A Summer In Rescue

As we head into the summer months, I wanted to share an update on what is happening at Forest City Rats and where my focus will be for the remainder of 2026.

This summer, I anticipate dedicating a significant amount of my time, space, and resources to rat and small pet rescue. While ethical breeding remains an important part of my long-term goals, rescue needs are currently high, and I am in a unique position to help.

A Planned Pause on Breeding

Many people have noticed that I have not announced any recent litters, so I wanted to provide some clarity.

My breeding program was already scheduled to take a temporary pause while I complete health testing on my breeding animals and continue evaluating the future direction of my lines. I am also entering a period where several of my older rats are reaching their senior years, and I expect to spend much of this year focused on their care and comfort.

This pause is not because Forest City Rats is closing or moving away from breeding. In fact, it is part of my commitment to improving the program. My goal is to use this time to strengthen the foundation of Forest City Rats and return in 2027 with healthier, better-documented lines and an even stronger breeding program.

An added benefit of this planned pause is that it allows me to dedicate more space and resources to rescue work. Without active breeding projects occupying available housing, I am able to accommodate more surrender requests and emergency intakes through the Second Chance Program.

The Second Chance Program is in Full Swing

The Second Chance Program has been incredibly busy, and I expect that trend to continue throughout the summer.

In early June, I welcomed a hamster (the best hamster ever, btw) into my care, who is already scheduled to head to his forever home this Friday. Seeing animals move quickly from uncertain situations into loving homes is always a reminder of why rescue matters. I also currently have two male rats available for adoption, both of whom are looking for families of their own.

Today, I accepted a surrender group consisting of four adult rats and eight pups. The group arrived requiring extensive assessment and supportive care, and they will remain in quarantine while I monitor their health and development. Like many surrender cases, their story serves as a reminder of how important responsible pet ownership, education, and support can be.

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/48416e_4a0d61f0ccb2466289c57686bc6ec142/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

This was taken within a couple of hours of them coming to FCR. The pups and mama are remarkably friendly!

Breeding and Rescue Can Coexist

One thing I have learned over the years is that ethical breeding and rescue are not opposing forces. In some circles, they are often presented as being at odds with one another, but I don't believe that has to be the case.

As someone who is both a breeder and a rescuer, I see firsthand how the two can work together.

Ethical breeders help preserve and improve the health, temperament, and longevity of future generations through careful planning, health testing, and responsible placement.

Rescue programs provide support for animals who have lost their homes, come from less-than-ideal situations, or simply need a second chance.

Both play an important role in animal welfare. The existence of rescue animals does not mean ethical breeding should stop, just as ethical breeding does not diminish the importance of rescue. Responsible breeders and dedicated rescuers ultimately share the same goal: ensuring animals receive proper care and live healthy, enriched lives.

This summer, my focus may be more heavily weighted toward rescue work, but my commitment to ethical breeding remains unchanged. Forest City Rats was built on both principles, and I believe there is room for each to contribute positively to the rat community.

Looking Ahead

As summer continues, my focus will remain on rescue, rehabilitation, and providing quality care to the animals currently entrusted to me. I know there will likely be more surrender requests, more unexpected intakes, and more animals needing a safe place to land.

While rescue work can be challenging, it is also one of the most rewarding parts of what I do. Every animal deserves the opportunity to receive proper care and find a home where they are valued and loved.

I am incredibly grateful to everyone who follows my journey, shares my posts, adopts from the program, or helps spread awareness about responsible small pet ownership. Your support allows me to continue making a difference, one animal at a time.