Mirabelle

I have been working as a Spanish teacher for the last five years (Middle School), and I really love working in the field of Education, but I'm ready for a change. I have recently been doing research on programs to get a license in School Counseling.

Any school counselors out there have any advice for someone hoping to enter the field? Pros and cons of the job? I know this job looks a little different in Elementary, Middle, or High School, but I'd like any information you'd be willing to share with me. I know the best information comes from people who have experience with this!

I adopted a female rat (Zena) a few months ago from an animal shelter, and just last week I adopted another female rat (Clover) so that they'll keep each other company and be friends. Right now, they are still side-by-side in separate cages. Zena sometimes hisses at Clover when they are looking at each other through the bars.

I had them play together in the bathroom (neutral territory) twice so far, and they did fine. They mostly ignored each other's existence and Zena even groomed Clover a bit. There was no aggression.

Tonight, I tried to let both of them out at once in the room where they are both kept (and where Zena has been used to playing in) and they started squabbling to the point of squeaking at each other so I returned them both to their separate cages.

I'd like the rats to live together peacefully. How long does this process usually take? What are some things I can do to help this process along? If you've done this before, any advice? Thanks so much.

I'm not pregnant yet, but my husband and I are planning on to try to get pregnant within the next year. When is it a good idea to start taking pre-natal vitamins? Before I get pregnant, or when I get pregnant?

I adopted a female rat from an animal shelter about 5 days ago, and she has been sneezing frequently every day since I brought her home (several times an hour). At the shelter, she was kept in a glass aquarium (which I know is not great for rats) and was living at the shelter for about 3 weeks. At the shelter, they used bed sheets for bedding and I use newspaper with soy-based ink and I keep her in a well-ventilated wire cage that was specifically designed for rats.

Her sneezing is the only thing I am worried about - she is eating, drinking, and playing normally and her urine and feces seem normal. She is very active and social. There is nothing wrong with her eyes and nose and she seems to have no trouble breathing.

My question is - should I take her into the vet right away, or should I wait it out and see if this sneezing stops as she adjusts to her new home?

Thanks in advance for your help.