Meet Anne Rataway

 1. What was your initial impression of rats before our lab last week?

I found rats somewhat cute but thought more about unwanted rats found in subways or houses as dirty and wanted nothing to do with them. I thought of rats used in laboratories as a way to test drugs more than a way to study learning and behavior. “Lab” rats however were not nearly as intimidating as “street” rats. 

2. Were you able to hold a rat last week?  

Yes! It was easy for me to pick up and hold my rat. I grew up with hamsters so handling a rat was not much different. Rats just have longer tails :). 

3. How often have you been in to hold your rat since then?

I have held Anne Rataway almost every day since we got to meet the rats, with the exception of the long Labor Day weekend. Emily and I have enjoyed spending time with Anne Rataway and even allowed her to burrow in one of my sweatshirts. 

4. Has your impression of rats changed?  Why or why not?

I never found rats, especially ones found in laboratory settings particularly intimidating but it has made me view our rat more like a pet rather than a part of a laboratory experiment. Overall, the experience has positively influenced my view of all types of rats. Rats found on the street are not as gross or intimidating. Though I do not want them in my house they do not scare me as much as they used to. 

5. What did you decide to name your rat and why did you pick this name?

My partner Emily and I named our rat Anne Rataway after the actress Anne Hathaway. We began bouncing rat themed names off of each other and had settled on Ratty Styles or Anne Rataway depending on the gender of the rat. I came up with Anne Rataway as a way to pay homage to one of my favorite actresses from my childhood. The Princess Diaries was one of the most iconic movies of my childhood so naming our rat after an icon such as Anne Hathaway felt appropriate.