Emelia’s story (Karren McArdle)

A member of the Fancy Rats forum (www.fancy-rats.co.uk) contacted me to tell me that two does had been dumped in a pet shop in Dundee and that one of them had a large tumour. I phoned the shop and asked if they would allow me to take them and I would have them checked out by my vet. The owner told me his vet had informed him that the lump was inoperable. I didn't believe him and just wanted to take the girls from his care. I brought the girls home and immediately made an appointment to see Alan my vet, who informed me that the lump would be easily removed and booked her in for the next day. The lumpectomy was successful and Emelia is now happy and lump free. I applied to the NERS rescue fund to cover the operation costs and this was agreed.

Emelia and her friend (Geisha) have been homed to Tom Silverwood under his parents’ supervision and are both well, spoilt rotten and have a very large and lovely cage. We have all become very good friends and I get to visit the girls regularly in their new home and continue to be kept up to date with their well-being.

Charlie's story (Alison Campbell)

Charlie is one of over 100 rats rescued from one place in August 2007. He came up north with 10 other young agouti adult males. 7 of the 10 ended up castrated as they fought relentlessly once out of their large colony. Charlie still didn't seem to get along with any of his agouti friends and relations so he was homed as a single male to live with Andy's colony of 6 girls. He is now a fully fledged member of the group and enjoys a lovely life with his hareem and his human. The NERS rescue fund paid for Charlie's castration prior to his rehoming.

(Charlie - photograph by Andy)