Before you think I've really gone round the bend, consider it. A fabulous, affectionate friend who never scolds or annihilates your MC with a dismissive remark, or shatters your plot line with one swift blow of logic. Nope. Ruthie is inspired! Originally a class pet (well we know what happened to that plan!), now she is simply my buddy. Before I got this quaint little rodent, I had no idea how remarkably affectionate and quick-witted rats are. She's smart and sweet and already bonded to to me--and I to her. She loves to play around my feet or explore my desk when I'm working. Although the desk-top expeditions can be a bit dangerous to my files as her dainty little toes can wreak havoc on my keyboard, sending my document into the strangest of convulsions. "Save." Hit "Save" often!
Call her a mascot or a curiosity, I'll always call her my buddy. As odd as it may sound, Ruthie seems to make my little space, surrounded by the playroom mess and loads of youthful distraction, truly my space. She anchors me and encourages me as I plow through the pile of ideas scattered among the flotsam on my desk. Her little nose poking at my sock, her tiny toenails gently tugging at my pants leg, her feathery whiskers tickling my skin as she climbs into my lap and nudges my chin.
I know--it sounds a bit sappy. But it feels so nice to have a little buddy who is just interested in a little cuddle and some good writing! I think everyone should have a personal mascot! A critique critter!
...and it also looks as if she gets along with your mouse. Sounds like a keeper to me. ;-D
ReplyDeleteCute! Is she coming along tomorrow? ;-)
ReplyDeleteLOL, I was just about to ask, what is she doing to that mouse? *Linda drags mind from gutter*
ReplyDeleteShe is very cute. My writing buddies like to climb all over my keyboard, too! I have three cats and they all love to sit on the keys and chase the cursor. It's gotten so I have to lock them out of the room when I'm writing, just so I can get some work done.
That's the cutest rat I've ever seen, Mary Ann. There's a new nonfiction book out called, Oh Rats! It's a fascinating look on rats -- really pretty incredible creatures, after all's said and done.
ReplyDeleteWe had a guinea pig - Chester - for a while who was also affectionate. He whistled when we came into the room.
Ha! I had no idea rats could be so friendly! How cute!
ReplyDeleteI had no idea how sweet rats could be, either. She's a lot like a puppy, but not so hyper. She loves attention and clicks her teeth when she's happy. It's really precious!
ReplyDeleteI think if it weren't for the naked tail thing, more people would find her irresistible.
EEEK - there's a mouse on your desk - lol - I have mice but they are gray and they are running in and out of the walls and places that are not sealed and drive me nuts because they get in the kitchen at night when I'm trying to sleep - E :)
ReplyDeleteVery sweet! Does he live in a cage or does he have the run of the house?
ReplyDeleteThough Daisy, our rat terrier, would love for Ruthie to have the run of the house, we keep our littlest buddy in a cage near my writing space in the basement. Everyday, I close the door to keep the dogs out and let Ruthie have the run of the basement for a little while. Occasionally, I'll even put her in her rat ball and let her ramble around the living room upstairs. She's a doll!
ReplyDeleteOoops! I called her a he! I'm so sorry. The pink tail and toes should have been a dead give away.
ReplyDeleteI did read your entry - honest I did!