Olivia

DOB: Nov 1st, 2023

Granted Sanctuary: Mar 22nd, 2024

In March 2024, we became aware of an urgent situation in Roseburg, OR when a local rat lover put out a plea on social media. There were a large number of rats living outdoors on a property in horrible condition. Cages were caked with layers of waste, and it was clear that the rats were not being regularly cared for. In total, 17 rats were removed from the property, seven of which came to Rat Way Sanctuary in urgent need of care. Olivia is the last of the Roseburg group still with us. She had escaped her cage on the property, and lost a portion of her tail due to an unknown injury. She eluded capture during the initial removal, but was thankfully caught on a second trip a couple days later. Liv is a funny an independent rat. She’s always on the move and has integrated well with every group of rats she has lived with. She and fellow Roseburg alum, Penelope, were the only rats who would put up with our awkward boy, Howl, toing the line between forgiving and forceful. She is relentless in pursuit of a snack. She has always been an easy keeper and is one of our healthiest residents.

Sprite

DOB: Approx Nov 1st, 2023

Granted Sanctuary: Apr 28th, 2024

Sprite was surrendered to Multnomah County Animal Services along with her two companions, Siren and Selkie, after their owner left them with a friend and didn’t return for them. After their stray hold ended, they were transferred from MCAS to Rat Way Sanctuary for care. Siren and Selkie arrived with multiple mammary masses, respiratory symptoms, and some other ailments, while the much younger Sprite tagged along. Sprite is exceptionally curious, adventurous, and outgoing. She made a game of sneaking out of the cage whenever we would open the doors, but most often used her freedom to run directly to us, because she wanted attention. Sprite became our lead ambassador rat, coming with us to many of our in person events and teaching people about rats and their care. She had a mammary mass of her own removed in November 2025, and shortly after developed an ear infection that has given her a lasting head tilt, but despite her advancing age, she is still as eager and friendly as ever.

Tate, Kit, Rory, and Jimmy

DOB: June 2024

Granted Sanctuary: Aug 24th, 2024

These boys were part of a large surrender to A Pint-Sized Rescue in Pullman, WA. In total, 18 rats were surrendered in various degrees of neglect, underweight and parasite-ridden. We agreed to take the four boys in worst body condition as sanctuary residents. The boys are funny, spunky, and have all had trouble being responsible with their hormones. All four boys are now neutered and living the easy life.

Seneca

DOB: Approx Aug 3, 2024

Granted Sanctuary: Oct 3rd, 2024

Seneca was found running around a parking lot in Ilwaco, WA. Her finder reached out to us for help, and we had her in our care the following afternoon. She had a broken hind leg, an injury to her tail, and NO EYES! But despite all she has been through, she is a funny and playful girl who doesn’t let anything keep her down. We initially believed that her broken leg would require an amputation when she was big enough, however the break has healed well, and she has no issues using the limb.

Mouse

DOB: 2022?

Granted Sanctuary: Oct 12th, 2024

Mouse is an older lady whose companion had recently passed, and she was in need of a place to live out her retirement with new friends. She has been spayed and introduced to Seneca Mochi, Page, and Harvest. In November 2024, a large mass appeared on her neck, and she had surgery to remove it in early December. Despite a harrowing surgery during which her jugular vein on the right side had to be tied off, she recovered quickly and easily. She had another mass removed from under her forearm in late February 2025, and yet again, she breezed through her recovery. While she is well over two years old, she still has the energy of a young rat.

Mochi

DOB: Approx Aug 11th, 2024

Granted Sanctuary: Oct 20th, 2024

After Seneca’s arrival, we began a search for a same age friend for her. Young rats need same-age companions for their social development, and our next youngest residents were still months older than her. At the same time, friends of ours were looking for a same-age companion for Mochi, who they rescued after she spent a month being kept in a snake’s terrarium. Our friends graciously surrendered her to the sanctuary so both girls could have their social needs met. Mochi is a bundle of energy and has a blast playing with Seneca. It’s the best possible outcome for these wonderful little girls!

Harvest

DOB: 2022-2023?

Granted Sanctuary: Oct 27th, 2024

Harvest lived with a houseless person in an encampment in Warrenton, OR. She was released by her owner when they were arrested, but luckily she was spotted and trapped by someone who worked nearby. They reached out for help, and we arranged transport for the following day. Though initially very scared, Harvest proved to be a bold and sassy older lady. She never passes up an opportunity to nip a hand in her vicinity, although since her spay the nips have become far more gentle. She quickly became a mother figure to Page, and gets along well with all her cagemates.

Lichen, Moss, and Slime Mold

DOB: ???

Granted Sanctuary: Nov 6th, 2024

Lichen, Moss, and Slime Mold were surrendered to Multnomah County Animal Services after being found abandoned on someone’s porch. Lichen had a sizable mass and a respiratory infection, and MCAS reached out to us to find placement for the girls. Moss and Slime Mold were both reported to be very fearful, but luckily after a few days in sanctuary, all three girls are coming out of their shell. Lichen had surgery to remove her mass. Shortly after she was spayed and another small mass was removed. Moss and Slime Mold were also scheduled to be spayed. Moss did very well; however, Slime Mold had a severe adverse reaction to one of the meds given pre-operatively, and despite the clinic staff’s best efforts, she could not be revived.

Rogue

DOB: Oct 12th, 2024

Granted Sanctuary: Nov 25th, 2024

Rogue is a feeder survivor who began to display some health issues consistent with megacolon, prompting her surrender to the sanctuary. Thankfully these issues have resolved as she has gotten older, and she is a happy and healthy young girl!

Frieda

DOB: Oct 1st, 2022

Granted Sanctuary: Dec 29th, 2024

Frieda is an elderly lady who has lived alone most of her life. She and her sister were rescued as babies, but her sister passed very quickly. When her owner moved, Frieda was left behind with a roommate. She is clever and quick, and she loves human interaction, but not as much as she loves blueberries. She loves to go on shoulder rides to the fridge so she can pick out her own berry and hang out with us every weekend morning while we have our coffee and she has her little dish of Califia oatmilk. We have attempted introductions with many of our other rats, but after living alone for so long, she has shown again and again that she does not like her own species. She much prefers the company of her human servants while they cater to her every whim.

Julian

DOB: Approx July 4th, 2023

Granted Sanctuary: Jan 4th, 2025

Julian is a big squishy man who was surrendered after his previous owners had rehomed him with his brothers. Julian was anxious and territorial, and bit multiple members of his family, including the children, so he was returned. His previous owners were unable to care for him, prompting his surrender. After a neuter, months of failed introductions with a variety of other rats, and lots of ratty Prozac, Julian now lives with a volunteer who can give him the one on one attention he prefers. Despite his disdain for other rats and the occasional sneaky chomp, Julian can be a very sweet boy and he melts the heart of everyone he meets.

Collin

DOB: Approx Jan 1st, 2023

Granted Sanctuary: Jan 16th, 2023

Collin is an older gentleman who was left alone after the death of his friend. His family sought to rehome him as he began to show issues with aggression toward his humans. Despite some initial promising attempts to bond him with new rats, his hormones kept getting in the way, and he needed to be neutered. He healed well, and after some trial and error, he bonded with Lichen, Moss and Rogue. Despite being twice her size, he is particularly fond of Rogue, and they play together constantly, with Collin letting Rogue flip and groom him. All three girls agree that Collin makes a wonderful mattress, so when he and Rogue are not wrestling, we often find him napping underneath a blanket of ladies.

Froggy, Emma, Riley, and Astoria

DOB: Mar 4th, 2025

Granted Sanctuary: Feb 20th, 2025 – Mar 6th 2025 – November 22nd 2025

The Division Rats began with a pair, Rafe and Eira, purchased as feeders. When they were no longer needed for that purpose, the family kept them. They had a litter of three babies, Ari, Uni, and Katla. At some point, the tote they were kept in was put outdoors, and the rats escaped into both the house and yard, and a neighbor reached out for assistance when Rafe took up residence in a dryer vent by their porch. We were able to trap Rafe, Eira, and Ari fairly quickly, and Eira had a litter of 13 babies in our care on March 4th. Later, Uni and Katla were trapped, along with a second litter of 8 babies. Katla showed no interest in caring for the litter, and her 8 babies joined Eira’s 13. The babies received supplemental feedings around the clock to help support them and Eira. All of the Division Rats were transferred to a partner agency for adoption, save for two girls Emma and Froggy, who both display behavioral issues that prevent them from being adopted. Riley and Astoria were also recently transferred back to us due to Riley’s lifelong chronic respiratory issues.

Zim

DOB: Apr 18, 2023

Granted Sanctuary: Mar 27th 2025

Zim is a sweet senior lady who was the last remaining rat in her mischief. She was born in 2023 when her family was surprised with an oops litter from a mis-sexed rat, and she lived her whole life with her mother and sisters. Now that they have all passed on, she has found a new group of friends in sanctuary care. She is very happy to have lots of sweet friends again! She recently has been battling a sudden and severe bout of pneumonia, but she is a little fighter, she’s healing wonderfully.

Dottie, Niffty, Mimzy, Shadow, Shea, Charlie and Emily

DOB: Apr 1st, 2024

Granted Sanctuary: June 23rd, 2025

These seven ladies joined Rat Way Sanctuary on June 23rd, 2025. Their human was diagnosed with cancer and facing harsh treatments that would leave her unable to care for her rats. The girls had been with her for a year, and all were some degree of fearful to aggressive. So far, they have settled well into sanctuary care. Niffty, who had a cluster of mammary masses, has had her masses removed. Mimzy had a damaged incisor and associated dental abscess, as well as evidence of an old femur fracture. Her rogue tooth has been removed and she is healing well. We have one last girl of this group to spay (Dottie) which is scheduled this week, its taken a while to get her on track due to some chronic respiratory issues. Sadly, Shadow passed away suddenly in November, after a long battle with her health.

Princess Brian

DOB: Mar 15th, 2025

Granted Sanctuary: June 28th, 2025

Princess Brian was spotted hanging out in a back yard in Tigard repeatedly, and while he was very wary of people, his behavior was atypical for a wild rat. After a week and a half of attempts, we were finally able to capture him in a live trap and bring him into sanctuary care. We are unsure if he is a feral domestic rat or the result of domestic rats mingling with the wild population, as his behavior is in some ways very wild and in others domestic. We are working slowly but steadily on acclimating him to being in the presence of people.

Hazel

DOB: Dec 1st, 2023

Granted Sanctuary: July 25th, 2025

Hazel was surrendered after her original owner was no longer able to care for her. She was left in the care of a relative, but they were also not able to care for her long term. They were worried she was sick and did not have the resources to treat her. She arrived with a small mammary mass, but thankfully no other health issues. She had the mass removed and a spay performed and now she is healing well and acclimating to sanctuary life. She is a beautiful and sweet little lady who loves to give kisses. She has never lived with other rats before, but we are hopeful that once she is ready she will learn to love life in a group.

Hot Pocket and Pizza Bagel

DOB: Approx June, 2025

Granted Sanctuary: Aug 6th and 7th, 2025

Hot Pocket and Pizza Bagel arrived a day apart from very different circumstances. Hot Pocket was found by some children along the Trask River, outside Tillamook, OR, and Pizza Bagel was a failed feeder who had been kept alone in a tank for a month prior to surrender. Despite their different circumstances, the girls became instant friends. Both were shy and fearful upon arrival, but have made strides toward becoming more sociable. Hot Pocket is clever and reserved, while Pizza Bagel has boundless energy. We were initially hopeful that the girls would prove to be healthy and adoptable; however, Hot Pocket developed a strange mass in her abdomen and underwent emergency surgery. The mass turned out to be an abscess that consumed most of her reproductive tract and part of her omentum – the fatty layer that protects the abdominal organs. A second surgery was necessary to fully remove the infected tissue. A few weeks later, she began to lose the pigment in her left eye, likely due to inflammation around the vessels that supply the eye, so she is now on drops to limit the effects. With all that she has been through in her young life, she has earned permanent sanctuary spots for herself and Pizza Bagel.

Chowder

DOB: Aug 15th, 2024

Granted Sanctuary: Sept 15th, 2025

Chowder was surrendered to Oregon Humane Society in August of 2025 along with a group of male rats. He had a chronic malocclusion and overgrown incisors. After seeing a series of doctors at OHS over the following weeks, it was recommended that he be euthanized. A group of animal care employees had fallen in love with him and banded together to adopt him, get his teeth trimmed, and find him a permanent placement where his malocclusion could be managed. They reached out to us for help, and we gladly accepted him. He is a sweet and enthusiastic boy, and we are so excited to get to know him better.

Melanie & Betsy

DOB: 10/20/2023

Granted Sanctuary: September 20th, 2025

Mel and Betsy were surrendered to us for a second chance at life, they are seniors who had large tumors impeding their mobility and causing discomfort. Our exotic vet deemed Mel a good candidate for surgery and she had an emergency 87 gram (!) mass removal only a few days after arriving to Rat Way. Betsy gets a high score for having a full set of lumps removed – one in each arm/leg pit in the very first month here in sanctuary care. These girls are energetic and enthusiastic, we are so thankful that we could offer them the surgeries they needed to have a long and joyous retirement in sanctuary care.

Sweater Weather & Snow Day

DOB: Sept 3, 2024

Granted Sanctuary: December 2nd, 2025

Sweater Weather & Snow Day were recent emergency intakes that landed with Rat Way Sanctuary! Sweater Weather presented with severe emaciation and dehydration, as well as neurological symptoms and mild respiratory symptoms that needed emergency care.

More info on both of these adorable ladies coming soon! Check our Instagram if you want to know the latest!

Bella

DOB: Nov 13th, 2023

Granted Sanctuary: December 13th, 2025

Bella is an older lady who was surrendered due to his family’s increasingly severe allergies. She is affectionate and cuddly with her humans, but has a history of aggression toward other rats. We look forward to learning more about Bella in the coming days! Check our Instagram if you want to know the latest!

Lilac

DOB: 2022?

Granted Sanctuary: Dec 10th, 2023

Died: Mar 10th, 2024

Lilac came along for the ride as the bonded sister of Dahlia. She was sweet and cuddly, with a mischievous streak. She shamelessly tried to crawl inside our mouths given any opportunity. She was our little spoon brawler – she would rip a spoon out of your hand with incredible strength. She was spayed along with her sister, Dahlia, in January, where they also removed a small mammary mass that was forming. Shortly after her surgery, another mass appeared, and more concerningly, she began to lose her enthusiasm for life. Soon, the telltale signs of a pituitary tumor appeared. She began treatment immediately, but sadly, she did not respond as well as we hoped. We were able to give her a few comfortable weeks with us and her sister, Dahlia, and when we could no longer do that, we stayed by her side while she passed away peacefully.

Sylvie

DOB: 2022?

Granted Sanctuary: Mar 20th, 2024

Died: Mar 21st, 2024

Sylvie was one of the Roseburg rats. She and her friends were kept outdoors over the winter with inconsistent access to food and water, not receiving even the most basic of care. She arrived to us in shockingly poor condition; she was extremely underweight and had labored breathing. Despite immediate care and oxygen support, she passed away on her first night with us. She may not have been her long, but in the few hours we had, we tried to show her all the love and compassion she deserved, and she died warm, fed, and safe. Our third oxygen concentrator, purchased to provide care to the remaining Roseburg rats and future residents, is named in her honor.

Clara

DOB: 2022?

Granted Sanctuary: Mar 20th, 2024

Died: Apr 10th, 2024

Clara was the second of the Roseburg rats to pass in our care. Like the others, she arrived underweight and with symptoms of long untreated respiratory disease. She responded very well to treatments, and she was quickly gaining weight and regrowing her missing hair. After a couple weeks in our care, she developed neurological deficits consistent with a pituitary tumor. Despite a very promising initial reaction to her medications, she passed suddenly a few days later. Clara was so incredibly sweet and friendly, like so many of her friends. They had every reason to distrust humans, and yet they gave us their complete trust. She reminded us why we do what we do.

Alice

DOB: Late 2020

Granted Sanctuary: Nov 2nd, 2023

Died: July 17th, 2024

Alice was a three year old lady who came to us after losing all her cage mates as well as her human. Her dad had been hospitalized, and she and her sisters had been left in the care of a friend. Alice became depressed and defensive after losing her sisters, and she developed some respiratory and skin issues. After coming into our care, she saw our vet and we began treating her respiratory disease and lice infestation. A few days later, she suffered a series of seizures, followed by vaginal bleeding, which prompted an emergency visit to our exotics vet and an urgent spay. Her reproductive tract was covered in cysts and masses. It was reportedly the worst our vet had seen. She healed up amazingly well and was loving life again in no time. In January, 2024, she was diagnosed with a pituitary tumor, but with treatment she has regained her spirit and is thrived for another seven months. Despite her advanced age, she was active, curious, and sharp. She adored her rat friends, and she tolerated all her meds. Despite everything she had been through, she was relaxed and happy in her sanctuary home right up until her last day. On the night of July 16th, at over 3.5 years old, we noticed she had a severe head tilt that had not been present just hours earlier. She was having trouble getting around on her own, and we knew we couldn’t let her continue to deteriorate. She ate her fill of snacks, including a piece of watermelon as large as her own head, and she went peacefully to sleep while we held her and told her how much we loved her.

Amos

DOB: ???

Granted Sanctuary: Mar 20th, 2024

Died: Aug 16th, 2024

Amos was one of the Roseburg rats. When he arrived at the sanctuary in March, he was underweight, blind, and had respiratory symptoms, advanced HLD and testicular cancer. After starting meds, his respiratory symptoms cleared. He was neutered and introduced to other rats. He lived life slow. His previous neglect, confinement, and vision loss meant it took quite a bit of time for him to get comfortable in his new surroundings and learn he was free to explore. He spent most of his time napping with fellow seniors, Alice and Finch. Amos adored ear rubs. He eagerly grabbed any snack that was offered. He learned that humans weren’t all scary, and he relished a good cuddle session. On the morning of August 16th, we found him still curled up and warm in one of his favorite napping spots. We are grateful that he was able to leave on his own terms, in a place he loved, and near all his friends. We hope that the nearly five months he had here helped to make up for the months of suffering that preceded them.

Cyrus

DOB: ???

Granted Sanctuary: Mar 22nd, 2024

Died: Aug 18th, 2024

When Cyrus arrived with the rest of the Roseburg rats, he was in worst shape of the survivors. He spent his first few weeks on oxygen support, with an intense medication regimen. There were moments we were sure he wasn’t going to make it, but despite it all, his luck changed, and he made what was nothing short of a miraculous recovery. The abscesses filling his lungs and putting pressure on his heart receded. He began eating and put on close to 250g, going from frail and bony to beautiful and muscular, with a shiny jet black coat. He became an energetic, intense, and playful boy. Once he was finally out of oxygen, he bonded tightly to Johnny, another Roseburg oxygen chamber graduate. They wrestled together. They cuddled together. They groomed each other. They begged for attention together. They were nebulized and took their meds side by side for the last four months. On the evening of August 18th, we found Cyrus passed on the floor of the cage, just a few short hours after he was last running around and playing with us. It was a shock to find him gone so abruptly. We don’t know how old he was. We don’t know the full toll his neglect had taken on him. But we are glad that for these last few months he knew only love and joy.

Finch

DOB: 2021?

Granted Sanctuary: Nov 3rd, 2023

Died: Aug 20th, 2024

Early on the morning at the beginning of November, 2023, a resident in a NW Portland apartment discovered a box on the steps of her building. The box contained an elderly rat and a young mouse. She brought them to DoveLewis for care, and from there they were transferred to the county shelter. The mouse was apparently healthy, while the elderly rat was covered in scratches and missing large patches of hair. He was severely underweight and showed signs of hind limb degeneration. But despite all that, he was sweet and affectionate. After his stray hold at the shelter ended, we brought him home to live out the rest of his life in comfort under the protection of the sanctuary. Since his arrival, he has been cleared of parasites, his skin has healed, he has gained over 50g, and grown back much of his hair, which is soft and wavy. He had a small mass removed in January 2024. He is delightfully vocal and likes to groom his humans. His favorite snack is toasted almond slices, which he will cram into his mouth until they are falling out the sides. In June 2024 a couple new mammary masses appeared. He was not a good candidate for surgery, so his human servants closely monitored him and spoiled him. He loved all of his rat friends, and could usually be found happily cuddled with fellow sanctuary residents, Alice and Amos. Finch had his final vet visit on Aug 20th, 2024, following a decline in his health. He is now reunited with Alice and Amos to cuddle across the Rainbow Bridge.

Pistachio

DOB: Aug 15th, 2022

Granted Sanctuary: Jan 15th, 2024

Died: Sept 19th, 2024

Pistachio joined the Sanctuary alongside his nutty brothers, Cashew and Pecan. He was a delightfully round, good natured boy, who lived for snacks and cozy naps with his friends. He developed a malocclusion in Spring of 2024 which necessitated occasional tooth trims, but aside from that, he was a remarkably healthy boy. On the morning of September 19th, he suddenly began to show concerning symptoms. Our vet was unable to find a cause, and we came home with the plan to start some medications and reassess soon after. Unfortunately, he declined rapidly that same evening, and despite rapid intervention guided by our vet, he passed with his brothers standing guard by his side.

Siren

DOB: 2022?

Granted Sanctuary: Apr 28th, 2024

Died: Oct 14th, 2024

Siren came from Multnomah County Animal Services, where she, Selkie, and Sprite were surrendered by the owner’s roommate after the owner left them behind. She also came with a handful of mammary masses. Between her masses and her extremely weird fat distribution, we affectionately called her our Bag of Marbles. She was a friendly and easy-going girl who got along with everyone and made the best pillow or weighted blanket. Her softness made her popular with the older rats who needed a little extra padding. On the morning of October 14th, 2024, she became acutely ill – she was lethargic, had labored breathing, and poor temperature regulation. We initially hoped that with supportive care she may improve, but it became apparent that was not likely, and we said goodbye to her that evening.

Johnny

DOB: 2022?

Granted Sanctuary: Mar 20th, 2024

Died: Oct 15th, 2024

Johnny was another of the Roseburg rats who had spent months living outside in horrible conditions. When he arrived at the sanctuary, he was in respiratory distress, and he spent many days on oxygen support. It was very much not a given that he would survive, but he not only pulled through, but he thrived. He gained weight and transformed from an emaciated rat with a dingy, dark coat to a healthy, stunningly beautiful silvermane boy. He bonded tightly with Cyrus, another oxygen graduate from the group. They did everything together until Cyrus’ sudden passing in August. After losing Cyrus, Johnny had a difficult time integrating into a new group (through no fault of his own – he was the sweetest!), but eventually did make new friends and was often found cuddling with Pico, Siren, Selkie or Dahlia. Like his bestie, Cyrus, Johnny also passed very suddenly and without warning. We found him on the morning of October 15th, at the center of a pile of rats, looking very peaceful.

Cantrip

DOB: Approx Oct 19th, 2024

Granted Sanctuary: Nov 16th, 2024

Died: Nov 16th, 2024

Cantrip was originally purchased from a pet store as a feeder. When the snake wouldn’t eat, she was given to a kind person, who immediately recognized she was unwell. After an emergency vet visit and a follow up with another clinic the next day, she was still in bad shape. When she suddenly began to get worse on the early morning of Nov 16, her owner reached out to us for help, and jumped on a train to meet us first thing that morning. Despite rushing her to our vet, she passed just a couple hours later. Before she died, they were able to get X-rays that showed her GI tract was full of air. While we can’t know for certain, we suspect she may have had megacolon, a genetic condition which is nearly always fatal when it presents in young rats.

Statler

DOB: Approx Aug 1, 2022

Granted Sanctuary: Aug 14th, 2024

Died: Nov 30th, 2024

Statler was surrendered to the sanctuary with his brother, Waldorf, in August 2024. Their owner was leaving an abusive relationship and didn’t have a safe place for the two shy senior boys to go. We happily accepted them, and they blossomed into affectionate, happy old men. Although he wasn’t a fan of being picked up, he was more than happy to ride around on a shoulder or cuddle on the couch. In September, Statler developed a mass in his neck. He had surgery to remove it in early October. Unfortunately, the mass was lymphoma. A few weeks later, the masses returned, and despite attempts to find a chemotherapy agent that would help him, the masses continued to grow. We said goodbye to him on November 30th, with his brother by his side until the end.

Lily

DOB: Approx Jan 1st, 2023

Granted Sanctuary: Mar 3rd, 2024

Died: Dec 11th, 2024

Lily and her sister, Rune, were surrendered to the sanctuary due to behavioral concerns in March 2024. Lily had a history of biting for blood, and both girls were very skittish to the point that they were virtually unable to be handled. Their owner had reached out to a number of rescues and shelters and were unable to find placement for the girls, so we stepped in to help. Both Lily and Rune were very curious and eager to explore, but they are jumpy and both are prone to nipping when scared. Both girls were spayed, and they were introduced to Blaine, another behavioral surrender. The trio went to live with Kylie, our behavioral expert, where they are allowed to be themselves and could enjoy frequent free roams. Lily passed in December 2024 following a rapid decline in her health. Thanks to quick action from Kylie and our vet, she had a very peaceful final day, where she got to spend time with her buddies and relax in comfort.

Slime Mold

DOB: Approx Aug 6th, 2024

Granted Sanctuary: Nov 6th, 2024

Died: Jan 9th, 2025

Slime Mold arrived with her friends, Lichen and Moss, in November 2024. They had been surrendered to Multnomah County Animal Services after they were found abandoned on someone’s porch. According to MCAS, Slime Mold was so terrified that they were unable to complete a physical exam on her, but once in our care, she quickly blossomed into a happy and friendly young rat. She was always on the move. Whenever we’d pass by her cage, she would be clinging to the doors, awaiting attention and adventure. She went in for her spay on January 9th, 2025, where she suffered a severe adverse reaction to one of the meds given pre-operatively. Despite the clinic staff’s best efforts, they were unable to revive her.

Beetle Storm

DOB: Approx Dec 21st, 2024

Granted Sanctuary: Jan 11th, 2025

Died: Jan 15th, 2025

Beetle Storm was born in a feeder bin in a reptile shop in Keizer, OR. At approximately 4 weeks of age, she jumped out of the bin toward a customer in the store, and was swatted to the back of the bin by an employee. The customer, seeing how desperate she was to escape, immediately decided to purchase her, but once she brought her home, Beetle was displaying many signs of illness and severe pain. They reached out to us for help, and we welcomed her into our care on January 11th, 2025. She appeared to be improving well with supportive care, but the stress to her tiny body proved too much. She passed on January 15th on the way home from the vet.

Cashew

DOB: Aug 15th, 2022

Granted Sanctuary: Jan 13th, 2024

Died: Jan 19th, 2025

The Mixed Nuts, Cashew, Pistachio, and Pecan were surrendered to the sanctuary following changes in their owner’s circumstances, which limited their ability to continue paying for their care. Cashew had been previously diagnosed with congestive heart failure (CHF) and cardiomegaly at his previous clinic when he was around 6 months old, and had been on medications for nearly 9 months. Shortly after arriving with us, he became very ill, with severe respiratory symptoms and lethargy. Our vet determined that he had been previously misdiagnosed, and the high doses of cardiac medications he was prescribed had put him in renal failure. After weeks of intensive care, including oxygen support, fluid administration, nebulization and a pharmacy’s worth of oral and injectable meds, Cashew miraculously recovered. For nearly a year, he enjoyed life in good health, with his respiratory symptoms well controlled. In November 2024, we noticed an increase in his symptoms, and he was soon diagnosed with testicular cancer. Due to his respiratory disease, he was not a good candidate for surgery, and the next few weeks were focused on keeping him happy and comfortable. We said goodbye to Cashew on January 19th, 2025. He passed surrounded by his brother Pecan and their friend, Selkie.

Dahlia

DOB: Late 2021

Granted Sanctuary: December 10th, 2023

Died: March 8th, 2025

Dahlia and Lilac were listed on craigslist, with a post declaring the owner “need[ed] them gone ASAP.” Dahlia came with a large mammary tumor on her upper chest. She urgently needed surgery before the mass impaired her mobility or worse. She was picked up by one of our team members on Sunday, delivered to another team member on Tuesday, seen by our exotics vet on Wednesday, and had surgery to remove the mass on Thursday. Within the span of just five days, her life was turned completely around and a literal weight has been lifted. She healed faster than any rat we’ve ever seen, and in late January she was spayed. She was incredibly active and social. She loved adventure and climbing any human who would let her. In June 2024 she had an emergency mass removal after an aggressive new tumor appeared on her neck. The pathologist determined the mass to be a spindle cell sarcoma. Sarcomas are notoriously difficult to remove completely, but luckily the mass did not regrow, and she had many months of good health following her procedure. In February 2025, she was diagnosed with heart failure and began medications to help keep her comfortable. In early March 2025, a rapidly growing mass appeared on her right thigh, and within a few days, it started to affect her motor control. We said goodbye to Dahlia on March 8th, 2025. She currently holds the record for the longest stay in sanctuary care at 15 months.

Pecan

DOB: Aug 15th, 2022

Granted Sanctuary: Jan 13th, 2024

Died: March 15th, 2025

Pecan was surrendered to the sanctuary with his brothers, Cashew and Pistachio, following changes in their owner’s circumstances, which limited their ability to continue paying for their care. He had a small mass on his back, which was successfully removed. He was a reserved and stand-offish boy with people, but he loved his brothers and friends fiercely. When Pistachio and Cashew passed, he stayed right by their sides, physically shielding them. After Cashew passed in January, 2025, Pecan mourned deeply. For weeks, he did not want to leave his hide, and he withdrew from the other rats. Thankfully, he turned around and got his spark back, engaging with us and the other rats, playing with toys, and generally enjoying himself. He passed suddenly on March 15th, 2025.

Selkie

DOB: 2022?

Granted Sanctuary: Apr 28th, 2024

Died: March 15th, 2025

Selkie came to us from Multnomah County Animal Services along with Siren and Sprite. She had a number of mammary masses that needed to be removed as well as chronic respiratory symptoms. After removing her masses, getting her spayed, and getting her respiratory symptoms under control, she lived happily with her sisters and other sanctuary residents. Selkie’s respiratory disease worsened in early 2025, and she developed pneumonia. Unfortunately, although her lungs improved with adjustments to her treatment, we discovered that she had also developed kidney issues which worsened until we had to make the heartbreaking call to help her rest.

Henry and Templeton

DOB: Late 2022

Granted Sanctuary: Mar 23, 2025

Died: Apr 25th, 2025

Henry and Templeton came to us when their owner had to move out of state to pursue a job opportunity. He was worried the move would be too hard on the boys with their advanced age and chronic conditions, so he reached out to us for help. We were more than happy to give the boys a stable home for their remaining days. Henry had a malocclusion and hind limb degeneration, while Templeton was being treated for a pituitary tumor. Both boys were very sweet and settled in well. After a few weeks in our care, Templeton’s PT symptoms began to return, and on the morning of April 25th, 2025, it was clear that it was his time. At the same time, we found a mass on Henry’s jaw. Knowing that it would not be operable and would soon impact his ability to eat comfortably, we chose to let the boys go together, so they would never have to spend a day apart.

Minnie

DOB: Jan 1st, 2024

Granted Sanctuary: July 5th, 2025

Died: July 14th, 2025

Minnie’s owner lost her housing and was unable to find a shelter who would allow her to keep her tiny friend. A kind woman who offered her a ride also took care of Minnie so her human could access shelter. Recognizing that Minnie was not well, she and a rat-owning friend began looking for help and reached out to us. Minnie was swimming in lice, dehydrated, lethargic, and weak, but despite that, she was the sweetest little girl, clearly grateful for the care we provided. In the ten days she had with us, we treated her lice, gave her supportive fluids, addressed her pain, and gave her all the love she requested. She gained strength and began meeting her caretakers at the door of the cage, eagerly awaiting attention and treats. On July 14th, her health took a sudden turn, and she passed peacefully in her carer’s arms on the way to the vet.

Penelope

DOB: Approx Mar 1st, 2023

Granted Sanctuary: Mar 20th, 2024

Died: July 27th, 2025

Penelope was one of the Roseburg rats, a group of 17 rats rescued from a property in Roseburg, OR, where they had been kept outdoors for months over the winter. Penny had chronic respiratory issues which required lifetime management, but she was a happy and enthusiastic girl who got along well with everyone. She was especially close with fellow Roseburg alum, Olivia, and our personal rat, Howl. She had an adorable little head tilt during much of our time with us, a remnant of an ear infection in the fall of 2024, but it didn’t slow her down a bit. Even when she developed heart failure in May of 2025, it didn’t dampen her spirit. Two months after her CHF diagnosis, we helped her cross the bridge with Howl by her side.

Rune

DOB: Approx Jan 1st, 2023

Granted Sanctuary: Mar 3rd, 2024

Died: Aug 7th, 2025

Rune was surrendered to the sanctuary with her sister, Lily, due to behavioral concerns. She was extremely skittish and virtually unable to be handled. Their owner had reached out to a number of rescues and shelters and were unable to find placement for the girls, so we stepped in to help. Both Lily and Rune were very curious and eager to explore, but were jumpy and both are prone to nipping when scared. Both girls were spayed, and they were introduced to Blaine, another behavioral surrender. The trio went to live with Kylie, our behavioral expert, where they were allowed to be themselves and could enjoy frequent free roams. Rune had recurrent back issues throughout her life, and suffered an ear infection that left her with a cute head tilt. She mellowed a lot throughout her time with us and bonded with Kylie and her husband and thoroughly enjoyed the company of her rat friends, especially her bestie, Blaine. In July of 2025 she developed a series of cancerous tumors throughout her lymphatic system. Due to the extent of the spread, we determined that it was not in her best interest to pursue surgery, and she was pampered for the remainder of her days.

Waldorf

DOB: Approx Aug 1, 2022

Granted Sanctuary: Aug 14th, 2024

Died: Aug 14th, 2025

Waldorf and his brother, Statler, were shy older gentlemen who needed a safe place to go when their owner left an abusive relationship. They both settled in well in sanctuary care and began to come out of their shells. After Statler passed in fall of 2024 from lymphoma, Waldorf joined another group of rats, eventually settling down with a few other seniors, our personal boys, Alpine and Mesa, and fellow sanctuary rat, Milo. He continued to become more cuddly throughout his time with us, and in his final months he enjoyed all the petting and scritches we could give him.

Milo

DOB: Apr 1st, 2023

Granted Sanctuary: Apr 25th, 2025

Died: Sept 7th, 2025

Milo was purchased as a feeder and used for breeding for most of his life. Six months before coming to us, he developed an infection in his left eye that was left untreated, resulting in the loss of the eye. His owner listed him on craigslist, speculating he may only have a day or week left, giving him away to the first person who showed up. Once he was in our care, it was clear he had many more health issues. The infection that took his eye had moved into his maxilla, causing osteomyelitis, building up pus and pressure until it ruptured his ear drum. He had wounds on his feet, a hole in his right ear, mild respiratory disease, and a severe lice infestation. He made a remarkable recovery during his months with us and absolutely adored the spoiled sanctuary life. In early September, 2025, he began to show more pronounced vestibular symptoms as well as new onset seizure activity, and he was tentatively diagnosed with a Zymbal’s gland tumor. Unfortunately, despite a change in his treatments, the seizures continued and we helped him pass gently on September 7th.

Celeste

DOB: June 6th, 2024

Granted Sanctuary: Apr 8th, 2025

Died: November 8th, 2025

Celeste was listed for free on craigslist, where she was shown in a small tank looking extremely puffed up and hunched. The ad indicated that she was sick and would need more care. We enlisted a volunteer who drove nearly 8 hours round trip from Portland to Yakima, WA and back with her. Her previous owner disclosed that she had been ill for at least three months, during which time she had been separated from her friend and given a haphazard assortment of bird meds. She was extremely underweight, with pneumonia and pulmonary abscesses and severe upper respiratory congestion. Since entering our care, she has started to gain weight, and she is responding well to treatment. Unfortunately, with her prolonged illness and inappropriate treatments, Celeste had long-term issues that needed careful veterinary management. In September she underwent treatment for congestive heart failure, which ultimately worsened to the point where her quality of life could not be maintained, and we helped her pass on November 8th, 2025.

Shadow

DOB: Apr 1st, 2024

Granted Sanctuary: June 23rd, 2025

Died: November 11th, 2025

Shadow arrived with seven ladies joined Rat Way Sanctuary on June 23rd, 2025. Their human was diagnosed with cancer and facing harsh treatments that would leave her unable to care for her rats. The girls had been with her for a year, and all were some degree of fearful to aggressive. Shadow developed an eye issue in October, which started as irritation and progressed to swelling and infection despite prompt care. Sadly, we were never able to get fully ahead of her symptoms, and Shadow passed away suddenly in November the day before she was scheduled to have surgery to remove a probable mass behind the eye.

Page

DOB: Approx July 17th, 2024

Granted Sanctuary: Oct 23rd, 2024

Died: November 19th, 2025

Page spent approximately 6 weeks of her young life living outside of the Portland State University Library, where she had been frequently spotted hanging out by library employees and students. As the weather started turning, the library staff were worried about her ability to survive alone in the cold. We spent two weeks attempting to catch her with live traps and nets, but she was fast and wily. Eventually we were able to entice her into one of our traps, and she is now safe and sound in sanctuary. She had an army of fleas and lice, wounds on her tail and an abscess on her neck, but she was in pretty good shape considering all she had been through. Once she was healed and through her quarantine, she was introduced to Seneca, Mouse, and Harvest. She slowly began to take cues from the other girls, and her trust in us has grown immensely in her time with us. Recently Page developed a tumor in the lining of her stomach, which was discovered during an emergency exploratory surgery for a mass. We made the choice to let her go peacefully, as her condition was sadly not treatable.

Blaine

DOB: May 23rd, 2023

Granted Sanctuary: Mar 25th, 2024

Died: November 19th, 2025

A local vet reached out to us after a 10 month old rat presented to the clinic for behavioral euthanasia. Blaine had begun biting his cage mates, as well as children in the household. Recognizing this sudden change in behavior as a classic presentation of hormonal aggression, we agreed to accept him into the sanctuary. After his neuter he calmed down a bit and lived very happily with Lily and Rune. He was a sensitive, and anxious, but funny, guy. He adored his ladies and always let them walk all over him. He was never very comfortable with humans, but he loved free roam and cuddle sessions with his friends. Rune was his soulmate, and they were at their happiest goofing around and eating cardboard together. Over the course of his life, he also lived with (and deeply loved) Cake, Egg, Zim, Froggy, and Emma. He would have done anything to protect his ladies, to the very end, and they all took great care of him.

Mira

DOB: 08/15/2023

Granted Sanctuary: August 12th, 2025

Died: December 3rd, 2025

In August we were contacted by a professional cleaner doing a move-out clean on an apartment in Salem. She had found a small, filthy cage left behind in a bedroom containing a single rat. She reached out to us saying she found a blind rat and asked if we could take her. We agreed, sight unseen, and she drove her up to us in Portland. We were anticipating a pink eyed white rat since PEWs are so often mistaken for blind due to their swaying behavior. We were not expecting Mira.

Mira was a roof rat – rattus rattus – a separate species from domestic rats, which are descended from the brown rat, rattus norvegicus. She was also a senior with large cataracts, so she was functionally blind, although you’d never know it seeing her climb and run. Aside from her vision, she was in great health. She was almost certainly wild born, but she was clearly raised by humans and had been kept as a pet for likely her whole life. She was fearful at first to be in a new environment with new people, but she settled in well and has gotten much more comfortable. In November, she developed the telltale signs of a pituitary tumor. We were able to manage her symptoms for a few weeks, but unfortunately her relief was not long lived. We spent a lot of time cuddling during her final days, with only the occasional finger chomp when she was in the mood, and we said goodbye to her on December 3rd, 2025.