Cry Freedom!

Aww, you're great, he's a lucky boy.

Well, we're both trying. Thank you. :)

the pain eased and you lost your willpower :)
he is very lucky - he looks healthier

but how about your hand?

Oh, I don't have much willpower when it comes to rats. I can't stay angry with them for long. The finger is still sensitive and painful, but the bulk of the swelling has gone down now. Still a ways to go on the healing front.

Aww. He's lucky you found him, even if he doesn't realise it.
I love how he's looking at you in every single photo.
Good luck to the pair of you, and be careful with your hand! x

awesome first shot, I do like rats...

I know this may sound ridiculous but he looks much happier and healthier than your first photo of him. He reminds me of my long gone Boo who was a B/W hoodie buck too.

XXXX Air kisses for Bruce (and you of course...!)

Thanks, Wendle. Bruce keeps a wary eye on me in case I move to do something hideous and horrible to him - like pet him. He's doing better though. xx :)

Thanks, Billion. So do I. Bruce is a problem rat, but we're trying to work things out.

Not ridiculous at all, Twiglet. Thanks. :) You had a good point earlier about Bruce possibly feeling more secure in a caged situation. For the days he was under lockdown, he started eating more, and still eats more once I put his food dishes in the condo for the night.

I feel relieved about that, because he's one of those angsty types, who doesn't eat when he's busy being all angsty. (I think this is like having a hormone riddled teenager...)

We made some serious progress late last night. Like all the other boys, he figured out how to climb the Martin cage to get on top of the rat condo. He took his first (and hopefully last) fall from there. He ran directly under 'his' table, and was trying to climb the wall back up. I got a bath towel and talked to him quietly. I opened up the lower condo door, and sat very still. He ran back into the condo on his own. About an hour later, he found yet another hole in the barriers I placed to keep him above ground. I caught him before he went to far, and said "Bruce, don't." I backed off a bit to give him room, and he turned about and ran back to his habitat. So yay! for small successes. :D

wow
even his eyes look better. Progress indeed Caine - wtg!

Aww, yay! I'm so glad for you that things are starting to slowly get better. :)

Thanks, Dhamaka. Small steps! :)

Thanks, Wendle. It really is good to see Bruce doing better.

Yay! for ALL successes! : D

I'm so glad things are improving. When the rescuers like you give up the poor little sad ones don't have anyone left. We love Bruce and send him loving ratty thoughts... <3

Thank you, Twiglet! I am feeling much more optimistic about Bruce. Time and space can often work wonders, I'm pinning hope on that fact. It's up to Bruce at the moment and so far, he's doing pretty damn good. I'm impressed. :D

Oh how good to hear these optimistic news! :D Great job,Caine!

Thank you very much, Shitake. :)

: )

Love the first photo - amazing little eyes!

Thanks, PJ. They do have the cutest faces. :)

He looks adorable, can't blame you for giving him another go...glad things are moving forward. Hope your fingers heal soon x

Agree with MB, especially about the healing fingers :)

keeping my fingers crossed for this one..

Thanks, Morningbear. :)

Thanks, Maggie. :)

Thanks, Beth. I expect we'll get there in the end.

he does look mighty happy and healthy now. Hope it all works out for you both

Thanks, FF. Bruce is doing much better, and losing quite a bit of his fear. He is a handful, but most young boys are. :)