Snuggling Therapy Rats

01/16/2026

Sorry for the lack of postings. Life has been extremely busy and since I dont have actual visits the rats lives are pretty calm right now.
Just wanted to give a few updates on the boys. Everyone is living 100% in harmony now. The babies play with eachother and have learned to give space to Orbit who isn't in the mood to play as roughly in his older age. They all will play some but the rough play is mainly the babies. Orbit loves to groom the babies though.
Orbit and Comet really have taken to eachother as well. Many times those two will be snuggled together while Pluto is in his house or other hammock.
Orbit update: So Orbit went to the vet again yesterday and it is suspected to be a tumor or cancer vs an abcess as the medications didn't do much. He may also now have an eye ulcer and he also has suspected kidney issues now as well. We are focused on keeping him comfortable until a decision needs to be made. He is still his happy self and hasn't shown any signs of struggling to eat or drink. His fur hasn't been fluffed and he is still bouncy with energy (as much as he can be at 1yr 7mo).
Video of Orbit and Comet snuggled together for cuteness.

01/06/2026

Exciting news!
Genesis Home of New Beginnings has graciously offered to help socialize the babies during their training to becoming therapy rats. They wont be ready to be officially evaluated until around late spring/early summer. They loved Cosmo and were very sad to hear about his passing and they want to help these babies succeed at being fantastic therapy animals. Im so greatful for the offer and we, in a couple weeks, will have our first visit there since Cosmos passing.
Pic of the babies with Orbit in the cutest cuddle pile to brighten your day

01/05/2026

First group photos of the boys and first time the babies tried on the harness and they weren't phased at all.

01/04/2026

Introducing the rats to the Critter Nation didnt go as planned.
I planned to just introduce the first level but Orbit was begging to go to the second so opened up the whole Critter Nation and they all did amazing. I had all the toys and hammocks in and there was no sign of territorial guarding. After the initial exploring and video the babies stayed on the bottom while Orbit was in the hammock on the top. They for sure appreciate the extra space and options.
Thank you everyone for following our first introduction story which was a greater success then I imagined. Carrier method for the win

01/02/2026

Thank you Pet Partners for sharing Cosmo❤️

Today, we honor Cosmo, a truly special member of the Pet Partners community. 🩵

In just eight months, Cosmo calmed and comforted nearly 600 people over the course of 27 visits. From curling up in his basket for snuggles to gently breaking down fears and changing hearts, Cosmo showed just how powerful the human-animal bond can be, no matter the species.

Cosmo’s impact reached far beyond in-person visits, touching even more lives through shared moments online. His legacy, compassion, curiosity, and quiet joy will continue to inspire.

Like this post to help celebrate Cosmo and the love he brought into the world.

01/02/2026

Intros for the boys are going very well. Hoping by Monday to get them in the Critter Nation together.

01/02/2026

Caught the babies and Orbit snuggling last night and this morning

01/02/2026

Yesterday I started introducing the babies to Orbit and after a few squabbles they have been eating and drinking together and even have been snuggled together.
Im introducing through the carrier method so that's why they are in my travel carrier. Today they will move to my temp cage then hopefully soon to half the Critter Nation before fully access to both levels

01/01/2026

First outting for Comet and Pluto today and they did amazing. There were tons of people at the Penguin Plunge supporting the Humane Society of Harrisburg Area today and a DJ with pretty loud music was there. They stayed in their pouch the whole time without having to be redirected and even got pet by some people.

12/31/2025

As 2025 comes to a close I just wanted to share the amazing work my boy has done with his volunteering.
Cosmo before his passing had 27 visits with 27.5 hours of pet therapy in the 8 months he was apart of the program.
Excited for the new babies to continue pet therapy in the future

12/26/2025

We hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!
Orbit for Christmas got a hat to complete his outfit while the new babies got matching sweaters for Christmas.

12/24/2025

Our attempt at a Christmas photo with the babies