This is our dumbo rat, Lulu, and she has single handedly (pawly?) changed our perception of her entire species! She is such a good little ambassador.
Rats get such a bad rap, and I am of the opinion that they are probably the most misunderstood and unjustly reviled species on earth. When people think of rats, they imagine rabid, dirty, flea bitten, disease spreading, disgusting animals - animals who scarsely deserve to live. This perception is wrong, and so undeserved! Ms. Lulu has shown us that rats are sweet, affectionate, sensitive, funny little creatures - and unlike other pets, such as hamsters, they don't bite! People think that rats want to bite them, or get them sick... that they'll rabidly eat their flesh or something! No, believe me, rats have no interest in any of that zombie-like behavior! Lulu would much rather cuddle with you in the crook of your warm neck or shoulder, or fall asleep on your lap or in your arms, much like a lap dog. She is the most affectionate little thing, and is very peaceful. If she's feeling especially close to you, she may start to groom you, with little tiny nibbles around your ears or on your arm, but it doesn't hurt at all. It's quite sweet, actually.
I could go on and on about how sweet and misunderstood rats are, and how much we love Lulu, and are blessed to have her in our lives. But for now let me just encourage you to set aside your fear of rats, and with an open heart, maybe get to know one! You won't regret it :)
Lulu peeking out of her hutch. I put a part of an old pareo (sarong) in her cage. She uses it as a mattress :)
