Perspective

It's all in how you look at it.

Today I saw the following picture on The New York Times website:

Naturally I immediately went to the article and was amazed at the strides they are making for rats with spinal issues. I was astounded that paralysis was even a big enough issue in rats that it merited this much research (not to mention space in the NY Times!).

Then I realized that the research was on rats who had been paralyzed surgically and in the long run was only going to benefit humans, not rats. 

The full article is here.

Exploring

Sushi spent a while outside of her cage today. Whereas her sister spent the time buried under a blanket, Sushi was all over the place. She was clearly happy to be out of the cage, even though her breathing was a bit congested.

Hungry

Sushi is feeling better. Her breathing is clearer, her balance is better, and her appetite is back with a vengeance.

Lonely

Sake has spent the last few days alone because Sushi took another downturn. Sake immediately began nesting in her litter tray, going through all sorts of trouble to hide herself from all observers.

Making Up For Yesterday...

Dave pointed out to me that yesterday's blog post was depressing. That is true, but I pointed out that the entire situation with Sushi is depressing. However, in an attempt to provide more cheerful fare, we took some adorable pictures of Saké. Sadly, the camera batteries died before I was able to upload the pictures. So instead, I offer an adorable picture of Saké with a piece of banana from May, 2011.

Saké

An Update

I took a break from blogging last week because there hasn't really been anything good to report. Sushi is hanging in there but she's not great. She still eats like a horse and is her usual affectionate and talkative self. But she's also wobbly, periodically congested, and sleeping a lot.

There isn't a lot that we can do - she certainly isn't suffering. She is still on the antibiotic and prednisone. I hate seeing her like this. But sometimes, like last night, I'll walk by the cage and she'll be sitting in the front watching the world pass by, eyes bright, alert, eager, and aware. I'm grateful she still has those moments. She's a pretty special little rat.

Sushi (from August)

Hmmmm

I feel like I should have something to say about this, but I'm speechless. More information at the always wonderful Regretsy site.

Lazy

It has been a long week, so I'm recycling a picture from this fall. I'm incredibly jealous of Saké in this picture - right now I'd just like to curl up and watch the world pass by.

Saké

Saké

I think Saké is in desperate need of some quality time. We haven't had a lot of free time lately, yet it's easy to get Sushi out on a regular basis. She is happy to get held and it is easy to grab her out of the cage and tote her around the house while I do other things. On the other hand, Saké hates to be held and really only wants attention if you're going to pet her in the cage or hold her quietly outside. She especially likes to just lay next to me while I read if I pet her lightly. She certainly doesn't want to tour the house on a regular basis like her sister does.

Saké in January

As a result, she spends far too much time inside her cage these days. I'm hoping to rectify that tonight and spend a couple of hours reading while she sacks out asleep next to me.

Sushi

After a week back on her antibiotic and antihistamine, Sushi seems to be holding strong. She still gets stuffed up when she's excited or right after she wakes up, but her appetite and activity level are back to normal. She drove me nuts tonight while I cleaned her cage - she spent the entire time trying to climb out of the cage and onto me.  She's a tough one to get mad at though.

Sushi

Wine Nights

Sushi does love her wine box.

Sushi

She isn't the only one.

Tomie de Paola might find this familiar...

Mornings

Sushi

Sushi Update

After talking to the vet, Sushi is staying back on ciproflaxin for the time being, possibly for the rest of her life. There doesn't seem to be a real good answer as to why she takes a turn for the worse every time we take her off of it, but we're done screwing around with it. She's a great sport about taking her medicine twice a day, so if that is what it takes for her to stay healthy and live a happy, comfortable life, than that is what we'll do.

Sushi has a piece of watermelon.