You knew she would do it. You knew she would finally break me. She was relentless, I tell you! She wouldn't stop! I was running out of excuses and then she had to go and ratsit Jackie who was just about the sweetest thing ever and not ratty at all. Yes, Arden, I called a rat "sweet" (although I realize calling it "not ratty" is kind of an insult, too). After the ratsitting, I started to feel myself crack. I knew it was just a matter of time.
She was so happy when I told her she may finally get a rat. I scored so many brownie points I couldn't even count them. I wasn't talked into two rats, however, as one rat tail was enough for one house at one time. Peanut (her name is Peanut) gets lots of attention and actually had her first play date last weekend with Jackie. Arden said the rats spent the whole hour beating each other in the face but hopefully they'll work it out over time.
In the back yard a few days ago, the rat almost got away. I was gardening, Michael was inside, and Arden was playing with Peanut in the grass. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Peanut dart a million miles a minute across the yard. Arden screamed hysterically and Michael came running out. Luckily the yard is almost entirely bordered by a rock wall so we were able to corner her under a hosta and Michael grabbed her. One thing about those suckers is they are fast, like a snake. Just thinking about what happened would bring tears to Arden's eyes. It was a very emotional day. The girl really loves her rat.
And, you wanna know something? I kinda like the rat too! She's very perky and social and she makes the hamsters seem, well, a little dull. If you can get past the tail and you're not the one who has to let it crawl all over you, it's possible you'll get talked into one yourself.
