Thanks for sharing, Heidi. It was really eye-opening for me. Rats usually freak me out because of a childhood memory, but this African giant pouched rat is a totally different critter!
Thank you, Bree! You’re right about the African giant pouch rat being a different critter. They have amazing talents. Hope you and Max are having a wonderful weekend.
Wow, Heidi, I had no idea African Giant Pouch Rats existed. Amazing! I also learned from this fantastic post that you worked with Dr. Jane Goodall - say what?! I would love to know how that happened. I first watched her decades ago on a National Geo Special when I was a very young child and was so taken with her. Wowie. Amazing! (I know, I said that already). " Too light weight to get blown up" got my attention. Fascinating animals, careers, so much info. A million thumbs up! And your critters' comments are always delightful and spot on. 😁
Thank you, Mary! The Rats do amazing work in the world. I'm looking forward to seeing how much more in the future as they continue to detect diseases and disaster recovery. It's also important work to stop wildlife trafficking. They are lifesavers. Btw, I studied with Dr Goodall in 2005, but haven't done fieldwork. She's a great humanitarian and teacher.
I'd never heard of this critter before: "the most amazing incredible heroic scent detection animals, the African Giant Pouch Rats, Cricetomys ansorgei"--thank you for this informative post, Heidi!
Thank you, James! I've been wanting to write about Cricetomys for a long time, so when Ronin made the news with his new world record, it seemed like there's no time like the present.:)
Wow! I LOVE learning something new. I honestly had never heard of these amazing critters. Thanks for a great post Heidi. I can see a retired African Pouch Rat joining the detective agency in the future!! ❤️
Thank you, April! The Rats do amazing work and continue to branch out into new services, especially in TB detection. You know, that's a great idea to have a retired African Pouch Rat join the J Kitten, Sleuth & Purveyor of Bright Shiny Objects Detective Agency. Luvluvluv it!
Woah this is amazing, critters! I had no idea these rats existed nor did I realise what heroic work they do! As a human born in the year of the rat, I’m proud of my fellow critters! 🤗
Thank you, Trudi! I'm sorry for the delay in replying, I thought that I was caught up. How cool is that, born in the year of the Rat. The African Giant Pouch Rats are so amazing and of service for really serious problems.
Hello Critters and Miss Heidi, This is Emily from the Hounds. Ronin sounds amazing. He is doing wonderful work helping humans. We have rats here in East Texas, but they aren't trained like Ronin.
We have another new member in our family. He is from the same feral cat colony that Mackie lived in - under the Mexican Restaurant in town. Mom is taking him to the vet tomorrow for his first check-up and all his medical procedures, so he hasn't mixed with the gang yet. He is sleeping outside in the big Cat House until Dr. Tamara gives him medical clearance. He doesn't have a name yet because he might be a she. Dr. Tamara will tell us tomorrow.
JoJo, I didn't tell you, but I had a suspicious looking growth removed from my leg 10 days ago. Dr. Tamara got the results back and everything was okay. She removed my staples today, and I am doing very well. As a senior hound, I know you have probably had to deal with medical issues as well. We are active and involved with the young pups and cats, and I think that makes a huge difference. Your work in the Detective Agency is very important and I still help my mom as a Therapy Dog. Hounds like us just naturally help others.
Best to all you Critters and Miss Heidi. from Emily and the Hounds at Hound Hollow
Thank you Bowersock Family! We are very pleased to present Ronin and his friends for their lifesaving work in the world. And Now: Congrats on the new Bowersock Family Member! How wonderful! We hope to hear more about this incredible furbaby going forward. Furever. And all good for Emily and her surgery. Being involved with the younger Critters is very good for the spirits and physical health. That and staying active as a Detective. Thank you, Emily and please keep us posted on new developments. Luvluvluv, Jojo
Heidi, I feel like I learned about these amazing critters in a movie or a book at some point, but it was great to be reminded of them again. I didn't know about them being able to sniff out TB. Fascinating.
Thank you, Pamela. The Rats have gained recognition for their sniffing out of landmines, so more and more tasks have been added to their scent detection skill set. TB is a really important part of the puzzle for the Rats.
Service of animals. Probably better behaved than Artificial Intelligence. Now if they could smell a person lying or detect cancer what a gift to humanity.
Thank you, Richard! Great points. They are branching out into a lot of scent detections, especially with TB, so it seems like it's only a matter of time (and resources) to detect other diseases, including different types of cancer. Lying might have a particular scent, that could really be of benefit to humanity.
That is amazing about those African Giant Pouch Rats and landmine detection, Heidi! I had never heard of them before. Pretty amazing work and abilities. An inspiring haiku as well. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Neil! I've always been really interested in the Rats since I first learned about them from Dr. Goodall. It's amazing to see how much good they do in the world and how the organization continues to put them to work, especially with TB detection.
Thank you, Diana! Dr Goodall is an amazing teacher.:) The Rats do amazing work worldwide and sadly their services are needed more than ever in war zones. They are up to the task. Take good care and have a good weekend!
Thanks for sharing, Heidi. It was really eye-opening for me. Rats usually freak me out because of a childhood memory, but this African giant pouched rat is a totally different critter!
Thank you, Bree! You’re right about the African giant pouch rat being a different critter. They have amazing talents. Hope you and Max are having a wonderful weekend.
Wow, Heidi, I had no idea African Giant Pouch Rats existed. Amazing! I also learned from this fantastic post that you worked with Dr. Jane Goodall - say what?! I would love to know how that happened. I first watched her decades ago on a National Geo Special when I was a very young child and was so taken with her. Wowie. Amazing! (I know, I said that already). " Too light weight to get blown up" got my attention. Fascinating animals, careers, so much info. A million thumbs up! And your critters' comments are always delightful and spot on. 😁
Thank you, Mary! The Rats do amazing work in the world. I'm looking forward to seeing how much more in the future as they continue to detect diseases and disaster recovery. It's also important work to stop wildlife trafficking. They are lifesavers. Btw, I studied with Dr Goodall in 2005, but haven't done fieldwork. She's a great humanitarian and teacher.
I'd never heard of this critter before: "the most amazing incredible heroic scent detection animals, the African Giant Pouch Rats, Cricetomys ansorgei"--thank you for this informative post, Heidi!
Thank you, James! I've been wanting to write about Cricetomys for a long time, so when Ronin made the news with his new world record, it seemed like there's no time like the present.:)
Wow! I LOVE learning something new. I honestly had never heard of these amazing critters. Thanks for a great post Heidi. I can see a retired African Pouch Rat joining the detective agency in the future!! ❤️
Thank you, April! The Rats do amazing work and continue to branch out into new services, especially in TB detection. You know, that's a great idea to have a retired African Pouch Rat join the J Kitten, Sleuth & Purveyor of Bright Shiny Objects Detective Agency. Luvluvluv it!
Oooo I am excited to hear that! I am currently ‘at my desk’ working on our recent chat!!
Excellent! I know you can do it!
Woah this is amazing, critters! I had no idea these rats existed nor did I realise what heroic work they do! As a human born in the year of the rat, I’m proud of my fellow critters! 🤗
Thank you, Trudi! I'm sorry for the delay in replying, I thought that I was caught up. How cool is that, born in the year of the Rat. The African Giant Pouch Rats are so amazing and of service for really serious problems.
No need to apologise, Heidi! I loved that you shared this story. Little heroes!
Thank you for your patience, Trudi. The Rats really are little heroes!
Hello Critters and Miss Heidi, This is Emily from the Hounds. Ronin sounds amazing. He is doing wonderful work helping humans. We have rats here in East Texas, but they aren't trained like Ronin.
We have another new member in our family. He is from the same feral cat colony that Mackie lived in - under the Mexican Restaurant in town. Mom is taking him to the vet tomorrow for his first check-up and all his medical procedures, so he hasn't mixed with the gang yet. He is sleeping outside in the big Cat House until Dr. Tamara gives him medical clearance. He doesn't have a name yet because he might be a she. Dr. Tamara will tell us tomorrow.
JoJo, I didn't tell you, but I had a suspicious looking growth removed from my leg 10 days ago. Dr. Tamara got the results back and everything was okay. She removed my staples today, and I am doing very well. As a senior hound, I know you have probably had to deal with medical issues as well. We are active and involved with the young pups and cats, and I think that makes a huge difference. Your work in the Detective Agency is very important and I still help my mom as a Therapy Dog. Hounds like us just naturally help others.
Best to all you Critters and Miss Heidi. from Emily and the Hounds at Hound Hollow
Thank you Bowersock Family! We are very pleased to present Ronin and his friends for their lifesaving work in the world. And Now: Congrats on the new Bowersock Family Member! How wonderful! We hope to hear more about this incredible furbaby going forward. Furever. And all good for Emily and her surgery. Being involved with the younger Critters is very good for the spirits and physical health. That and staying active as a Detective. Thank you, Emily and please keep us posted on new developments. Luvluvluv, Jojo
Heidi, I feel like I learned about these amazing critters in a movie or a book at some point, but it was great to be reminded of them again. I didn't know about them being able to sniff out TB. Fascinating.
Thank you, Pamela. The Rats have gained recognition for their sniffing out of landmines, so more and more tasks have been added to their scent detection skill set. TB is a really important part of the puzzle for the Rats.
Well I learned something new today!! Fascinating, thank you for sharing this heroic tale.
Thank you, Kristin! Isn't it amazing how they can sniff out TB?
Amazing!! I need to take a deep dive into this one for sure.
If you click on the APOPO link they have a lot of information on their website.
Service of animals. Probably better behaved than Artificial Intelligence. Now if they could smell a person lying or detect cancer what a gift to humanity.
Thank you, Richard! Great points. They are branching out into a lot of scent detections, especially with TB, so it seems like it's only a matter of time (and resources) to detect other diseases, including different types of cancer. Lying might have a particular scent, that could really be of benefit to humanity.
That is amazing about those African Giant Pouch Rats and landmine detection, Heidi! I had never heard of them before. Pretty amazing work and abilities. An inspiring haiku as well. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, Neil! I've always been really interested in the Rats since I first learned about them from Dr. Goodall. It's amazing to see how much good they do in the world and how the organization continues to put them to work, especially with TB detection.
What a cute picture of Jasper!
Thanks for letting us now about these amazing rats, Heidi and critters.
I hope you have a nice weekend.
Wow, Heidi! Working with Jane Goodall? How cool is that!
Thank you, Diana! Dr Goodall is an amazing teacher.:) The Rats do amazing work worldwide and sadly their services are needed more than ever in war zones. They are up to the task. Take good care and have a good weekend!