I'm a dog person. I love dogs. Dogs love me. I like all animals in general, but dogs are my buddies.
Not once in my life did it ever occur to me to own a rodent. My other half, Donald, loves rodents. He's owned guinea pigs in the past, and he has this odd affinity to other small animals with little sharp teeth, tiny ears, and a strong desire to burrow.
Donald's last guinea pig died a couple of years ago, and he took it pretty hard. When a co-worker of mine was talking about her pet rats, and mentioned that one of them had just had a litter, I thought about getting one of the babies for Donald. When I broached the subject with him, he was, at first, unenthusiastic. My co-worker sent me pictures via e-mail of the babies, which I showed to Donald. His interest was piqued. Two weeks ago, we adopted Boris, a cream and brown colored baby rat.
I have to admit now that I'm in love with this little furry creature. More than that, I'm in love with the love that furry little creature has brought Donald. Boris perks up when Donald comes home from work and stands up to peer over the top of his home to see if Donald is there. The rat climbs all over Donald, happily nosing his way under his shirt and sitting contentedly on his lap. Donald feeds him treats, Cheerios and uncooked rotini noodles and the occasional blueberry. He strokes his little friend with a gentle finger. Boris falls asleep on his lap.
To see this man, who is over 6 ft. and broad-shouldered, tenderly caring for and playing with this tiny little animal is touching. Even I, who has never considered rats cute, find myself enchanted with Boris. He licks us like a puppy, doesn't bite, sits up and begs like a dog.
This little animal has brought happiness to us both. Donald is happy to have a pet and I'm happy because Donald is happy.
Okay...So he's not a dog. We can't afford a dog, and we don't have the space for one. When we can afford a larger place, we'll get a dog.
For now, Boris is our dog. And we love him.
