Shifting perceptions I

One of the things that happens when you are sensitive to animals and understand that there is no hierarchy and that we truly are all equal is a realization that this applies to all creatures. Even those that are sometimes considered "pests" by society instead of "pets." I took this photo of a lovely domestic hairless rat as she was being fed by her human mom. I love this photo because it shows the trust between them and the vulnerability of the sweet rat girl as well as how well taken care of she is. She is being spoon fed a delicious treat and she is surrounded by her toys. The way she is holding her paws/hands is so touching! I would like to help shift some of the perceptions about rats.

The mere mention of the word is enough to frighten some. Yet I know several wonderful people who have rat fur (or fur-less) kids and I have also had amazing communications with these rat kids. I have also communicated with wild ones that live outdoors. They are intelligent and unique individuals who are trying to survive, find food, shelter and raise their own children in a mostly hostile environment where people try to kill them as soon as they are spotted. They feel the energy that is directed toward them and it saddens them.

They are normal outdoor wildlife like squirrels, chipmunks or rabbits. They are a natural part of our environment. It is not necessary to welcome them into your home, but please at least consider that they are intelligent emotional sentient beings just like our own cats & dogs. The best way to encourage them to stay outdoors is to use small mesh wire to cover any openings to your basement and to avoid leaving food out at night right by your home. If you leave any food out at night for any reason (and this will attract wildlife of course) it should be a bit further away. If they have gotten in because there was no wire barring the openings, there are humane cages to trap them and release them unharmed, like the cages we use for feral cats to help colonies with TNR. Please never resort to cruel and unnecessary "pest control" methods. Rat populations will not get out of control as long as the environment is healthy and there are natural predators like barn owls around. Please be kind. Kindness always makes a difference, even to the smallest creatures.