by Daria Filimonova

When Wesley, a dedicated teacher, welcomed Griffin into his home in January of last year through Rattie Ratz Rescue, he knew he was adopting a unique little companion. Although Griffin’s time with Wesley was brief—just about seven weeks before he sadly passed—he left a lasting impression with his quirky personality and sweet presence.

Wesley recalls that from day one, Griffin was very sweet with a cat-like personality, as if you were always on his time. Affection happened when he wanted it to, and that made him very special. The adoption process through Rattie Ratz was smooth and straightforward thanks to the rescue’s online application process. Introductions with Wesley’s rats, however, were a bit more challenging. At the time, one of Wesley’s boys was highly territorial, which made for a long adjustment period. Despite this, Griffin settled into his new home and showed just how much personality could fit inside a little rodent.

Before adopting Griffin, Wesley found his first two companions—Julius Cheeser and Ratt Damon on Craigslist. Wesley did not know their ages, and, unfortunately, because rats have short life spans, they passed when Griffin did, but they cemented Wesley’s love for pet rats. Having grown up with dogs, Wesley knew a dog would not be compatible with his lifestyle. After being exposed to pet rats through friends, he decided they were a much better fit for him. Today, his current pair—Pi-Rat and Ratrick Swayze—continue to bring joy and variety to his life.

“All five of the rats I’ve had over the past few years have been adopted through Craigslist with Griffin being my one exception. Overall I looked to adopt over buying from a breeder, as I want to generally improve the quality of lives of the animals that I take into my care,” Wesley says about the reason why he reached out to Rattie Ratz.

When asked to describe the personalities of the rats he has had, Wesley answers that every rat has been different with a distinct personality. “Griffin was very cat-like and for example one of my current rats, Pi-Rat, is similarly cat-like, but far more destructive and rambunctious. He is very similar in his demands for affection––both Griffin and Pi-Rat did not like affection being initiated but sure liked starting it themselves. In contrast, I have had rats with very dog-like personalities in terms of playfulness and affection. They like being wrestled with, groomed, etc. My other current rat, Ratrick Swayze, is a giant love sponge and bruxes endlessly through massages.

“For me the best part about rats is how much affection and love is trapped in each of their tiny little bodies. Rats are some of the best pets––they have the affection of dogs and cats without the downsides. I don’t leave my home covered in dog hair or cat hair as I did growing up; they are more sanitary and clean; and I have been fortunate to be able to litterbox train all five of my rats. The biggest downside is obviously the lifespan––it’s incredibly hard to raise such sweet animals with such impressive personalities when their lives are cut so short,” Wesley writes.

Wesley’s advice to new rat owners is to make sure you have a large enough cage, understand what rats need before adopting, and make the decision fully informed. Rats spend much of their lives in their cages, so space and enrichment are crucial. And always give them cage mates—rats are happiest with friends.

Though Griffin’s life was short, his legacy lives on in Wesley’s love for rats and in the stories he shares about the tiny friends who left pawprints on his heart.

If you would like to know more about Rattie Ratz Rescue you can visit their Facebook page. If you are interested in adoptable rats or volunteering for Rattie Ratz Rescue you can visit their website: www.rattieratz.com.

Check out more animal rescue stories in our Pet Perspective section & watch for more stories from Rattie Ratz every month. You can also keep up with our pet articles by joining our KRL Facebook group. Advertise in KRL and 10% of your advertising fees can go to Rattie Ratz.