We understand that animal research is necessary to the advancement of scientific and medical knowledge. We support it and we have participated in it; however, we cannot help but feel sorry for the innocent creatures who unknowingly give their bodies and lives to educating and helping others. After working in Vaccarino Lab at the Yale Child Study Center for three years of college and the summer afterwards, Kathy longed to save a couple of the many mice who are born, raised, altered, and potentially sacrificed for research. When she left Yale, her labmate kindly offered two young mice to share her home in New York City.
The mice are unnamed and are only referred to as Mr. Mousie and Mr. Mousie, even though they are both female. One of the most pleasurable aspects of raising mice is simply observing them. Their play and their interactions are hugely entertaining. At the beginning, the only way to tell them apart was by a clipped ear on one mouse. This mouse is now clearly the dominant mouse – she takes the food from the other’s hands and is much larger.
Our mice eat fortified pellet food with occasional supplemental treats like fresh vegetables, unsalted sunflower seeds, and oatmeal (they love oatmeal!). We clean out their bedding of shaved wood about once a week. When their cage is cleaned, we place them in a warm washcloth and rub gently to clean them (though this is really not necessary as they groom themselves). Afterwards, they run around our apartment in a hamster ball.
We also routinely change the objects and toys in the cage. After all, Kathy’s project was about the beneficial effects of environmental enrichment. These mice get lots of exercise doing “monkey bars” on the cage and on their running wheel. Their toys include a hanging bell (intended for birds), tree branches, plastic tunnels, egg cartons, and toilet paper rolls. Kathy’s coworkers at Pediatric Ophthalmic Consultants have been wonderful at saving potential supplies! The compressed cardboard that comes in toner boxes is especially fun for our mice. Of course, all recycled toys are ink-free.
Surprisingly, our mice are very clean. They often groom each other and they usually even have a “pee corner” (too much information?). They do not smell though their not smelling obviously hinges upon the frequency that we clean the cage. They are not loud, as long as we oil their running wheel. They are great pets. Mr. Mousie and Mr. Mousie are now loved parts of our family, and we are thrilled to have their company. Mice are wonderful pets and we hope you consider raising a couple of your own. The pleasure we get from caring for and watching these two mice grow reminds us of the many creatures who have contributed to the discovery of medical knowledge. Even though we support the use of animals for research, we also have a great respect for all little lives that are involved.
In memoriam: Our beloved mice both passed away peacefully in their very old age. They are safely buried at the East River Espanade in Manhattan, New York City and rest eternally in peace. In the future, we hope to raise more rescued lab mice as a thank-you to the many who have donated their lives to science.
