The quietest and gentlest of our trio, Mocha was a character from the beginning. We first met when we were looking for a new baby girl to keep Blueberry company. Although we had meant for Blueberry to “pick” her new buddy at the pet store, Mocha immediately cuddled up into Daddy’s coat pocket, and we couldn’t help but take her home. The first night that Mocha was at home with us she doggedly tried to bond with Blueberry, although Bloobie was wary of this new wee creature invading her cage.
Mocha did not give up until Blueberry would let her cuddle, and soon enough the two became the best of friends. As Mocha grew up, her shy but sweet disposition became evident. She was very attached to both Mommy and Daddy, and it took quite some time for her to warm up to new people. Her love of food, combined with her keen intelligence meant that she would do almost anything for a yogurt drop.
Mocha’s red eyes were sensitive to light, so play time outside of the cage for her almost always meant making caves and tunnels out of the blankets on the bed. As well, she used to love burying herself in the shavings of the travel cage on excursions in the car. While the other two rats were partial to sleeping in the hammock, Mocha’s favourite sleeping places included empty Kleenex boxes, and a plastic igloo in the bottom of the cage (and occasionally
the sleeve or hood of our sweater).
Mocha was truly special, and her love and patience with us showed. Even during unpleasant tasks, like clipping her nails, and in the end her teeth, she never showed any aggression. In our eyes Mocha was a little polar bear, and everything about her – from her waddle, to her sweet tooth, to her satin fur, to the way she used to eat with her eyes closed – will be missed.