allergic to rats

Question
Janell~  I have found this site to be such a great resource for my two ratties!  I got my first rat, Cobalt, about 9 months ago (actually two but we lost Callie about 2 months after we got her, the vet didn't know why they think she fell playing with Cobalt) and Lily about 7 months ago.  We were looking for a small pet to have in the rental we lived in.  I loved them with in hours, though I was not sure in the beginning.  In the beginning I noticed I had a small reaction when they would scratch me, though it wasn't bad, some redness and itching.  I'm allergic to a whole lot of things and small reactions are something I've lived with my whole life, not a big deal.  The reactions continued but after about 6 months have started to become worse.  Now if they scratch me or happen to lick me in a sensitive skin spot (i.e. neck, ears, once I was surprised and got licked in the nose) I have a much worse reaction.  The last attack almost ended up in the emergency with a closed windpipe.  I'm to the point where I can't keep my rats, I get stuffed up sitting in the chair next to their cage, plus I can't stand the fact they are stuck in their cage all the time and when they do come out for cleanings I don't hold or pet them as much.  I have tried finding a family to take them, but to no luck yet.  I know of a pet store that will take them and sell them (or so my husband says), but I'm doing all I can to keep them together and having as little moving around as possible.  Do you know of any breeders in, or around, the Spokane Washington area who would take two girls?  They are great w/ lots of personality and love.  Thank you!

Answer
Oh jeez, I'm so sorry to hear this!!! Reactions like this are so very rare, you're only the second person I've heard of. Eek!


There is a breeder in Pullman -- her info follows:

The Critter Cave (CAVE)
Pullman, WA
Breeder specializing in UK Roans and fine satin and velveteen rats in many colors. Site also features info on rat husbandry, health and science.
Language: English
Becky Burt -- BB_critterkeeper@yahoo.com

There are others, but they're all 4 to 6 hours away from Spokane -- but if that doesn't work, let me know and I will try to find someone else for you!