Move Over NYC Pizza Rat – Indiana Has a Toilet Rat and He Needs Our Help

The Two Types of People in this World: Pro-Rat & Non-Rat

There are two types of people in the world - those that HATE rats and all small furry creatures of the sort and those that channel their inner Cinderella and make friends with the rodents. I'm the latter.

Many years ago, we had a pet rat named Gus Gus. Gus was a fancy rat. He was grey and had a long tail but he was domesticated. In fact, he was so domesticated, he thought he was a dog. We'd let him out to roam and he'd play with our 100 lb Akita. It was fun to watch them play chase. Somehow, Gus was always the one who had to chase big old Kodi Bear up and down the stairs. Sometimes Kodi would lie on the floor and gently play bite with Gus. Once Gus Gus took things a bit too far and mistook Kodi's manparts for a yummy sausage. I heard a YELP and when I ran in to see what was going on, my husband was laughing hysterically and Kodi was eyeballing the rat with disdain. What a good boy he was for not retaliating!

"Ratman," as we called him, would give sweet kisses and take naps on your lap with the other dogs. Sometimes he would get baths and would even help himself to snacks. We kept his marshmallows on a low shelf in the pantry. He knew just where to find them. I miss Gus Gus. They usually live about three years. He lived to be about four and passed with Kodi by his side.

Now, when I get the chance to have little ratty kisses from a fancy rat, I jump at the chance. They are wonderful companion pocket pets. And because I love pocket pets so much, I follow a rescue sanctuary in Indiana for small animals called The Pipsqueakery.

I love seeing all the little animals The Pipsqueakery takes in. This week alone, I've seen posts about rabbits, naked guinea pigs, chickens, groundhogs, and capybaras. (And OMG they dress them in tiny clothes.)

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But it was a little rat that caught my attention.

Meet Lou, the Toilet Rat

The 12 Strays of Christmas

About The Pipsqueakery in Indiana

Located in Bloomington, IN, The Pipsqueakery takes in a host of small animals.

The Pipsqueakery is a 501(c)3 nonprofit small animal rescue and sanctuary. We provide care for medically and behaviorally needy rodents, rabbits and other small animals, educate the public on their care, and find forever homes and rescue placement for healthy adoptable animals.

They run on donations so if you feel inclined to give, you can do so in various ways:

More Furry Friends at The Pipsqueakery to Love