Hi all,

I never expected to find myself in this position, but here we are. I've been keeping rats for 8 years, and have always made sure to have enough for bedding, enrichment toys, treats - basically everything needed to keep the boys happy and healthy - but most importantly vets' bills.

A couple of months ago my current boys became part of my life: Esquie, François and Bao Bun. They are now four months old, and despite being from the same litter and having lived together peacefully up until now, Esquie has become overwhelmingly aggressive towards his brothers. I'd hoped they'd settle into a new cage hierarchy, but it's gotten worse as time goes on. He won't let them into "his" half of the cage, and during free-roam he'll pursue them around the living room until they seek refuge next to me on the sofa.

And so I've had to make the decision to take him to get neutered - I've only ever had to do this with one of my rats prior to Esquie, but it seems the only way to curb his aggression.

Unfortunately, this past year has hit harder financially than I'd ever expected. My rent has gone up 3 times, gas and electricity up twice, water bill once, council tax once, grocery shopping incrementally so many times. I needed new glasses earlier in the year, and the car has been in the garage on life support three times so far - and that was before the engine warning light came on again this morning.

In contrast all of this, guess what has not increased (and has been confirmed frozen for at least another year)? My income.

The way my bank account has been haemorrhaging money this year leaves me depleted, and while I'm trying to scrape together whatever I can find to get my car back into the garage so I can continue to work, I have no way of finding the funds to get Esquie into the vet, and return the trio to living together peacefully.

I know in this climate everyone is struggling, and so I hate to have to go down this route, but whatever anyone can spare towards Esquie's surgical fund would be so greatly appreciated.

The funding goal is to cover his surgery and post-surgery meds, as well as ensuring he has enough treats to sneak his antibiotics unaware! If by some miracle we go beyond the funding goal, this will be put aside for future vet bills in case of emergency.

Thank you for whatever you may be able to give, both from me and the three little ratty boys!