Mimi's Delicate Command

Mimi was a petite blue dumbo rat with ears like satellite dishes and eyes full of wise mischief. She was the alpha of her small group of three, but her leadership was never harsh. She would break up squabbles with a gentle nudge, organize grooming sessions, and was always the first to investigate anything new. She learned tricks faster than any rat I've known, mastering a mini agility course with ease. But her greatest joy was cuddle piles—with her rat sisters in their hammock, or with us, nestled in a hoodie pocket. She had a soft, chirping brux when supremely happy. The dynamic of the mischief changed when she left; her gentle, intelligent guidance is sorely missed.