Ellis, I love your story! Reminds me a little of Templeton, the rat in
Charlotte's Web.
I know some people are squeamish about rodents, but I love them, even bats! And since I'm obsessed with bunnies, of course, did you know that rabbits and hares are NOT rodents? They are Lagomorphs, a different class.
Misty, what's the name of your ratty?
It's hard with the short life span to be sure, but it sounds like they are getting great care with you!
Noodles, one of the mods, has several rats, including "Stubbs", the rat in her avatar.