Newest Mascott

Ruby is our newest mascott at Nettles Jewelry.  She's a marsupial, miniature possum from the rainforests of Brazil.  Also known as a Short Tail Opossum or STO.  They are a new-ish exotic pet in the US.  Half of our family is Australian and I have always been fascinated by marsupials, so I jumped at the chance to get to live with one even if she's not an Aussie herself.  She is so soft, you can't believe it.  She has opposing thumbs on her back feet, though the front are like a typical small rodent.  UNlike a rodent, she has a prehensile tail she can swing from, or carry things with it!  And she is very much a wild little creature, with the most delicate, sensitive ears and fast reflexes.  She is nocturnal, but usually wakes up around 5pm to visit with us, get fed apples and yogurt and yummy crickets.  Her favorite toy of all?  Her silent running wheel.  I read that these little guys have been known to run up to 8 miles a night on their wheels!  How cool is that?  

Here we are at the upstairs work table, making jewelry together.  You can just see part of my wireless head set.  If you call during the day to place an order or chat with me, I am likely to keep polshing jewelry and chat away.