to take a quiet moment for herself away from the other rats, Dahlia is trying to pounce on top of her and play. Mari is very patient, but every once in a while she has to put her foot down with Dahlia so she’ll stop pestering her. As it happens, Dahlia is also incredibly dramatic, and when Mari pins her down to tell her it’s time to stop, little Dahlia carries on like she’s about to be murdered.

Next in line on the naughty express is Clover, an agouti self. She’s always right behind her sister Dahlia and never says no to an adventure (with or without their human mom’s approval). She’s a little more cautious, but with brave Dahlia leading the way, she knows there is nothing to fear. Clover loves playtime and snacks, but tires easily and is usually the first one to succumb to sleep while the rest of her sisters continue to play. Though I must say, she is the cutest little ratato (rat-potato) I have ever seen.

Clover’s best ratato impression

And last, but not least, there is Iris, a blue Berkshire. Iris is the most timid of the group. She’s the last to come to the door and the first to scatter when there is a loud noise. She’s very sweet, but does best in a quiet environment. Thankfully I am able to give that to her. She may be a bit unsure of the world around her, but she is not immune to bribery, especially of the food variety, and can be brave on occasion when her sisters are with her.

Cuddle time with Marigold

My dwarf girls have been such a pleasure. They were born in the winter, making this their first summer, and they have been spoiled with fresh produce. They love watermelon and corn on the cob! I had a big life change of my own this summer and moved to a new city. The girls had to stay with my parents for a week while I got their cage set up and ready for them. It wasn’t until I had the girls with me again that I finally felt that I was home. I was unprepared for how much their presence helped ease the transition of my move, and I’m so thankful they found their way into my life.

If you would like to know more about Rattie Ratz Rescue you can visit their Facebook page. If you are interested in adoptable rats or volunteering for Rattie Ratz Rescue you can visit their website: www.rattieratz.com.

Check out more animal rescue stories in our Pet Perspective section & watch for more stories from Rattie Ratz every other month. You can also keep up with our pet articles by joining our KRL Facebook group. Advertise in KRL and 10% of your advertising fees can go to Rattie Ratz.