Timothy.

How very peculiar it is that one animal should adopt the qualities, temperament, and idiosyncrasies of another beast, entirely… I have and APPRECIATE this rat called Timothy, right? Straight up and down, I SWEAR this little creature believes he's canine. Even more peculiarly, he has never in his LIFE had access to ANY dog; under no influence, this boy comes by it naturally. THIS small creature fears NO feline, enjoys dog food in addition to his appropriate feedings, and loves his head and behind his ears scratched adoringly. He loves pats on the back, tussles of his head, and willingly dives headlong into my suffering, remaining BY MY SIDE, as a dog would and DOES, is historically known to do. He runs to me, without hesitation, when I call his name.. If a rat can display LOYALTY, Timothy is he, along my side, curled upon my lap, an emotional vampire, sucking away, absorbing the sadness. I have struggled as of late and engaging with Timothy lessens these seemingly ceaseless blows I sustain. He is a very dear and appreciated FRIEND and I nearly lost him today.. It's no secret, a rat's reputation… Biters, restless and too curious.. Notorious escape artists, carriers of disease. REPUTATIONS OF ONE DO NOT ALWAYS APPLY TO ANOTHER, REGARDLESS OF SPECIES. Rats get a terrible rap and I implore wholeheartedly that others reconsider and just TRY it; GIVE rats a chance… Throw a dog a bone.