Our furry FRIENDS

Three women tell why their relationships with their pets have been so very important in their lives

- KARA O'NEILL

‘Plum has brought me a new sense of purpose’

Ren Shilcock, 21, from Horsham, West Sussex, adopted Plum the rat in 2019. When I tell people I have pet rats, they turn up their noses and shudder, but I always implore them to give rats a chance – they’re actually loving and sociable creatures.

Plum was in a bad way when I first got her as a rescue. She’d been living without a companion and seemed very quiet and timid, hated being handled.

Eventually, with the help of training and treats, I got her used to me picking her up. I’d pop her on my shoulder while I busied myself around the house; she seemed very content and we really started to bond.

I introduced her to my four other rats about two weeks later, and noticed a huge change. She suddenly became much more inquisitive and willing to explore. I realized that she’d probably just been very lonely before.

Shortly after, it became apparent that Plum was blind, but it doesn’t stop her from doing anything. She’s so mischievous and steals everything she can get her paws on. She’s even learned how to open my lunch box! When I see how confident she is now, I’m so proud that I helped her find happiness again.

But in truth, Plum has brought me a new sense of purpose. I’d been struggling a little with daily life before I got her, but now, when I walk past her enclosure in the mornings and she pops her head out, it means I’m starting my day off with a smile. I honestly never believed I’d feel this way about a rat, but she’s a truly special friend.

‘Valentine is so cheeky’