On Fridays we feature an adoptable pet from the Seattle Animal Shelter (SAS). SAS is located at 2061 15th Ave W, just north of Whole Foods, at the corner of W. Armory Way. SAS is open Wednesday – Sunday, noon-6pm.
Queen Anne View has not met any of these pets – SAS is providing us with the description, as they know them well. We encourage potential adopters to get in touch with SAS and work with them to evaluate the compatibility of your home and a new pet.
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Pet of the Week – Touille and Betsy
Touille and Betsy came to the Seattle Animal Shelter from separate homes but because they were both very shy and scared when they arrived they were paired up. With a buddy, they are much more calm and comfortable now.
Touille (white) is about a year old. She is friendly and easy to handle, but is working on building trust with humans. Touille doesn’t see very well and sometimes “tastes” to see if the object in front of her is food. She has been very nurturing to young Betsy (black and white) and this is helping Betsy be a curious and active young rat.
Now that Betsy is more confident, she loves to explore her condo and show off her acrobatic skills. Like all young critters, Betsy is just learning about spending time with people and will need to work on her socialization skills. She does like to be held and also enjoys riding around in volunteers’ apron pockets. While Touille and Betsy’s pairing is fairly recent, they are distressed when separated and would like to find a forever home together.
Rats are highly intelligent and social animals; they do best with a rat buddy or two, and will need daily interaction with their human companions, as well as toys and activities to keep them busy. They are quick learners and eager to perform the tricks they’ve learned (e.g., climbing a ladder, going through a maze). Rats also have lots of personality!
Rats need a large cage with plenty of materials to nest with (paper, old socks, etc.) and room to climb and explore. You’ll need to feed your rats a high-quality rat diet, supplemented daily with healthy fresh foods (greens, peas, corn, tofu, soy yogurt, oats, etc.) Your rats should always have access to fresh water. With love and care, rats live 2-3 years.
Touille and Betsy (SAS #13-6585-1 and #13-6559-1) are at the Seattle Animal Shelter. Come on down to meet them!