Charlie the Rat Finds a Home
FALLSTON, Md. — Charlie the rat has found a temporary refuge in the exotic wing of the Humane Society of Harford County, alongside a guinea pig, a rabbit, and a bearded dragon.
Charlie’s Arrival
Charlie came to the shelter thanks to a Good Samaritan who discovered him. Erin Long, the shelter’s marketing director, explained the protocol for handling lost and found pets, which includes posting alerts on Facebook.
Understanding Rats as Pets
Despite their negative reputation, shelter staff emphasize that domestic rats, like Charlie, are lovely pets. Programs Coordinator Brittany Hasselbeck highlighted their cleanliness and intelligence, noting:
- Clean Animals: Rats groom themselves and can be litter box trained.
- Social Creatures: They often thrive in family environments.
Still, there are challenges to consider:
- Dental Health: Rats’ teeth continuously grow, leading to chewing behaviors.
- Health Risks: They are prone to respiratory infections and have a short lifespan, typically ranging from two to three years.
More Than Just Dogs and Cats
Charlie’s current companions in the shelter include “Trixie” the guinea pig, “Pearl” the rabbit, and a bearded dragon named “Tiff.” The Humane Society regularly takes in various exotic pets, proving they cater to more than just the usual dogs and cats.
Long shared, “We’ve had snakes, hissing cockroaches — anything you can legally have as a pet in Maryland, we’ve probably seen it here at the shelter.”
