They can’t have been surfing for 3 years, the average lifespan of a rat is 2 – 2 and a half so a three year old rat would be too old and delicate to surf!

I have had fancy rats for many years, and I can safely say they love water, and the beacj. mY two big boys had rat leashes, and I would regularly take them for walks n the sand, and when they realised there was water there, OH BOY! Its not safe to take fancy rats into stagnant water, at least in the UK, as there is a disease called Wiels which is carried on wild rat urine, and humans can get it too, so don’tput your babies in lakes and ponds. Bu the ocean, go for it!

Theo, sorry if I sounded strident in my comments, but it’s just one of those things that comes off differently over the computer. I’m a very reasonable friendly person and try to convey that the best I can, through either humor or tolerance to other commenters. You seemed to be referring to anyone who didn’t find this cute to be an asshole, which wasn’t too friendly or tolerant and which tends to inflame commentroversies rather than chill people out. I never said this was a horrible or cruel post–just that the rodents probably are not enjoying it and it’s probably not something other people should try at home. So few people stand up for rodents. They can use a cheerleader or two, even on CO. cheers!!!

Another Angela — I don’t think anyone’s attacking you personally. But ease off a bit, OK? Yes, there’s a spectrum, yes it’s all a matter of degrees, and this vid is way down at the low end of the stress scale.

Well… maybe it’s not for some of the folks watching it, but at least the *mice* aren’t wigging out.

Eyes of the beholder.

Annie— I’m also in California! Enjoying the sun.

Yeah, I think Meg should really remove this post, it’s not good, it’s cruel! Who is with me? Speak up!

BTW… Waves to Annie!

So, I’m an asshole for being a rodent lover and experienced keeper of rodents and biologist who thinks these mice might rather not be surfing? And if we are talking assumptions, it’s a pretty big assumption to believe what you read on websites about spending your days training mice to surf. I was concerned, like Rosie, that others may try this, in not so humane ways. I hear stories through my rat network every day of far worse. I agree this is not a huge deal compared to other suffering, but it’s not about comparison. It’s about treating animals with respect and dignity and not as toys for our entertainment. It’s a spectrum and this falls on it. Other things like declawing enrage people here, but it’s better than killing cats, right?
sorry to be such a nuff, but I don’t like seeing animals frightened to entertain people in ANY way.

No Angela it is as*ho*ery to make assumptions. A very quick simple google search brought up the websites I posted. We all love animals that is why we are here. I know Theo volunteers for a local animal shelter.

What we are seeing are mice that have been trained and seem to enjoy it. They do not seem to be in distress. I know I might be nuffed to death for saying so but a few mice surfing is small bleens…err beans next to unwanted animals dying in shelters and all the other horrific ways in which animals are used as guinea pigs. However it is easy to nuff in a relatively anonymous online forum than to stand up and do something about the real animal cruelty that exists all over this world.

Well right now mah bebeh puppeh is giving me the mom too much puter not enough Sarah time. So I gotta step off mah soap box and go give pettins. oooo just got the sigh. see ya

I was glad to read the comments that said that the rodents were alright, and that they’d been doing it for years/enjoyed it, but I guess I’m more worried about all the fool kids out there who will try this with their own pets and maybe hurt or scare them as a result

Theo, it’s not as*ho*ery to love animals and not want them to be traumatized. We know you love your kittens. Would you enjoy seeing kittens on surfboards like this? Well? And if not, why not? I think it’s good for people to be sensitive to animal suffering. Discussion is good. I never said this shouldn’t be on CO. I just think people that think it might be a wee bit stressful to the critters could have a valid point. Can that not be respected on CO?