Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - "I never imagined I would be welcoming a rat into my home." But Ava Marie of Cheektowaga told Susan Rose at the Radiothon benefiting the SPCA Serving Erie County, that she wouldn't have it any other way.
Last year she enrolled her 9-year-old son Zackary into the SPCA's Tale for Two program, which allows kids between 5-and-16 to read to an animal of their choice at the shelter.
Zack picked Celia, a white and black rat.
Mom said Zack came every week to the SPCA to read to her. And the rat was very attentive. Her son researched rats and learned how to care for them.
What do rats eat? "Fruits and vegetables and bananas and strawberries are her favorite," said Zack.
Ava Marie said she and her husband decided that he was ready for the responsibility of caring for the rat, so they adopted Celia.
One night recently, the family took the pet rat in the car (in her cage) to see Christmas lights.
Tale for Two offers one on one attention to shelter animals. But Ava Marie insists that Zack has benefited immensely.
"It is such an amazing program especially for kids who struggle with confidence in reading. It allows them to open up and not have the fear of judgement. When we were kids you had to stand up and read in front of the class. Everyone got so nervous and scared. It's such a benefit to the kids and the animals," she added.
Zack is still reading at the SPCA. This time he's reading to a bunny. Does that mean another adoption is on the way?
"Yes," answered Zack, emphatically. His mom said he's been very interested in "Biscuit" the bunny. After the interview, they were making plans to make Biscuit a part of their family.
