A Tribute to Gemini, Mochi, and Zim

The stars aligned when an out of state rescue was dealing with a hoard of pet mice at the time we were opening our first onsite small animal cottage, Suzanne’s Place. Many shelters and rescues across NY and New England rallied around these little mice companions to ensure they were safe, healthy, and separated so they would stop reproducing. We were able to take in multiple female mice, knowing some would already be pregnant.

Days after the females arrived, we had a few litters of babies on our hands! We separated the male babies as soon as they were able to live away from mom. We hoped the males might not become territorial with one another, but they did begin to fight and needed to live in separate habitats. The boys seemed to enjoy it that way anyway – a bachelor pad all to themselves! The females were able to stay in small groups, always living harmoniously together.

Gemini

One of the little stars born at the Sanctuary was Gemini. She lived happily in a habitat with her celestial-named sisters. The girls were very active, entertaining, and social with both people and their siblings alike. Even the original mother mice became very social and friendly with staff and volunteers. These wonderful mice would take treats from our hands, receive pets from a finger and would opt to be held for a bit. Since the babies grew up socializing with people everyday, they could be especially hands-on!

We can really get to know their personalities as they get to know us – the sound of our voices, coming out from their burrows when we enter their room. It was near Gemini’s birthday that we noticed she wasn’t acting like herself and was lethargic. A vet visit revealed she had a heart condition and given her size, it was impossible to aid her condition through medication. Seeing if she would have some improvement, we brought her back to the Sanctuary for TLC, comfort, and special snacks.

A few days later, with no improvement, we made the difficult decision to ease her passing and release her of any discomfort. We felt such a real connection to our little Gemini and will miss her greatly.

Mochi

Grateful to get to know all our mice, we most recently lost Mochi to a possible heart condition as well. Mochi was one of the original females who found a soft place to land – and burrow – at our Sanctuary back in November 2024. Mochi lived with a few female mice friends harmoniously too. As with Gemini, one day Mochi suddenly seemed sick, which always prompts an immediate vet visit. Initially it was suspected she may have an upper respiratory infection, but as we did not see improvement, professional opinion pivoted to suspect heart issues with Mochi too. As so often happens with these little ones, she developed something in her body that was beyond the abilities of our team and our vet partners to heal. After a few days we had to make the difficult decision to say goodbye. We and her sisters will miss her dearly.

Zim

Another star born at the Sanctuary was Zim. A male who was unfortunately picked on by a few brother mice when they were quite young. Separated from one another quickly, Zim was one of the slower mice to come around when we entered the room. We knew we could provide Zim with all the enrichment, soft bedding, hard chews, and best food, but we truly wanted him to know that he was safe with us. We would give him space if we were cleaning his habitat and offer hand-fed treats when he seemed more relaxed with us.

Zim started to come out of his shell slowly but surely, and out of his burrow quite literally! Starting as a nervous mouse, Zim eventually started to greet anyone who came into his room (if it wasn’t nap time!). He would excitedly start squeaking when he found the walnut hidden inside the wicker ball and showed us such a darling personality. Sadly, a mass was found on Zim’s abdomen and there were not many medical options to pursue. It was difficult again for our team, but we cared for him as best we could in the short time he had. He definitely made an impression here. We made Zim comfy and cozy, but within a week we knew it was time to let him go as well.

Whether we were their first home or final home, we enjoyed every moment with our mice guests! Mochi, Gemini and Zim will be missed, and we are so grateful to know they played and explored in a clean environment filled with enrichment, friends, and love.