Mazy Lane

Sweet ZZ has always wanted a pet. We had friend the fish, but (long time readers might remember) that did not exactly work out. (Even longer readers might remember Mr. Fish way back in 2006)

But, we just don't have it in us to be dog owners. Or cat owners. Maybe someday (probably not) but definitely not right now in this stage of life.

We considered a reptile-type pet, like a snake, a frog, or a turtle. But ZZ is a cuddler and reptiles don't like to cuddle.

About a week before Christmas, Brian looks at me and says, "Let's get him a pet." But what?

Off to the pet store!

We visited several stores, and kept hearing the same recommendation.

Rat.

Gerbil? Rat. Hamster? Rat.

Rat?? Rat.

Rats have a bad name, we were told. An unfair reputation.

So we thought about it for a week or so. Heard other people's opinions ("gross!!!") and then asked my brother-in-law who happens to be currently working with rats in DC. He actually gave us the okay. He originally recommended a rat that ended up costing around $150. But then we found the Fancy Rat at a nice cost of $10 and he said that was a good one, too.

We finally brought Z to the pet store and let him hold a rat. He didn't know that we were considering buying one. We saw how much he loved the rat. They were actually very sweet and cuddly.

When we told him we'd buy it, he almost burst into tears from the excitement and shock. To say he was thrilled is a total understatement.

We bought all the supplies and a book on caring for a rat.

He named her Mazy Lane.

Yes, I had quite a large influence on the naming. His first idea was Fasto and I just didn't want to do that to her. Crawly and Softy were also on the list. (He's always been very literal when naming things. Except for Swimmy, his stuffed horse, and we still don't understand that one). But Z thinks he came up with the name, which is always the best way to accomplish things with a kid. And a husband. ;)

Mazy Lane is the best pet EVER. I was concerned at the store bc she pooped on the floor while I was holding her. But she potty trained herself within the first day home. (thank goodness!!) She keeps my sweet boy so happy. She is already so loyal to him and will just hang out on his shoulder while he watches tv. She plays outside in the front yard with him and puts up with all his crazy ideas of mazes and tricks. She is very smart. Her cage is super easy to clean, doesn't smell, doesn't make noise, and she is very clean. We can leave for a weekend and not worry. And have I mentioned how happy ZZ is?

She's so good to him that I get a little defensive now of people who are rude about the idea. Get over it. She rocks.

We love our new member of the family..... sweet Mazy Lane <3