Rats! The Perfect Pets...

She said they're extremely social, very clean, they always use their litter box and they're the perfect pet for kids.

"You think hamsters, they bite. Gerbils, can't hold them. Guinea pigs, cute but not interactive. Mice, just not as smart. I knew rats had a reputation for being intelligent, so I went with rats," she said.

Hodges said rats are very affectionate, easy to take care of and they bond with whoever their owner is.

WESH 2's Bill Shafer had a hard time warming up to them, but he said all it takes is a little scratch behind the ears, and they'll love you forever. Still, it's not easy to get over the fear.

"You look at somebody like Julian. Just sitting their, waiting for attention. It's hard to be afraid of him after that," Hodges said.

An entire society agrees. There are 200 members of the Florida Rat Club. Hodges happens to be president. She said more people than ever before are turning to rats as pets. She's convinced they can change your outlook on life.

"They're just joyous creatures. When you can appreciate the small things in life, like a rat, a dirty rat, you can appreciate anything," she said.

For more information, contact the Florida Rat Club at www.bellaratta.homestead.com.

Rats are the perfect pets...if you can't beat them join them...