Grumpy/Snickers VET UPDATE 12/12/13

[dspch911]

Axe had his follow up appointment today, which went well, URI cleared up. Anyway, Grumpy went with for support and for the first time since we got him (February) he allowed me to rub me, scratch me, etc for a rather long period while he was laying in the carrier at the vet. Now I figured this was do to fear, but he actually fell asleep. I didn't want to stop since he has never let us do this - he does not like to be touched. Although he's been getting better. I didn't dare pick him up though out of fear it would ruin the moment. Now I suppose your thinking what is the big deal, he was scared and let you pet him. I would say that too, but about half an hour ago, he let me do it again in his cage. In fact, he insisted on it and he even nipped a bit at the webbing between my fingers (not sure what that was about). He even went up onto a different level to push Popper aside (who I was petting at the time) and shove his head in there to be rubbed some more. :dance: Very proud mommy moment - I think we've turned a corner. Now I have to see if he'll let me pick him up for more than 30 seconds. Grumpy has learned that getting rubbed is a nice thing!!! :heart: :heart:

 

[Aida]

Aww, guess Grumpy will need a name change.

 

[jorats]

Oh my goodness, that sounds like the sweetest thing ever!!!!!!

 

[Joanne]

Yay for Grumpy! It's always the most rewarding when it's hard won... :nod:

 

[SarahA]

You must be delighted, that great progress I hope it continues to get better day by day.
Wait to go Grumpy! :joy:
Keep up the great work dspch911 I'm sure you'll be having snuggles in no time. :thumbup:

 

[temblabamomo]

Wonderful! Don't rush the attempt to pick him up and hold him, or you might lose this small bit of progress. Just keep on rubbing and petting. So happy he's learned.

 

[mamarat]

Such a sweet moment for you and Grumpy. Wishing you lots more.

 

[dspch911]

Well he is still letting my pet him and I hold him for short periods which he is alright with as long as I give him a yoggie :giggle: However, yesterday while I was rubbing him while he laid in his hammock - he groomed my hand complete with nibbles & licks...... :heart: :heart: :heart: Snickers, has decided that MAYBE I can touch him if he hides his head under something or some rat, but only for a few seconds.

 

[jorats]

:heart: :heart: :heart:

 

[Joanne]

Wow, reciprocal grooming - you have definitely earned a place in his heart! :heart:

 

[Godmother]

:joy: Very special. It's wonderful to get ratty licks.

 

[hopefloats]

I have noticed boys love their ears rubbed.... try that seems to make them all melt.

 

[Lucky4LeafClover]

How lovely he's coming around!

 

[dspch911]

So far so good, and Snickers is still accepts momentary rubs without trying to nib me....

 

[dspch911]

My Grumpy is a whole new boy - he can be held, but not for too long of a period. He is actually becoming an affectionate little bugger and Snickers is following his lead. We took Snickers with the next time we went to the vet (he is sick too) and tried the same thing. It worked, but not as well - he does let us pet him now though and I get to hold him when giving him is medication which I never would of been able to do two weeks ago. Grumpy will climb all over us as long as its on his terms. These guys have turned a corner I never would of thought possible. :joy:

 

[SarahA]

Yay I'm so pleased your boys are coming round and are beginning to enjoy the attention.
Your doing a great job, I'm sure with a bit more time and patience they'll be affectionate man rats.

 

[jorats]

That's really good news about Grumpy!!!!

 

[dspch911]

Grumpy now comes to the cage for his rubbing and I can hold without a problem. Snickers is allowing me to pick him up now, although sometimes he protests. We're not telling anyone, but he really like the top of his head scratched and down toward his eyes. He gets that "Oh that feels good look", but I'm not going to admit it yet. Daddy however, NO! you cannot do that yet.... only mommy! :giggle:

 

[hopefloats]

awww. He is partial to you. We have rats that way, some will bite the hell out of me and kait can just pick them up LOL

 

[jorats]

There are several rats who do have preferences.