The Rat Came Back The Very Next Day

#daughters, #Gratitude, #Pets, #Rats, children, Creative non-fiction, Family, Inspiration, Love, Writing 3 Minutes
Sara feeding Marley baby formula

          Will Sara throw him back outside?

          Likely a certain death for this little rodent.

Adopting A Pet Mouse

My daughter, Sara, has one dog and three cats.  

The number of pets in her home can vary on a daily basis.

Sara's fur family

Two months ago, one of Sara’s cats carried a newborn, nearly dead mouse into the house.

Sara nursed it back to health with baby formula.

 

Sara feeding Marley baby formula

 

She bought a cage for this mouse.

Marley in his cage

As the mouse began to rapidly grow and thrive, it became apparent 

                    this mouse is actually a rat.

 

Sara names her pet rat, “Marley.”

Marley the Rat

Marley Goes AWOL

The 1st Time – June 23rd

Sara:  OMG! I am flipping out right now!  Thursday morning, we went camping. We came home on Sunday. Upon our return we noticed Marley was gone.  He had chewed through a spot in the cage we had taped due to a missing piece.

I searched the house because we have cats, hoping I wouldn’t find him mauled to death.  I didn’t, but our deck door was open so we figured he had escaped and found a nice rat wife.

Later in the evening,  I am sitting on my couch and I notice something moving in his cage. I had left the cage door open, “just in case.”

It is Marley!  He came home!  I am SO HAPPY!

Marley thriving and growing

The 2nd Time – June 24th

Sara:   After Marley’s return yesterday, I put him in his ball to run around the house.  When I went to pick the ball up, the lid fell off and Marley darted away.

What are the chances he would return a second time?

This morning, I decide to check his cage and there he is.  

Marley came home, again!

Marley’s toy ball cage
Marley looking a little guilty for causing Sara to worry.

 

The 3rd Time – June 25th 

Sara:  I placed Marley in the bathroom to run around freely with the door closed.  Thirty minutes later I returned to find the door open.  I think our two-year-old son, Charlie, had opened the door and Marley had escaped.

Two-year-old Charlie

Sara:  What are the chances Marley will come back a third time?

I got up to pee in the middle of the night and there he was on the bathroom ledge. 

Marley crawled straight into my hand and then back into his cage. 

Marley’s Rat Palace

Sara decides Marley deserves an upgrade to his living accommodations.

Building Marley’s Rat Palace
Charlie helping build Marley’s Rat Palace

 

“He deserves a Rat Palace for coming back three times!  The base and shelf will be covered in a washable membrane.”

I am in awe of the words coming from my daughter.  I do not recall seeing a glimpse of Sara’s bedroom floor during all of her teen years.

I would never have guessed a fancy home was in her future.  

Even a Rat Palace. 

 

To be continued…………………..

 

Stay tuned for: The Rat Came Back The Very Next Day – Part 2

You will find out:

  • How Marley Gets A Roommate
  • Progress is being made on Marley’s Rat Palace
  • Are Rats Smarter Than People?
  • Should I Stay Or Should I Go?

Have you ever unexpectedly adopted a pet?  What type of an animal?

 

Me with my daughter, Sara

 

Other posts you may enjoy discussing similar topics:

When You Love Someone More Than Life Itself

If This Is Wrong I Don’t Want To Be Right

Where Are The Ruby Red Slippers?

 

Credits:

I have taken Sara’s words throughout this story from her text messages.  The photos are also from Sara’s messages.

Published

125 thoughts on “The Rat Came Back The Very Next Day”

  1. OMG, this is so cute! I never would have thought a rat is adorable but seriously, what a face.
    And I have to laugh and marvel at yet another similarity between us. My 22 yo daughter takes in all sorts of animals. When she was young it was rabbits and guinea pigs (and boy did they have some adventures) and now, out on a property with her boyfriend, between them they have four horses, three dogs, two cats and a tank full of fish! Crazy menagerie!
    Anyway, I look forward to reading more about Marley’s adventures. Thanks for the smiles Erica. xx 😊

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    1. Miriam, I initially wondered about Sara adopting this little rat. I began to read about rats and how they make great pets. Every time I received a text from Sara, my mouth dropped open. Are you kidding me? Then I realized Marley is a LOT smarter than I am. (In Part 2). Your daughter is young to have such a large menagerie. It is interesting watching our adult daughters and I am always so grateful they are in my life. We do have many similarities, Miriam. 🙂 Still gives me goosebumps. Hope you are feeling better. xx

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    2. I must agree Miriam. I didn’t realize a rat could have such a cute face. I also have a daughter that loves animals of all kinds…oh and spiders…yes, spiders.

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    1. You are totally right, Antoinette. Original artist, Laurie Berkner. And recorded by “Fred Penner” where the song becomes an ear worm. My daughter has always been a nurturing soul. Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts. Hope you are well.🙂

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  3. Hmmmmm not sure about wild rats. Our son was given a baby wild mouse many years ago – that thing was tiny and FAST! It escaped and we spent many a long moments chasing it around the house. It eventually met its doom when my husband cornered it and tried to put a container over it – slightly miscalculated and knocked it out – never to recover. We decided that domesticated pet mice were a better alternative – and from experience discovered that female ones don’t smell – male ones stink out an entire room (it’s their urine I think). Good luck with the rat palace and I look forward to episode 2……

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    1. You are right, Leanne. When I first heard about the wild mouse/rat I started to think about diseases and biting. When Sara starts feeding them baby formula every few hours I know that little critter has found its new Mom.

      Hilarious and stressful about your son’s baby wild mouse. Who would give him a mouse in the first place? I have been doing a bit of rat research and you are right about wild rodents versus domesticated rats/mice. Our children never cease to amaze us, even when they are adults. Fun! xx 🙂

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    1. You are right, Suzanne “speechless.” My mouth would just hang open whenever I received these texts from Sara. What surprises me is how much I have learned from this little rat in the short time he has been in our family. (In Part 2).🙂 Sara has always had a gentle, nurturing soul. She is an amazing Mother to ALL of her children. Thank you for reading, Suzanne, and your thoughtful, kind comment. xx

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    1. Thanks, Eduarda, You often hear the stories IRL (in real life). As you know, Sara has always loved her fur babies and her non fur babies. I know you have one of your own, you love.xoxo ❤️

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  6. Your story and your daughter’s could quickly morph into a children’s book methinks. My daughter brought home stray dogs, 3 in as many years. She has 3 dogs currently, and 3 children under 8 and works with animals. Anyway, I can’t wait to read more!! Blessings, Michele

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    1. Hi Michele, Sara has always written stories and books for pleasure. She has not pursued it further, so far. I have told her about the kind and supportive blogging community. She wants to begin a blog when life becomes less busy for her. She has a 2-year-old and a 5-month old. Your daughter is definitely a lover and nurturer of animals and her little ones. 💕 And she works in the field. Wow! I have been away a bit the last couple of weeks so I am catching up reading blogs. I look forward to reading your recent blog. I greatly appreciate your kind, thoughtful comment, as always, Michele.xx

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      1. We once had an adventure with a mouse, I named Minnie, because she was a singing and dancing mouse. We met her in a cabin in the Pennsylvania State Park System. Her song? ‘You can’t catch me!’ She had a playmate I didni’t care for at all, my husband named him Sssssstanley. The park maintenance staff couldn’t catch either of them. I slept every night with the sheet pulled over my head! My daughter works at Sea World, with California Sea Lions and Walruses. I am very proud of her. She started in the parking lot at 17, and worked her way up to animal care. She wanted to swim with Shamu, but almost blew her ear drum out on the swim test. Then she went to Washginton State for a while. After a few years, she moved back to Florida with a Plan B. The last two or three years she was in a show. She was devestated by the COVID lay offs. I hope they will be able to get back. I say as little as possible about my family in my blog (except poor mom and dad, not here to defend themselves). My daughter would not appreciate being talked about on social media. My poor husband, on the other hand has been a pastor’s spouse for almost 24 years (and mine for 34) almost any family member is fair game in a sermon! Best and blessings, Michele

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        1. Very funny, Michele, on naming your/this mouse Minnie. Creepy on having to hide under the sheets. A huge wow, on how your daughter works at Sea World. I know you had mentioned in the past how she works with animals. I also filter out a great deal of personal stuff about my family. I share some of the stories. And, some I definitely keep private. You made me smile on “fair game in a sermon.” I think people often relate to personal stories done in good taste. It shows how we are all more alike than we are different. I always make sure to check with my daughters before I write anything or show pictures of them and the children. They always tell me it is okay, since I will try to be tasteful. I still like to check in case anything has changed. Thanks for sharing Michele. I love getting the input and the feedback. xx 💕

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          1. See what a wise mom you are! I can’t share any of my daughter’s pictures on Facebook and in between her time t Seaworld as a teen and as an adult, she worked for about 4 orr5 years as a prison guard. She is naturally suspicious and I respect that. What that means though, is when I can waylay someone, like an unsuspecting parishioner, or a friend, I may ask, “Do you want to see a picture?” I can show what’s on my phone, just not on social media. One of the many lessons I learned from my mother, was the ability to laugh at myself. I try to write serious things with subtle humor. Anyway, I enjoy our conversations and always appreciate your feedback too. Love the sense of community that I have found here, between #MLSTL and Esme’s Senior Salon. Blessigns for the weekend. Michele

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            1. Michele, it sounds like you do respect your daughter’s feelings and privacy. The love you have for her leaps from the pages of your stories. Your subtle humour also comes through. I am glad you are finding a way to share your beautiful words. They do make a difference, on paper and likely in real life. Have a great weekend. xx

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  7. Clearly, Marley has been enjoying his stay at Chez Sara. Sounds like a win-win for Marley, Sara, Charlie . . . but maybe NOT the cats.

    BTW: Is she keeping all those black cats?

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    1. Nancy, You are right. Marley is pretty lucky living at Chez Sara. The kittens were adopted quite quickly. I think one or two had potential owners who changed their mind. I have actually lost count with Sara. It is a revolving door half way house at Chez Sara’s.🙂

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    1. Donna, Sara has always written stories and even books, although she has not pursued it further. She is a busy Mom with 2-year-old Charlie and 5-month-old Liam and all of her Fur Babies. 🙂 I have told her how the blogging community is very kind and supportive. She does want to eventually begin a blog. I greatly appreciate your kind, thoughtful comment. xx ❤️

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  9. This is a children’s storybook in the making right here! Marley is cute, smart, and obviously very happy with his home with Sara and the family.

    If my son had space he too would have a menagerie of pets! When he was 8 he wanted a pet rat. In order to get one and show he could be responsible for it because I wasn’t going to clean the cage or feed it like I did his cat, he’d have to keep his room clean for a month! I never saw the floor in his room until he left for college! He didn’t make it through that challenge so we didn’t get a pet rat. PHEW! 😀

    I’m looking forward to Part 2 of this story.

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    1. Deborah, I found the story entertaining and I felt it was worth sharing. Marley is a cute, lucky little rat and he knows it. I told my husband about your comment. I did not know whether anyone else would ‘get it’ about not seeing their teenager’s floor. Thank you for validating my experience. 💕 A pet rat would not have been an option in my house. Thank you for the supportive and thoughtful comment. Part 2 goes in an entirely different direction. 🙂

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  10. Oh my gosh! I loved this, Erica! Now, I’m more convinced than ever there is a children’s book(s) in your future. I never thought I’d like a rat, but Marley is adorable! I look forward to reading more. Thanks for the smiles. xo

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    1. Hi Jill, I felt the Sara/Marley experiences entertaining and worth sharing. I am totally with you, thinking I would not like a rat. I expect diseases and biting. I did some rat research and I found out rats actually make good pets. Sara’s close-up photo of Marley and his cute little feet make my heart melt (a little). I greatly appreciate your lovely and encouraging comment. xo

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  11. What a riot, Erica. Your daughter is a hoot. But a kind soul to adopt little Marley and probably without a second thought. Marley clearly is happy with his new life and human+ family. And the rat palace? Well, that’s the rat royalty treatment. I’m looking forward to the next adventure. (And honestly, this would make an adorable children’s book). 🙂

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    1. You are right, Diana, she did adopt without a second thought, as she does with all of her fur babies. Her house now. Whew! Sara continues to call it the Rat Palace. I love how you say “royalty treatment.” Correct, again! Marley is a lucky rat and he knows it. The story was entertaining to my family and friends and I felt it was worth sharing. Thank you for your kind, encouraging words. xx 🙂

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    1. Betsy, Everything about Sara and Marley makes me scream a little on the inside. 🙂Yet, the cute little guy also grows on me. I don’t like anything jumping out at me in the dark and in the middle of the night. Even my husband (which he has done before, and it did not go over well)🙂

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    1. Deb, I did not know anything about rats until recently. I spent this past week doing some rat research. You are right. They are very smart and make great pets. Fine, although, the rats can stay at Sara’s place and I will visit from afar.🙂

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    1. My mouth was open in disbelief every time Sara sent me a text. I felt it was an entertaining story and worth sharing. I made sure to get Sara’s permission to share the story and the photos. Robbie, I know you and your son collaborate on your beautiful stories. Funny how situations and life evolves. Thank you for your supportive comment.🙂

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  15. My children adopted a rabbit who would regularly escape to a nearby play area, eat the dandelions and then come home. She got quite fat.

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    1. Natalie, Sara read your comment and sent me a message. I think she is unsure how to comment on WP. I will copy/paste her message here.
      Sara: “One of the comments was that they like the name Marley because it reminded them of Bob Marley and the song, everything’s going to be alright. When we were trying to decide on a name that song came on the radio, and that’s exactly where we got the name from” 🙂

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      1. A second Whoa from me! Bob Marley wrote many songs. What a coincidence that “Everything’s going to be alright” is the song Sara heard on the radio when she picked the name, and what I wrote in my comment.

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        1. I agree with you, Natalie. You hit it right on. Marley’s name was based on Bob Marley and “Everything’s going to be all right”. Funny how you zeroed in and mentioned it! 🙂

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  17. Wow! That says a lot about rats and their attachment. They are said to be territorial but the love Marley got from his adopter – your kind daughter Sara must have inspired him to come back. Loved this fun story Erica. Wishing all the pets more love and adventures.

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    1. Hi Balroop, I was initially concerned about Sara adopting this newborn mouse/rat. Biting? Diseases? Marley is quite cute for a rat and he has started to grow on me. Sara’s texts made me smile and I thought they were entertaining to possibly share on a post. I started to do a mini rat research and I learned a great deal. Thank you for your thoughtful comment about Sara. She has always been a kind, loving soul.

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  18. “Marley crawled straight into my hand…” Okay, that part did give me the heebie-jeebies as did the earlier, ““This mouse is actually a rat” explanation. As a former co-worker of mine used to say about nearly everything in life, There Is Just No Way! But, hey, it’s a cute story… from afar, of course. I do give Sara lots of credit for bravery, non-squeamishness, and a fortitude that I personally never received at birth. She helps make the world go round, seriously! I too look forward to Part II… again, from a distance. 🙂 – Marty

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    1. Marty, I totally agree with you on everything! I know Sara is my daughter, yet I have no idea where she came from. I am squeamish and I have heebie-jeebies about everything to do with rats and mice. Yes, Marley is kind of cute……from afar! I would be the first one on top of the table with a mouse/rat running around. Sara does have a good heart and a kind soul. Another Ellie May Clampett? 🙂

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    1. I am totally with you, Ingrid. I would immediately be on top of a table if a mouse/rat was running around. Little Marley is cute from afar. I did a mini research about rats and I found a tremendous amount of interesting information. Thank you for your kind comment about me and Sara. I know you have many special moments with your daughter. I would prefer blueberries versus rats. 🙂

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  20. I detect a fabulous children-family book in the works as this is such an appealing story. It could be your daughter’s next great literary hit!

    I too have a daughter with a huge heart who loves animals of all sizes and shapes.

    Although I’m not necessarily fond of rodents, this story has served to change my thinking!

    ❤️👏❤️
    Susan Grace

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    2. Susan, Sara has been sending me updates about Marley and I felt it could turn into an entertaining post. She often sends me photos and videos.

      Also, Susan, you and I briefly “talked” about the “something simple” playing around in our minds on your last post.❤️ You inspired me on these two posts about Marley the Rat. Marley has taught me some profound lessons. Part 1 was overall the introduction to Marley. Part 2 will reveal the lessons. A huge thank you for inspiring me, Susan, to pursue the simple. ❤️ You always make a difference in my life and I suspect in many, many lives.

      Also, I am not a huge lover of rodents. My mini rat research is changing my mind. I see how you understand and relate to the daughter/huge heart. ❤️

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  21. OMG, what a cute story and how lovely of what Sara did to survive the rat. She even built a palace for the rat!

    We had rats, we called the county service to help. I don’t want to tell you what they did, something that they are not doing any more. I had boxes of books in the shed. One rat squeezed into the books and couldn’t get out. I only found him when he was toasted.

    Your story of Sara and the rat reminded me of the hamster I got for my daughter. The hamster had 10 babies, but they diminished one by one. I had suspicion but had no proof of what happened. The hamster chewed through lots of things. When she disappeared and nowhere to be found, we gave up, hoping she wasn’t chewing anything important.

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    1. Miriam, Sara has always been a loving, nurturing soul. Even when it comes to rats. Good grief on the rat stuck in the book. Darn! Also, darn on the hamster and the babies disappearing. My skin is crawling. I am not a huge rodent-loving person. Yet, I have learned a great deal of new information recently about rats. An eye-opener.

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      1. I’m not a big fan of rats. Hamsters are okay, at least they look clean and cute.
        I’m into butterflies lately. I just got a small white butterfly hatched from egg, caterpillar, cocoon, and butterfly. I took photos. I’ll write about it later because I didn’t know anything about that and I researched for half an hour before I identified the caterpillar.

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    1. Sue, I would read Sara’s texts in disbelief. It has been entertaining to hear about this little mouse/rat. Part of our family, now. I figured it was worth sharing. You made me smile, on how Marley will never leave his Palace now. The second part of the story goes in a different direction. I am almost embarrassed to say how much I have learned from this little rat. I hope you are resting, Sue, and feeling better. xx Huge get better hugs to you!

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  23. Marley knows a good thing when he has it! True story: I had a pet rat when I was young. Besides the usual cats and dogs, we had – at various times – hamsters, mice and a rat (my parents’ must have been pretty indulgent). Unfortunately, my cat did get a hold of Biggy Rat and he was no more. I’m glad that Marley found his way home safely. I hope you and your daughter can collaborate on a book or a series. Marley is definitely ready for prime time.

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    1. You remind me Janis, how to watch out for the sweet, kind, quiet ones. They have likely owned a rat at some point in time in their lives. 🙂 Darn on your cat and Biggy Rat.

      Marley and Sara have been entertaining to us and I felt it was a story worth sharing. Part 2 goes in an entirely different direction.

      Janis, our discussion on whether we can post different parts to a story at different times stayed with me. I felt my story was initially too long and it had a natural place for it to stop and to be continued. I learn a great deal from you. 💕

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    1. Thank you for your encouraging comment, Jo. The whole Marley thing has been fun, interesting and entertaining. I felt it was worth sharing. Possibly a change from all that is going on in the world. Part 2 goes in a different direction. I felt it was worth breaking the story up into 2 parts.

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  25. That is obviously one very friendly and content rat. My daughter had one as a pet briefly when she was younger. Can’t say I was really a fan…the smell wasn’t great…but Marley sure has a lot of character. Sounds like he’d make a great companion!

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    1. Mark, I suspect rats have personality traits, just like humans. I began to go down a rabbit hole reading about rats (or is it a rat hole?) “Some” rats are smart. Just like “some” people.🙂 I think this is your get away weekend. Hope all is well with you and Tara.

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    1. Anabel, I am very squeamish about rats and mice. I would be the first one on top of the table. My husband and I are often puzzled where our daughter, Sara, came from. Likely, not the first time a parent has asked this question.🙂

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  27. What a lovely, heart-warming story, Erica. I love animals, but not as much as your daughter. Incredible how she nursed the mouse – I mean, rat – back to life and how he (how did she decipher it was a “he”?) has become part of the family. I’m very curious about this rat palace and about the future adventures of Marley! I think this is a children’s book in the making! Thank you so much for sharing Sara and Marley’s story and for brightening my day with it.

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    1. Liesbet, You are one of the first people I think of as a lover of animals. You are so kind, loving and nurturing with Maya. 💕 Good question on how does Sara know the he/she of Marley. I will ask her. The rat palace blew me away. My mouth drops open when I receive these texts from Sara. I felt it was an entertaining story worth sharing. Part 2 goes in an entirely different direction. I felt breaking the story up would make it easier to read. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and your encouraging words. I hope you and your loved ones are well. xx 🙂

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  28. This is so cute, Erica, and that photo of you and your daughter is beautiful! That’s amazing Marley returned 3 times! When the kids were young, we had Buddy the rat and he was adorable. We’ve also adopted 2 dogs, Copper is our current canine, so we do believe in adopting and giving furry friends loving homes. It’s wonderful that Sara nursed Marley to good health, and I can’t wait to see the Rat Palace. 🥰

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    1. Hi Lauren, I am usually a bit squeamish about rats and mice. Marley is changing my opinion. I am surprised how many people have had a rat as a pet. Like your family and Buddy the rat. 🙂 Like you say, furry friends. I am in awe when Sara sends me texts about Marley. I felt it was an entertaining story and worth sharing. Part 2 goes in a different direction. Thank you for your kind, encouraging words. I hope you and your loved ones are doing all right during these unusual times.🙂❤️

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  29. O this is enchanting Erica thank you Sara and Marley for sharing it with us! You must let Marley know he’s a King. (I think he knows that already judging by his palace). This has made my day! Have a lovely weekend, greetings to all, including Marley (from South Africa) 🙂

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    1. I am in awe when I read these texts from Sara. I felt it could turn into an entertaining post. A diversion. Especially right now, with the exceptional challenges people are facing. You are right, Susan, Marley is a King. I think he already knows this with the new palace being built for him.🙂 Thank you for reading and sharing your kind thoughts. 💕 I am sending you good karma and hugs. I hope you and your loved ones are well. 💕

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  30. So funny. And the photos do Marley justice. Just look at those whiskers. And his determination? He deserves a palace. Perhaps with Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker playing on the sound system?

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    2. Your are right, Ally, I do find the whole Marley thing funny. The idea of a rat used to make my skin crawl. The little fellow is growing on me. Sara’s photo with the whiskers and the tiny toes do tug a little at my heart. Extra funny about Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker. Don’t start adding any lofty ideas in front of Marley. He may begin to request ‘surround sound.’🙂

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  31. Best. Entertainment. of. the. Week!! Marley, how I love you. And would I have ever guessed that I’d love a R A T? No, but Sara has taught me compassion and empathy and understanding of all animals, whether (dog – how I love dogs) or cats (I’d like to have a cat for a friend, but no luck so far) and…. rats. Marley is darling and obviously quite intelligent (and I didn’t realize that rats have more than nine lives – so there you go, cats!). Looking forward to Part Two. xo

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    1. Pam, I would stare at the texts from Sara, in disbelief. I felt it is an entertaining story and worth sharing. A diversion. Especially now. The idea of a rat or mouse used to make my skin crawl. I would be the first one escaping to the top of a table. The little guy is starting to grow on me.🙂 Sara has always had a kind, compassionate loving heart for humans and furry friends. Part 2 goes in a different direction. Thank you for sharing your kind, supportive thoughts. Hugs to you and your loved ones.💕

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  32. I knew about the first “escape” and was there to witness the second “freedom run” but this is the first time I’ve heard about “three times lucky”. I wonder what else I’ve been missing?

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    1. I guess we are now grandparents to Marley the Rat. How did this happen? This is part of your side of the family. 🙂 Sara’s texts make my mouth drop open in disbelief. They also make me smile. ❤️ We always knew Sara is a softy with a loving, kind heart. xoxo

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    1. You are right, Jo. I can see why rats are known as being smart animals. I felt it was an entertaining story worth sharing. Possibly a little respite from other news. 😀

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      1. Sounds like he might be in charge – knows a good thing when he’s onto it. My daughter had pet mice and rats when she was a teenager. She thought the rats, especially, to be very friendly and intelligent. I’m not sure I’d encourage befriending a ‘wild’ rat though. Sounds like Marley is already tamed.

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        1. You are right, Norah. When I did my mini rat research, there is a difference between a wild rat and a tame rat. No rats in my house. 🙂 Although, I have learned a great deal about them recently. 🙂

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    1. Hi Leslie, My response to you is delayed since I placed it in a “Marley” file, yet I did not add it to the post. (Brain lapse). Yes, Marley is sometimes smarter than I am.🙂

      Sara’s texts and photos made me smile and I felt it was worth sharing. Especially with all of the recent serious events in the media. Thank you for your kind, supportive words. I know your family means a great deal to you, too, Leslie.💕

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    1. I agree with you, Sheryl. I think we were all surprised how Marley returned to his cage after ‘escaping.’ He likely knows a good, loving home when he sees it. I have not heard about any more escapes. Just some ‘issues’ with a new roommate. 🙂

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  37. Oh, my, goodness – 3 times Marley returned. Pavlov strikes again and again and again! Reminds me of Ratatouille movie. Your daughter is braver than I would be with a wild animal. So fun that she’s giving him a palace. I look forward to seeing the next installment. PS – love the picture of you two together, she gets her beautiful looks from you!

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    1. Hi Shelley, I am delayed responding to you since I placed my reply in a “Marley” file and I did not transfer it over to the post. (A mini brain blip) So much for some studies showing rats are smarter than humans.

      You are absolutely right about Pavlov. Works for rats and humans. I have not watched the Ratatouille movie. I hear it is cute. I should spend an evening cuddle time with my granddaughters and watch it. Thank you for your very kind comments, Shelley. I know Sara is our daughter, yet, I sometimes wonder where she came from. She has always had a kind heart with all living things. No rats in my house. 😂

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      1. Hi Erica, no worries – as you know, I am often very slow in responding to comments on my blog.
        I’m with you on ‘no rats’ in the house. Yikes. Ew. And as a landlord, I’m also a ‘no ferrets, no large dogs, no cats, no rats, no free roaming bunnies, etc…’ I’ve seen firsthand how a free roaming pet that pees and poops often can make a nasty mess. But that’s just my humble opinion. 😉 I’m sure your daughter’s kind heart knows how to take care of them to keep them clean too!

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  40. What a great story Erica!! I love the intense feelings of Sarah and the worry that Marley won’t come back but each timer it returned. What a stunning photo of you and Sara. Fabulous read and such fun! Thanks for the smiles #mlstl

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    1. Deb, My mouth dropped open every time I received a text from Sara. I felt it was an entertaining story and worth sharing. Possibly, a diversion from all the serious stuff out there. Thank you for your kind note. ❤️ You know how we are about our children. Even our adult children. xx

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  41. Wow! What a wild story! He must know he’s truly loved. We had gerbils once, but I don’t think I could handle a rat. Can’t wait to hear what happens in part 2, Erica. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. I am not really a rat or mouse fan, Amy. Definitely squeamish and no plans to touch him/them. Sara’s texts make me smile and I felt it was an entertaining story to share. It is also possibly a break from all of the serious news out there. Thank you for your kind, supportive comment.xx

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  42. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story…as did everyone else clearly…and am looking forward to part 2. I have a grandchild that is obsessed with rats and is campaigning for one of their one. I’ve shared your post with them. Thank you for making me smile this morning.

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    1. Thank you for visiting, Christie and sharing your thoughts. I felt it was an entertaining story worth sharing. How old is your grandchild? Obsessed with rats? I did not know anything about rats until Marley joined the family. 🙂 Sara has been letting me know about some challenges with Marley’s roommate. (in Part 2) Our adult children are forever our children. You know all about this, Christie. xx

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  43. Erica, how great that Marely came back not only once but three times to your daughter and her family! 😀 With the love and care showered on it, Marley knows where he is most welcome. haha … a palace for the rat! Very impressive and Charlie seems to be having a lot of fun helping to build it. Such a fun post, Erica and look forward to reading more about his escapades! 😀

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    1. Annika, I am only recently learning about rats thanks to Sara and Marley. How smart they are, and they make great pets. Not in my house! Sara has always been a softy for fur babies and humans. Her texts and photos make me smile. I felt it was entertaining and worth sharing. A diversion. Especially with all of the serious events going on in the world. Hugs to you and your loved ones, Annika 🌻💕

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  44. Like Miriam said, this is so cute. There must be a reason why Marley keeps coming back. Maybe he really likes his cage or loves what you feed him. It’s amazing how similar yet mice and rats can be, and they can be domesticated. Giving him a name makes him every part of the family – not just another rat but part of the furniture! Looks like he rat palace is coming along nicely. Maybe when it’s done Marley will bring home a friend 🙂

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    1. Hi Mabel, Wow, you are the first person who mentioned how Marley’s name makes him part of the family. I had not thought about this. You remind me how when farm animals are given a name, they no longer become food. 😅 And, yes, an adoption is in the works for a friend for Marley. Thanks for sharing your wise words, Mabel.💕

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      1. A name usually gives character to a person or pet. Normally when we give a name to a child, we think it through and through. So I guess the same goes for naming a pet or animal 🙂 Hope Marley get his companion soon 💕

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        1. Sara happened to be listening to Bob Marley and “everything’s going to be all right” when they first adopted this little mouse/rat. Therefore, the name “Marley.” You bring up a great point, Mabel 🙂

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  45. Pingback: Is Marley The Rat Smarter Than I Am? – Behind the Scenery

  46. Erica, I laughed out loud about never seeing your daughter’s floor when she was growing up. I have a daughter just like that, now a 30-something. During her months off work because of COVID, she has become obsessed with fixing up her apartment and has re-done it about 10 times. A person palace, not a rat palace.

    My mom was phobic about mice and rats, so we would have never been allowed to have a rodent for a pet. Her fear even extended to gerbils and hamsters. She was so phobic that she wouldn’t even touch the cat’s stuffed toy mouse. Although I don’t have a rat phobia, a rat wouldn’t be my first choice in pets.

    Jude

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    1. Hi Jude, Delayed in responding since just returned from Long Beach. I do feel you and I have lived in a parallel universe. We have just missed crossing paths with each other until recently. Our children still continue to surprise us, even as adult children. A rat is not my choice in pets either. Sara’s texts about her fur family and her human family make me chuckle. I felt it was a story worth sharing. I look forward to catching up with you, soon,Jude and reading about all that is new in your life.🙂

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