#unlikely loves

Let's clear out minds of such judgements and give rats a fresh start. They're smart, playful, even ticklish. They'll cuddle with you if you let them. I'm not suggesting you trap one from the back alley and tuck it into your bed. (By no fault of their own, city rats can spread disease.) But the "fancy" types are bred to be pets.

It doesn’t matter where you come from; the story of Bambi seems to be part of all of us. Can’t you picture that candy-colored, tranquil scene of the smiling fawn surrounded by all kinds of woodland creatures? Maybe you recall the squirrels, raccoons, and skunks, the rabbits on a log, the wise owl in the tree about? Or perhaps the possum family hanging by their tails all in a row, tiny birds with beak full of flowers, and butterflies fluttering here and there- the sprinkles on an already sweet cake. The theme truly looks to be spun of sugar.

Taking risks to save someone special is by no means a people-only deed. Social animals of all kinds are regularly put to the test in the wild, defending territorial and familial boundarties, fighting rivals over mates, sending up warning alarms, and scooping up their young and running away from danger.

There may not be a wedding vow about leaping in front of an oncoming train to prove your love. But it probably fair to say that most of us, in an uncomforatbe or scary situation, woud try to protect a loved one from insult or harm- even if it meant putting ourseves in a tough spot.