Name: Captain Jack Sparrow
Sex: Female
Date of Birth: c. 20th February 2007
Type: Longcoat
Phenotype: Agouti Broken Marked
Genotype: A* ss
Origin: Pet Shop (Marrickville)

Awards: Jul 07 (AusRFS): 2nd Longcoat Marked. Aug 07 (AusRFS): 2nd Longcoat Marked.

Captain Jack Sparrow... odd name for a girl, perhaps, but what else could she have possibly been called with a patch over one eye like that? She was a nutter and a bossy-boots, one of the alphas right up til the end. A beautiful friendly girl who was interested in everything, and always had her nose in everyone else's business. And with the cutest little face you could ever want on a lovely little mouse.

Name: Gr. Ch. Zen Freyja
Sex: Female
Date of Birth: 26th December 2006
Type: Longcoat
Phenotype: Colourpoint Beige Fox
Genotype: aa(t) c(e)c(h)
Origin: Zen Mousery

Awards: Royal 07 (AusRFS): 2nd Longcoat Fox/Tan. Jul 07 (AusRFS): 3rd Longcoat Fox/Tan. Aug 07 (AusRFS): 1st Longcoat Fox/Tan, Best Longcoat, Grand Champion, 2nd Pet.

Freyja was a wonderful, sweet little thing (perhaps not so little - both of her parents were, uh, big-boned after all). She wassuch a ovely colour, a completely non-standardised colourpoint beige fox. And with those huge doe eyes and gorgeous coat of the line, how could we have done anything but love her? Over her long lifetime, Freyja became one of the icons of the Zen line and won her fair share of awards. She was the most beautifully friendly girl, acting as nanny to a litter or two, and having one of her own during a visit to DogStar Rodentry. Her soft little face is missed.

Name: Zen Lugh (loo)
Sex: Male
Date of Birth: 7th April 2006
Type: Standard
Phenotype: Black-Eyed Bone
Genotype: aa c(e)c
Origin: Zen Mousery

Litters: Drusilla & Lugh

When he was born, Lugh was our little mystery man, Cian's full brother from a second litter. This stunningly beautiful mouse was a black-eyed bone, but it took us well into his adulthood to figure that out! He had a gorgeous plush coat, huge eyes and ears and a stocky body. He unfortunately had a small white spot on his back, or he would have been Grand Champion material! He has passed his very special features onto his two daughters, Willow and Faith, and further through Willow's litter. He was one of the stars of the Zen line, and a boy I am immensely proud of, although he never visited the showring.

Name: Mousekateers Mab
Sex: Female
Date of Birth: 14th June 2007
Type: Standard
Phenotype: White Brindle
Genotype: A(y)* c(e)c(e)
Origin: Mousekateers Mousery

Mab, named for the Queen Mab of Shakespeare, was stunning. She was so soft and gentle, with the sweetest little face and the hugest radar-dish ears in all existence. She would hunker down on your hand in the most confortable way. She was no pushover, though, and holds her own in the colony. Another 'pancake' mouse, following in the footsteps of Sabbath and Bel. I do love my fat mice. We think Mab might hve died of a stroke, as she declined quite suddenly. She will be missed.

Name: Zen Cian (kee-an)
Sex: Male
Date of Birth: 17th March 2006
Type: Standard
Phenotype: Black Tan
Genotype: aa(t) c(ch)c(ch) ss
Origin: Zen Mousery

Cian was another in my beloved pet line, son of Ciaran. He was an only child (though he lived with his full brother from another litter, Lugh), and so was spoiled rotten by his mum until he was the chubbiest, pudgiest little guy you've ever seen! He stretched out a little as an adult, and actually ended up being a nice, svelte boy in the end, but was still gorgeous. He was not a show mouse, being mismarked, but had beautiful conformation (his dad's) and a fair amount of white ticking that was technically a fault, but I love. He lived to the ripe old age of about 2 years old.

Name: Brylewin Dor
Sex: Female
Date of Birth: 9th May 2007
Type: Standard
Phenotype: Agouti (tummy spot)
Genotype: Aa ss
Origin: Brylewin Rodentry

Dor was an absolute nutbag. She was from Loki's brother and a petshop girl, bred by Lisa of Brylewin Rodentry, and obviously picked up her mother's temperament! As she got older, she grew in confidence and became very in-you-face attention-seeking - just what we like in a mouse. And she was such a beautiful girl - how could you not have loved her?

Name: Zen Polyester
Sex: Female
Date of Birth: 1st October 2006
Type: Standard
Phenotype: Chinchilla
Genotype: aa(t) c(ch)c
Origin: Zen Mousery

Ester looked just like her mother Gossamer and her grandmother Velvet. A line of female chinchillas. She had a gorgeous personality, very in-your-face and confident - even bossing around mice twice her size! She got that from Velvet. She was instantly loved by anyone with a hand near the tank (onto which she'd leap).

Name: Gr. Ch. Zen Selkie
Sex: Female
Date of Birth: 7th April 2006
Type: Longcoat
Phenotype: Himalayan
Genotype: aa c(h)c Ss
Origin: Zen Mousery

Awards: Aug 06 (AusRFS): 1st Longcoat Shaded, Best Longcoat. Sep 06 (AusRFS): 1st Longcoat Shaded, Best Longcoat, Champion. Feb 07 (AusRFS): 1st Longcoat Shaded, Best Longcoat, Grand Champion. Mar 07 (AusRFS): 3rd Longcoat Shaded.

Litters: Selkie & Brandy

Selkie was from Angel and Ciaran's second litter. She had the sweetest personality, very confident and outgoing, always in the middle of things, or vying for my attention. She got all of her dad's genes in that regard, and I'm exceedingly happy that the friendliness of the line is continued through her. She also won her share of awards because of her stunning temperament and gorgeous conformation. A very special girl who can never be replaced, one of my favourites.

Name: Zen Rayon
Sex: Female
Date of Birth: 1st October 2006
Type: Standard
Phenotype: Silver Agouti
Genotype: aa(t) c(ch)c(ch)
Origin: Zen Mousery

Ray was a stunning little mouse with fantastic, bold ticking. She would have done very well in the show ring had she not suffered from ill health most of her adult life (also the reason there's no picture - she never looked happy enough to go into the photo booth). She was a little less outgoing than her sister Ester, but still very curious and into everything. An absolute sweetie.

Name: Zen Ember Blackfoot
Sex: Female
Date of Birth: 7th July 2005
Type: Longcoat Rex
Phenotype: Agouti
Genotype: Aa Cc(ch)
Origin: Zen Mousery

Awards: Sep 05 (NSWFRMC): 1st Longcoat Rex. Nov 05 (AusRFS): 2nd Longcoat Rex Ticked. Feb 06 (AusRFS): 1st Longcoat Rex Ticked. Mar 06 (AusRFS): 1st Longcoat Rex Ticked. Aug 06 (AusRFS): 3rd Longcoat Rex Ticked. Sep 06 (AusRFS): 2nd Longcoat Rex Ticked. Feb 07 (AusRFS): 3rd Longcoat Rex Ticked. Mar 07 (AusRFS): 3rd Longcoat Rex Ticked. Jul 07 (AusRFS): 1st Longcoat Rex Ticked.

Ember had one of the most unique little faces I've seen on a mouse, thanks to her daddy, Samson. She was fantastically outgoing and afraid of nothing. She would always come and say hi, even when the other girls were picking on her during introductions. Nothing can phase this little beauty. She is named after a dragon character in Graham Edwards' series.

Name: Zen Sabbath
Sex: Female
Date of Birth: 24th Nov 2005
Type: Longcoat Rex
Phenotype: White Tiger
Genotype: A(y)a Ss
Origin: Zen Mousery

Awards: Aug 06 (AusRFS): 1st Pet, Best Pet. Sep 06 (AusRFS): 1st Pet, Best Pet. Feb 07 (AusRFS): 3rd Pet. Mar 07 (AusRFS): 1st Pet, Best Pet.

Sabbath was a sweet girl with fur more fluffy than curly. Her mum, Bel, was a... well-rounded mouse, so Sabbath really had no choice but to end up the same way - but that's fine with us, all the more mouse to love! We will miss the little pancake's antics, and all the girls snuggling up to wherever she chose to sleep.

Name: Mountain Blue Angelina Ballerina
Sex: Female
Date of Birth: 3rd June 2005
Type: Longcoat
Phenotype: Siamese
Genotype: aa c(h)c(h) Ss
Origin: Mountain Blue Meece
Favourite thing: Sleeve sitting

Awards: Aug 05 (AusRFS): 3rd Longcoat Shaded.

Litters: Angel & Ciaran, Angel & Ciaran

Angel was a stunning-looking mouse - not necessarily show-wise, but a truly beautiful creature. She had the hugest eyes I'd ever seen on a mouse, and a beautiful gentle personality. She's passed these eyes onto several generations now - most notably her grandson, Loki. She enjoyed nothing more than playing inside my sleeve while I'm at the computer, which almost got her the name of Peeker. But, since she was always on the move and was just so graceful, she was our little Angelina Ballerina, from the children's books.

Name: Missikins River Tam
Sex: Female
Date of Birth: c. July 2006
Type: Longcoat Manx
Phenotype: Lilac
Genotype: aa bb dd
Origin: Missikins Mousery
Favourite thing: Climbing

Awards: Feb 07 (AusRFS): 3rd Pet, Mar 07 (AusRFS): 1st Pet, Best Pet.

River was an impulse buy from a new club member. She just had to come home with me - look at that face! She just had the cutest little ears and nose, and tiny little manx stub. We don't get many manxes at Zen, the last was fat orange Nova, so it was about time we got another. River was a little shy at first, but with some time an love, she became one of the most outgoing and confident mice in the cage. She particularly loved leaping up onto the mesh roof and clambering about upside down - with no tail to help her balance! What a clever girl.

Name: Dog Star Ayla
Sex: Female
Date of Birth: 16th March 2005
Type: Standard
Phenotype: Burmese
Genotype: aa c(h)c Ss
Origin: Dog Star Mousery
Favourite thing: Exploring

Awards: Nov 05 (AusRFS): 3rd Standard Shaded. Sep 06 (AusRFS): 2nd Standard Shaded.

Ayla was a lovely outgoing little girl, who followed after the late Asha in becoming our resident escapee (or so she wishes!). She just loved to come out for a cuddle and a run around, and being one of the daintier mice in her younger days, would quickly find any gaps in the wire that I may have missed. She was known affectiotely as Nutbar, as she would do anything and everything to climb onto me during playtime, and was impossible to get back into the cage when it's time to go to bed. Ayla was named after a character in Jean M. Auel's Children of the Earth series. Her and her sister Nedra were a most beautiful pair of mice. They were much loved, and are much missed.

Name: Zen Aria
Sex: Female
Date of Birth: 7th July 2005
Type: Longcoat Rex
Phenotype: Agouti Fox
Genotype: Aa(t) c(ch)c(ch)
Origin: Zen Mousery

Awards: Oct 05 (AusRFS): 2nd Longcoat Rex Ticked. Feb 06 (AusRFS): 2nd Longcoat Rex Ticked. Mar 06 (AusRFS): 1st Longcoat Rex Fox/Tan, Best Longcoat Rex. Aug 06 (AusRFS): 1st Longcoat Rex Fox/Tan. Sep 06 (AusRFS): 3rd Longcoat Rex Fox/Tan.

Litters: Aria & Samson

Aria was an absolute sweetie who was often one of the first to come out and say hello, and clamber onto my hand at playtime. She and her sister Ember were inseperable, and would often play 'Parent Trap' style who's who tricks on me! She had a beautiful outgoing temperament, with just enough spice to make things interesting. She was named after a dragon character in Graham Edwards' series.

Name: Zen Geiss (guy-ss)
Sex: Male
Date of Birth: 13th December 2005
Type: Standard
Phenotype: Bone(?)
Genotype: ?
Origin: Zen Mousery

Last of the three brothers is little Geiss. As a young mouse, we was smaller and not as strong as the other two, but he made up for it with personality. He was always first out of the cage at playtime, and will run and bounce over anything he can reach. He was into everything, and would just as happily run over me as the cage, the floor, or into the food bin. He was a funny boy - and as he grew, he became just as big and strong as his brother. He, too, was named after a basilisk character in Graham Edwards' series.

Name: Res. Ch. Mountain Blue Maybe
Sex: Female
Date of Birth: Approx. 13th November 2005
Type: Standard
Phenotype: Blue Self
Genotype: aa dd Bb
Origin: Mountain Blue Mousery

Awards: Mar 06 (AusRFS): 3rd Standard Self. Aug 06 (AusRFS): 1st Standard Self, Reserve Champion.

Litters: Maybe & Boy

I had had my eye on beautiful Maybe for a long time before I owned her - while she was living at Mountain Blue. When her mousery closed down I jumped at the chance of making her mine. She was raising a beautiful litter at the time, so it was a 11 for 1 deal! She's got a stunning face and a very outgoing personality. She was named for "maybe sable girl" which I kept referring to her as, when asking about her at MB, as she came from sable lines.

Name: Zen Professor Lodz
Sex: Male
Date of Birth: 11th April 2006
Type: Longcoat Double Rex
Phenotype: Blue Agouti (?)
Genotype: Aa(t) bb
Origin: Zen Mousery

Awards: Aug 06 (AusRFS): 1st Longcoat Rex Ticked, Best Longcoat Rex. Sep 06 (AusRFS): 1st Longcoat Rex Ticked, Best Longcoat Rex. Feb 07 (AusRFS): 2nd Longcoat Rex Ticked.

Lodz is my favourite of the three curly brothers (shh!). We think he was a blue agouti, and he had a beautiful face and an even more beautiful personality. He was always the first to say hello and the only one of the four who would consistently climb onto my hand. His coat isn't quite as curly as his brothers unfortunately, but he makes up for it with style. He is named after a character in the gorgeous series Carnivale. Lodz and his brothers all died one hot summer day, due to a stupid mistake on my behalf. I miss them every day, and wish oh wish they could have made it.

Name: Res. Ch. Zen Ben Hawkins
Sex: Male
Date of Birth: 11th April 2006
Type: Longcoat Double Rex
Phenotype: Lilac Agouti (?)
Genotype: Aa(t) bb dd
Origin: Zen Mousery

Awards: Aug 06 (AusRFS): 2nd Longcoat Rex Ticked. Feb 07 (AusRFS): 1st Longcoat Rex Ticked, Best Longcoat Rex, Reserve Champion.

Little Ben was the smallest of the three brothers, and had a beautiful mystery coat colour that may be a blue-based ticked colour, but we're not sure. He was an absolute sweetie and would always come and say hello and see what's going on. I liked to think of him as the sweet, innocent little brother that acts as the glue keeping the group together. He was named after a character in the gorgeous series Carnivale. Ben and his brothers all died one hot summer day, due to a stupid mistake on my behalf. I miss them every day, and wish oh wish they could have made it.

Name: Zen Brother Justin
Sex: Male
Date of Birth: 11th April 2006
Type: Longcoat Rex
Phenotype: Chocolate Fox
Genotype: aa(t) dd c(ch)c(ch)
Origin: Zen Mousery

Awards: Aug 06 (AusRFS): 2nd Longcoat Rex Fox/Tan. Sep 06 (AusRFS): 1st Longcoat Rex Fox/Tan. Feb 07 (AusRFS): 1st Longcoat Rex Fox/Tan.

Crowe was the biggest of the four brothers, and also the only single rex (the others were double rexes). He had a beautiful thick wavy coat and a gorgeous chubby face. As a baby, he was the nutty explorer - into everything and climbing all over the cage. As an adult he calmed somewhat, but still retained his fervor for life. He always felt like the healthiest and most solid of spirit. He was named after a character in the gorgeous series Carnivale. Crowe and his brothers all died one hot summer day, due to a stupid mistake on my behalf. I miss them every day, and wish oh wish they could have made it.

Name: Ch. Zen Ocher
Sex: Male
Date of Birth: 13th December 2005
Type: Standard
Phenotype: Agouti
Genotype: A* C* P*
Origin: Zen Mousery

Awards: Feb 06 (AusRFS): 3rd Standard Ticked. Mar 06 (AusRFS): 1st Standard Ticked, Best Standard, Champion. Aug 06 (AusRFS): 2nd Standard Ticked. Sep 06 (AusRFS): 2nd Standard Ticked.

We thought Ocher was a "plain" agouti, but as we learned more about genetics, realised he was in fact a silver agouti - and he was stunning. He had a gorgeous head, beautiful big eyes, and a lovely even coat. Ocher was another of those Zen nuts - he absolutely had to be on your hand, out of the cage, exploring and into everything. He leaves behind a lonely Geiss, once used to 3 brothers, now an only child.

Name: Dog Star Ce'Nedra
Sex: Female
Date of Birth: 16th March 2005
Type: Longcoat
Phenotype: Coffee(?) Burmese Fox
Genotype: aa(t) c(ch)c Ss
Origin: Dog Star Mousery
Favourite thing: Being bossy

Awards: Jun 05 (AusRFS): 2nd Longcoat Fox/Tan. Jul 05 (AusRFS): 2nd Longcoat Fox/Tan. Aug 05 (AusRFS): 1st Longcoat Fox/Tan. Feb 06 (AusRFS): 1st Longcoat Fox/Tan. Mar 06 (AusRFS): 1st Longcoat Fox/Tan. Aug 06 (AusRFS): 1st Longcoat Fox/Tan, 3rd Pet. Sep 06 (AusRFS): 1st Longcoat Fox/Tan, 2nd Pet.

I think I miss my Nedra more than any other mouse. She was a gorgeous, beautiful mouse in both personality and form. She had beautiful ear- and tail-feathers when she was younger, and kept her lovely soft coat til the end. She had the quirkiest, most in-your-face personality; known for climbing as high as she could get on your body, even your head. She was always the first to say hello to me, and always the last to leave. The cage is utterly empty without her, and I miss her so, so much.

Name: Zen Fortune
Sex: Male
Date of Birth: 13th December 2005
Type: Standard
Phenotype: Argente Cream
Genotype: Aa(t) c(ch)c(ch) pp
Origin: Zen Mousery

Awards: Sep 06 (AusRFS): 3rd Standard Ticked.

Litters: Opal & Fortune

Fortune was our little miracle man. He was a rare (and impossible to get without a spontaneous break and re-link of genes) pink-eyed chinchilla, or argente cream. A beautiful boy, always out there to say hi, but without being a nut. His two brothers, Ocher and Geiss, will miss him dearly.

Name: Gr. Ch. Zen Gossamer
Sex: Female
Date of Birth: 13th December 2005
Type: Standard
Phenotype: Chinchilla
Genotype: Aa(t) x(ch)c(ch)
Origin: Zen Mousery

Awards: Mar 06 (AusRFS): 3rd Standard Ticked. Royal Easter Show 06 (AusRFS): 3rd Standard Ticked. Aug 06 (AusRFS): 1st Standard Ticked. Sep 06 (AusRFS): 1st Standard Ticked, Best Standard, Grand Champion.

Litters: Gossamer & Cotton Ball

Gossamer was a member of Zen's famous pet line. However, she didn't have the gentle, quiet nature of most of the line - no, she was a little minx! Independant and feisty, and almost always refused to be caught - but would practically leap onto your hand if you offered it first, funny girl! She was a happy light in the cage, and is missed.

Name: Mountain Blue Mystery
Sex: Female
Date of Birth: 27th October 2004
Type: Standard
Phenotype: Silver Sable
Genotype: A(Vy)a c(e)* Ss
Origin: Mountain Blue Meece
Favourite thing: Popcorning

Awards: Oct 05 (AusRFS): 3rd Standard Shaded.

Mystery was thus named because we were not sure whether she'd turn into a silver sable, or a white tiger. She was a quirky little mouse who, when she was younger, liked to play 'catch me if you can'. She usually was too busy running around like a nut to bother with cuddles, but would always rush up to me to say hello, nibble on my fingers, and let me know she loved me. As she matured, she calmed considerably, and would even climb out onto my leg when having playtime. She added a lot of personality to the cage, and will be missed.

Name: Res. Ch. Mountain Blue Tiger Lily
Sex: Female
Date of Birth: 12th March 2005
Type: Longcoat
Phenotype: Siamese
Genotype: aa c(h)c(h)
Origin: Mountain Blue Meece
Favourite thing: Being cheeky

Awards: Jun 05 (AusRFS): 2nd Longcoat Shaded. Jul 05 (AusRFS): 1st Longcoat Shaded, Reserve Champion. Aug 05 (AusRFS): 1st Longcoat Shaded. Oct 05 (AusRFS): 1st Longcoat Shaded. Feb 06 (AusRFS): 1st Longcoat Shaded.

Lily was a stunning looking little mouse, with an equally as gorgeous personality. As soon as she got to knew me, she was climbing all over me whenever I went near the cage, which I absolutely love in a mouse :) She was constantly vying for my attention with her best friends Velvet and Nedra, and in her prime was a member of the Top 3 Alphas. She's the only mouse I've ever added to the colony without so much as a rustle. All the girls accepted her instantly, and she immediately knew she was home. Lily was a very special mouse, with a beautiful face, coat and personality. She is greatly missed.

Name: Ch. Ally's Rats & Mice Tutankhamun
Sex: Male
Date of Birth: 20th November 2005
Type: Longcoat
Phenotype: Cinnamon
Genotype: Aa(t) bb Ss
Origin: Ally's Rats & Mice

Awards: Feb 06 (AusRFS): 1st Longcoat Ticked, Best Longcoat, Champion. Mar 06 (AusRFS): 2nd Longcoat Ticked. Royal Easter Show 06 (AusRFS): 2nd Longcoat Ticked.

Tut was Africa's grandson. Unfortunately, we learned after she was bred that Africa came from a line of relatively short-lived mice, and after Tut was born his ARM father also died young. He had the odds stacked against him, and it meant a short life for this beautiful boy. Tut was a very special little mouse. He came home with us at only 3 weeks old, and was almost unhandleable - he was an adorable little nut. I started a program of handling him multiple times a day, and every time I fed the gang, he would ride around on my shoulder. Within a few weeks, he was standing on his hind legs waiting to be picked up. Nothing could cure him of his nuttiness, though - not that I would ever want to! He spent his time plotting to escape and attempting to chew through the metal bars of his cage. He was also the only mouse that my non-rodenty-boyfriend really liked. Tut was a very special little nut, and I will miss him terribly, all the more because of his sudden and unexpected death.

Name: Share the Whiskers Mirabella
Sex: Female
Date of Birth: c. 28th August 2005
Type: Longcoat
Phenotype: Chocolate Fox
Genotype: aa bb c(ch)c(ch) Ss Pp
Origin: Share the Whiskers

Awards: Oct 05 (AusRFS): 2nd Longcoat Fox/Tan. Nov 05 (AusRFS): 2nd Longcoat Fox/Tan.

Mira was a curious, friendly and outgoing little mouse who really grew into her coat and colours as she got older. She was the cutest little thing as a babe, but she was a beautiful adult. We'll miss your little face, Mira.

Name: Zen Ciaran (kee-a-ran)
Sex: Male
Date of Birth: 2nd March 2005
Type: Standard
Phenotype: Black Tan
Genotype: aa(t) ss
Origin: Zen Mousery
Favourite thing: Fionn

Awards: Jun 05 (AusRFS): 1st Standard Fox/Tan. Jul 05 (AusRFS): 1st Standard Fox/Tan.

Litters: Angel & Ciaran, Angel & Ciaran

I was not originally planning on keeping Ciaran, but after he did not find a home immediately, I couldn't face parting with him. He was just so well-tempered, and such a gorgeous boy. It didn't matter that he was mismarked, he was the best pet you could want. Ciaran developed a growth under his neck, in the same place as his mum Wicket, and in the end also got a head tilt. But I loved him til the end. Always attentive, always wanting to climb onto me for cuddles. He was a very, very special boy.

Name: Gr. Ch. Zen Velvet and Smoke
Sex: Female
Date of Birth: 2nd March 2005
Type: Standard
Phenotype: Chinchilla
Genotype: Aa(t) c(ch)c(ch) Ss
Origin: Zen Mousery
Favourite thing: Mummy

Awards: May 05 (AusRFS): 3rd Pet, 1st Standard Ticked, Best Standard, Champion. Jun 05 (AusRFS): 1st Standard Ticked. Jul 05 (AusRFS): 1st Standard Ticked, Best Standard, Grand Champion. Oct 05 (AusRFS): 3rd Pet. Nov 05 (AusRFS): 3rd Standard Ticked, 1st Pet, Best Pet. Feb 06 (AusRFS): 1st Pet, Best Pet.

Litters: Velvet & Zircon

From the day she was born, hairless and squirmy, Velvet stood out from the pack. She would follow me around the cage, demanding to be picked up. I could do anything to her, and she would simply look at me with adoration. She was truly a special mouse. In her prime, she was in the Top 3 girls of the colony, with Lily and Nedra, who worked together to lead. Velvet also thrived on the show scene, taking many placings and even a Grand Champion award! She was quite the little star, and the mousery will not be the same without her.

Name: Rocket Samson
Sex: Male
Date of Birth: 28th December 2004
Type: Longcoat Double Rex
Phenotype: Lilac(?) Fox
Genotype: aa(t) c(ch)c(h) dd Ss
Origin: Rocket Rodents
Favourite thing: Being cool

Awards: May 05 (AusRFS): 1st Longcoat Rex Fox/Tan. May 05 (NSWFRMC): 3rd Longcoat Rex. Jun 05 (AusRFS): 1st Longcoat Rex Fox/Tan. Jul 05 (AusRFS): 1st Longcoat Rex Fox/Tan. Jul 05 (NSWFRMC): 1st Longcoat Rex. Aug 05 (AusRFS): 1st Longcoat Rex Fox/Tan. Oct 05 (AusRFS): 1st Longcoat Rex Fox/Tan. Nov 05 (AusRFS): 3rd Longcoat Rex Fox/Tan. Feb 06 (AusRFS): 3rd Longcoat Rex Fox/Tan.

Litters: Wicket & Samson, Bel & Samson, Aria & Samson

I can't believe my Samson is gone. Samson was a stunning little mouse, with a unique personality who won the heart of anyone who met him. He consistently won and placed at almost every show he attended. His coat was so, so curly, and his colour still a mystery. Maybe he was lilac, maybe burmese, we'll never know. His favourite thing was to snuggle into my hand with a look of adoration, and tilt his head to the side, close his eyes and lean into scritches around his cheek and ear. I've never had another mouse who would do this. He was also my bruxiest mouse - very few brux at all, and he was a master. The mousery will never be the same without you, Samson.

Name: Mountain Blue Lenore
Sex: Female
Date of Birth: 25th May 2005
Type: Standard
Phenotype: Blue Blazed Banded
Genotype: aa dd c(h)c ss Pp
Origin: Mountain Blue Meece
Favourite thing: Cleaning

Lenore came home with Bel, and though she was mismarked as far as shows go, who could go past that face?? She was an absolute sweetie. She had a lovely sweet temperament, and would sit in my hand and clean herself til infinity without a worry in the world. Little Lenore was often known simply as Little - because she didn't grow! Possibly because she had a bout of sneezes when she first came here and took antibiotics that may have stunted her growth. She was a real little sweetie, and will be missed.

Name: The Rodent Ranch Beltane
Sex: Female
Date of Birth: Approx. 12th June 2005
Type: Longcoat Rex
Phenotype: Black-Eyed White
Genotype: A(y)A(y) ss
Origin: The Rodent Ranch
Favourite thing: Exploring

Litters: Bel & Samson

Awards: Aug 05 (AusRFS): 1st Longcoat Rex Self. Sep 05 (NSWFRMC): 3rd Longcoat Rex. Oct 05 (AusRFS): 1st Longcoat Rex Self. Nov 05 (AusRFS): 2nd Longcoat Rex Self. Feb 06 (AusRFS): 2nd Longcoat Rex Self.

Bel was a beautiful (not so) little longcoat rex girl, who frequently placed in shows, but never won any major prixes - if only because of her tremendous girth! She was probably a ginger mouse genetically, with dilutions to make her white. It was her beautiful, stubby little face and radar dish ears that found her a home in our little family, and though I still have her lovely daughter, Sabbath, it's not the same without her.

Name

Osiris was a lovely little black rex who was always happy to cuddle. She wasn't the slimmest of girls, probably not helped by the fact that she was always first into the food bowl at dinner time. Unfortunately she lost her curls, and had chronic myco most if her life (she was kept on pine at the pet shop where I got her, grr), and it was this that took her in the end. She was a fighter!

Name: Ch. Rocket African Queen
Sex: Female
Date of Birth: 22nd October 2004
Type: Standard
Phenotype: Agouti
Genotype: Aa Ss
Origin: Rocket Rodents
Favourite thing: The wheel

Litters: Africa & Manxy's Boy

Awards: Feb 05 (NSWFRMC): 2nd Standard, 3rd Best Eyes. Royal Easter Show 05 (AusRFS): 1st Standard Ticked. Jun 05 (AusRFS): 2nd Standard Ticked. Jul 05 (NSWFRMC): 2nd Standard. Aug 05 (AusRFS): 1st Standard Ticked. Aug 05 (NSWFRMC): 3rd Standard. Sep 05 (NSWFRMC): 3rd Standard. Nov 05 (NSWFRMC): 2nd Standard. Nov 05 (AusRFS): 1st Standard Ticked, Champion.

Africa was one of the most beautiful mice I have ever seen. She carried herself like a true queen, and had the most beautiful velvety fur. She always kept somewhat to herself in the girls colony, like nothing in the world mattered more than just being pretty. She was always one of the first greeters when I opened the cage, and usually one of the last to go back, and even then, only for food! She had one beautiful litter, but for some strange reason, I decided not to keep any of the kids. I do, however, have her gorgeous grandson Tut to remind me of her. She was my very first show mouse, and she was a great one. Everyone knew and loved her, and she will be missed.

Name: Zen Duncan
Sex: Male
Date of Birth: 16th May 2003
Type: Standard
Phenotype: Black Broken Marked Tan
Genotype: aa(t) Cc(ch) Pp ss
Origin: Zen Mousery
Favourite thing: Treats

Litters: Wicket & Duncan

Duncan was the oldest mouse we have ever had at Zen, living to the grand old age of 2 years and 8 months. He was the son of Piper and the grandson of my founding mouse, Circe. In his youth, he was a comfortably tubby boy who spent his time hanging off his cage and watching me, pleading for a cuddle (or treats, more likely). Duncan was my boy, my baby. When he was 18 months old, he was my only remaining mouse. I almost threw the towel in right there, but my love for him and his kind kept me going. And how grateful I am to him for that. Everyone knew and loved him, everyone heard my speak of him. He sired one litter, by Wicket, and at this moment has three litters of grandchildren. He will always be loved, mourned, and remembered. Play well, my baby.

Name: Zen Fionn (fin)
Sex: Male
Born: 2nd March 2005
Type: Standard
Phenotype: Black Tan Marked
Genotype: aa(t) ss
Origin: Zen Mousery
Favourite thing: Mummy

Fionn was possibly the best pet mouse I have ever had. He was truly a special boy. The highlight of his day really was the time I spent with him, and I couldn't keep him off me, even if I wanted to. If my hand got within 10cm of him, he would leap at me and run up my arm, always paradoxially hyperactive and incredibly cuddly at the same time. He had figured out how to open the cage door when it was loosely closed, and would do so only so that he could come to me. He was a beautiful personality, a unique and stunning little boy that I am absolutely honoured to have known. He stayed at Zen because nobody else wanted him, and I am so glad he did, because he was so utterly amazing. I'm not sure what got him at such a young age, but his symptoms suggest it was a non-genetic heart condition. He was assisted to the bridge. I will never, ever forget you, my boy. You are loved, and missed.

Name: Wicket
Sex: Female
Born: July 2004
Type: Semi Longhair
Phenotype: Agouti Tan (backspot)
Genotype: Aa(t) Cc(ch) Pp Ss
Origin: Pet shop
Favourite thing: Investigating

Litters: Wicket & Duncan, Wicket & Samson

Wicket was officially the cutest mouse ever. She was a stunning little girl with a huge eyes, a beautiful coat and a look that steals hearts. This photo does her amazing bad-guy-beating cuteness no justice. See the gallery for some baby photos. Wicket was probably the most reserved girl in the main cage, but that doesn't mean she wasn't friendly - she just took her time, came and said hello, and went about her business like any respectable mouse should. Losing Wicket was heartbreaking. She had such an aura, such a charisma, nobody could deny her. I'm so happy that her have so many of her babies to continue on her beautiful line. Miss you, baby girl.

Name

Nova's mother was rescued along with her day-old pinkies from a cage full of boys at a pet shop. She was a stubby-tailed manx, but had a big personality and stunning gingery longhair coat to make up for it. She was raised here at Zen Mousery, and was always the first to sniff at your hand. Nova was infertile, so she played nanny to a few litters, and loved it. She finally lost her battle with a respiratory infection.

Name

Asha was a shy little girl when we met her, but her stubborn nature and constant desire to escape has made her one of the friendliest girls. If I was present, Asha had to be on me... or using me as an escape-route to the sofa or the floor. She was quirky, and funny, and made me laugh. She had the personality of a person bigger than I am, stuffed into a tiny little mouse. She was special, and she is greatly missed.

Name: Zen Piper
Sex: Female
Colour: Black Broken Marked Tan
Type: Standard
Born: ??/01/2003
Dam: D'Arcy
Sire: Circe
Origin: Zen Mousery

Litters: Piper & Brin

How I miss my Piper. She had her father Circe's sparkle, she was such a good girl. I think she lived to older than any of my mice. Eventually she got a bad case of mites and it took us multiple treatments to rid her of them. When they finally were gone, the ordeal had left her weak. She leaves behind her remaining son, Duncan.

Name: Sienna
Sex: Female
Colour: Chocolate Broken Marked
Type: Standard
Born: Unknown
Dam: Unknown
Sire: Unknown
Origin: Pet shop

Sienna was a sweet little thing, bought along with Kin as companions for my then-dwindling colony. She died very shortly after Tyr of a mammary tumor, leaving Piper alone.

Name: Zen Tyr (teer)
Sex: Male
Colour: Black Broken Marked Tan
Type: Standard
Born: 16/05/2003
Dam: Zen Piper
Sire: Brin
Origin: Zen Mousery

How could anyone resist that face? Tyr lived with his brother Duncan til one day he just got old. He was less than two, but started losing weight and eventually just gave up. Duncan misses him more than anyone. Tyr lives on as the mouse at the bottom of these pages.

Name: Kin
Sex: Female
Colour: Golden Sable (?)
Type: Standard
Born: Unknown
Dam: Unknown
Sire: Unknown
Origin: Pet shop

Kin was a stunning little vixen with a beautiful, shiny, burnished golden coat that I think must have been a golden sable. She wasn't the biggest cuddler, but was such a stunner that I didn't mind.

Name: Zen Gwen
Sex: Female
Colour: Brindle Even Marked
Type: Standard
Born: 16/05/2003
Dam: Zen Piper
Sire: Brin
Origin: Zen Mousery

Gwen was Piper and Brin's daughter, and, like her father, she died young. She may have eaten something bad, or hit her head on something in the cage - I just found her, still perfect, one day. She was a beautiful little lady, though I didn't know her for long. She was kept because she reminded me of her grandmother D'Arcy.

Name: Brin
Sex: Male
Colour: Brindle (Headspot)
Type: Standard
Born: Unknown
Dam: Unknown
Sire: Unknown
Origin: Pet shop

Litters: Piper & Brin

Brin was a lovely brindled mouse with the cuddliest personality. He was bought after I lost Circe, but unfortunately he wasn't with me for long. He did manage to father a litter with my Piper, of whom I kept Duncan, Tyr and Gwen. He died of unknown causes.

Name: D'Arcy
Sex: Female
Colour: Brindle Broken Marked
Type: Standard
Born: Unknown
Dam: Unknown
Sire: Unknown
Origin: Pet shop

Litters: D'Arcy & Circe

D'Arcy, along with Circe, was in the original group of mice that started the most recent mousey chapter. She was genetically obese, but happy and healthy til the end. She and her sister Feisty had a litter with Circe and his brother Star, of whom I kept Piper and my roommate kept two boys, Alexander and Kingsley. She died of multiple mammary tumors.

Name: Circe (serk)
Sex: Male
Colour: Black Tan
Type: Longhair
Born: Unknown
Dam: Unknown
Sire: Unknown
Origin: Pet shop

Litters: D'Arcy & Circe

Circe was the f irst boy mouse I owned as an adult (albeit by accident). He was my baby, and to this day I consider him my favourite mouse. He would hang off the side of his cage and watch me whenever I was in the room, and give me the best cuddles. Eventually, he got a skin irritation that progressed so far that he scratched himself to death. I spent hundreds of dollars and many hours at many vets trying to fix him. He died in my hands.