Our sweet Stella is the last of our first ever pair of rats. Before we got them, Stella and her sister, Twitch, were "Lab Rats" (AKA, rats owned by a psychology student for research/studying purposes). My partner and I fell in love with them instantly. Ever since Twitch passed away a month ago, she’s been bossing around her 2 little sisters, Mildred and Little Mischief. While they’re free roaming, they explore, play together (even though Stella acts like she’s too old to play), and Stella shows them the ropes and teaches them skills, such as how to most efficiently tear up the carpet. She is my smartest (thus, most mischievous) girl and was the first one to figure out all of the enrichment puzzles! She loves treats and snacks, especially Oreos, chicken, and Cheerios.

Recently, I discovered she had a little lump under her hind leg and thought that maybe it was just fat with how many treats she gets (steals). But now I’ve come to realize that it may be a mammary tumor. As of right now, she seems fine—eating, drinking, exploring, etc. But as it is right under her leg, I worry it is going to impair her ability to walk. The tumor already causes her to hobble around a lot. It could even become cancerous.

My partner and I are currently in a difficult stage of our lives, and we do not think that a hefty vet bill is something we can afford at the moment. It may be months until we can afford her surgery.

After just losing Twitch, I don’t think I could bear losing another one of my babies. Even just the smallest donation will be greatly appreciated, and every single penny will go towards Stella’s surgery.

I’ve estimated that it will be about $300, but I will call my local vet to see if I can get a better idea on the cost.