calling all Iowa RATs!

["sharon mac menamin" <saoirse9@hotmail.com>]

Iowa RATs , won't you give one yer own a home?

fyi: it's legit



Abandoned rats need a home in Iowa
April 20, 2000
Web posted at: 7:53 AM EDT (1153 GMT)


DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) -- Wanted: big-hearted animal lovers willing to take 
home a pet rat. Or two. Or three.

The rats are being offered for adoption by the Des Moines animal shelter 
after they recently were abandoned.

"Quite frankly, rats make very good pets," said Tom Colvin of the Animal 
Rescue League of Iowa Inc. "They are very clean, very social and fun to be 
around. They like to be around a family."

Colvin's organization picked up 60 of the rats from the Des Moines animal 
shelter on Wednesday, the first day they were available.

"We'll keep six or eight of them here and send the rest to humane societies 
around the state," he said.

Pet lovers adopted 30 of the rats Wednesday, while 48 rodents were still 
looking for homes.

Among those who took home a pet Wednesday was Preston Schrier, who walked 
out of the shelter with rats clinging to his clothing.

"I already have one at home. His name is Ben," the Des Moines resident said. 
"I thought he was probably lonely, so I'm bringing home some playmates for 
him."


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