YOU ARE A RAT – NOT A MOUSE! 
Well, that is not a question, but true. I am a dumbo rat. So why are you named “mouse”?   That’s just my name. Like Micheal J. Fox is not a fox. 

WHAT IS A YOGIE?
A yogie is small drop of yogurt that looks like a chocolate chip.  YUMMY!!  They come in many flabors.

I LOVE THIS PHOTO – CAN I BUY A PRINT?
Absolutely. Any photo you see of Marty can be purchased here:
http://martymousehouse.bigcartel.com/

WHAT IS SOCK THEORY?
(sock theory explained in a previous “Deer Marty” column)

Deer Marty, I have so much anxiety sometimes that I don’t want to leave the house.  What can I do? – Traci in CO

Deer Traci – I hab been finking about dis one for awhile now and I fink I hab da answer. You need to get a giant sock thatyou go out in, first ob all, it feels like a giant hug. You can get all kinds ob colors. Den wheneber you feel anxious, just turtle-turtle in the sock and don’t come out until you feels better. Den just keep on going. xoxo – Marty
P.S. And a cheesy cracker neber hurts.

DOES MARTY REALLY HAVE A PhD?
 Yes, from McMasters University in Canada.  Doctor of Psychiatry.

DON’T YOU THINK MARTY SHOULD HAVE A FRIEND?
I know and agree that rats are very social and do best in pairs or groups. Anyone thinking of adopting a rat should definately start out with that in mind. They usually don’t do well alone and it can even take a toll on their health. Marty is a rare case (and it does happen on occasion, with male rats mostly) that they prefer to live alone. Both of Marty’s human parents work at home so Marty is with someone all day long, as much as he can stand us. He was not lonely. If you consider adopting a rat as a pet, PLEASE get two or three, they are kind of like potato chips, it’s hard to stop with just one! And please do some research on rat ownership before adopting.  There are lots of great resources on the web teeming with information.    The Rat Fan Club and The Rat Guide

MARTY / MWF SEEMS TO EAT LOTS OF SUGARY TREATS – DON’T YOU KNOW IT’S BAD FOR THEM??
Don’t believe everything you see on the Internet! Marty and the boys eat very healthy and balanced diet with lots of veggies, fruit and rat block.The adorable yummy snack items used for photos are mostly for show, but he does get a couple tiny bites every other week or so for being such a great sport.  (and no, unlike dogs or cats, chocolate is not bad for rats – dark chocolate can actually help with their respiratory systems.Milk chocolate has no beneficial value, but doesn’t hurt them. With everything, just give treats in moderation and sparingly)

IS MARTY DEAD?
Sadly, yes.  He went to Heaben on November 21st, 2014.  Thankfully he found an Internet connection and can still talk to us, and helps the boys continue on with their Internashunal Bizness.