Mercury Wisp - 06/01/07 - 15/07/09

Variety - Russian Blue Irish

Wisp was my gentle giant, he was possibly one of the nicest rats I've ever owned.  He loved everyone and would happily go along with any situation.  He was my first rat to win Best Pet, winning it twice, though admittedly under the same judge.  He gained the affectionate nick name 'bean bag rat' as not only was he generally a little on the cuddly side he was quite content to settle on anyone and anything and give them a lovely wash as well.  

He outlived his 3 brothers but not by much, passing on from heart failure a few days after I lost Cirrus and bringing an end to an era for me.

Mercury Cirrus - 06/01/07 - 12/07/09

Variety: Black Berkshire Rex

Cirrus was a lovely calm dignified boy.  It took me some time to really click with Cirrus, as he generally preferred more gentle soft handling which I do not do naturally.  Towards the end we became fast friends as we fought through his health problems.  At 12 months he began to have problems with his eyes, he turned out to have eyelids that turned inwards meaning his eye lashes constantly irritated his eyes.  This meant daily eye drops and baths which he put up with well.  Then came the abscesses and a fast growing lump which had to be removed.  Finally he very nearly died from sceptic arthritis.  Despite all these problems he fought on and really inspired me.  

He inspired others, despite never showing well he managed to have the largest group of fans of any of my rats, with his gentle calm and affectionate nature and his freely given kisses.

Mercury Onyx - 06/01/07 - 28/03/09

Variety: Black Berkshire

Onyx was a beautiful strong confident rat.  He was my original 'Big Black Buck' and an amazing alpha.  He proved to be a real mummy's boy too, liking a select few and me the best of all.  He was quiet and dignified but still loving to explore.  He also managed to win a few hearts as those he chose to love he gave his all to, placing highly in pets twice under 'his judge' Alison Campbell.  Onyx unfortunatly began acting strangely some time after his second birthday and this became increasingly obvious until he was diagnosed with a frontal lobe tumour.  He passed away peacefully of his own accord the morning he was due to go for his last vet visit after having his breakfast.

PCh Mercury Nimbus: 06/01/07 - 21/10/08 

Variety: Russian Blue

Nimbus was a wonderful lad, my first breeder boy, one of my favourite ever rats and a complete star.  He loved attention and was a regular PR rat at various show.  My fondest memory of him was at a county show where he was nominated as the PR rat for the day.  He loved it, every time I tried to put him back in his carrier for a rest and a drink he would be at the bars chewing them to come out. He  made many fans and also did very well showing in pets, achieving NERS Pet Champion status by coming reserve best pet twice.  Sadly I lost Nimbus far too young at 22 months, one day I came home and he was gone.  He left a massive hole and will always be remembered as the rat that taught me what heart rats are.