Anonymous: "You're an incredibly strong person to be able to deal with as many little guys as you do. Just trying to handle one sick little ratty is so difficult and worrisome. Focusing on work is difficult enough, but you do that and school full time essentially. I guess I just wanted to tell you that your boys are lucky to have you."

Thank you so much, this was a really nice message. I am always worried people think they don’t get enough attention, because I am working a lot right now & between that & taking five classes, I only have about two spare hours at home most days (sometimes less than that). I’ve gotten pretty good at adjusting my schedule, I have to wake up early some days to make sure they all get outside time & I end up taking naps on the bathroom floor when they’re out most days, but the Little Ones get at least 45 minutes out each day & Simon & Oliver get about half that (they get bored quickly). The mice go out 5-6x a week because they don’t really care if they get to go out or not, I just like to try to get them used to being handled.

It is a lot to deal with & of course it’s stressful when one is sick, but I really can’t imagine not having them. I was in a really dark place last summer & I probably wouldn’t be here now if I didn’t have any pets. My life would be a lot easier without them & I’d have an extra $20 a month to spend on apple juice & movies, but I don’t really have any hobbies, & I can’t imagine how incredibly boring & lonely my life would be if I didn’t have little noses poking out of the cage every time I walk into the living room. They just make me feel very loved & happy & needed & I really don’t even ever stop to consider how much time or money they take up because they really are worth all of it, as cheesy as that sounds.

—Lisa