Ford the Wonder Rat

**Lew** · 23-08-2010, 22:14

One of the things about ratkeeping is that every now and then you get one of those rats that manages to keep amazing you. For me, Ford is that rat. After we lost Zaphod we figured Ford wouldn't be that far behind. That was about 3 1/2 months ago now and he just keeps going and going and going (like the Energizer Bunny in rat form). He's skinny and bony and his back legs are giving out on him but he still manages to climb around the cage and this morning he surprised me by taking a leap from my bed onto the floor like he was only 6 months old - in reality he just turned 30 months. If there's food going he can still beat the youngsters across the room to get to it.

---------- Post added at 22:14 ---------- Previous post was at 22:13 ----------

And just so they don't feel left out, a few pics of Kirk, Picard and Zaphod as they've just turned 6 months.

Hom3r · 23-08-2010, 22:30

Are the Siberian Hamster

Do they bite?

Or is it just when you scare them?

**Lew** · 23-08-2010, 22:38

They don't bite, but they can certainly give you a vicious lick.

Hom3r · 23-08-2010, 22:44

I spent 8 days rabbit sitting, I had my order from my 9 year old niece to give him a daily cuddle. He would like me for ages.

Only once did he bite as I didn't want to let him go, he won

Delta Whiskey · 24-08-2010, 09:00

Beautiful photo's Lew, they are such characters.

**Maggy J** · 24-08-2010, 10:00

Thanks for sharing Lew..It's nice to see people's pets and the care they take of them.

joglynne · 24-08-2010, 15:44

Lovely photos Lew. Ford certainly looks well for his age, just goes to show how well you look after the boys.

**Lew** · 22-09-2010, 14:21

It is with great sadness that I have to announce that Ford passed away this morning. He was starting to show the signs of pneumonia and I'd made an appointment at the vets for him to be put to sleep this evening. I just popped home in my lunch break to find that he'd taken the decision out of my hands.

Goodbye, old man. It won't be the same without you around.

joglynne · 22-09-2010, 14:28

I am so sorry to hear about Ford Lew. I know he was much loved and had a grand life with you so will be sorely missed.

LondonRoad · 22-09-2010, 14:31

commiserations.

peanut · 22-09-2010, 14:33

Sorry to hear about that. My wife has had quite a few pet rats and mice in the past. We'd have them again but I don't think the cat would approve.

**Maggy J** · 22-09-2010, 15:14

RIP Ford.

superbiatch · 22-09-2010, 15:40

Aww, I'm really sorry Lew - I still can't look at any pictures of rats due to my phobia, but i know just how hard it is to lose a loved pet. RIP Ford and best wishes x

Digital Fanatic · 22-09-2010, 15:44

Sorry to hear this sad news, Lew.

Angua · 22-09-2010, 16:18

RIP Ford - reunited with Zaphod.