Just to let you know, I had a rat just like that, named Sweetie, and although I don’t generally care for rodents, she did her name justice. I loved that rat! She got tumors which I understand are common for rats and finally died after we had her 2 years. We were all very sad. That’s a very cute picture of Chance and I’d like to know if he/she had tumors also. I am truly sorry for your family’s loss.
Please know that I read your blog regularly and I think you are a prolific writer and I truly enjoy checking your blog every couple of days for updates. I’m not a Christian, I’m Jewish, but I really respect your devotion to your faith and the way that you raise your children in Christianity. I think its important and I do the same thing and have similar beliefs in G-d even though I’m a Jew.
I’m a knitter also but just a rookie but love reading about your knitting.
I wish you luck in your pursuit for a teaching job, your relationship with your daughter and all that God has planned for you in this life.
AuburnChick's Adventures 
Just to let you know, I had a rat just like that, named Sweetie, and although I don’t generally care for rodents, she did her name justice. I loved that rat! She got tumors which I understand are common for rats and finally died after we had her 2 years. We were all very sad. That’s a very cute picture of Chance and I’d like to know if he/she had tumors also. I am truly sorry for your family’s loss.
Please know that I read your blog regularly and I think you are a prolific writer and I truly enjoy checking your blog every couple of days for updates. I’m not a Christian, I’m Jewish, but I really respect your devotion to your faith and the way that you raise your children in Christianity. I think its important and I do the same thing and have similar beliefs in G-d even though I’m a Jew.
I’m a knitter also but just a rookie but love reading about your knitting.
I wish you luck in your pursuit for a teaching job, your relationship with your daughter and all that God has planned for you in this life.
Be well,
Anne